A beautiful girl who transmigrates into a Herrscher of the Void is treated like an elf and conquered

Chapter 43 Between Noise and Tranquility

The whistle that ended the first round was like pressing a switch button, instantly replacing the tense atmosphere of the duel with a different kind of energy.

The center of the stage was immediately taken over by the energetic trio.

"Dear viewers—!" Yamabuki Ai rushed to the microphone, her voice rising with excitement.

"The tense and exciting first round has come to an end! Thank you to both players for the wonderful duel! Now, it's time for a relaxing halftime break!"

Mai Ye pushed out a small food cart from somewhere, on which were placed leftover dishes from the competition that had not been tasted by the judges. Although the portions were small, the presentation was still exquisite.

"According to the rules of the event, these precious leftover dishes will be randomly distributed to lucky audience members! Don't miss this opportunity!"

"Majikku! Food broadcast!" Fujihakama Mii immediately pointed her camera lens at the eager crowd.

A burst of cheers and commotion erupted from the audience as students excitedly crowded around, hoping to taste the professional-level cuisine.

The trio acted like idols at a concert, maintaining order while cracking jokes and even spontaneously singing a few lines of a funny song, turning the event into a lively food fan meeting.

Meanwhile, Shido and Chinatsu each headed to the temporary dressing rooms on either side of the stage.

The lounge is semi-open, with a huge glass wall that allows outsiders to vaguely see what's inside.

Shido pushed open the door to his lounge, breathed a sigh of relief, and was about to take a sip of water when he found that someone was already waiting for him inside.

"Brother!" Kotori, dressed in casual clothes and wearing a white ribbon, jumped up from her chair with a bright smile on her face and a lollipop in her mouth.

Murasame Reine stood to the side, still looking sleep-deprived, and nodded slightly to him.

"Kotori? Reine-san? What brings you here?" Shido asked, somewhat surprised.

"Of course I'm here to cheer on my brother!" Kotori stepped forward and patted Shido's arm.

"Although we lost the first round, my brother's cooking looked absolutely delicious! Everyone said it was very heartwarming and thoughtful!"

Lingyin added in her calm tone, "...The level of completion is very high. The flavor fusion is excellent."

Receiving affirmation from his sister and Reine warmed Shido's heart, and the slight frustration he felt from his earlier defeat dissipated considerably.

He smiled sheepishly: "Thank you...but Phoenix Institute student is really amazing."

He remembered that Reine had voted for Chinatsu. Although he understood that the competition was fair, he couldn't help but ask, "Miss Reine, you... voted for Phoenix Institute."

Lingyin adjusted her glasses and explained, "...Yes. From the perspective of pure technique and precision in flavor control, her dishes represent a higher level of completion. That's an objective fact."

She paused, lowered her voice, and became more serious, "Moreover, Phoenix Inu Chinatsu may very well know of Ratatosk's existence, and even... my identity."

“In this situation, if I were to clearly favor you and cast my vote directly for you, and the other side were to use this as a reason to question the fairness of the competition and refuse to acknowledge any subsequent bets or interactions, then it would be putting the cart before the horse. My vote must at least appear objective to avoid giving anyone a handle to use against me.”

Shido paused for a moment, then immediately understood Reine's deeper meaning and good intentions. This was not just a cooking competition; it involved a much more complex aspect.

The slightest bit of resentment in his heart completely disappeared, replaced by gratitude: "So that's how it is... I understand, Miss Lingyin, thank you for being so thoughtful."

“That’s right!” Kotori nodded vigorously, hands on her hips, and said, “Brother, don’t worry about that vote! Blame that idiot Tonomachi for prioritizing women over friends! He actually betrayed your friendship of so many years!”

She angrily clenched her fist, then quickly changed to an encouraging expression. "But it's okay! The second round, 'cooking and flavor,' is the key! Stewing and grilling require time and patience, which are exactly your strengths, brother! Put double your effort into it! You must win!"

"Yes!" Hearing his sister's energetic words, Shido felt his confidence surge back. He nodded vigorously, his gaze becoming firm.

(Yes, I must try even harder in the next game!)

Shido felt a warmth in his heart upon hearing Kotori's encouragement, but then a question suddenly occurred to him: "By the way, Kotori, since you're here, why didn't you just watch the game from the stands?"

Upon hearing this, Kotori pouted and pointed to the ceiling (in a general direction) with her lollipop.

"Silly brother, I'm the 'commander'! Although I really wanted to be there to cheer you on, I'm needed to be on board the Fraxinus! Such a huge fluctuation of spiritual energy—especially when Chika used those strange abilities—how could I not keep an eye on it? I was really worried for you on the bridge!"

(Location - Fraxinus Bridge; Time - During the first round of the match)

The main bridge of the Fraxinus was brightly lit and filled with the low hum of high-tech equipment.

The huge main screen is divided into several screens, with the largest one in the center transmitting high-definition images of the cooking competition in real time. The clarity is so good that you can even see the texture of the ingredients.

