The fragrant steam of the Four Substance Lamb Soup drifted in the air, lingering like a gentle mist around the table. Erina's sharp eyes fell on the simmering pot, the glimmer of understanding flickering in her golden irises.
She turned away from the soup momentarily—there was something more important.
Without hesitation, Erina moved closer and enveloped Hisako in a tight embrace.
But the instant her arms wrapped around her, she froze.
Hisako's body was scorching—hotter than lava, pulsing with intense heat that could almost burn skin to the touch.
"Hisako!" Erina gasped, alarmed. "Are you okay?"
"I-I'm fine!" Hisako replied quickly, but her voice trembled as her flushed face pressed against Erina's shoulder. Her breath was shaky, her hands shivering slightly as she attempted to push Erina away.
But with her strength drained and her body radiating feverish warmth, it was a feeble effort.
Erina, sensing her struggle, gently loosened her hold, giving her space.
Hisako exhaled softly, gathering her will. After a few moments, she pulled herself together and stepped back, her eyes shimmering.
"You really scared me," Erina said, her voice laced with deep concern. "I thought my heart was going to stop…"
"I'm sorry for worrying you," Hisako whispered. Tears welled in her eyes—tears of fatigue, confusion, and perhaps… something more.
Her body had felt like a furnace moments ago, but now her heart was the part feeling hot—and also oddly cool, like the calming relief that follows a storm.
She seated herself before the pot, her eyes narrowing with focus. Despite her lingering dizziness, curiosity took over. She leaned in, breathing in the complex aroma of the soup.
Erina watched her for a moment, then her expression changed. Something clicked.
She took up a spoon and dipped it into the soup, inspecting the liquid carefully.
"You added turmeric, fennel, and anise to the medicinal four herbs?" she asked, lifting the spoon to her lips.
"Yes," Hisako nodded, then hesitated. "But I may have gone overboard with the amounts."
Erina nodded thoughtfully. "It's not just the quantities. Turmeric, fennel, and anise… all of these are warm spices. They're also classic components in curry."
She took another delicate sip, this time more critically. "Are you thinking of submitting a medicinal curry for the Autumn Selection?"
Hisako's eyes widened at the question. She hadn't expected Erina to deduce her plan so quickly.
Still, Erina didn't wait for an answer. She blew gently on the spoon and took another sip.
The temperature was perfect—not scalding, not lukewarm. The flavor flowed over her tongue like a soft wind in early summer. Comforting. Deep.
But something was off.
"No, it's not just the herbs," Erina murmured. Her God Tongue was analyzing every component. "Lamb is naturally warming. Combine that with turmeric, and then add fennel and anise… the warming effect intensifies too much."
Hisako's eyes widened further.
"So that's why I overheated?"
She slapped her forehead in sudden realization.
Erina nodded. "The individual quantities might be fine. But the combination, especially with lamb, makes the dish overheat the body. You need something cooling to balance it."
"A cooling ingredient…" Hisako repeated, thinking hard.
"Mung beans," she suggested. "They're cooling and can reduce lamb's gaminess."
"That's one way," Erina replied. "But I think there's something better."
"What is it?"
"Bitter melon," Erina answered confidently. "It's excellent for cooling internal heat and promoting digestion. Especially when paired with rich meats like lamb."
Hisako blinked. She hadn't thought of that.
"Promote digestion… and balance the warming effect," she murmured, then glanced at Erina. "You're guiding me again."
A soft smile tugged at Erina's lips. "Naturally."
Then, with a sudden sharpness in her eyes, Erina added, "But don't be in a rush. You don't have to aim too high in the Autumn Selection. Making the top four in Block A is good enough."
But Hisako stood up straight, clenching her fists with determination.
"No, Erina-sama."
Erina raised an eyebrow.
"I want to take first place in Block A!" Hisako declared.
Erina was stunned. "Is that… necessary?"
"As your assistant, I want to show the world your judgment is absolute," Hisako said firmly. "You stood by me, guided me… Now I'll prove that your trust was not misplaced."
