Food Wars, my food not only glows!

　However, before we begin the actual cooking, I must give a formal introduction to the judges of this food battle!

　As the host finished speaking, the spotlights on the stage immediately began to flash.

　The judges' panel, which was originally dimly lit, was now brightly lit, and countless people looked in the direction of the light.

　"First, there's Lance John, the president of the Nordic Culinary Research Association, Mr. Lance!"

　As a steady, heavy footstep sounded from not far away, Lancy Jon appeared before the crowd, causing a commotion.

　"What? The president of the Nordic Culinary Research Association? Someone of that caliber is going to be a judge?! While it's true that competitions for master chefs are rare, surely it's not necessary to have a big shot like him participate!"

　"That's right, this is really shocking! There must be more to this than meets the eye! Could it be that there's a powerful figure's illegitimate child involved?"

　"Get lost! How could such a thing be possible! If you dare to talk nonsense again, I'll sue you for defamation."

　Various discussions arose.

　Some people here have heard of Lancy Jon, while others haven't, but he's a member of the Nordic Gastronomy Research Association.

　The fact that he holds the title of "Chief" says it all!

　This is the leader of all chefs in Northern Europe!

　"Hello everyone, I will be the referee for this food battle, ensuring fairness, impartiality, and transparency, without any favoritism or cheating."

　The old man had a very imposing presence, completely different from the old man Bai Yuan had met the day he went grocery shopping. He first looked around, then saw Bai Yuan in the contestants' preparation area and nodded to him.

　Bai Yuan nodded in return, then looked at the two people following behind Lancy Jon, a hint of surprise appearing in his eyes.

　"You may not be familiar with the other two, but everyone should know 'HUB Foods,' the leading company in the curry industry. These two are the CEOs of HUB Foods, the Chihiro Natsume and Chihiro Orie sisters!"

　The host spoke passionately, and at the same time, the sound of high heels rang out. Chihiro Natsume reached out and flicked her hair, her expression revealing impatience.

　"Is it really necessary for a first-class chef to compete against a master chef? The outcome is already quite obvious, why drag me into being a judge?"

　As Chihiro Natsume said this, she sat down to the left of Lancy Jon, while Chihiro Orie sat down to the right and smiled when she heard her sister's words.

　"I think that girl is quite promising. I heard she's only 13 years old. To become a top chef at 13, her future is limitless."

　“I don’t deny her talent, but talent is talent and ability is ability, and the two cannot be confused.”

　"Who knows, he might surprise us? Otherwise, how would he dare to challenge for the Special Grade? Anyway, I'm really looking forward to her cooking."

　"Hopefully this will cheer me up."

　As Chihiro Natsume spoke, her long, slender, white legs crossed unnaturally as she leaned back in her chair, propping her face up with one hand.

　He seemed uninterested.

　"Chihiro Natsume, the Curry Queen who reigns supreme in the Japanese curry world, they actually invited her to this competition!?"

　In the audience, some people clearly knew about Chihaya Natsume's exploits, their faces showing undisguised shock. What on earth was going on with this food battle? How did so many unexpected big shots suddenly appear!

　"To be able to invite such a super-powerful figure! The Food Wars Bureau is truly remarkable!"

　Someone swallowed hard and said with a look of excitement.

　"But I have to say, these two sisters are truly beauties!"

　Not only are they incredibly wealthy, but they're also so beautiful! Whoever marries one of them is truly blessed!

　For a moment, the audience was filled with discussion, while only those who truly understood remained silent.

　The appearance of Chihiro Natsume and Chihiro Orie in the food battle between the Master Chef and First-Class Chef is not surprising, after all, they are signed with the Gourmet Research Club and aim to compete at this level of food battle.

　However, the appearance of Mr. Lancy Jon was truly astonishing.

　If he were in Japan, he would be on the same level as Senzaemon Nakiri, both of whom are powerful figures who would not normally do trivial things like serving as a judge.

　"The two contestants can freely use the ingredients available in the venue. They have two hours to cook, and the theme is hamburgers."

　"Now, I declare the Food Wars begin!"

　As the atmosphere gradually reached its peak, the host leaned back, made an exaggerated gesture, and announced the start of the competition.

　The time is two hours.

　The theme is hamburgers.

　You can take any of the ingredients on site.

