"So cute."
Watching Komoe-sensei, who was making cute movements and preparing the dish in an orderly manner on the podium, Hoshino Sora couldn't help but exclaim in his heart.
Looking at Tadokoro Megumi, she was staring intently at the podium, her face full of tension, observing every movement of Yuzuki Komoe. Her eyes were bloodshot, and her fists were tightly clenched.
"You're still nervous, aren't you?"
Seeing Tadokoro Megumi's expression, Hoshino Sora couldn't help but comment, gently patting her back to help her relax.
"To be honest, I've already received a final notice of expulsion. If I get another E grade, I'll be expelled..."
Head bowed, lower lip slightly bitten, Tadokoro Megumi spoke, forcing back tears. No one knew the pressure she was under. How could she not be nervous?!
"Even so, being nervous is useless. Excessive nervousness can even make you perform worse."
"That's true, but..."
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, that new transfer student down there, I'll call you Sora. You just transferred and you're already flirting with a girl in our class. Moving so fast won't end well, you know!
Also, pay attention to the occasion when you're flirting, or the teacher will be sad, you know. I'll focus on tasting your dishes later. I hope you learn something in this class!"
Pouting, Yuzuki Komoe spoke angrily, looking at Hoshino Sora and Tadokoro Megumi, who had been talking since earlier. These two guys actually ignored classroom discipline; they must be punished!
Hmph, I'll raise the evaluation requirements a bit later to teach them not to disrespect their teacher.
"What do I do? Yuzuki Komoe is watching me. Now everything is ruined. I'll definitely get an E grade, then be expelled, and go back to my hometown to face the disappointed looks of my family."
Hearing Yuzuki Komoe's words, Tadokoro Megumi muttered to herself as if struck by lightning. Her mood plummeted to rock bottom, and she became even more dejected.
"Don't worry, you still have me. Besides, Komoe-sensei doesn't seem like she's hard to talk to. Just do your best to make a dish you won't regret."
Hoshino Sora said, once again turning his gaze to Yuzuki Komoe on the podium. At this point, her dish had entered its final stage.
She spread the whipped meringue over the surface of the ice cream, then used a blowtorch to scorch its surface, creating a beautiful golden-brown layer on the meringue.
Next, she poured brandy into a bowl and lit it with the blowtorch. Watching the flames dance in the alcohol, Yuzuki Komoe suddenly poured it over the previously scorched meringue.
The next moment, the flames followed the alcohol, quickly spreading across the meringue, blossoming into a dazzling flower of fire, appearing exquisite under the lights.
"This is Flaming Ice Cream. The method is relatively simple. I made a slight modification to the ice cream preparation.
Of course, it's fine if you don't follow my method. For cooking, taste is the most important thing, but it has to be delicious! It's not good to play mean tricks on your teacher."
She scooped into the Flaming Ice Cream in front of her. Under the sustained burning of the flames, the meringue hardened and gained a toasted aroma, and the heat of the flames slightly melted the ice cream inside, bringing it to optimal eating condition.
"Taste it, then make a dish that satisfies me, or else prepare to receive an E grade."
Extending a finger, Yuzuki Komoe pretended to be serious as she spoke to the students gathered around her, looking at Hoshino Sora and Tadokoro Megumi several times. Her meaning couldn't have been clearer.
"Hmph, let's see what you two will do?"
"That boastful guy, without tasting the dish, there's no way to make ice cream with a similar taste."
"Trash, get out of Far Moon!"
Continuous murmuring came from the surrounding students, especially those closest to the podium. By the time it was Hoshino Sora and Tadokoro Megumi's turn to go up, the Flaming Ice Cream on the podium had already been completely eaten, leaving not even a plate for them.
Quest triggered: Rise to Fame
Quest description: Having just entered Far Moon and made a bold claim, you are being challenged by internal promotion students. Please demonstrate absolute strength and crush these arrogant individuals head-on.
Quest requirement: Obtain an A-grade evaluation from Yuzuki Komoe.
Quest reward: Reputation Shop
"What do we do? Now there isn't even a dish to taste. Without a sample, there's no way to make ice cream that meets Komoe-sensei's requirements."
