The protagonist of this world, Toriko, was a person with a truly terrifying rate of growth. Gifted with Gourmet Cells, his body played host to three distinct Appetite Demons. The crimson Appetite Demon was known as the Red Demon, rumored to be the strongest warrior in the entire universe, though that was far from apparent at his current level. The other two Gourmet Demons were each more powerful than the last: the second was the Blue Demon, and the deepest hidden among them was the third, the White Demon. The White Demon possessed the cosmic strength to obliterate an entire planet, or even a galaxy, with a mere flick of a finger.
As Zoran had noted, this world was exceptionally dangerous; the waves here were far too treacherous. Yet, the bigger the waves, the more precious the catch. A world fraught with immense peril also signified boundless opportunities. This was exactly what Zoran envisioned for Po Kong, that she would find the ultimate environment to grow and develop to her absolute limits here. Nourishment, in the form of endless ingredients, was the one thing this world would never lack.
Zoran's primary objective at this moment was simply to give Po Kong a perfect head start.
The heat of the cauldron had receded, and with a casual flick of Zoran's finger, the massive lid lifted into the air. The elixir, which had refined the essence of the Galala Gator and the Baron Tigers, flew out from within the vessel, scattering a mouth-watering aroma in all directions.
"What kind of... culinary technique is this?!" Toriko muttered in astonishment, staring blankly at the glistening elixir drifting toward him.
Meanwhile, Po Kong opened her massive jaws and swallowed her share in a single gulp, a deeply satisfied expression spreading across her face.
Another elixir floated quietly before Toriko, appearing crystal clear and milky white, radiating a subtle, mesmerizing beauty.
"As you can see, I am a chef," Zoran said, the corners of his lips curving upward.
"A unique method of cooking, huh?" Toriko caught the elixir in his palm, feeling the faint, lingering warmth radiating from it. He could distinctly sense that the absolute essence of the entire Galala Gator had been densely concentrated into this tiny sphere, almost like a piece of highly compressed rations.
"What an absolute waste of a good ingredient!" he lamented after a brief pause.
The culinary philosophy he steadfastly adhered to dictated that one must experience ingredients in their most rustic, unadulterated form. To him, this refined elixir resembled military survival rations far more than it did a masterpiece of fine cuisine. Still, he grinned, tossing it into his mouth and swallowing it whole.
In an instant, an overwhelming surge of energy rushed straight up his nasal passages, striking his very crown. Meanwhile, his companion Komatsu, who had clumsily swallowed his own elixir, began to stagger and sway like a drunkard, looking as though he were about to break into a bout of drunken boxing.
Toriko's eyes lit up instantly. The chef standing before him was nothing short of a genius! He stood up and bowed sincerely to Zoran, offering an earnest apology: "Forgive me. Just a moment ago, I was looking down on your cooking methods in my head. This is absolutely brilliant culinary artistry!"
Zoran merely smiled and shook his head.
Having traversed diverse dimensions, his understanding of the fundamental nature of power had grown progressively deeper. Just as he had always maintained, the core essence of power across countless universes remained identical—once you mastered one fundamental truth, you unlocked ten thousand paths. Why couldn't the art of alchemy be viewed as a specialized form of high-tier cooking? Both disciplines demanded a rigorous selection of materials, precise control over the hearth's temperature, and the careful extraction of core essences.
The chefs of this world continuously racked their brains to find ways to elevate the flavor and latent power of their food. Yet, the art of alchemy, drawn from an entirely different realm, had already walked far ahead on this exact path. Refining through a cauldron was, by its very nature, the ultimate method to strip away impurities and consolidate the core essence. Ingredients would naturally undergo a profound sublimation within the cauldron, especially the unique, miracle ingredients of this specific world.
The elixirs he had just distributed integrated the delicious, flavorful essences of both the Galala Gator and the Baron Tigers. The moment they were consumed, that concentrated essence exploded outward. For an individual of ordinary strength like Komatsu, a single pill was more than enough to leave him completely disoriented, unable to tell left from right.
Suddenly, Toriko's expression stiffened. An intensely salty flavor erupted in his mouth, forcing him to hastily open his jaws.
