This was muscle memory, and Hoshino Sora, seeing this, was too lazy to think. He followed the dishes called out by the master chefs and began cutting vegetables. Naturally, there were many dishes that went wrong in between.
However, every time a mistake occurred, Hoshino Sora would be teleported back to before the mistake happened, to re-cut that dish.
In this way, he stayed in this illusion space for an unknown amount of time, until a certain dish was completed, the noise in his ears disappeared, and when he came to his senses, Hoshino Sora was in a white space.
"Is it over?"
Looking at the vast expanse of white around him, Hoshino Sora questioned the sky, then the surrounding environment collapsed, and familiar sights emerged. His gaze wandered left and right, and he returned to the Polar Star Dormitory kitchen.
"Mission Complete: Illusion Trial · Disassembly Knife"
"Mission Requirement: Pass the Illusion Trial and gain the recognition of the Disassembly Knife."
"Mission Reward: Disassembly Knife"
The system prompts in Hoshino Sora's mind kept reminding him that he had completed the trial. Should he say it was finally over?
"Hmm? What's wrong, Hoshino-kun?"
"Nothing."
Compared to the unknown amount of time he spent inside, less than five seconds had passed in the outside world. To Tadokoro Megumi, Hoshino Sora had only paused for a moment, and then his eyes became much deeper.
Looking at Hoshino Sora again, after completing the trial, the cleaver in his hand flashed with golden light, the rust on the knife disappeared, and it became brand new. However, from its appearance, it was just an ordinary cleaver.
The only prominent feature was probably the dragon pattern design on the handle; besides that, it had no special characteristics.
However, feeling the weight of the Disassembly Knife, Hoshino Sora knew things were not that simple. He casually found a radish from the kitchen, tossed it into the air, and with a flash of the blade, the radish transformed into a cluster of lifelike, exquisitely crafted flowers!
He took a plate with his other hand and placed the radish flowers onto it. The entire action was seamless, without any pause.
"Amazing!"
Watching the scene, which was like magic, Tadokoro Megumi's eyes sparkled. She quickly stepped forward, bent down, and the exquisite carvings on the plate immediately came into view.
"It's alright. Come here for a hug."
A fragrant breeze swept over. Looking at Tadokoro Megumi, who was close at hand, Hoshino Sora couldn't help but open his arms. She didn't hesitate upon hearing his words and directly threw herself into his embrace.
"What's wrong?"
Looking at Hoshino Sora, whose eyes held a hint of nostalgia, Tadokoro Megumi felt something unusual. She slightly raised her head and asked, her big eyes filled with confusion.
Although it was only a few short seconds, it felt like a lot had happened. The Hoshino Sora from a few seconds ago and the Hoshino Sora from now gave her a completely different feeling.
And that rusty knife just now was also very concerning. That knife had been just a decoration there, nobody knew how long it had been there, and no one had ever touched it.
As soon as Hoshino Sora arrived, he went straight for that knife, took it down, and then his entire demeanor changed. This was undoubtedly abnormal.
"Nothing, I just missed you a little."
Shaking his head, Hoshino Sora didn't know how to explain Tadokoro Megumi's confusion, so he just laughed it off, effectively glossing over it.
"If you miss me, come see me more often, or call me to come over. I'm right here, it's not like we can't see each other."
Hearing Hoshino Sora's words, Tadokoro Megumi felt a bit speechless, but she still spoke softly and gently, her expression serious. As she spoke, she tightened her arms around his back, wanting to give him a sense of security with her strength.
"I know, I just suddenly really wanted your embrace. A hug has helped so much."
His eyes showed a hint of fatigue. The endless cycle made Hoshino Sora feel numb. Although the infinite stamina buff meant his body didn't feel tired, the fatigue of the mind was far more painful than that of the body.
At this moment, Hoshino Sora only wanted to have a good night's sleep, and he decided Tadokoro Megumi's room would be the place.
Thinking this, Hoshino Sora told Tadokoro Megumi and then went upstairs, where he lay down on her bed. He slept for an entire day and night, unable to be woken by anyone.
This was mental exhaustion. It was as if he hadn't had a proper rest for 'many years'.
Such a trial, who designed it, truly!
How could an ordinary person pass it?! Without great perseverance, they would probably retreat at the first stage and then be forever trapped in the illusionary space, which would also be a torment to the mind.
What Hoshino Sora didn't know was that the inheritance trial of the legendary cooking utensils could be voluntarily given up. Or rather, as long as one harbored the thought of retreating, the trial would immediately end.
The person would also be teleported out of the illusion and could not enter again.
— — — — — — — — — —
The next morning, Hoshino Sora, who had been in a deep sleep for a day, slowly woke up, his eyes still showing fatigue, but he was already much better than yesterday.
To avoid disturbing him, Tadokoro Megumi did not contend for the bed space with him but instead made a special bed on the floor. Hoshino Sora was greatly moved when he discovered this, then got out of bed and hugged her up.
"Hoshino-kun, you're finally awake…"
With that hug, Tadokoro Megumi woke up immediately. Looking at the familiar face in front of her, the girl rubbed her sleepy eyes and spoke.
"Did I sleep for a long time?"
Hearing Tadokoro Megumi's words, Hoshino Sora couldn't help but ask in confusion.
"A day and a night! You couldn't be woken up no matter how much I called you. I was so worried," Tadokoro Megumi couldn't help but complain upon hearing his question.
"Sorry for making you worry. I was really too tired yesterday, but I'm much better now."
He got up and moved his body a bit, and cracking sounds immediately came out. His body had become a bit stiff from not exercising for too long.
"It's good that you're well."
"Then I'll head back first. They're probably worried since I haven't been back for a day. But if that's the case, today should be the elimination round finals, right?"
Counting the time on his fingers, Hoshino Sora suddenly remembered that the elimination round finals were to be held in these two days, and immediately showed a look of annoyance. He had slept so much that he almost missed the elimination round!
"That's right, but it hasn't started yet. If we go now, we should still make it in time."
Because she had to stay and take care of the sleeping Hoshino Sora, Tadokoro Megumi did not go to cheer for Yukihira Soma. Now that Hoshino Sora was awake, if they rushed over, the timing should be just right.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!"
"Hoshino-kun, you should still avoid seeing a girl change clothes."
Because he was anxious to know the results of the competition, Hoshino Sora put on his jacket and waited nearby. Seeing this, Tadokoro Megumi immediately took off her pajamas and changed her clothes.
During this time, she was very shy because Hoshino Sora was staring at her intently, so she couldn't help but complain.
"Okay~"
Hoshino Sora deliberately drew out the sound to respond, his voice full of flirtation. He loved seeing girls embarrassed the most.
In his opinion, girls in a state of embarrassment were ten times cuter than girls who were not!
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