"Is the Medicine King promoted? It feels both unexpected and reasonable."
Looking at the score above the screen, Hoshino Sora's expression became subtle, and he wasn't the only one with such an expression; the audience members also shared it, and even Saito Somei opened his eyes because of it.
Looking at that not-so-broad back, a strange feeling arose in the man's heart, and at the same time, a strong sense of crisis emerged, because if this continued, he had a very high probability of losing.
"Yukihira Soma..."
He softly murmured the name, his eyes filled with complexity. He never thought that one day he would lose to a first-year student, and on sushi, which he was best at...
On the other side, Akikubo Momo had already left the arena at some point and came to Hoshino Sora's side, her eyes revealing a hint of complexity.
"Sorry, it seems I can't be of help to you."
"It's alright, Akikubo has worked very hard, and for competitions like this, doing your best is enough. To be honest, I'm already very happy that you thought so much for me."
Hearing Akikubo Momo's words, Hoshino Sora didn't blame her, nor could he. In fact, he was even a little moved, because she truly took his matters to heart.
As for whether the other party won, that was another matter.
Moreover, no matter what, the rebel team had already secured more than half of the Elite Ten seats. It was no exaggeration to say that the general situation was settled.
Furthermore, Nukishima Tsubusu was not a supporter of Azami Nakiri. In this way, Azami Nakiri only had three characters on his side.
Eishi Tsukasa, Kobayashi Rindo, and the transfer student Lixin.
Among them, Kobayashi Rindo was not necessarily loyal, as she joined because of Eishi Tsukasa. The only one truly swearing allegiance to Azami Nakiri was Eishi Tsukasa, which meant the other party's defeat was set, with no room for maneuver.
Thinking of this, Hoshino Sora felt a sense of relief.
"It's a pity it wasn't dessert, otherwise none of them would be my opponents! This competition is really unfair. Since it's a scoring system, why not change it to a personal skill showcase? At least everyone could demonstrate their best dishes."
Akikubo Momo said with great reluctance. If she hadn't drawn a dish she was extremely bad at, how could she have lost so easily?
She didn't dare to complain when she was on stage just now, but in front of Hoshino Sora, she somehow felt wronged, so she poured out all her grievances.
In response, Hoshino Sora just listened patiently.
Akikubo Momo was a person of few words, but that was towards strangers. For acquaintances, she talked a lot, often accompanied by murmuring.
Hoshino Sora had experienced this long ago.
"Come and sit. Regardless of the outcome, Akikubo will always be my senior in my heart, and one of the Totsuki Ten Elite. This is unquestionable and undeniable!"
Looking at Akikubo Momo, who was complaining like a little girl, Hoshino Sora gently comforted her, feeling a little amused in his heart.
Because the other party appeared infrequently in the anime, the audience knew little about her, only that she was a very cute loli who was good at making desserts.
But after truly interacting with her, Hoshino Sora found that this girl was really lively. She didn't talk much to outsiders, possibly due to social anxiety, but as soon as she became familiar with someone, her words would increase exponentially.
"Xiao Tao doesn't care about the Elite Ten, but rather that she didn't get to fully display her strength in the competition. Losing like this inevitably leaves her feeling a bit unwilling and resentful."
Hearing Hoshino Sora's comfort, Akikubo Momo shook her head. Although the Elite Ten identity brought her many benefits, she would graduate in a few months, and by then, the Elite Ten identity would not be of much use to her.
After all, having been an Elite Ten member for so long during her school years, her reputation had already spread. Even if she lost her Elite Ten status after graduation, she would still be the brightest star in the dessert world!
The same went for Hoshino Sora; then they would be twin stars!
"That's true. Akikubo, who do you think will win between Nukishima Tsubusu and Saito Somei?"
"Nukishima Tsubusu has a greater chance of winning, that's undeniable. Those two have competed many times in private, and Nukishima Tsubusu's probability of winning is very high.
Especially in the last ten matches, Saito Somei only beat Nukishima Tsubusu once."
Without any hesitation, Akikubo Momo sided with Nukishima Tsubusu. As the former Elite Ten Fourth Seat, she was well aware of the terrifying strength of the Third Seat.
The other party was extremely skilled in Ramen, but was not weak in other areas, so it was no exaggeration to call him a semi-all-rounder.
"I see, understood."
Nodding, Hoshino Sora had his answer.
He had tasted Saito Somei's sushi a long time ago, and the taste was truly excellent. Among all the sushi he had eaten over the years, none could compare to Saito Somei's.