For a long moment, Erina was silent.
Then, she reached out and gently patted Hisako's shoulder.
"Very well. Show them what you're capable of. At the last evaluation meeting, I had a disagreement with Satoshi-senpai. If you win first place, it'll prove I was right to believe in you."
Hisako beamed. "I won't let you down."
She turned back to her work, ladling soup into a smaller pot and adjusting the ingredients carefully.
Erina quietly turned and walked away, her expression a mix of pride and confidence as she left Hisako to her work.
Elsewhere, at the Tavern…
Sizzling skewers lined the grill—beef, chicken, lamb—each brushed with sauces or dusted with salt, releasing an intoxicating aroma.
Patrons could order a mixed platter and taste every flavor the house had to offer.
Mapo Tofu, Kung Pao Chicken, scallion pancakes, smoked beef—each dish paired perfectly with a glass of sake.
Even desserts like soufflé and macarons rounded off the meal beautifully.
This was a food lover's paradise—but it only operated for a limited time.
Suddenly—
Ding!
"The host has successfully signed in!"
"Congratulations, host! Acquired knife technique: Fierce Bull Azure Dragon Slash. Reward: 10kg tenderloin, 10kg shank meat."
The Fierce Bull Azure Dragon Slash.
A legendary knife skill from Cooking Master Boy, known within the Dark Culinary World. A move so advanced it allowed a chef to break down an entire bull instantly—without spilling a drop of blood.
Zane's eyes gleamed.
Understanding a cow's anatomy—brisket, chuck, tenderloin, flank, rump—was already crucial. But this skill meant perfect, surgical precision. A sign of mastery.
With this, his knife skills had ascended to the peak.
One Month Later – Totsuki Academy
The golden morning sun bathed the campus in a soft glow.
It was the day every student had been waiting for.
At precisely 9:00 AM, all 60 contestants began to gather at Totsuki's sacred ground:
The Moon Palace.
A place steeped in history, battles, and dreams. Usually reserved for Elite Ten matches, its doors now opened for the Autumn Selection.
Inside, rows of elegant lacquered wood seats, a red-carpeted central stage, and stunning stained-glass windows formed a majestic setting.
Every contestant entered wide-eyed, silently vowing to make their mark here.
The atmosphere was electric.
Suddenly, the lights dimmed.
Bright spotlights flared onto the center stage—there stood a petite girl in an idol-like outfit: Rei Kawashima.
"Hey!" she chirped, mic in hand. "Good morning, everyone!"
Her cheerful, high-pitched voice rang out.
The boys erupted into cheers.
"Wow, such enthusiasm!" she giggled, secretly amused.
Once the crowd settled, she continued in a more formal tone.
"Welcome to the opening ceremony of the 92nd Autumn Selection! This is a battle of wisdom, talent, and culinary dreams!"
She raised a hand.
"Let's bring out someone very special—Totsuki's current director!"
Rei bowed and stepped off the stage.
An elderly man in a light brown kimono stepped up. His presence brought a hush to the room.
His gaze swept over the 60 gathered contestants—the future of Totsuki.
"This place," he began, "is where legends have cooked. The Moon Palace is reserved for the highest culinary duels. Look around—portraits of the Elite Ten hang on the walls, commemorating their victories."
He paused.
"Today, it is your turn."
His words were simple but carried the weight of history.
"Some of you will fall. Some will rise. But if you cook with passion, this stage will remember you."
Cheers broke out. Every heart raced.
The director bowed, signaling the official start of the competition.
Rei returned.
"Let me explain the preliminaries!"
"Everyone received your theme a month ago. The theme is Curry. You have two hours."
"There are two blocks: A and B. 30 contestants in each. The top four from each will advance."
"Now, please proceed to your assigned blocks!"
10:00 AM.
A horn sounded.
The 92nd Autumn Selection had officially begun.
In Block B, two judges took their seats: the refined sisters of the Sendawara family—Natsume and Chihiro…