　"I've got it, let's do that one!"

　Her gaze swept across the scene, and various pieces of information suddenly connected. Alice Nakiri then looked toward the staff passageway.

　At that moment, several burly men were carrying over the molecular gastronomy machine that had been previously sent to the Food Wars Bureau for inspection and confirmed to be working properly. This huge commotion attracted the attention of the audience.

　"What's that over there? A chemical instrument?"

　Some people frowned, looking puzzled. Why bring out chemical equipment at a perfectly good cooking competition? Are they kidding me?

　"Is this guy not a chef? Or do these instruments have another purpose...?"

　Someone muttered to themselves, looking curious.

　"This should be a new molecular gastronomy trend that has emerged in the last few years. I know that young girl; she has won many molecular gastronomy awards internationally."

　At this moment, someone who knew the ropes spoke up, looking at the others with a mocking expression, feeling incredibly proud of their broad knowledge.

　"Molecular gastronomy? What is that? I've never heard of it before."

　"Look! That special chef is moving!"

　As a voice rang out, everyone shifted their gaze from Alice Nakiri to Jay.

　His eyes revealed anticipation.

　This is a master chef! Ordinary people might only get to eat a few dishes cooked by a master chef in their entire lives, let alone see him cook them in person!

　Therefore, those who had never seen a master chef cook before were all watching intently.

　At that moment, drones in the sky also pointed their cameras at Jesse, filming his movements and broadcasting the video.

　A showdown between a master chef and a first-class chef.

　Thanks to the promotion of Food Wars, they are now a household name, and countless people gather in front of their TVs to watch their matches with the same enthusiasm.

　"Is Jesse planning to cook halibut? As one of the most common fish in the port, halibut has tender, smooth, white, and succulent flesh with a delicious taste, making it very suitable as a hamburger patty."

　As the host specially selected by Food Wars for today, he has extremely strong hosting skills and is also a second-class chef.

　Faced with Jancis's actions, he skillfully analyzed his thoughts and acted as an interpreter.

　"Fish burgers? That's a niche type. The texture of the burger patty can determine the success or failure of a burger. Using halibut to make burgers results in a fresher taste compared to meat burgers. The key is to perfectly showcase the flavor of the ingredients."

　Chihiro Natsume lowered her crossed legs, switched to the other leg, and watched Jesse bring various ingredients back to the kitchen counter, offering her comments.

　As expected of a master chef, the side ingredients he selected were all fresh vegetables, which means that this burger is meant to express the feeling brought by natural scenery!

　"It looks pretty good, but unlike Chef Jancis's work which is easy to understand, that little girl seems a bit clueless about what she's doing."

　Chihiro Orie nodded in agreement, then turned her gaze to Nakiri Alice, who had been adjusting the machine since earlier, with only a bag of high-gluten flour on the counter.

　Are you planning to use this bag of high-gluten flour to make hamburgers? What about the other ingredients...?

　"Huh huh huh~"

　Humming a lighthearted tune, and looking at the fully tuned machine, Alice Nakiri walked to the counter.

　All the onlookers saw her pour out most of the high-gluten flour, add salt and sugar and stir well. She then made a small well in the middle, poured in yeast powder dissolved in warm water, emulsifier and enzyme preparation, and then added a whole egg and butter.

　Next comes the power of rotation!

　Although Alice Nakiri did not learn the White Serpent Chain Spinning Technique.

　However, after so much training, she still knows how to use the power of rotation, and has even mastered a slightly weaker level of technique.

　Rotating and kneading techniques!

　"Hey!"

　With a soft shout, Alice Nakiri tossed the well-mixed dough into the air and used the strength of her wrists and arms to quickly spin it.

　The dough didn't touch the palms; it kept spinning on the wrists and arms, sometimes turning into a ball, sometimes flattening.

　With continuous rotation, the various ingredients inside blended perfectly together and were kneaded into a smooth dough in no time.

　Although the final effect is not as good as the White Snake Chain Spin, it is still a very high-level technique. In Japan, it would be hailed as the "Dough Master" by netizens.

　This trick makes the dough fluffy and soft, so it won't soften or collapse even after two or three days.

　"It's started! Such skillful technique! The dough is so obedient in her hands, like a doll. Could it be that her specialty is pasta dishes?"

