"I feel like my body is more vibrant than before."
Dressed in neat and solemn clothes, standing by the window with bare feet on the ground, her cheeks slightly flushed, feeling the inexplicable surge of strength and abundant energy within her, Erina Nakiri's expression was filled with confusion.
As a skilled chef, mastering one's physical condition is a very basic skill.
As soon as she woke up today, Erina Nakiri noticed something was off; her body felt like it had endless strength, and her senses of smell, hearing, and touch had all improved to a certain extent.
Although she couldn't verify it yet, she had this feeling deep down. Erina Nakiri didn't know why she had become like this, but the feeling wasn't bad.
"Me too! I feel like I have endless strength in my body. What a magical feeling…"
On the bed, Alice Nakiri stretched slightly, raising her arms high. As the blanket slipped, a large expanse of white skin was exposed, making Erina's cheeks flush when her gaze inadvertently fell upon it.
"Quickly put on your clothes! It's already morning, what kind of behavior is this?!"
Looking at the unguarded Alice, Erina couldn't help but complain. Last night in the dark was one thing, but now it was daytime, and she was completely exposed!
"What does it matter? Erina's voice was very charming last night."
Hearing Erina's complaint, Alice couldn't help but say from the side, a hint of playfulness in her voice. Last night, this girl kept saying no, but in reality, she was louder than anyone.
"Ah, ah! Stop talking, Alice!"
Hearing Alice Nakiri's words, Erina's face visibly turned crimson. She had tried to maintain a calm, lecturing demeanor, but now she couldn't anymore.
Especially when she thought about her performance yesterday, her silhouette rising and falling in the dark, Erina Nakiri didn't dare to look at Hoshino Sora's face, and her heart rate quickened significantly.
She was being teased, but she couldn't refute it.
What a pity!
"The reason your bodies have gained strength and vitality is because I gave you Gourmet Cells. As for when I gave them to you, you should have felt it last night."
Hoshino Sora had no intention of hiding the answer to their questions. Anyway, with time, they would find out themselves, and him telling them now might even earn him some praise.
"Gourmet Cells?"
Looking at each other, Erina sensed confusion in Alice's eyes, and she shared the same doubt. Gourmet Cells? A concept she had never heard of...
"Didn't I take on ten people yesterday? While my usual training contributed, it was mostly because the Gourmet Cells strengthened my body.
It's not just physical enhancement; Gourmet Cells can also strengthen the five senses. The upgrade method is also very simple: consuming high-quality cuisine can evolve the Gourmet Cells.
As for the profoundness within, you'll have to experience it yourselves slowly."
As he spoke, Hoshino Sora sat up and began to get dressed in front of the two of them. His sculpted muscles and well-proportioned physique made Erina Nakiri's mouth go dry.
The image of that strong figure from last night resurfaced in her mind.
Her toes couldn't help but curl slightly.
"Simply put, eating good food makes you stronger, right?"
"Bingo~"
Hoshino Sora snapped his fingers, a look of approval on his face. As expected of Alice, she immediately grasped the main point.
"But… why? Is it really okay to give us something so precious just like that?"
Erina Nakiri's expression was a bit hesitant. Because God Tongue had brought her so much convenience, she deeply understood the preciousness of such a special talent. But for Hoshino Sora to just give it to them like this, wouldn't it be a bit rash?
"What are you talking about? You've given yourselves to me, so how can I hold back? Although this is indeed very precious, you are my wives! If I don't give this to you, who would I give it to?"
Hoshino Sora said it as a matter of course. He hadn't expected Erina to be incited by Alice to give herself to him last night, but that little girl was truly exquisite!
Especially that feeling of slight reluctance, but having done it, there was nothing she could do, which excited him greatly!
"Who's your wife? I haven't agreed to you yet."
Her voice shy and timid, Erina Nakiri spoke with a hint of tsundere. She hadn't even received a formal confession yet; last night's development was completely beyond her expectations.
She had only said they would blow-dry her hair and give her a foot massage, so how did it end up like that? It was all because the atmosphere in the room was too strange, and Alice too, didn't she feel ashamed doing that?!
"Well, it'll happen sooner or later. Anyway, let's get ready to leave now; the driver is already waiting downstairs."
Glancing at Alice Nakiri, who was on the phone with the driver, Hoshino Sora walked to the window, pulled open the curtains, then put on his shoes, stretched, and went downstairs.
Erina and Alice were a bit slower. Girls' clothes have more details, and since they were moving together, by the time they came out after washing up, everyone else had already gotten into the car.
"Here, these are rice balls Xiao Hui made. She specially saved them for you."
Sitting in the extended limousine, which Alice had specially instructed the driver to prepare so that everyone could fit in the car.
