On the stage, the trio of Yamabuki Ai, Yozakura Mai, and Fujibakama Mii were excitedly distributing the exquisite leftover dishes from the previous round to the surging crowd of classmates.
The small food cart was instantly surrounded, packed shoulder-to-shoulder, as sounds of astonishment, chewing, and satisfied sighs intertwined, creating an atmosphere as lively as a small festival.
"Ah! This sashimi is too delicious!"
"How exactly did Itsuka mix his salad dressing? I really want to learn!"
"Don't rush! Save some for me!"
However, happy times are always fleeting. Yamabuki Ai glanced at the giant timer on the wall, suddenly startled, and grabbed the microphone:
"Ahem! Dear audience members!" Her voice boomed throughout the venue through the speakers.
"Delicious food is great, but don't overindulge! The horn for the ultimate showdown is about to sound again! Please quickly return to your seats and let us prepare to welcome—the fierce battle of the Second Round!"
Hearing this, the students who were immersed in the food immediately let out a mix of wails and gasps.
"Eh?! Already?"
"I haven't eaten enough yet!"
"Quick! Grab some more!"
The scene instantly became somewhat chaotic, as several nimble-handed boys and girls quickly snatched another handful of food. Only then, under the trio's laughing scolding and urging, did they cheerfully and reluctantly run back to the audience seating.
Yozakura Mai and Fujibakama Mii tacitly pushed the nearly empty food cart swiftly away from the center of the stage, while Yamabuki Ai began adjusting the microphone, preparing for the next segment.
Just as the stage was temporarily cleared and the lights slightly dimmed, the doors to the two waiting rooms on either side opened almost simultaneously.
Itsuka Shido and Phoenix-in Chinatsu walked out, one after the other.
At the entrance to the aisle, their figures unexpectedly met.
Shido's gaze was completely different from when he was in the waiting room moments earlier.
In those deep blue eyes, the complicated emotions that arose from seeing Chinatsu's "vulnerable" side had now transformed into a purer, more resolute determination.
It was a burning sense of mission that ignited after clarifying the goal of "saving" her. His gaze toward Chinatsu was fervent, focused, and even carried an unquestionable sincerity, as if saying: "I have seen through the truth behind your loneliness, and I will definitely use my method to reach your heart."
This sudden stare, full of "positive energy," caused Chinatsu to pause slightly.
(…? What's wrong with this guy? Why is his gaze so firm, like he's joining the party... After such a short break, what brand of inspirational chicken soup did Kotori feed him this time? What type of adrenaline shot did she give him?)
She was completely unable to gain Understanding of where Shido's enthusiasm came from, and could only attribute it to Kotori's backstage guidance.
Facing this overly direct and passionate gaze, she momentarily didn't know how to respond to the complex emotions contained within it, and could only subconsciously maintain her outward coolness and composure.
A perfectly measured hint of confusion appeared in her ice-blue eyes, as if she couldn't understand why the other person was suddenly so full of fighting spirit.
She slightly turned her head, avoiding the overly intense gaze, and spoke softly in her usual cool tone: "It seems Classmate Itsuka rested well; he is full of energy."
Shido nodded vigorously, his voice firm: "Yes! Classmate Hōōin, I will give my all in the next round too! I will definitely make you... feel it!" His words carried a double meaning, and his gaze remained firmly locked on Chinatsu.
Internally, Chinatsu silently pressed her hand to her forehead. (This guy's dating simulation dialogue is still so hardcore...)
Outwardly, however, she merely gave a soft "Hmph," said nothing more, and took the lead walking toward the stage.
Shido watched her seemingly indifferent back, clenched his fists, and immediately followed her.
The two stepped back onto the spotlight-focused stage one after the other, greeted by Yamabuki Ai's energetic declaration and the renewed enthusiastic cheers of the entire audience.
The Second Round, the ultimate test of "Heat Control and Flavor," was about to officially begin!
As Shido and Chinatsu took their positions on either side of the stage and began neatly tying their white chef aprons, the trio of Yamabuki Ai, Yozakura Mai, and Fujibakama Mii strode with their signature exaggerated steps, once again occupying the center spotlight.
"Welcome Back—!!" Yamabuki Ai drew out the tone into the microphone, successfully drawing the attention of the entire venue back to the stage.
"After a brief energy replenishment, our two hero chefs have returned to the battlefield! Look, the way they tie their aprons is the signal for the duel to begin!"
The camera immediately zoomed in: Chinatsu's fingers deftly tied a neat bow behind her back, the movement elegant and efficient, the apron strings accentuating her slender waistline.
Shido, meanwhile, used a more domestic, skilled method, fast and solid, as if he had repeated it countless times.
Yozakura Mai stepped forward, sweeping her right hand backward. The giant screen behind her lit up instantly, displaying the theme and rules for this round:
"Data loading complete. Second Round, the decisive factor—'Heat Control and Flavor'!"
A blazing flame effect appeared on the screen, along with the large characters for "Flavor," looking both passionate and professional.
"The so-called 'Heat Control' is definitely not a simple judgment of raw or cooked!" Yozakura Mai pulled out a small piece of paper from her pocket and explained rapidly while looking at it.
"It is the art of energy transfer, the precise control over complex chemical changes like the Maillard reaction, caramelization, fat hydrolysis, and collagen transformation! It is the key to transforming ingredients!"
The camera appropriately panned over the newly refreshed ingredient area for Fujibakama Mii: "Majikku! Core ingredient confirmed!"
The designated main ingredient for this round was listed on the large screen: [Premium Wagyu Beef Flank]. Next to the text was a close-up image of the ingredient, whose marble-like marbling drew gasps of admiration from the audience.
"That's right!" Yamabuki Ai took over, her voice ringing high, "The two competitors must use this as the centerpiece, and within 60 minutes, wield the magic of time and the illusion of flame to create a warm flavor that strikes the soul!"
Immediately following, the large screen switched, displaying the dazzling array of free-choice ingredients:
· Flavor Foundations: Kombu, bonito flakes, chicken stock, beef bone stock, various red wines, sake, mirin, various soy sauces (dark, light, white soy sauce, etc.), rice vinegar, cooking wine.
· Aromatic Lineup: Onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, cinnamon, and various other spices.
· Finishing Touches: Fresh mushrooms, root vegetables, honey, various sugars (white sugar, rock sugar, brown sugar), and fresh herbs or small amounts of fruits and vegetables for final pairing and cutting the richness.
"The competitors are free to use these ingredients," Yozakura Mai added.
"To construct their own world of flavor, showcasing a profound Understanding and creative expression of 'Umami'—the fifth taste!"
Yamabuki Ai suddenly swung her arm, pointing toward the huge timer that had begun counting down again, and yelled with all her might:
"Let heat and time intertwine to create the deepest symphony of flavor! Second Round, 'Heat Control and Flavor'—Time... Start!"
"Oh oh oh oh—!!" The entire venue erupted in thunderous cheers.
The countdown numbers began to tick. Shido and Chinatsu exchanged glances, each seeing the burning fighting spirit in the other's eyes (though the reasons were entirely different).
They immediately turned without hesitation, quickly walked toward the ingredient area, and began a new round of selection and challenge.