Looking despairingly at the empty cooking station, Tadokoro Megumi once again fell into pessimism. Many steps she hadn't seen because her observation had been interrupted by Hoshino Sora.
"From how they were sharing it just now, this ice cream has four flavors: chocolate, strawberry, matcha, and original. Simply put, it's a base, then you add ice cream, whip meringue, and then torch it."
Hoshino Sora knew how to make ice cream; he had learned it from a street vendor at the time. However, that level of ice cream wouldn't be presentable; it only served as a reference.
It seems he could only cater to her preferences.
Speaking of Komoe-sensei's nicknames, 'human ashtray' and 'heavy drinker,' don't let her loli appearance fool you; she's proficient in smoking, drinking, and perming her hair. She's such a character with extreme contrast, beloved by countless otaku fans.
Opening the 'Recipe Encyclopedia' that appeared in the void, Hoshino Sora cast his gaze to the alcohol bottles displayed in a cabinet nearby, then looked at the alcohol on the cooking station. A bold idea suddenly surfaced in his mind.
While thinking, Hoshino Sora dragged the frozen milk ice cream and icons of different types of alcohol to the synthesis bar, then observed the state after synthesis, with evaluations noted next to them, some being Black Iron grade, others Bronze grade.
In the broad category of ice cream, changing the recipe would alter the evaluation grade, with the most common changes being the addition of ingredients like strawberries, chocolate, or matcha, which usually resulted in a Black Iron grade evaluation.
Of course, if the preparation technique was excellent and the food ingredients were good, the cooking grade could also rise; conversely, it could also fall, as the Recipe Encyclopedia mostly provided intermediate values.
"Is this guy stupid? Does he think he can make a dish by just randomly pointing in the air?"
"He probably gave up. He was talking to that guy next to him the whole time and didn't even listen to the process.
It's truly laughable. How dare such a low-level commoner chef attempt to compare himself to us elites! He should go look at himself in a mirror; he only dares to spout such arrogant nonsense."
Listening to the constant mockery from around her, Tadokoro Megumi looked left and right, appearing somewhat at a loss, her hands tightly clutching the corner of her clothes. Looking at the raw ingredients on the table, she gritted her teeth and began to act.
"The first step is to add water and whip the butter, then add flour and sugar…"
Muttering each step for making the base of the flaming ice cream, Tadokoro Megumi looked very cautious. Hoshino Sora, after researching for over ten minutes, also went to the wine cabinet to get some alcohol.
These were the more feasible versions experimented with using the Recipe Encyclopedia, with rum ice cream having the highest score, which was normal since rum ice cream was a relatively common alcoholic ice cream.
"What is this guy trying to do?"
"Just trying to be mysterious. Making ice cream with alcohol? Looking at Komoe-sensei, she definitely doesn't like drinking and might even hate the smell of alcohol. This guy is finished!"
"A clown seeking attention."
Donning an apron, Hoshino Sora stood next to Tadokoro Megumi. Knowing there were bad people in the crowd, he didn't plan to leave her side, as there were no steps requiring him to leave the cooking station anyway.
Light cream and sugar were mixed in a mixing bowl and whipped to 60%, then a bottle of milk was added and mixed with rum.
Hoshino Sora operated skillfully. Time slowly passed, and people around them gradually brought their dishes for Komoe-sensei to taste. Some received good evaluations, others received E grades, but no one left. They all wanted to see what level this arrogant transfer student was at. Was he a show-off clown or a truly skilled chef?
Gradually, time reached its final moment, and they became the last students to submit their work. As the flames were lit, Hoshino Sora and Tadokoro Megumi finally completed their dish: the Alcoholic Flaming Ice Cream Bomb.
Looking at the seemingly "reckless" creation before her, Tadokoro Megumi's expression was subtle. At this moment, she could only pray in her heart that Hoshino Sora truly possessed the arrogant strength he claimed and that the dish he presented would be to Yuzuki Komoe's liking.
"Please enjoy the 'Alcoholic Flaming Ice Cream Bomb'."