The split screens on either side scroll rapidly through complex energy readings, physiological data (mainly Shido's), and structural analysis charts.

Kotori Itsuka sat in the high and mighty commander's chair in the center, already dressed in her red and black commander's uniform, with a black ribbon tied behind her head.

She frowned slightly, chewing her pearls vigorously, her sharp eyes scanning the screen.

"Both players, enter the arena!" one of the operators reported. On the screen, Chinatsu and Shido walked onto the stage.

Kannazuki Kyohei immediately stood up from his adjutant's seat, placed his right hand on his chest, a suspicious blush rising on his face, and shouted in an aria-like tone:

"Oh! Behold! Our Holy Son, even amidst the mundane battlefield of the kitchen, his radiance guides us like a beacon! How sacred and selfless is that gesture of tying on an apron! This must be a sacred ritual performed to save lost spirits!"

Kotori expressionlessly grabbed a tablet from the side and slapped it precisely across Kannazuki's face, knocking him to the ground.

"Analyze the data in normal mode, you freak! Say another word and I'll throw you out of the airlock!"

She commanded impatiently, then turned and stared intently at the screen, "Enlarge the energy reading area of ​​Phoenix Inu Chika!"

"Shido-kun has made unexpected contact with the target prediction!" an observer immediately reported.

In the scene, Shido and Chinatsu's hands accidentally touch the same bundle of watercress.

"Brief physical contact detected!" another crew member immediately reported, his tone professional.

"Lord Shido's heart rate spiked instantly, and his skin conductivity reached its peak!" the crew member in charge of physiological monitoring added.

Kotori clicked her tongue: "Tsk, this idiot older brother, getting distracted at a time like this..."

Seeing Shido's face turn red and his flustered state on the screen, she couldn't help but facepalm.

Kannazuki had gotten up again at some point, and although her nose was still a little red, she had regained her serious (?) expression:

"Commander! There's no need to worry! This brief contact might even ignite a stronger protective instinct and desire to perform in the Holy Son! It's a positive stimulus!"

Kotori ignored him and ordered, "Closely monitor Chinatsu's reactions and energy fluctuations! Report any abnormalities immediately!"

When Chinatsu calmly said in the scene, "My cooking will be the perfect product of calculation and understanding," a low gasp of surprise rippled through the bridge.

"The target spoke with confidence and clear logic."

"Energy readings are stable, with no signs of fraud or emotional fluctuations detected."

When Shido loudly replied, "My dishes may not have many 'optimal solutions,' but they will definitely be full of 'heartfelt intentions' that will bring smiles to everyone's faces!" Kannazuki couldn't help but speak up again.

He clasped his hands to his chest, almost moved to tears: "How pure! What fervent faith! This is the love of our Holy Son! Enough to purify everything!"

Kotori's lips twitched, barely suppressing the urge to hit him again, and she commented, "One is like a cold computer, the other like an overly enthusiastic single-celled organism... However, morale is good. Continue monitoring."

The atmosphere on the bridge noticeably changed when Chika began using liquid nitrogen and siphon bottles. "Report! Target detected manipulating a localized cryogenic environment! Energy form conversion, non-offensive, clearly targeted!"

"The target is performing sophisticated structural modifications on non-living matter! Similar to... a constructive ability?"

Chapter 44 The Truth of 22%

"Is this really cooking technique? I've never seen it applied like this before..." The crew members' voices were filled with surprise and rigor.

"Wait!" A crew member in charge of energy waveform analysis suddenly raised his voice.

"Compare in real time the spiritual energy ripples when the current target 'Chika' uses her ability with the records of the first appearance and battle of codename 'Rule of Reason (Walter)'!"

Two complex data streams and waveforms were quickly displayed on the large screen, and a high-speed comparison began. Several key parameter curves gradually showed signs of overlapping.

“Similarity analysis in progress… eliminating environmental noise interference… matching core frequency modulation mode…” The crew member stared intently at the screen.

"Report! When the current target 'Chika' uses her abilities, the similarity between her spiritual energy ripples and 'Walter's' has increased from the base value of 7.3% to 18.5%! Especially when interfering with the material structure, freezing with liquid nitrogen, and foaming, the peak similarity briefly reached 22%!"

Upon hearing this, a suppressed gasp rippled through the bridge.

Kannazuki temporarily switched back from her perverted mode, stroking her chin: "Oh? Such a significant increase... this can't be a coincidence. Could it be that the muscular male Herrscher in the skirt and this icy, beautiful female chef are using the same source of power? Or perhaps..."

Kotori abruptly sat upright in her commander's chair, the jewel in her mouth crunching loudly, her eyes incredibly sharp:

“Record all the data! Focus on analyzing the principles and limits of this ‘construction’ or ‘matter manipulation’ ability! This is absolutely key to understanding the nature of her power and her relationship with ‘Walter’!”

She stared at Chika's almost superhuman precision on the screen, watching the soaring similarity data, and muttered to herself, her tone filled with seriousness and inquiry.

"...Not only can they create things out of thin air, but they can also exert such precise control over physical states...They are indeed a troublesome and terrifying opponent. What exactly is the relationship between the two of you?"

