The strongest anime shop owner

"This...this is unbelievable. After taking a bite, it feels like the food has come alive." The crisp sound immediately comes from the egg tart the moment you bite into it. As you stir it in your mouth, the crisp outer shell crumbles, revealing the true essence of the egg tart inside.

I originally thought it would be as soft and smooth as a regular egg tart, but unexpectedly, it was like solidified jelly. No, it was more lively than jelly, bouncing around in my mouth. The more I chewed, the more there was, as if I had transformed into a mother fish protecting her little fish, holding them in my mouth.

The pulsating sensation was as if the food in my mouth had come alive. As I stirred it, the temperature in my mouth gradually rose, and the pulsating food was like snow on a snow-capped mountain, slowly melting under the sun's heat.

Upon tasting it, the old man's eyes widened instantly, as if he had seen something amazing. As the jelly-like food softened, all the flavors gradually spread, filling his entire mouth. The smooth milk felt like it was melting his tongue... The crispy baked shell carried a rich eggy aroma... Along with the sugar, a touch of salt was also added, which not only didn't ruin the flavor of the dish but actually made the sugar even sweeter... The crispy shell and the melted jelly-like substance inside were perfectly mixed together, tightly enveloping every corner of his mouth, making the flavor even more intense.

"Hmm? What... what's this taste?" After the jelly-like substance inside melted, an even stronger aroma surged up, becoming richer and more intense with each chew. Based on the old man's memory, after a moment's thought, a smile quickly appeared on his face, and he exclaimed in delight, "Ah! Preserved plum... This is the kind of flavor that only food that concentrates its essence can have. This base dish is simply a delicious duet that keeps getting better and better!"

"But... if that's the case, then why is this dish called 'My Heart Egg Tart'? It's really incomprehensible." This rich and intense flavor has a name that has absolutely nothing to do with the taste of the dish, which makes the old man somewhat puzzled. He seems to be talking to himself, or perhaps asking someone else.

Meanwhile, several people were puzzled by this. Just after taking the first bite, as they were about to take a second bite, the old man suddenly shuddered, his eyes filled with disbelief, and he exclaimed, "Ah! What... what is this cool feeling...?! It's a cool feeling emanating from everything I ate and touched. In the coolness, there was first a bitter taste, followed by a sweet taste. It felt like welcoming the New Year, making me completely awake and free from any drowsiness."

"This is a seasoning made by roasting mint and fresh tea leaves, then grinding them and mixing them in a certain proportion." Seeing that the others couldn't guess, Su Luo explained to them.

"Oh! So it's a blend of mint and tea flavoring! The rich aroma of the tea, combined with the lingering aftertaste of the mint, that refreshing and cool flavor is just so delicious!!" After eating the dish, a girl smiled broadly, then took another serving and said, "This kind of refreshing and delicious breakfast is just amazing, it makes you want to eat it again and again."

"So, the previous flavors were just a prelude, and the flavors that follow are the true essence of this dish! 'My Heart Egg Tart' is indeed a wonderful name." After hearing Su Luo's words, the old man suddenly understood, then nodded in agreement, praising, "This is truly a dish full of surprises! It's practically a quartet of flavors!"

"Hey you in front, don't go too far... You've already eaten three servings, it's almost our turn!"

"It's so delicious... Although I'm already a little full, it's okay to eat one more of these dessert-like dishes, so I'll have another one."

"···"

After the first few people finished eating, their blissful expressions and comments immediately attracted a large crowd. Even those who were about to leave were drawn back, essentially reaching the level of popularity seen with Alice in Nakiri.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, we're out of ingredients, so..." Seeing that the dishes were almost gone and some people were still watching longingly, Su Luo put her hands together and apologized to everyone. Everyone understood what Su Luo meant, and then the crowd gradually dispersed.

"Phew...it's finally over." Su Luo finally breathed a sigh of relief after serving the last dish.

"Ah... what's going on here? This... it's really incomprehensible!" Originally, the crowd was expected to disperse after Erina Nakiri left, but unexpectedly, Su Luo, who had surprised Mito Ikumi by not having served any dishes yet, actually brought out her dishes right after Alice Nakiri left. Moreover, she directly took over from Alice Nakiri's customers; not a single person left. Even those who were planning to leave were irresistibly drawn back by the reviews of those who had tried the food. This was utterly unbelievable, and seeing this situation drove Mito Ikumi crazy, because she still had several dishes left to reach 200!