He stepped hard on the foot of the person who tried to trip him, then rubbed it with his heel. Amidst the person's painful shouts, Hoshino Sora confidently placed the dish on the podium, in front of Yuzuki Komoe.
"Alcoholic Flaming Ice Cream Bomb? I saw your ice cream was made with alcohol earlier, have you made anything similar before? Rum ice cream is a relatively common method."
She used a spoon to scrape away the caramelized meringue, and a rich alcoholic aroma wafted up, directly enticing the gluttonous worms in her stomach. But in front of the students, she still had to maintain a little decorum.
Although she loved drinking very much, and this dish perfectly aligned with her preferences, she could not lose her composure as a teacher!
She scooped a spoonful of rum ice cream with raisins; it was smooth and silky on the palate, followed by a faint rum aroma. The craftsmanship was exquisite, and the various details were well-handled.
Next was the light pink ice cream beside it, which looked very girlish. It must have used red wine; she could smell the rich aroma of red wine just by moving her nose.
It must have been decanted before preparation. Wait, cherry flavor? There were also cherries added to this. The two combined; wasn't the impact too strong?!
Her facial expression changed; she no longer had the composure she had when first eating the rum ice cream. The intense alcoholic aroma burst in her mouth, mixing with the cherries truly like a bomb—a cool cherry bomb!
Paired with the crispy, charred meringue on the outside, the flavors were distinct and layered. After several layers of impact, Yuzuki Komoe revealed an incredibly blissful smile.
"Tadokoro, you should try some too."
As he spoke, Hoshino Sora scooped up the last flavor of ice cream and boldly put it into Tadokoro Megumi's mouth next to him. Her expression also changed the moment her tongue touched the ice cream.
This feeling was like, like on a hot summer day, being completely soaked from head to toe with ice-cold alcoholic liquid, that instant, thorough coolness making her body feel somewhat weak.
Wait, was that a lemon scent? Lemon was added to the ice cream, and the savory, sauce-like alcohol scent rushed to her head, making her feel a bit dizzy.
She bit her lower lip slightly, her hand resting on the nearby cooking counter, as if she had received a great shock. Her legs twisted constantly, and it felt as if her pants had become a bit damp.
It was really a bit… unbearable!
After eating just a little of the alcohol-infused ice cream, Tadokoro Megumi's face turned completely red. Her hand supporting herself on the cooking counter was weak, and she only avoided falling by being supported by Hoshino Sora.
"Minors can't drink, Sora, you're so naughty! You actually got a girl drunk in public. So, the task of taking her back to the dormitory is yours.
Don't take advantage of the situation to do anything indecent, otherwise, even if I lose my job, I'll make you pay the price. Also, for this dish, I'm giving you an A grade. Keep up the good work."
Unbeknownst to them, the "Alcoholic Flaming Ice Cream Bomb" in front of Yuzuki Komoe was finished. She showed no signs of drunkenness, and even seemed to want more.
Looking at Tadokoro Megumi, who suddenly collapsed drunkenly, she inwardly scoffed at how weak she was, while also warning Hoshino Sora not to have any bad intentions just because the girl was drunk.
Task Completed: Rise to Fame
Task Description: Having just entered Far Moon and made bold claims, you were challenged by internal transfer students. Please demonstrate absolutely formidable strength and directly defeat these arrogant individuals.
Task Reward: Prestige Shop
"Forget it, I'll take you both back. Which dormitory does Tadokoro-san live in? Pack your things and come with me. Sora, your admission notice should have your address written on it. I'll drop her off first, then take you back."
After pacing and thinking for a long time, Yuzuki Komoe finally decided to take the two of them back. At this moment, Tadokoro Megumi was still immersed in an alcoholic paradise, completely dizzy and unaware of her surroundings.
However, wasn't this a bit too weak?
Looking at Tadokoro Megumi, who passed out after one bite, Hoshino Sora was a bit speechless. Wasn't it just a little bit of liquor? Ah, it was his fault, but never mind. Anyway, his dormitory should also be in Polar Star Dormitory, which saved him the trouble of searching.
While thinking, Hoshino Sora picked up his things and princess-carried Tadokoro Megumi. The main reason was that she was unconscious; if he carried her on his back, it would be uncomfortable and she might easily fall off.