This invisible pressure, even through the screen, seemed to envelop the bridge.

When the camera switched to Shido, the scene became much more "normal".

His solid knife skills, his expert roasting of sesame seeds, and his sauce preparation by feel.

"Shido-sama's process is smooth and conforms to an efficient home cooking model."

"Physiological indicators are stabilizing, and concentration is improving."

The atmosphere on the bridge eased, and as everyone watched Shido's busy and reliable figure, many crew members showed expressions of relief and even a little pride.

Compared to Chika's "showy skills" full of unknowns, Shido's down-to-earth and solid approach made them feel more at ease.

(The scene shifts back to the lounge)

“So you see,” Kotori said to Shido, her expression becoming more serious.

“We’re not just watching the show. That Chika clearly used her ability when she was cooking. The fluctuations she generated when she used her ability were significantly more similar to those of the 'Walter' who wore a skirt before.”

Shido was taken aback: "Similarity? And...that Mr. 'Walter'?"

“That’s right.” Kotori nodded.

"Although the specific relationship cannot be determined yet, this likely means that they are using the same source of power, an extremely sophisticated ability of 'matter manipulation' or 'construction'."

The liquid nitrogen and foam she used earlier were probably not just culinary skills, but rather a manifestation of that ability.

Shido then realized how much his sister and the entire organization had done behind the scenes, and he was even more moved: "Thank you, Kotori. And everyone."

"Good to know!" Kotori put her hands on her hips and then changed the subject, waving the lollipop between her fingers in the air.

"However, this also gives us a hint! In the 'cooking and flavor' round, she will likely use a similar method to pursue some kind of ultimate, technical 'perfection'."

"For example, using ultra-precise temperature control to slow-cook meat. So, regarding 'heat control and flavor'... Brother, do you have any thoughts? What dishes would you recommend?"

Shido thought for a moment and said, "Since it's about testing the control and depth of flavor... I'd like to make something that requires long stewing or careful grilling. Like beef stewed in red wine, or teriyaki eel? What do you think?"

Kotori nodded: "Yes, that's the right approach! Dishes that require time and patience will better showcase your strengths. However..." She gave a mischievous smile.

"But the other party is that 'mad scientist' who can cook with liquid nitrogen, you know? Ordinary stewing might not be enough. So, brother, we can't follow her lead."

"Your idea of ​​making stews or grilled dishes is correct, but we need a more sophisticated strategy! How about... trying something even more amazing?"

"Even more powerful?" Shido asked curiously.

“For example,” Kotori’s eyes lit up, “since she can use technology to achieve the tenderness of ‘slow cooking’, then you should do the opposite and use the most traditional techniques that require the most experience and patience.”

"For example, 'kaku-ni' (braised pork belly) or meticulous teriyaki relies on subtle changes in time and heat to create a profound flavor that machines cannot replicate!"

"Or, challenge yourself with dishes that require extremely precise timing and control, such as a perfect 'tonkatsu' (fried pork cutlet), with its golden, crispy exterior and juicy interior, which relies on the chef's touch and intuition!"

Lingyin calmly added from the side: "...According to the data, her ability is biased towards 'understanding and reconstructing' known things."

“You can consider incorporating some of your own original flavor combinations and processing methods, or those tailored for specific people, such as Kotori. These are variables derived from emotions and experiences, which cannot be recorded by databases and are difficult to simply ‘understand’ and reproduce.”

As Shido listened to his sister and Reine's more targeted suggestions, his eyes grew brighter and brighter.

He felt his thinking had been opened up; he was no longer responding blindly, but had found a possible breakthrough. The opponent's power was strong and precise.

But perhaps precisely because of this, certain things that originate from "people" and cannot be quantified can become crucial.

"I understand!" Shido clenched his fist, his confidence growing, and this time his eyes held a hint of strategic thinking.

“I’ll use her potential ‘path dependency’ to fight back with the ‘human touch’ that can’t be easily replicated by technology or sincerity… I know what to do!”

(Phoenix Academy student... no, perhaps I should say, you who possess mysterious powers... in the next round, I will challenge your "reason" with the burning passion of "humanity"!)

Chapter 45 Loneliness on Both Sides of the Glass

As Shido listened to Kotori's analysis and suggestions, his mind raced as he considered how to maximize the "human touch" in the next round.

"Perhaps... I could make that 'pork broth' that Mom used to make all the time? Simmering it with miso and root vegetables for a long time would create a very rich flavor... Or, I could try controlling the caramelization of the teriyaki sauce..."

As he spoke, he subconsciously raised his head, his gaze sweeping across the huge glass window and looking toward Phoenix Institute Chika's lounge across the street.

He had only caught a fleeting glance before, but now he could see it much more clearly.

In the lounge across the street, only Chinatsu was there. Unlike Shido, she didn't have a companion to discuss tactics with.

She wasn't even sitting upright; instead, she leaned back slightly in her chair, appearing somewhat relaxed, or rather... tired.