"Wow, this flavor is way too heavy," he complained.
"I forgot to mention that this is tailored to my younger sister's palate. She prefers things quite salty," Zoran noted casually.
Toriko shifted his gaze to Po Kong. This demon-like entity was actually the younger sister of the refined chef standing before him? It was certainly hard to tell.
Po Kong closed her eyes in pure contentment, feeling that Zoran's culinary skills had reached an even higher peak. If she didn't already know that Zoran had to depart, she truly would have wished for him to remain here to accompany her.
Zoran extended his hand toward the Tianyuan Cauldron. The massive vessel, standing dozens of meters high, rapidly shrank down until it vanished cleanly up his sleeve. The display left Toriko clicking his tongue in amazement. At his current level, he was nowhere near strong enough to challenge the likes of Zoran or Po Kong. He clasped his hands in a respectful gesture; though the lingering taste in his mouth was uncomfortably salty, his impression of these two bizarre individuals was quite favorable. Someone willing to share rare, exquisite delicacies with others could never be truly evil. Even if he eventually discovered Zoran and Po Kong's identities as Demons, his opinion likely wouldn't change.
Demons were hardly a rarity in this world. The distinction between an Appetite Demon and any other kind of demon was practically negligible. Throughout history, legends abounded of gluttonous entities eating entire species of ingredients into absolute extinction. By comparison, Po Kong, who in ancient times had merely grazed quietly on the landmasses, was practically a well-behaved child.
"Sister, I have already set the stage for you. From here on out, everything depends on your own efforts," Zoran said in a low tone, turning to Po Kong. A world with an inexhaustible supply of food was the most flawless gift he could have ever offered her.
Po Kong nodded silently, understanding his intent perfectly. Her brother was about to leave. He carried a much weightier mission upon his shoulders, while she would remain here to continue her growth. Without a doubt, this realm was infinitely more suited to her than their original world.
"Putting aside that saltiness which really doesn't fit my taste, this is a truly magnificent and unique cooking method! I, Toriko, have decided right now that I will prepare one of the dishes on my Full Course Menu using this exact technique!" Toriko threw his arms out wide, filled with profound inspiration.
From a very young age, his life's purpose had been set in stone: to assemble his ultimate Full Course Menu, encompassing every rare and wondrous delicacy this world had to offer. He had been deeply moved by Zoran's miraculous culinary arts.
Zoran's eyes narrowed slightly. This was precisely the opening he had been waiting for. He said smoothly, "This happens to be my exclusive, secret technique. If you wish to learn it, I can teach you. However, I have only one condition." He raised a single finger.
Toriko thumped his chest confidently, giving his word: "Name whatever ingredient you need, and I will track it down and capture it for you!"
Zoran shook his head. "I do not require any ingredients." He turned his gaze toward Po Kong, though his words were directed squarely at this young man who would eventually grow into a cosmic-level powerhouse. "I know you are a dependable man, which is why I need you to do me a favor..."
A long while later.
After the three figures vanished from his line of sight, Zoran stood alone on the island, his arms resting casually at his sides. He had successfully arranged the most flawless path for his sister. Her future achievements would be immeasurable; it was entirely possible she might grow to become one of the most formidable entities among the eight siblings. Innately, a strange sense of detachment washed over him, like an adult bird watching a fledgling spread its wings and soar away from the nest for the very first time.
A brilliant, golden portal manifested beside him, and Zoran drifted serenely into the gateway. He would definitely return to this world. He had two reasons for doing so. The first was the presence of Po Kong. The second was the task he had just entrusted to Toriko, ensuring that a specific item would be reserved for him in this universe... A dish meant exclusively for him.
The portal sealed shut.
Zoran stepped through, and this time, he did not pause, descending directly into an entirely different world. A brand-new nation unrolled before his eyes. A gentle breeze blew past, carrying the briny scent of seawater, as pristine white sea birds took flight into the sky. He steeled his focus.
Suddenly, a prophecy drifted to his ears, echoing like the faint strains of an ethereal melody:
"...All people born of water shall be dissolved back into the water."
"...The fragile yet unyielding god shall ultimately weep alone upon her divine throne."
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