"What a sweet aroma."
"Welcome to Momo's world~"
Opening the door of the Dessert Research Society, Akikubo Momo held Buchi and stood half-sideways. As the door opened, a sweet scent wafted out, as if one had entered a kingdom of sweetness in a trance.
"Akikubo-senpai."
In the Dessert Research Society, there were more than thirty members. Most of them came because of Akikubo Momo's reputation, seeking the protection of a club. There were also a small number of true pastry chefs who genuinely loved desserts and learned how to make them in this research society.
"Do you want to learn how to make desserts? Momo is really looking forward to your desserts, Sora."
Because Hoshino Sora was a junior from the same dormitory, Akikubo Momo took special care of him. Of course, there was another reason: his cooking skills had earned her approval. The Baumkuchen from yesterday left a deep impression on her.
"Since I'm here, I'll try my hand. Don't blame me if I make a mess."
"You won't."
Looking at the lively atmosphere of the Dessert Research Society, Hoshino Sora was also somewhat moved. Although he didn't plan to major in desserts, learning an extra skill was always a good thing.
Akikubo Momo was also here, so she could give him some senior advice. Plus, he had nothing to do this morning, and idling was a waste of time, so he might as well get to work!
"I heard everything! Are you having a cooking competition? Can I join too?"
Intermittently hearing phrases like 'dessert making', 'skill', and 'don't blame me if I make a mess', Alice Nakiri, who was hiding not far away, naturally imagined a tense and exciting competition.
If there was a competition, she naturally wouldn't miss it. Of course, more than that, she wanted to teach this arrogant newcomer a lesson.
"You are?"
Hoshino Sora asked, knowing full well. White hair and red eyes truly fit his aesthetic, but since they hadn't met in this world, it was customary to ask for a name first.
"Alice Nakiri, remember my name."
With a cold gaze, Kurokiba Ryo stood to her side and slightly behind her, looking very imposing.
"Alright, then Ms. Alice, we're not actually having a competition. We just want to make some simple desserts."
Hoshino Sora replied honestly. He didn't want to engage in any Shokugeki showdowns and damage his brain cells early in the morning. Wouldn't it be more pleasant to just leisurely make some desserts?
"Eh?"
Hearing the person's reply, Alice Nakiri was clearly stunned for a moment, then looked pitifully at Kurokiba Ryo beside her.
Quest Triggered: Show Your Talent
Quest Description: Led by Akikubo Momo, you arrived at the Dessert Research Society. Along the way, you were tracked by Alice Nakiri, who wants to have an intense 1v1 showdown with you.
Quest Requirements: Defeat Alice Nakiri in a showdown in front of everyone in the Dessert Research Society.
Quest Reward: 1000 Reputation Points
Hearing the system prompt in his mind, Hoshino Sora's expression subtly froze. It was the first time he had received a quest entirely based on reputation.
However, if converted into rewards from the Reputation Shop, 1000 reputation points were equivalent to two ordinary Bronze-tier cooking utensils, which was quite good.
"However, if Ms. Alice really wants to duel with me, I'm not entirely against it. After all, I did say at the entrance ceremony that I would accept anyone's challenge."
Changing his tone, Hoshino Sora altered his words. As the saying goes, money makes the world go round. Besides, he wouldn't lose anything if he lost.
"Really? You're going to compete with me?"
Hearing Hoshino Sora's words, Alice Nakiri was first stunned, then a excited smile appeared on her face. She quickly leaned in close, but due to the height difference, a large expanse of white appeared before Hoshino Sora's eyes.
It must be said, the Nakitiri Family's genes are really good. Both sisters are genuinely well-endowed.
"Gulp."
His gaze truly didn't know where to land, and a subtle fragrance wafted over. Hoshino Sora's face flushed, and he couldn't help but take a step back, his gaze shifting elsewhere.
To Alice Nakiri, his actions undoubtedly showed fear. She thought her intimidation tactics had worked. While she appeared expressionless on the surface, she was actually overjoyed inside.
"Akikubo-senpai, which ingredients can I use?"