What struck her as most strange and surprising was that both of them had been behaving very strangely. One was making odd dishes, and the other was only launching his dishes in the last half hour. However, what was most shocking was that they had delivered almost all of their dishes within just ten minutes, leaving no leftover ingredients.

After Su Luo finished, there wasn't much time left. Meanwhile, Soma was engaged in a tense and exciting live cooking demonstration. His acrobatic cooking skills attracted a large crowd, and the deliciousness of his dishes drew even more attention. Finally, just as the assessment was about to end, he hurriedly reached 200 servings, passing the assessment with great difficulty. This made Su Luo very nervous for Soma, and at the same time, she was relieved that the world hadn't experienced a significant butterfly effect because of her arrival.

Just as Su Luo walked over to Soma, Dojima Gin's voice came over the loudspeaker again: "Attention students who have completed 200 assignments, the next assignment will begin in 4 hours. Until then, it is rest time."

"You're...you're kidding, right? Hey!"

"Does that mean I can only sleep for 3 hours?"

"···"

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Chapter 130 The Final Stage

The students in the hall who had just passed the test, who had initially breathed a sigh of relief, immediately changed color upon hearing the announcement. They all let out a wail, only then realizing that this was just the morning's topic, and the afternoon's topic had not yet officially started!

However, even a short break is still a break, so everyone refrained from doing anything more. Although the break was short, it was still necessary to rest, otherwise some people might not be able to cope with the afternoon's tasks. Most people, on the other hand, couldn't fall asleep even if they wanted to, probably because their nerves were too tense. So they could only close their eyes slightly, which at least helped them relax and prepare themselves to face the hellish tasks of the afternoon in a better state.

Time flew by, and everyone worked hard to complete the afternoon's assignment. This was arguably the day with the most eliminations, but everyone in the Polaris dormitory passed today's assignment.

After taking a bath, everyone went straight back to sleep and didn't have any more gatherings because they were all too exhausted. They basically fell asleep as soon as they lay down. However, compared to them, Su Luo seemed perfectly fine, something that was something no one could envy.

Time flies, and before we knew it, it was the last day, the fifth day of the training camp. Today, as usual, after the morning and afternoon sessions, those who had completed today's lessons gathered at the designated place. However, everyone looked exhausted and was resting in a relaxed position. It seemed that the day's lessons had really worn them out. As for the purpose of the gathering, it was unclear without anyone explaining it.

"What's going on...? Why are we suddenly being asked to gather in the lobby?" Before long, everyone had arrived. Looking around at the crowd of people, Tadokoro asked curiously.

“The guidebook is completely blank!” Ryoko Sakaki looked at the guidebook, but it was indeed completely blank.

"Wait a minute... Could this pattern be..." As soon as Sakaki Ryoko said this, Yoshino Yuuki suddenly felt that the scene in front of her was so similar to the assignment she had done last morning. Just thinking about that assignment filled her with a sense of fear. It seemed that Yoshino Yuuki really remembered that assignment vividly. She really didn't want to go through that terrifying assignment again, otherwise she would break down sooner or later.

Just as many people were thinking this and looking worried, Dojima Gin's figure gradually walked towards the crowd. His steps, though not very heavy, resonated deeply in everyone's hearts, constantly stirring up ripples. The tense atmosphere gradually spread throughout the hall, like a bugle call about to sound on the battlefield.

"Please allow me to say a few words before we get to the main topic..." Under the tense gazes of the crowd, Dojima Gin walked up to them, held the microphone to his mouth, and spoke.

Dojima Gin, one hand on his hip, glanced at the students who had survived the ordeal and said, "Currently, 325 students have left the group, leaving 628... Although it seems cruel, this is a microcosm of the chef's profession. To survive as a chef, one must possess the ability to handle various emergencies, as well as the corresponding mental preparation."

In situations where the unknown prevails, instead of remaining calm, one must constantly engage in dialogue with the food. If one becomes the head chef, the pressure is even greater… enduring nights tormented by anxiety and hesitation, dealing with various unexpected situations, and ultimately finding a way to overcome difficulties…

To survive as a chef is like wandering alone in a desolate wilderness swept by a raging storm... The more one pursues perfection, the more lost one becomes, and the destination grows increasingly uncertain. Some may even find themselves stopped at the summit, or even lost on their way home, when they finally look back.

"But..." Dojima Gin paused here, raised his voice, and said in a very encouraging tone, "I hope you will not forget that in Totsuki, there is a group of companions who have left their footprints in the same wilderness as you, and this fact will... encourage you who are about to embark on your journey soon. I sincerely hope that you will all... have good fortune in battle!"