However, that was in the past. With his current vision and skills, if he were to have a sushi duel with Saito Somei, he wouldn't necessarily lose easily, as sushi techniques were a required course at Far Moon.
Because sushi is very representative in Neon.
As they talked, Nukishima Tsubusu appeared with his salmon and scrambled egg Ramen. A rich aroma permeated the venue, and a slight stir filled the air.
Everyone's attention was focused on the stage, wanting to see what this last former Elite Ten member would show.
In fact, when Nukishima Tsubusu carried a large plate of magnificent salmon and scrambled egg Ramen onto the stage, Hoshino Sora already knew the outcome of this match.
There is an ancient Chinese art called 'Wang Qi Shu', which, as the name suggests, allows one to perceive luck through a person's physiognomy. Of course, he certainly doesn't know such a high-level technique.
But he knew the Spice Inequality. If Wang Qi Shu was used to observe people, then the Spice Inequality was used to observe dishes, allowing one to see the soul on the dish.
More precisely, the 'momentum' formed by the aroma. These 'momentum' are usually the external manifestation of the soul, revealing their true form after being imbued with aroma.
For example, this one in front of him, although it looks weak and small, as if it could vanish at any moment, it truly exists.
This dish had undoubtedly reached the peak of the Silver tier. It was estimated that with a few more years of training, Nukishima Tsubusu could reach the Gold tier.
This was very impressive. One should know that the students studying at Far Moon Academy were not very old. Taking Hoshino Sora as an example, he was only 16 years old now, and still had great development prospects in the future.
Akikubo Momo, next to him, was only eighteen years old, just barely an adult, a genuine innocent and adorable loli.
Of course, at sixteen, he had already done many things that most people couldn't do in a lifetime: building a harem, becoming a Totsuki Ten Elite, and mastering Gold-level cuisine. These were all things that were difficult for ordinary people to achieve.
"29 points! It's here, the second advancing contestant! Nukishima Tsubusu, the former Elite Ten Third Seat! With a score of twenty-nine points, he is ranked first in the elimination round!"
Hoshino Sora was deep in thought when Kawashima Rei's voice suddenly rang out. However, even such a dish couldn't get a perfect score? The judges were really strict.
But never mind, the overall situation was settled anyway.
The result decided by the competition, even Azami Nakiri couldn't deny it. For someone as twisted as him, a victory decided by food was more likely to make him admit his defeat.
In fact, Azami Nakiri had been like a dead man during this time, staying in the headmaster's office with no movement at all. Hoshino Sora was also too lazy to bother; from now on, he would just follow the process.
Watching the Elite Ten selection gradually come to an end, Hoshino Sora thought to himself.
By now, the Elite Ten roster had been freshly released.
Hoshino Sora, Eishi Tsukasa, Kobayashi Rindo, Erina Nakiri, Yumeko Jabami, Yukihira Soma, Isshiki Satoshi, Tadokoro Megumi, Nukishima Tsubusu, and Lixin...
Lixin, among them, appeared out of nowhere. He entered Far Moon after the Moon Feast Festival. His cooking skills were excellent, and he was extremely proficient in Chinese cuisine, likely having been taught by a famous master.
Hoshino Sora stood up and walked towards the outside of the venue.
After the Elite Ten roster was confirmed, the ranking competition would follow, to be held three days later, in the Tsukiten Space.
At that time, great gourmands, business tycoons, and people from all walks of life in the culinary world would come to watch. The grandeur could be said to far exceed the Autumn Elections, which was normal.
The Totsuki Ten Elite represented the most capable and talented young chefs in Neon! Symbolizing the prosperity of Neon's culinary world, such a grand selection and clash of powerhouses naturally captivated hearts!
"Akikubo, let's go back to Yōbi Dormitory together. Everyone misses you."
"Wait a few more days. I'll go back with Rindo then.
Also, didn't I tell you to just call me Xiao Tao from now on? Calling me 'senior' when Xiao Tao has already lost to you, it sounds a bit like you're mocking me.
And we've known each other for so long, calling me by my surname is too formal, isn't it?"
Leaving the venue, walking beside Hoshino Sora, Akikubo Momo noticed his respectful address and her face immediately darkened. Each time he called her 'senior' felt like a slap in the face.
And they had known each other for so long, yet he still used her surname to address her, which was a bit too distant, especially since their relationship could be closer.