　Alice Nakiri's extremely skillful movements caught the attention of Orie Chihaya. Watching her superb performance, her mouth involuntarily opened slightly, clearly surprised.

　"it is good!"

　"That's amazing! This skill is definitely top-notch! I've never seen a first-class chef so skilled at kneading dough!"

　"To be able to keep the dough spinning around your wrist and arm without it falling is an amazing skill!"

　Someone exclaimed in praise, and the audience instantly erupted in a flurry of chatter.

　There's no other reason than that her technique was simply too ingenious. The dough was actually jumping around on her wrist. Everyone thought it would definitely fall, but from beginning to end, the dough remained firmly in Alice Nakiri's hand.

　After kneading the dough, Alice Nakiri did not rush to process the ingredients, but instead took the dough to the molecular gastronomy machine.

　After operating the machine for a while, a drawer-like space popped out, and she put the dough in her hand inside.

　"Is this... a way to speed up fermentation?"

　Watching her actions, Chihiro Natsume pinched her chin and pondered. Controlling the temperature was indeed a good way to get the dough to rise to the right state.

　"I see. It seems the purpose of this machine is to refine and systematize cooking. As long as every detail of the dish is perfected, the taste will never be bad!"

　Beside her, Chihiro Orie heard her older sister Chihiro Natsume's words and a look of sudden realization appeared on her face. So that's what the machine was for!

　"This is a low-temperature fermentation technology. By controlling the fermentation temperature and time, the dough ferments slowly at a lower temperature, resulting in a more complex aroma and a more delicate texture."

　This method helps reduce the yeasty taste in bread and makes it softer. What an ingenious chef! He truly deserves the title.

　"His apprentice!"

　Just as the two were discussing, Lancy Jon, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up, looking at Alice Nakiri with admiration in his eyes.

　As he spoke, he looked up at Bai Yuan, who was standing with his arms crossed. This guy was truly unfathomable! Even his disciple was of such a high level.

　"Apprentice? Is that little girl someone's apprentice? Judging from your tone, could she be some highly skilled, top-tier chef?"

　Lancy Jon's words instantly ignited Chihiro Natsume's gossip-loving heart. In front of the old man, she dared not put on airs as the Curry Queen, and asked in a gentle and delicate tone like a little girl.

　"Hahaha! He probably doesn't want to reveal his name, so please allow me to keep you in suspense for now. You'll find out in the future."

　Lancy Jon shook his head. In his opinion, Bai Yuan's refusal to accept his offer proved that he was indifferent to fame and fortune.

　Therefore, he will not easily disclose his personal information without his permission.

　"Hmm, you're even playing mysterious, you've piqued everyone's curiosity. Just tell us already."

　Chihiro Orie also chimed in, showing no restraint in acting cute when facing a man old enough to be their grandfather.

　“Please spare me, otherwise he might blame me next time we meet. Once I get his permission, I will introduce you to him.”

　Lancy Jon shook his head with a smile, speaking with great integrity.

　Seeing that they couldn't get any information out of her, Chihiro Natsume and Chihiro Orie could only purse their lips and continue to look at the competition venue.

　Chapter Fifty-Four: A Feast of Deliciousness

　"Jesse has begun."

　With the flour on the work surface, add the yeast water and eggs, and Jancis begins to knead the dough.

　He kneaded the dough to the optimal stage for fermentation. Although he didn't display any special skills like Alice Nakiri, his foundation was very solid.

　Kneading dough again and again was a testament to his hard work during his youth. Although he is arrogant now, Jesse was a very honest guy when he was young.

　Meticulous in his actions and diligent in his work, he was almost a carbon copy of Toth. At the time, he was also named one of the top ten outstanding young chefs in Britain. Because his childhood sweetheart loved to eat fish, he devoted himself to studying fish dishes, and before he knew it, he had become a master chef.

　As for when he started looking like this, Jancis couldn't remember. Perhaps it was on the day his childhood sweetheart and best friend got married, or perhaps it was during the monotonous days and nights of his life.

　He may have already died.

　What lives on in the world now is merely his physical body.

　After kneading the dough until it was basically shaped, Jesse slammed his fist into it, making it more elastic and resilient, as if venting the anger rising from the depths of his heart.

　For some reason, under the spotlight, he suddenly recalled this painful memory; ten years had passed since that day...