Choosing a clean, white counter, Hoshino Sora turned his head and asked Akikubo Momo, who had already changed into a chef's uniform.
"Sora, you can use all the ingredients here. Just take whatever you like. Momo is really looking forward to your dishes."
Hearing Hoshino Sora's question, Akikubo Momo pointed to the ingredient storage area in the center of the Dessert Research Society and spoke. She wanted to see the skill of her junior.
"Alright, then let's set a two-hour time limit, and the theme is desserts. Is that okay?"
"Starting now?"
Looking at Hoshino Sora, who had an 'I'm ready' expression, Alice Nakiri was subtly stunned for a moment. Since it was a competition, shouldn't they prepare beforehand?
"No? I have class this afternoon, and I don't know if I'll have something tomorrow. I'm free now, so we can just disperse after the competition. How convenient is that?"
Spreading his hands, Hoshino Sora said as if it were only natural. This wasn't some official competition, and he didn't want to drag out the timeline of the match.
"Alright, Ryo-kun, I have a favor to ask. Please bring my cooking utensils from the classroom."
"Yes, my lady."
With a resigned sigh, Kurokiba Ryo turned and left the Dessert Research Society. Although he wasn't interested in the competition, he was very curious about Hoshino Sora and wanted to see his skill.
He wanted to see if he truly had the capital to be so arrogant.
"Since your tools aren't ready yet, I'll wait for you for an hour, lest you lose and claim it was due to incomplete tools."
Watching Kurokiba Ryo leave, Hoshino Sora turned and walked away. He planned to observe the dishes of the Dessert Research Society members and also think about what he would make later.
"Hoshino-kun, being too arrogant comes with a price."
Hearing Hoshino Sora's somewhat arrogant words, Alice Nakiri said with a forced smile.
If Hoshino Sora had turned around, he would have clearly seen her fists clenched and her cheeks puffed out in frustration, indicating that she was not in a very good mood.
She truly wanted to see how skilled this arrogant newcomer, who spouted such boastful remarks at the opening ceremony, truly was. Could his culinary skills match his mouth? She was truly looking forward to it! What kind of expression would he make after defeat?
"The flavor profile of this is good, and the shape is quite cute, but it's a bit too sweet. You probably put too much rock sugar. Even with bitter tea, it's not very acceptable."
Having received Akikubo Momo's permission, Hoshino Sora wandered around the Dessert Research Society. When he saw a dessert that looked appealing, he would take a portion and then give his evaluation.
These evaluations were often simple, concise, and went straight to the core. Because of his Spice Equation skill and the ability of his Gourmet Cell to enhance his perception, Hoshino Sora's current taste buds, while not comparable to the God Tongue, were still considerably stronger than those of ordinary people.
Regarding his evaluations, the people present had mixed reactions. Some thought he was talking nonsense, while others found his comments very reasonable. As he tasted, Hoshino Sora also gained a simple understanding of the situation at hand.
Firstly, there was a disparity in skill levels. Many people simply followed textbooks, always aiming for 'good enough.' When 'good enough' happens too many times, it becomes 'not good at all,' and the taste is completely off.
There were also those who handled the heat poorly or mixed the flavor profiles incorrectly. This group mostly consisted of first-year and middle school members. Second-year students generally didn't have this problem.
Of course, in the entire Dessert Research Society, there were only three second-year students. This was related to Far Moon's terrifying elimination mechanism; those who remained were naturally the elites among elites.
"Your taste buds are quite good."
Seeing Hoshino Sora comment on every dish he tasted, Alice Nakiri also followed behind and began to sample them. She found that all of his evaluations were correct.
He could even taste things she couldn't.
"Not comparable to the God Tongue, I can only barely distinguish between good and bad food."
"Isn't that obvious? How many God Tongue users are there in the whole world? And there are countless people with good taste."
Hoshino Sora replied without lifting his head. Hearing his response, Alice Nakiri felt somewhat offended and immediately began to speak voluminously.
"Yes, yes, you are right."
He didn't refute, only nodded in agreement. He was indeed not as good as the God Tongue now, but with the evolution of his Gourmet Cell, one day his taste buds would surpass Erina Nakiri's.