"It's a bit hard for me to suddenly change my way of addressing you. After thinking about it, 'senior' still feels the most appropriate. I'm sorry if I caused you trouble.
From now on, I'll call you Xiao Tao, senior. Actually, I've wanted to call you that for a long time, because Xiao Tao, senior, is really cute, and calling you by your name feels more intimate."
"So, you can drop the 'senior' part."
Akikubo Momo's cheeks puffed out slightly, clearly displeased with Hoshino Sora's unyielding demeanor.
"But this is respect! There's absolutely no mocking intention, and I'm already used to calling you that. Please just listen to me on this, Xiao Tao, senior!"
That's right, it was respect. Akikubo Momo had taught him many things. Although those things were no longer useful now, it didn't hinder Hoshino Sora's respect for her.
"Fine, whatever."
"Thank you, Xiao Tao, senior~"
As they chatted, the three arrived at the path down the mountain and separated there. Hoshino Sora and Tadokoro Megumi returned to Yōbi Dormitory, while Akikubo Momo went down the mountain alone.
Not entirely alone, of course, as bodyguards followed behind her, immediately catching up when the three parted ways.
Shrugging, Hoshino Sora watched Akikubo Momo's retreating figure. Her small frame was truly adorable, making one feel a protective urge from the bottom of their heart, wanting to guard her.
Wait, what are those people doing? Are they here to watch the competition...?
Alright, looking at their attire, they probably aren't here to watch the competition. So, they must be here to stir up trouble. What happened?
Akikubo Momo went down the mountain, and this group of people came up right after her.
Hoshino Sora stood still, his gaze falling upon a team of individuals dressed in chef uniforms. They were handsome men and beautiful women, exuding an extraordinary aura that immediately told you they were out of the ordinary.
Seeing this, Hoshino Sora didn't say much, nor did he go forward to speak to them. Instead, he quietly led Tadokoro Megumi away.
He wasn't interested in what they were here for, nor did he want to get involved. However, he vaguely had some thoughts. If he wasn't mistaken, it should be for the kitchen knife in his storage backpack.
This was easy to guess.
Far Moon Academy suddenly had a group of unfamiliar people wearing unified uniforms, clearly from some faction, plus Lixin, who had been an undercover agent here for some time.
It was hard to imagine that these two groups weren't from the same team.
Hoshino Sora understood in his heart, but his expression remained unchanged. It was Tadokoro Megumi, however, who, after the two had walked far away, suddenly asked curiously,
"Who are these people? Yesterday, a group of people in black robes came, and today it's a group in Chinese-style chef uniforms."
"Are you talking about China?"
Hearing Tadokoro Megumi's words, Hoshino Sora paused, a look of confusion on his brow. He had originally thought that these people were from a local Japanese faction, but now it seemed things weren't so simple.
Is the allure of legendary cooking utensils really that great? Enough to make people travel across oceans to get them.
However, in terms of ability, it seemed to make sense. After all, they were legendary cooking utensils; with the word 'legendary' added, their value immediately shot up.
"That's right, they're wearing the uniform of the Chinese Oriental Academy. It's a white chef uniform with stars embroidered on the chest. The stars on the chest are the key to dividing chef ranks.
The Oriental Academy has an Oriental Cuisine List. It's said that the top one hundred chefs have four stars on their chests, and the top ten have five stars. Besides that, their clothing will also have slight variations."
Seeing Hoshino Sora's confusion, Tadokoro Megumi immediately explained. Simply put, the more stars on their chest, the stronger the chef. The more flamboyant their attire, the stronger they were.
"I see. I wonder what they're here for. I hope it's nothing bad."
Nodding, Hoshino Sora was hearing about these things for the first time. He had thought he understood a lot about this world, but he hadn't expected that what he knew was just the tip of the iceberg.
For example, China, and the Oriental Academy—he truly knew nothing about them.
His perspective was too narrow. It seemed he needed to catch up on information about other culinary academies during this time. It should all be on LINE; he had just unconsciously ignored it before.
Having made up his mind, he would study diligently when he returned. It would also serve as preparation for his future global expansion.
That's right, global expansion.
How could he, with a system, be content with merely reigning supreme in Japan? This was at best a small stage for him to showcase himself. This world still had a bigger stage that needed him to perform on.
Taking a long breath, Hoshino Sora's expression was calm. He now subtly felt a sense of breakthrough. Golden-tier cuisine seemed ethereal, yet also within reach.
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