"Is this really cooking technique? I have never seen such an application..." The crew members' voices were filled with surprise and seriousness.
"Wait!" A crew member responsible for energy waveform analysis suddenly raised his voice.
"Perform a real-time comparison between the spiritual energy ripples generated when the current target, 'Chinatsu,' uses her ability, and the records from the first appearance and combat of the previous codename 'Reason Law (Welt)'!"
Two sets of complex data streams and waveform charts were quickly brought up on the large screen, beginning a high-speed comparative scroll. Several key parameter curves gradually showed signs of overlapping.
"Similarity analysis in progress... Filtering out environmental noise interference... Matching core frequency modulation patterns..." The crew member stared intently at the screen.
"Report! When the current target 'Chinatsu' utilizes her ability, the similarity of her spiritual energy ripples with 'Welt' has increased... from a baseline of 7.3% to 18.5%! Especially during material structure interference, liquid nitrogen freezing, and foaming, the peak similarity briefly touched 22%!"
At this announcement, a wave of suppressed gasps echoed through the bridge.
Kannazuki temporarily switched back from pervert mode, stroking his chin: "Oh? Such a significant increase... This is certainly no coincidence. Could that fierce male Herrscher and this ice-cold beautiful girl chef be using powers from the same source? Or perhaps..."
Kotori bolted upright in the commander's chair, the precious jewel in her mouth crunching loudly, her eyes incredibly sharp:
"Record all data! Focus the analysis on the principles and limits of this 'construction' or 'material manipulation' ability! This is absolutely key to Understanding the essence of her power and the relationship between her and 'Welt'!"
She stared at Chinatsu's nearly inhuman precision on the screen, watching the soaring similarity data, and muttered softly, her tone filled with gravity and inquiry.
"...Not only can she create things out of thin air, but she can also perform such precise physical state control... She is indeed a troublesome and terrifying opponent. What exactly is the relationship between you two?"
This invisible pressure, transmitted through the screen, seemed to envelop the bridge as well.
When the camera switched to Shido, the scene became much more "normal."
His solid knife skills, the practiced toasting of sesame seeds, the sauce he adjusted by feel.
"Shido's process is smooth, conforming to the efficient home cooking model."
"Physiological indices are stabilizing, and concentration is improving."
The atmosphere inside the bridge also eased. Watching Shido's busy yet reliable figure, many crew members showed expressions of relief, even a slight sense of pride.
Compared to Chinatsu's "showmanship" filled with the unknown, Shido's down-to-earth reliability made them feel more secure.
(The scene returns to the lounge)
"So you see," Kotori said to Shido, her expression slightly more serious.
"We weren't just watching the show. Chinatsu clearly used her power while cooking just now, and the fluctuations she generated showed a significant increase in similarity with that 'Welt' from before."
Shido was stunned: "Similarity? With... Mr. 'Welt'?"
"Exactly." Kotori nodded.
"Although the specific relationship is still undetermined, this likely means they use powers from the same source, a kind of extremely precise 'material manipulation' or 'construction' ability."
"The liquid nitrogen and foam she used earlier were probably not just culinary techniques, but manifestations of this power."
Only then did Shido realize how much his sister and the entire organization had done behind the scenes, and he felt even more moved: "Thank you, Kotori. And everyone else."
"Good that you know!" Kotori put her hands on her hips, then changed the subject, the lollipop between her fingers tracing a circle in the air.
"However, this also gives us a hint! In this round, 'Heat Control and Umami,' she will likely use similar methods to pursue a certain extreme, technical 'perfection.'"
"For instance, using ultra-precise temperature control to slow-cook meat. So, regarding 'Heat Control and Umami'... Big Brother, do you have any ideas? What dish would be best to make?"
Shido thought for a moment and said: "Since it's a test of heat control and deep flavor... I want to make something that requires long stewing or careful roasting. Like beef stewed in red wine, or maybe teriyaki eel? What do you think?"
Kotori nodded: "Hmm, the thinking is correct! Dishes that require time and patience will better showcase your strengths. However..." She flashed a devilish grin.
"The opponent is that 'mad scientist' who can cook with liquid nitrogen, you know? Ordinary stewing might not be impressive enough. So, Big Brother, we can't follow her rhythm."
"Your idea of making a stew or roast is right, but we need a more powerful strategy! How about... we try something more aggressive?"
"More aggressive?" Shido asked curiously.
"For example," Kotori's eyes lit up, "since she might use technological means to achieve the tenderness of'sous vide,' you should do the opposite and use the most traditional techniques, those that require the most experience and patience."
"Such as 'Kakuni' (braised pork belly) or careful teriyaki, relying on subtle changes in time and heat control to brew a profound flavor that machines cannot replicate!"
"Or, challenge a dish that demands extremely high instantaneous judgment of heat, like a perfect 'Tonkatsu' (fried pork cutlet)—that golden, crispy exterior and juicy interior relies on the chef's feel and intuition!"
Reine calmly added from the side: "...According to the data, her power tends toward 'Understanding and Reconstruction' of existing things."
"You could consider incorporating some of your personally created, or exclusively adjusted, seasoning combinations and processing methods—perhaps tailored for a specific person, like Kotori. Those are variables stemming from emotion and experience; they cannot be recorded in a database and are difficult to be simply 'Understood' and reproduced."
As Shido listened to the more targeted suggestions from his sister and Reine, his eyes grew brighter.
He felt his mind opening up. Instead of responding blindly, he had found a potential breakthrough. His opponent's power was formidable and precise.
But perhaps because of this, certain unquantifiable things originating from "humanity" could instead become the key.
"I understand!" Shido clenched his fist, his confidence soaring. This time, his eyes held a strategic thoughtful look.
"I will exploit her potential 'path dependence,' and use the 'human flavor'—something that cannot be easily copied by technique or intention—to compete... I know what to do now!"
(Classmate Hōōin... No, perhaps I should say, you who possess mysterious power... In the next round, I will use the warmth belonging to "humanity" to challenge your "Reason"!)