Looking at these students who survived several days of grueling training, and now that it's time for them to leave, I don't know what to feel. Perhaps I'm happy for their growth! At the same time, I also hope that these younger generations can show their brilliance, have a brighter future, and that in their culinary careers, no matter what they encounter, they can overcome all obstacles, keep striving, keep moving forward, until they stand at the top and radiate their own light.

Hearing Dojima Gin's encouraging words, many people were inspired and filled with anticipation for their future.

“Then…” At that moment, Dojima Gin said again, “Let’s begin… the final stage of this training camp!”

"Ughhhhhh... It really came...!"

"I can't go on anymore, I definitely won't make it!"

"···"

When Dojima Gin said those words, most of the students showed expressions of fear. After all, they had been undergoing intense training for the past few days and had just finished a day of assignments. Their bodies were exhausted, and if they were to undergo another round of that kind of high-difficulty training, they would basically be doomed.

"!?!" Just as everyone was worried about this, the door suddenly opened, and the sound of the door opening immediately attracted the attention of many people, who involuntarily looked over there.

"welcome!"

The moment the door opened, seven or eight people stood on each side of the doorway, each dressed in a uniform waiter's outfit, impeccably groomed. Their movements were strikingly similar, almost identical, with elegant and polite postures. Apart from the two leaders who were making welcoming gestures, they all maintained the sweetest smiles as they addressed the crowd. Their professional demeanor, smiles, and impeccably polite manners created a truly sophisticated experience.

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Chapter 131 A Surprise After Hard Work

"what?"

"What is this?!"

""

After that clear, sweet, and loud voice rang out, everyone was stunned by what they saw. For a moment, they couldn't react and had no idea what had happened.

"Congratulations to all 628 students who have survived to this day! You have successfully completed all the training courses! The final event is..." Upon hearing Dojima Gin say this, everyone was completely unsure of what he was going to say next, so they all stared intently at Dojima Gin, waiting for his next words, not daring to blink. Dojima Gin glanced at everyone, and after a moment of silence, he said in an impassioned tone, "A small banquet to celebrate the end of the training camp. Please enjoy!"

"Awesome!!" Upon hearing this exhilarating news, the silent crowd finally erupted in cheers. Their faces no longer showed any signs of fatigue, and they breathed a deep sigh of relief. They had all survived this hellish trial, and nothing could be more exciting and exhilarating than hearing such news.

"Alright, please take your seats! Now, please enjoy a full-course banquet made up of dishes prepared by the graduates!" Just as everyone was cheering that the study session was over, Dojima extended his hand, gesturing for them to join in, and said to everyone, "A full-course banquet made up of dishes prepared by the graduates!"

"Really? That's too much!"

"This is no small banquet."

""

Upon hearing this news, the smiles on everyone's faces deepened, and some even shouted out loud. After all, not everyone can enjoy a banquet of this caliber, let alone a meal prepared for so many graduates. It was truly a magnificent experience!

"This kind of banquet is something only we in the whole world can enjoy!" After going through so many trials, the result was finally in sight. Marui Oki was so excited that tears streamed down his face. Then, recalling all the difficulties he had overcome, he suddenly said involuntarily, "It's so good to be alive!"

After uttering his last words, Marui's soul was seen spitting out of his mouth, and Yoshino Yuuki immediately cried out, "Marui has finally ascended to heaven!!"

After hearing what Dojima Gin had said, everyone rushed over immediately, found a seat, and couldn't wait to taste the top-notch cuisine.

"Please have a seat, sir." As expected of the Far Moon Resort, a waiter came over to pull out a chair for each guest as they approached. This simple yet thoughtful service truly brought a pleasant feeling.

After everyone was seated, the banquet quickly began. After a long day of work, enjoying such top-notch cuisine was a unique experience, giving one the feeling that their efforts had finally paid off.

Before long, one exquisite dish after another was brought out by the waiters. Everyone enjoyed the hard-won food to the fullest, chatting and laughing with their companions as they ate. At that moment, all fatigue disappeared, leaving everyone feeling relaxed.

Comfortable days always pass quickly. In this study, the hellish trials have helped many people grow. They are destined to climb higher and higher in the future. After that, who knows how many will survive?

As Su Luo continued to interact with these people, she didn't realize that she had changed a lot. Perhaps this was the power of companionship!