As they were the last to get in, Erina and Alice could only sit beside Hoshino Sora. Their stomachs then rumbled, and Hoshino Sora, seeing this, immediately took out rice balls from a nearby basket.
"Rice… balls?" Although she took the rice ball, Erina's face subtly showed a hint of displeasure. Was this guy planning to make her eat rice balls for breakfast?
"Xiao Hui's rice balls, I'm digging in!"
Compared to Erina Nakiri, whose expression was a bit hesitant, Alice seemed incredibly natural and even a little happy. She held the rice ball to her mouth and took a bite with a satisfied look.
"Mmm~ It's honey-garlic marinated pork. So delicious." Alice generously praised Tadokoro Megumi, eating the rice ball with a blissful expression.
"This is a salt-scallion sauce rice ball… the proportions are really well-balanced."
Hearing Alice's happy words, Erina hesitated for a few seconds before taking a bite. Her eyes widened slightly as a rich yet mild and mellow flavor spread through her mouth.
Her tongue did not reject this taste; on the contrary, she loved it. Despite being incredibly simple seasoning, it made the chicken breast and rice pair so deliciously.
This girl is amazing!
Her gaze shifted to the blue-haired girl sitting across from her. The girl raised her hand to greet her when she saw Erina looking, a gentle smile on her face, looking incredibly cute.
This guy is really liked by many girls.
Watching Hoshino Sora and his group drive away, Hiratsuka Shizuka stood at the dormitory entrance smoking, her expression a bit subtle. After finishing her cigarette, she turned and entered the dormitory.
Now, she was the only one left inside.
Well, having such a large dormitory all to herself was quite nice, at least no one would burst in when she was showering in the morning...
— — — — — — — — — —
"A competition to re-select the Elite Ten? Interesting."
Looking at the newly submitted document, Azami Nakiri's expression showed no discernible emotion. The people below, seeing him press a finger-mark onto the document, swallowed nervously, their hearts pounding.
Re-selecting the Elite Ten was a minor matter, but not abolishing the various research societies was a major one. Since such a precedent was set today, it would undoubtedly be even more difficult to reorganize the academy in the future!
Azami Nakiri hadn't expected that there was such a clause in the school regulations: the opinion of more than half of the students outweighed the decision of the Elite Ten Council. Perhaps it had always existed, just overlooked.
As long as a petition was collected and more than half of the people agreed, anything could be decided; this was clearly stated in the school regulations.
If it weren't for the fact that appointing a new director required over 90% of the students to be present for a live vote, with too many variables and difficulties, Azami Nakiri would find it hard to believe that Hoshino Sora wouldn't do that.
However, to put it another way, as long as he controlled more than half of the students, it would be equivalent to truly controlling Far Moon.
Thinking of this, a glimmer of light appeared in Azami Nakiri's eyes. The best way to handle this now was to remain inactive and then have his subordinates contend for the Elite Ten seats.
This was quite simple. The reason the Elite Ten were called the Elite Ten was because they possessed strength far beyond other chefs at Far Moon. It wouldn't be difficult to regain their seats.
Moreover, he now had the help of the Dark Cuisine World, whose strength was not weak. They had suddenly approached him some time ago, saying they wanted to help him seize Far Moon.
In return, he needed to help them find a certain artifact. He agreed, after all, he had too few usable and valuable chefs around him; it was precisely when he was most short-handed.
Now… it was time for them to make their appearance!
"There's one more thing, Director." A hint of hesitation in his voice, after much thought, the reporting man below still spoke.
"What is it?"
"Our people saw Miss Erina and Miss Alice get into an extended limousine together, and then leave Far Moon."
"What?" Hearing the subordinate's cautious words, Azami Nakiri slammed the table heavily, his brows furrowing slightly, looking somewhat angry.
"Forget it, let them be. There are still many things to deal with now. Just confirm Erina's safety."
After a while, Azami Nakiri returned to normal, saying faintly.
He had seen the video of Hoshino Sora challenging ten strong men; it was a complete Rolling. The opponent was very strong, at least in terms of fighting.
It was clearly unrealistic to snatch Erina back from him. What he could do now was handle the matters of Far Moon. As for Erina, he would slowly figure something out.
At least, the other party shouldn't be a threat to her.
— — — — — — — — — —
"This is the place."
"An apartment? Will special training in an apartment be a bit…"
Looking at the towering apartment building in front of them, people occasionally cast glances at their luxurious car. The most eye-catching person among them was Hoshino Sora, who was in the middle of the girls.
The boys cast envious glances, and the girls cast admiring glances, because Hoshino Sora's charm was too high; no matter where he stood, he was the most dazzling center.
"This isn't the training location, just the meeting point. Let the car park downstairs and rest for a bit. Do you want to come up with me or wait downstairs?"
"I'll wait downstairs."
"I don't want to climb stairs either."