"How is that possible? An outside transfer student actually received an A-grade evaluation from Komoe-sensei?!"
"Impossible, I must be dreaming!"
As the three left, the previously silent kitchen instantly erupted. The disbelieving voices even spread outside, puzzling students in other classrooms.
After some inquiry, they all fell into self-doubt.
— — — — — — — — — —
"Sora, is a girl's body soft? You look so happy, smiling."
Just as they were about to get in the car, Yuzuki Komoe suddenly turned to Hoshino Sora, then cutely tilted her head and said teasingly, with a hint of playfulness in her eyes.
"Ah, it's alright, I guess. This is an unavoidable factor, after all."
Awkwardly scratching his head, Hoshino Sora put Tadokoro Megumi into the car. But this car was really small. It was said that in the original work, Komoe-sensei used a car specifically for people with disabilities.
"This kind of car can brake even without using your feet."
Noticing Hoshino Sora's subtle gaze, Yuzuki Komoe, who had just buckled her seatbelt, pouted and began to speak, shaking her feet as she did so, clearly unable to reach the pedals.
"Buckle up, we're off."
As he spoke, Hoshino Sora closed the car door and fastened Tadokoro Megumi's seatbelt, accidentally brushing against something soft in the process, which made Tadokoro Megumi let out a soft whimper.
"You're not allowed to touch girls in the back. Only by restraining yourself will you become a good man, okay?"
"Got it, Komoe-sensei."
"Don't call me Komoe-sensei. I don't like the word 'Ko' (small), but you can praise me for being cute."
"Alright, alright, Komoe-sensei."
"I'm ignoring you! Is it fun to bully an adult woman? Sora is such a mischievous child. Speaking of your surname, are you Senior Guren's child?"
"Do you know my father?"
Now it was Hoshino Sora's turn to be puzzled. Although he knew his father was amazing, he didn't know to what extent. Komoe-sensei should be under thirty.
"Sort of. He's a famous genius here, a very remarkable person. At the time, he was even reported in the news. I was influenced by him, which is why I became a chef."
"Oh, by the way, do you know Tadokoro's dormitory? And where is your dormitory?"
"Polar Star Dormitory, I think."
Driving steadily, the two chatted idly. As he spoke, Hoshino Sora also opened his admission notice to confirm his dormitory.
Yōbi Dormitory? Shouldn't it be Polar Star Dormitory?!
Looking at the dormitory name at the bottom, Hoshino Sora was now full of question marks. This seemed a bit different from what he had imagined. Where was the standard Polar Star Dormitory from the Shokugeki fanfiction?!
"Yōbi Dormitory."
"These two dormitories are quite close, so I can drop you off on the way. But, you better be prepared."
"Huh? Prepared for what?"
"You'll know when we get there."
Hearing Hoshino Sora's reply, Yuzuki Komoe pondered for a few seconds, then a schadenfreude smile appeared on her face.
——————
"This is it."
After dropping Tadokoro Megumi back at her dormitory, Yuzuki Komoe then took Hoshino Sora to the Yōbi Dormitory downstairs. This was a rather luxurious dormitory, a stark contrast to the Polar Star Dormitory next door, which was surrounded by grass.
"Uh..."
As he got closer, he felt a bit timid, especially thinking of Komoe-sensei's meaningful smile before she left. Hoshino Sora hesitated at the door for a long time. Just as he was about to knock, the door suddenly opened, and his hand consequently landed on the upper half of the person in front of him.
The good news was that this person was Shiina Mashiro, and her expression barely changed after being touched.
The bad news was that beside her was a beautiful girl with golden hair and a refined appearance, who was now staring at his hand with an expression of disbelief.
"Everyone, there's a pervert!"
With a sharp cry, several girls immediately rushed out of the Yōbi Dormitory, surrounding him. Some even had mops and brooms in their hands.
After seeing the faces of the people in front of him, Hoshino Sora fearfully shrank his neck and silently withdrew his hand.
Good heavens, he had entered the Spiderweb Cave, hadn't he?
--+--
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.