After hearing Satou's words, Ryo was stunned.
You know, the ingredients for Neon's Royal Cuisine are prepared days in advance and meticulously cooked. However, Yukihira Soma managed to make Royal Cuisine, recognized by Gin Dojima, in just an hour, using cheap ingredients from a Convenience Store. He truly has an extraordinary side.
"Moreover, he learns very quickly. He must have grasped the knack, otherwise, even for Royal Cuisine, Gin Dojima wouldn't have priced it at 25,000 yen."
Erina Nakiri said indifferently from the side.
"Hahaha, at least I didn't drag everyone down."
Yukihira Soma scratched the back of his head and laughed heartily.
Then he looked at Ryo and Hayama Akira, and said, "Now that it's a draw, we're going to the hot springs. As for the subsequent exams, I definitely won't give in to you guys!"
"Who said it's a draw? Don't forget, you started at minus 1,500, so the final result is still our win."
Hayama Akira waved his hand and said lightly.
"Exactly."
Ryo nodded in agreement from the side.
"These three always seem to be competing with each other."
Tadokoro Megumi smiled somewhat reluctantly.
"Healthy competition within a team is a good thing."
Erina Nakiri, however, said.
And so, the first day's exam concluded.
Everyone's scores were as follows:
First-year group: Satou 50,000 yen, Erina Nakiri 45,000 yen, Alice Nakiri, Ryo, Hayama Akira, Yukihira Soma 20,000 yen each, Tadokoro Megumi 20,000 yen, and 21,000 yen.
Second-year group: Isshiki Satoshi 45,000 yen, Kuga Terunori 30,000 yen, Eizan Etsuya 30,000 yen, Nene Kinokuni 30,000 yen, totaling 135,000 yen.
Third-year group: Eishi Tsukasa 50,000 yen, Kobayashi Rindo and Akikubo Momo 40,000 yen each, Nagi-no-ki Touko and Saito Soumei 35,000 yen each, totaling 200,000 yen.
Even after deducting Yukihira Soma's initial minus 1,500, the first-year group still held the lead with a slight advantage.
"So amazing! As expected of the Elite Ten!"
"Yeah, just a few people created such valuable dishes."
The students who hadn't left were all astonished.
"Damn it, why am I so much less than Erina?"
Alice Nakiri puffed out her cheeks, somewhat indignant.
"So, now you know the flaw of molecular gastronomy, right? It relies too much on equipment."
Erina Nakiri adopted an older sister's demeanor and lectured her.
"It's okay, Alice, this doesn't really show everyone's true strength."
Satou comforted her.
This kind of exam was indeed a bit unfair to Alice Nakiri, who relies on equipment. Also, Yukihira Soma's set meals and Nagi-no-ki Touko's ramen weren't easy to sell at very high prices.
After hearing Satou's comfort, Alice Nakiri felt a little better.
"So, it seems the first-year group won? That's great!"
Yukihira Soma laughed heartily, looking very pleased.
"Damn brat."
Eizan Etsuya's face turned grim. He said to Isshiki Satoshi and the others, "Losing to the first-years like this is too embarrassing. We need to give it our all in the next exam."
"Exactly."
Nene Kinokuni and Kuga Terunori expressed their agreement.
"What does it matter? As long as we pass the exam, it's fine."
Isshiki Satoshi said with a smile.
"Hey, Satou-chan, Erina-chan, do you want to go to the hot springs together?"
At this moment, Eishi Tsukasa waved to Satou and the others, inviting them enthusiastically.
"Sure."
Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes lit up.
Today's exam was over, and the rest was free time.
Soon, everyone arrived at the bathhouse.
However, Satou was a bit speechless that he was going to the hot springs with a bunch of big men, which made him regret not being able to go with Erina Nakiri.
He wondered if there would be a chance during this exam period.
"Ah, soaking in a hot spring on a cold day is truly blissful."
Eishi Tsukasa let out a sigh, a happy smile on his face.
"Indeed."
Kuga Terunori also narrowed his eyes, smiling.
Just then, Isshiki Satoshi walked in, wearing only swimming trunks, and immediately jumped into the hot spring and started swimming.
"Ah, there it is! Senior Isshiki's second form!"
Yukihira Soma pointed at Isshiki Satoshi and shouted.
"Huh? Then what's the first form?"
Eishi Tsukasa asked curiously.
"Senior Saito, what's this? Is there a knife inside?"
Satou asked Saito Soumei curiously. He always carried something resembling a knife, even bringing it into the hot springs.
"Yes, it's a kitchen knife."
Saito Soumei nodded.
"Speaking of which, I also have a kitchen knife that shouldn't be inferior."
Satou said.
"Oh? Really? Will you let me see it sometime?"
Saito Soumei asked with great interest.
On the other side.
"Well, I feel like I could soak for three days and three nights."
Kobayashi Rindo was completely submerged in the water, with only her eyes showing, like an alligator lurking underwater, as she said with narrowed eyes.
"Indeed."
Alice Nakiri was much the same, with a towel on her head and a flushed face, looking very cute.
Erina Nakiri had also tied her long golden hair behind her head, and a charming blush appeared on her fair face.
She wondered what that guy was doing now. Was he peeking over here?
She thought to herself.
"Hey, hey, Erina, how far have you and Satou progressed?"
Senior Kobayashi asked gossiping at this moment.
Hearing her say that, everyone else looked over curiously.
Because among these girls, only Erina Nakiri was in a relationship.
"Wh-what progress? There's no such thing. Don't talk nonsense."
Erina Nakiri's face immediately flushed, and she turned her head away, speaking very unfrankly.
"Is that so? If you're not dating, then how about I try to progress with Satou?"
Senior Kobayashi's face showed a mischievous smile.
"Huh? Senior Kobayashi, you want to progress with Satou?"
Tadokoro Megumi was immediately startled, obviously taking her joke seriously.
"Hmm, I think a younger man-older woman relationship isn't bad. The most important thing is that I'll often get to eat rare ingredients."
Kobayashi Rindo revealed two pointed canine teeth and laughed.
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 70 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
Here's the link:
[patreon.com/Greyhounds]
Thank you so much for your support!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"