"I want to go up and meet Sora-kun's parents, but I didn't prepare anything."
"Then I'll go up too, Erina, you come along."
"Eh?"
…
After discussion, Alice, Tadokoro Megumi, Erina, and Hisako decided to go upstairs. Erina was forcefully dragged up by Alice, and Hisako followed because Erina went up.
Before going upstairs, the group bought gifts at the supermarket downstairs.
"Hello, Uncle, Auntie."
Knocking on the door, seeing Hoshino Tani Ren and his wife, Hoshino Yurika, who were greeting them at the door, as well as Yaxiang Lixiang behind them with curious faces, Tadokoro Megumi politely performed a small bow.
"Oh, are you his girlfriend? Come in quickly. Hmm?"
The woman stepped aside, assuming a welcoming posture, and as Tadokoro Megumi entered Hoshino Sora's home, the figures behind her also appeared before Hoshino's parents.
"Good morning, Uncle, Auntie."
"Uncle, Auntie, good day."
They were two very beautiful and elegant girls. Unlike the incredibly approachable Tadokoro Megumi, Erina and Alice, one on each side, bowed slightly, their poised and standard postures exuding an air of refinement, giving one a refreshing feeling.
Hoshino Yurika recognized one of them, the girl who had come to their house half a year ago and spoken so boldly. However, compared to that time, Erina Nakiri no longer had the same sharp edge.
"Uncle, Auntie, thank you for your care these past few days."
Hisako Arato and Hoshino Sora were the last to enter. Seeing the two at the door, Hisako Arato nodded to them, and by this point, Hoshino Tani Ren and Hoshino Yurika were already shocked.
Why did their son bring back only girls?!
And they were all top-notch beauties!
Hoshino Tani Ren opened his mouth, unsure what to say, and finally just patted Hoshino Sora's shoulder, giving him a 'you're amazing' look, and went inside.
Hoshino Sora smiled helplessly at this, and was the last to enter the house, bathed in Yaxiang Lixiang's slightly disapproving gaze.
"Everything is ready. We should probably set off now."
His gaze fell on the large and small bags in the living room, and Hoshino Tani Ren's words reached his ears.
"You still haven't said where we're going?"
"Ah? Didn't I tell you? It's the forest."
Hearing Hoshino Sora's slightly confused question, Hoshino Tani Ren blinked and said naturally.
— — — — — — — — — —
"So, why did the whole family come along…?"
Looking at his parents occupying a corner of the car and Yaxiang Lixiang sitting on either side of him, Hoshino Sora complained with a helpless expression.
"It's because Yaxiang Lixiang and them insisted on coming along, and I wasn't comfortable leaving your mother alone at home, so we might as well treat it as a family trip. Don't worry, it won't delay your cooking practice."
"Ah, this…"
Listening to Hoshino Tani Ren's words, Hoshino Sora inexplicably felt he was a bit unreliable, but he could only trust him now. Looking at the navigation on the map, their final destination was a forest in an unknown location.
It even seemed to be located on an island.
"It feels a bit like a picnic."
Looking at the scenery along the way, Shiina Mahiru couldn't help but murmur softly.
"Actually, it is a picnic. As chefs, it's always good to see more of the world. Staying confined to one corner will only narrow your horizons."
Hoshino Tani Ren was speaking voluminously when suddenly, the ringing of a phone in his pocket made him pause.
"Hello, it's me. The location for this year's banquet is still the usual place. You don't need to bring chefs; I've got them covered here. That's right, they're all very skilled young chefs."
"Banquet?" Hoshino Sora asked, puzzled, upon hearing Hoshino Tani Ren's words.
"It's a small gathering hosted by a Neon consortium. Every year around this time, it's held in the forest on a nearby private island. Those people are extremely picky about the taste of their dishes.
Generally, the consortium provides me with seven to eight assistant chefs. We conduct a four-day training session on the island in advance, followed by a two-day banquet. The specific timing is up to me.
Coincidentally, more than half of the seven or eight chefs sent by the consortium are graduates from Far Moon. They are quite obedient to me, an old senior, and are easy to work with. However, there are minor flaws that I'm not entirely satisfied with, so this time, I'll be watching your performance."
Hoshino Tani Ren quietly explained that the so-called special training was a pre-banquet arrangement for entertaining the consortium.
All ingredients used for the training and banquet could be obtained on the island; one could even say it was a banquet themed around "island produce."
"A banquet, huh…" Hoshino Sora repeated, looking out the window, a hint of melancholy in his eyes.
"Well, relax. Although those diners are a bit picky, as chefs, it's our duty to satisfy their appetites."
Laughing, Hoshino Tani Ren patted Hoshino Sora's shoulder to help him relax. Hoshino Tani Ren also wanted to see how strong his son was now, especially after sending him to Far Moon for so long.