"Oh, by the way, as a stake for the Food War, the loser has to be the winner's attendant for a month."
Alice Nakiri suddenly thought of something, extended her finger, and made the suggestion, a schadenfreude smile on her face. She believed there was no way she could lose.
He was just a mere transfer student.
"I have no problem with that, I just hope Miss Alice doesn't go back on her word when the time comes."
Hearing Alice Nakiri's self-serving remark, Hoshino Sora pondered for a moment, stroking his chin. Although it wasn't impossible for him to lose, if it was just being a servant for only a month, it wasn't an unacceptable wager.
Of course, he didn't think he would lose either.
"Ryo-kun, over here, over here."
"Miss, please don't ask me to do this kind of thing again; it's too tiring."
As he spoke, Kurokiba Ryo, looking utterly spent, pushed a cart laden with machines through the entrance of the Dessert Research Society, complaining the moment he saw Alice Nakiri.
"Hmph, if I don't give this kind of thing to you, who am I supposed to give it to? Do you expect me to go get it myself? You should learn from Eri Nai's secretary!"
Hearing Kurokiba Ryo's complaint, Alice Nakiri immediately strode forward, hammering his shoulder as she complained, before turning and walking over to Hoshino Sora.
"Well, Hoshino-kun, my tools have arrived. Let's start the competition now."
Looking at Hoshino Sora, who had been waiting for a long time, and recalling what he had just said, Alice Nakiri's face revealed intense fighting spirit.
"Then let's begin. I've just thought of what to make."
Flexing his wrists and arms, Hoshino Sora arranged all the necessary ingredients on the cooking counter. Alice Nakiri also placed all the required cooking utensils on her counter.
"In good form."
He placed the high-quality vanilla into the milk, first at high temperature, then low. The high temperature could bring out the sweet richness of the milk fat, while the residual heat could extract the fresh aroma of the vanilla.
A Recipe Encyclopedia floated in the air, displaying Hoshino Sora's final product, achieved after dozens of attempts: a long, stick-shaped cream puff with a mid-range rating of Silver (Lower Grade).
Facing Alice Nakiri, Hoshino Sora knew he had to go all out. Besides raw strength, strategy was also a crucial step.
First, he used words to force the opponent into an immediate showdown, then he used the excuse of the opponent retrieving cooking utensils to extend the start time of the competition. During this period, he consumed a large amount of the Dessert Research Society members' dishes, accumulating ingredients and stalling until the Recipe Encyclopedia could perform its fusion.
He believed that Alice Nakiri hadn't made many desserts either, and it would be difficult for her to come up with a dish that could defeat him in a short amount of time. This was his unique advantage.
At this point, one must say: Recipe Encyclopedia, always the GOAT!
He had initially thought this thing was useless, but after using it for the past two days, he deeply realized its utility. He had truly found a treasure.
Three egg yolks were put into a bowl, then white sugar, milk, cornstarch, and flour were added, along with a small amount of butter. After heating over low heat and cooling with ice water, it transformed into custard sauce.
Holding a high-power whisk, he vigorously beat every corner of the custard sauce, fully mixing it until it presented a delicate, translucent yellow.
"Ora ora ora ora!"
He selected a fifty-micrometer sieve, poured the custard sauce into it, and then manually applied pressure. Hoshino Sora's movements throughout this process were very large, all just to process the custard sauce faster.
Looking at Alice Nakiri, she was currently juicing various fruits, simultaneously operating a pile of machines whose purpose was unknown, leaving Hoshino Sora completely bewildered.
Speaking of Molecular Cuisine, it involves scientifically explaining cooking, utilizing revolutionary innovative techniques such as foam methods, reverse spherification, hot and cold gels, liquid nitrogen techniques, and sous-vide cooking, all prepared with high-precision instruments.
This was Hoshino Sora's understanding.
The earliest Molecular Cuisine originated in China; tofu and century eggs are both considered forms of Molecular Cuisine.
Lowering his head, Hoshino Sora looked at the choux pastry liquid, which was already in a piping bag and ready. He then began to whip egg whites. He had done this when making flame ice cream, so preparing it again was easy.
