Hiroto Tonomachi was already too excited to contain himself, his hands clenched into fists in front of his chest, his eyes following Chinatsu's every move with fervor:
"See that? This is my little sister Chika! That flawless skill! That relentless pursuit of perfection! That absolute confidence emanating from that cold exterior! This is the true goddess of cooking! Unmatched!!"
His support was heavily influenced by personal emotion, contrasting sharply with the calm, technical atmosphere on the field.
Chapter 54 The Final Judgment of "Perfection" and "Intention"
Two images were clearly displayed on the main screen of the bridge: on one side, Shido was gently and attentively stirring the mousse, and on the other side, Chinatsu was sifting cocoa powder like a precision machine.
The air was filled with the low hum of the equipment and the clear reports from the operators.
Shiizaki's fingers slid rapidly across the control panel, bringing up the energy monitoring curve, his tone steady and professional:
"Report! Continuous monitoring of target Qianxia. The fluctuation of spiritual energy on her body surface is stable, remaining below the basic threshold. Operational precision parameters are consistently at peak levels, and no abnormal energy intervention or construction phenomena have been detected. Repeat, no signs of power usage have been found."
Her report temporarily set the tone for this match as a "purely technical contest."
Ganben adjusted his glasses, staring intently at Shido's physiological data panel, his voice carrying a barely perceptible hint of approval:
"Comparative data update. After Shido added the special syrup, his heart rate variability (HRV) showed that his focus and relaxation reached the optimal balance point, and his skin conductance (GSR) showed characteristic waveforms related to pleasant emotions."
"The synchronization rate between emotional fluctuation readings and the current cooking process—especially the key steps of flavor fusion—has significantly increased to 87%." The data vividly reflects Shido's heartfelt dedication and joy when he is immersed in cooking.
Kaminari had left her seat sometime earlier, one knee slightly bent, right hand on her chest, gazing up at the main screen, a blush of sacred ecstasy spreading across her face, and she sighed in an aria-like voice:
"Ah! This breathtaking final stage! This culinary symphony interwoven with the radiance of the soul! Behold! Our Holy Son is transforming his boundless love for the world into a heartwarming sweetness!"
"And that ice artist, with absolute rationality, sculpts a perfect masterpiece! On one side is heartwarming compassion, on the other is the pursuit of ultimate craftsmanship! This is no longer a simple culinary duel, but a magnificent dance of the light of humanity and the pinnacle of skill! How wonderful! How... ah!"
His lyrical verses were once again interrupted by a precise projectile thrown from the commander's seat.
Kotori maintained her throwing motion, the pearl-shaped stick in her mouth swaying dangerously up and down, her gaze never leaving the main screen, her eyes sharp:
"Shut up, you pervert! Get back to your post!" After scolding Kannazuki, her gaze swept back and forth between Shido's gentle face and Chinatsu's expressionless profile, muttering to herself in a tone that was both analytical and encouraging:
“Good, Shido, that’s the feeling. Keep your rhythm and that mood… As for that Chinatsu…” She narrowed her eyes slightly.
"...Indeed impressive. This near-inhuman precision, achieved purely through skill without relying on any supernatural powers...it's like a sophisticated culinary machine. But..."
A knowing smile curved her lips. "The more absolutely rational and impeccable she appeared, the more precious her clumsy yet sincere 'heartfelt intentions' were."
“Continue to monitor closely and don’t overlook any details! I want to see which side can truly touch people’s hearts when ‘perfection’ meets ‘sincerity’.”
The atmosphere on the bridge was a blend of professional monitoring, dramatic performances, and strategic analysis, closely following the escalating dessert showdown on the ground.
While waiting for the mousse to set, Shido began making decorative chocolate rolls. He skillfully spread melted chocolate on a marble slab and used a spatula to roll it into beautiful curves.
When Chika was sifting the cocoa powder for the last time, she deliberately adjusted the shaking frequency of the sieve so that the cocoa powder would fall in an extremely even and delicate snow scene effect. Her precision once again drew a murmur from the audience.
Although the two did not speak directly, their every action and every seasoning seemed to be a silent response to their earlier argument in the ingredients section.