After the banquet ended, the rewards for the mission were distributed: "Mission: Achieve a top-three ranking through study. As a transmigrator, what use is someone who can't even be in the top three? Just euthanize them. (Incomplete)"

Mission Reward: One special ability specific to this world

During the special ability draw, Ice Power (Minor) was obtained.

"System, now that I've gained the ability, you should tell me what it's for, right?" Su Luo asked after seeing the power of ice, although she already had some guesses in her mind.

The system said, "Sure, but it's not easy to explain. It's something like a superpower. You'll have to experience it for yourself to understand."

"Just as I thought." Su Luo thought to herself after hearing this explanation.

After using the power of ice, Su Luo exclaimed, "So that's how it is. To put it simply, the power of ice is like an ice superpower, but a weaker version. At most, it can only be used for casual purposes."

This ice power isn't very strong; it can only coat things with a layer of frost, and it doesn't even qualify as ice.

Su Luo naturally didn't say anything about the power of this ice force, but she was still a little disappointed. She had originally thought that it could freeze thousands of miles of land, which would have been really cool.

"The power of ice is really a good thing, but I wonder if it exists in this world." When Su Luo thought of this, she suddenly thought of this question, but after saying it out loud, she immediately denied it. She thought that although this is a world that focuses on food, in terms of the comics, there doesn't seem to be anything particularly supernatural or fantastical. Most of the things are quite normal. As for God Tongue, that should be called a talent.

The system said, "Host, if that's your idea, you're wrong. These things do exist in this world, and there are many of them. It's just that you haven't discovered them yet. Things like the God's Tongue and the God's Smell are also included, just with varying degrees of strength. So, I'm reminding you here that this world is not as simple as it seems on the surface."

"What? How is that possible?" Upon hearing this, Su Luo was immediately taken aback. However, after thinking about it, she felt that it was simply impossible. After all, it seemed that it was never mentioned in the manga. If such a thing really existed, wouldn't Shinomiya and the others be instantly killed?

Seeing Su Luo's surprised expression, the system said disdainfully, "How is that impossible? If it didn't exist, how could the host possess it? This isn't something the system can just give you. After all, every world has its own laws. If something surpasses the laws or some kind of anomaly appears, it will be obliterated by the laws. That's why the host didn't transmigrate physically, but rather through soul."

"Then can't the system escape the laws of this world?" Su Luo asked curiously.

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Chapter 132 After the Study

"Yes, but your abilities cannot exceed those of this world. To put it bluntly, the laws actually refer to the consciousness of this world," the system said.

"I see." After hearing this explanation, Su Luo nodded.

"It seems there are still many things in this world that we don't know yet." After learning that this world also has such magical power, Su Luo, who is usually very relaxed, suddenly felt an unprecedented pressure.

"However, I would like to remind the host that it is best not to use this ability in formal food battles or competitions, and it is also best not to expose it to others." Just as Su Luo was planning how to use this ability, the system spoke up.

"Why?" Su Luo asked instinctively after hearing this.

"I'm just giving you a heads-up. Whether you listen or not is up to you," the system said.

Upon hearing this, Su Luo was completely confused and had no idea what was going on. However, no matter what, it was better not to use it. If that was the case, wouldn't it mean that this thing was completely useless? At least that was the case for now. This immediately made Su Luo extremely frustrated.

However, Su Luo quickly noticed the two words "micro level" after "ice power" and couldn't help but ask, "System, the words 'micro level' are written after 'ice power.' Does this mean it can be upgraded?"

The system said, "Yes, abilities can be divided into micro, primary, intermediate, advanced, master, and grandmaster levels, with the final level being god-level."

Hearing this, the result was undoubtedly a pleasant surprise.

"Students, please pack your luggage and gather in front of the parking lot. Please return any keys you found to be faulty to the counter. Finally, please don't forget any of your personal belongings." After the study session ended, until the morning of the 6th day, everyone started packing their luggage to return to school. At this time, the team leader would always give some instructions and reminders.

"This period of time has been so tough, but it feels like it's gone by in a flash." After leaving the building, Tadokoro didn't leave immediately. Instead, she turned around and looked back. Having lived here for so long and experienced such difficult trials, this place was a testament to her growth. Now that she was leaving, she felt quite emotional. She didn't know what kind of feeling it was, but it was probably very complicated.

“Yeah—” Soma stood next to Tadokoro, a backpack slung over his shoulder, one hand in his pocket and the other on his shoulder, looking at the place he was about to leave, and replied.