Almond, cashew, and hazelnut crumbs, along with other nut particles, were added to the wet-whipped meringue, then set aside for later use.
An hour had passed, and Alice Nakiri, having nothing left to do, leisurely approached Hoshino Sora. At this moment, her Molecular Cuisine machine was operating at high speed.
"Hoshino-kun, what are you planning to make?"
Looking at the 18-centimeter long strips of choux pastry liquid on the baking sheet, Alice Nakiri blinked and asked curiously. Since all cream puffs she had seen on the market were round, it was normal for her not to recognize it.
"It should be cream puffs, without a doubt it's choux pastry liquid being made, and the one soaking in ice water over there should be custard sauce. It looks very good."
Akikubo Momo, observing from the side, spoke up. After all, this was her area of expertise. All of Hoshino Sora's steps were very clear in her eyes, and she concluded that he was a promising talent for making desserts.
"If it's just cream puffs, you won't be able to beat me, Hoshino-kun."
She had somewhat guessed it internally, as the preparation steps were quite common. After receiving Akikubo Momo's confirmation, Alice Nakiri's face showed a smug expression.
Making such an ordinary dish? Was he really that eager to be her servant?
"That's not certain. Don't speak too soon, or it might hurt when you eat your words."
"Just you wait and see!"
After whipping and mixing the nut meringue, he evenly spread it over the surface of the choux pastry liquid, then placed it in the oven. Hoshino Sora stared intently at the movements inside.
The cream puffs rapidly expanded from top to bottom, carrying tons of milky fragrance and fierce heat. An invisible torrent of aroma gathered inside the oven, pouring out like a waterfall the moment it was opened.
Instantly, everyone's gaze gathered, including the pastry chefs making desserts in the distance.
Saliva rapidly secreted in their mouths, and the rich milky aroma was captivating. The most deeply affected was Akikubo Momo nearby, whose anticipation for Hoshino Sora grew even stronger.
This junior seemed much more formidable than she had thought.
Whip cream, add custard sauce, mix and stir into a custard cream filling, then give the long stick-shaped cream puff a loving 'rear entry,' injecting the white, viscous liquid into it.
Wow, a whole lot of satisfaction!
An expression of enjoyment appeared on Hoshino Sora's face.
At the same time, Alice Nakiri also completed her dish: a Molecular Cuisine creation filled with small exploding pearls of various colors, with a thick layer of white foam underneath.
"So, how shall we decide the winner?"
Placing the dish in front of Hoshino Sora, Alice Nakiri asked confusedly. Although they had a competition, without judges, they couldn't determine a winner.
"Akikubo-senpai, could you please find three people to serve as judges?"
Turning his head to Akikubo Momo, who was watching the excitement, Hoshino Sora had also just finished his dish, so he asked.
"Momo can be a judge. Little Alice, Little Hana, come over here too."
Akikubo Momo tugged on Buchi's ear and called out to the two girls closest to her, then came over to them. Alice Nakiri also smoothly handed her dish over.
Although Hoshino Sora's dish had a rich aroma, the standard for evaluating a dish wasn't just its scent. Her dish, for example, locked all the flavors within the exploding pearls!
Looking at the uniquely shaped Molecular Cuisine in front of her, Akikubo Momo subtly frowned. This dish didn't look like a sweet, and its outer aroma was very faint.
However, she could clearly sense many seasonal fruits hidden within, and what was that layer of white foam? This made her involuntarily look up at Alice Nakiri.
"What is this dish called?"
"Colorful."
"Colorful?"
Hearing Alice Nakiri's answer, Akikubo Momo continued to observe the dish in front of her. Red, yellow, blue, green—upon closer inspection, the exploding pearls inside displayed different colors.
Adding the white foam they were immersed in, there were indeed five colors, so the name was very fitting.
But, would this kind of dish… really taste good?
Akikubo Momo had some doubts. She then picked up a spoon, scooped a spoonful, and put it into her mouth. In an instant, her expression changed, and an unusual light flickered in her eyes.
--+--
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!
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