Among the people who came for this special training, there were two familiar faces.
Erina Eri Nai and Alice Nakiri. He remembered holding them when they were little. He never thought they would have grown so big, blossoming into beautiful young women. Hoshino Sora was truly blessed.
Surrounded by so many pretty girls, even he, as a father, felt a bit envious.
"Hiss…"
Just as an envious expression appeared in his eyes, his soft waist was pinched by a delicate hand. Hoshino Yurika was looking at him with a half-smile, causing him to shiver involuntarily.
Then, he showed a bitter smile.
————————————
From morning to evening, from car to boat, after many twists and turns, the group finally arrived at their destination.
It was a primeval jungle, bordered by a vast sandy beach, showing no signs of human activity.
Following behind Hoshino Tani Ren, along a bluestone path, the group advanced cautiously. Hoshino Sora, amidst the girls, had his arm held by several hands. After walking for about ten minutes, a huge courtyard appeared before their eyes.
"Hello, I'm back, Weno Grandma."
Knocking on the large gate, a stooped figure emerged. Seeing the arrivals, Hoshino Tani Ren greeted her with a smile.
"You've arrived! Come in, Grandma has prepared dinner for you. But before that, I'll take you to your rooms to put your luggage away."
Nodding, the grandma, referred to as Weno Grandma, smiled upon seeing Hoshino Tani Ren. She then turned and walked into the courtyard, and the group quickly followed.
The courtyard was very large, entirely in Japanese style, with over a hundred rooms. However, due to the lack of people, it looked quite desolate.
Despite being the season from autumn to winter, there were very few fallen leaves in the courtyard, making it look very neat and clean. This was likely due to the efforts of the grandma before them.
Following behind Weno Grandma, admiring the beautiful scenery of the courtyard, suddenly, a large patch of chrysanthemums came into view, competing in beauty, and looking exceptionally lovely.
"A Chrysanthemum Appreciation Banquet, huh…"
Looking at the chrysanthemums before her, Erina Eri Nai murmured to herself. People gather for various reasons: to admire flowers, to gaze at the sea, to see the world.
Banquets are naturally the same. Since it's an annual event and the courtyard is filled with chrysanthemums, the theme of this banquet is most likely chrysanthemum appreciation. And if it's chrysanthemum appreciation, the dishes must revolve around chrysanthemums.
"Exactly, the theme of this banquet is chrysanthemums, and the dishes will also be chrysanthemum-themed."
Marveling at the young girl's keenness, Hoshino Tani Ren said with a gentle smile. Then, led by Weno Grandma, they put their luggage in their rooms.
He and Hoshino Yurika shared a room, Hoshino Sora had a room to himself, and the other girls shared rooms in pairs. After putting away their luggage, the group grandly made their way to the dining room.
Outside the dining room was the courtyard, directly facing the garden full of chrysanthemums.
Sitting idly, looking at the autumn scenery in the garden, Hoshino Sora couldn't help but be lost in thought. While marveling at the wonders of nature, a look of immense joy appeared on his face.
"It seems we are the first to appreciate the chrysanthemums."
"Our purpose here isn't just to appreciate chrysanthemums, you know." Hoshino Tani Ren said, drinking the wine Hoshino Yurika had personally poured for him, his face full of contentment.
"I know. Let's start the special training after dinner." Hoshino Sora added.
"Good that you know. But let's skip the first day. You all rest well and try Weno Grandma's cooking. Don't stay up late; you need to wake up at 4 AM tomorrow."
As he spoke, Weno Grandma brought out a large pot of soup, a large pot of soup emanating a rich, fresh aroma.
"Before the dishes are served, let's have a bowl of soup to warm our stomachs."
Distributing bowls and chopsticks, with a gentle smile like a Yamato Nadeshiko, Weno Grandma's movements were slow, but no one urged her. Everyone was immersed in the beautiful scenery before them.
By the time the bowls and chopsticks were distributed, Tadokoro Megumi was already standing by the soup, helping Weno Grandma serve it to everyone.
"Let me help with the cooking later."
"I'll handle this meal today. You're tired from the journey, so rest now. This old woman can still cook a meal."
Passing by Hoshino Tani Ren, Weno Grandma said softly, hearing his words, her aged face revealing confidence.
"So fresh! And it has a sweet aroma…"
With just one sip, Erina Eri Nai let out an undignified cry. The rich freshness spread through her mouth. Closing her eyes, she seemed to see countless mountain spirits active, dancing in the forest.
It was a vibrant, uplifting scene. The moment the soup entered her stomach, the coldness from the journey instantly dissipated, replaced by a faint warm current rising from her lower abdomen.
Her eyebrows twitched slightly. She closed her eyes, smacking her lips in aftertaste.
"This taste is…"
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