Shido proves the value of "heart" with his warmth and "uniqueness," while Chinatsu defends the dignity of "technology" with her impeccable skills.
On the kitchen counter, the symphony of ice and fire is nearing its end.
Two distinct yet equally enticing aromas mingled in the air, foreshadowing the intense clash that was about to take place during the final tasting.
As the countdown ticked away, the anticipation of the audience and judges reached its peak.
Ninety minutes of creative time passed in the blink of an eye. When the clock struck zero, Shido and Chinatsu stopped what they were doing almost simultaneously.
Shido carefully took the perfectly set mousse out of the refrigerator.
The dark brown chocolate shell was smooth as a mirror, reflecting the stage lights.
He unmolded it and placed it in the center of a pre-cooled pure white porcelain plate, garnishing it with a few bright red raspberries and a small piece of emerald green mint leaf.
Finally, he used melted white chocolate to draw simple yet elegant spiral lines on the side of the plate.
His "Heartfelt Flow" Raspberry Chocolate Mousse is complete. The overall design is warm and elegant, exuding a comforting sweetness.
When Chinatsu's work was taken out of the refrigerator, it elicited a murmur of surprise.
The “Data-Perfect” Tiramisu is served in a clear glass.
The layers are distinct, like geological fault lines, with the top layer of cocoa powder as even as fresh snow, and the edible gold leaf shimmering with a cold light under the lamp.
She needs no embellishment; her very existence is a perfect work of art—exquisite, aloof, and impeccable.
Two desserts with very different styles were served to the judges, creating a striking visual contrast.
With unprecedented anticipation, the five judges (including the trio) picked up their delicate dessert spoons and chose to taste Shido's mousse first.
The spoon easily breaks through the smooth chocolate shell, penetrating deep into the silky mousse inside.
When you put it in your mouth, the first sensation is the rich, slightly bitter taste of dark chocolate, followed by the fresh and lively tartness of raspberry jam, the two blending perfectly in your mouth.
What's most impressive is the warm undertone of the special citrus honey syrup—it's not just a simple sweetness, but a complex, mellow sweetness with a touch of sunshine and a soft floral aroma.
It skillfully balances the richness of chocolate with the tartness of raspberry, making the overall flavor round and mellow, as if wrapped in a warm sense of happiness.
In terms of texture, the mousse is as light as air and melts in your mouth, creating a wonderful contrast with the occasional burst of juice from a whole raspberry.
Ms. Xiaozhu cupped her face in her hands, her eyes glistening with tears of emotion: "Ah...it's so delicious! It's sweet and sour, but so warm and comforting...it feels like being gently embraced! Is this the 'heartfelt sentiment' that Wuhe was talking about?"
The origami master savored the experience: "The flavor layers are perfectly constructed. The special syrup is the key variable, successfully enhancing the overall complexity and appeal of the flavor. The efficiency in conveying emotion is extremely high."
After tasting it, Murasame Reine closed her eyes slightly and remarked: "...The synergistic effect between citrus aromatic hydrocarbons and chocolate flavor compounds is significant, and the roundness of honey reduces the fatigue of the taste buds. The expected secretion of neurochemicals related to pleasure...is greatly enhanced."
After finishing their meal, the trio hugged each other. Ai: "This is so wonderful! I feel like I could run three more marathons!" Mai: "Emotional resonance has reached its peak! The satisfaction level is off the charts!" Mii: "Supreme happiness! (Unparalleled happiness!)"
As for Hiroto Tonomachi... he ate while tears streamed down his face: "Shido... you bastard... how could you make something so unfairly delicious..."
After the effects of the tiramisu wore off, the group began to enjoy Chika's tiramisu.
Chapter 55 Uncopyable Variables
The richness of coffee liqueur, the creamy and mellow flavor of mascarpone cheese, the moist and soft ladyfingers after soaking, the slight bitterness of cocoa powder... every flavor reaches textbook-level standards, with clear layers of taste and impeccable texture.
This is undoubtedly an extremely authentic tiramisu made with the finest craftsmanship.
However, after tasting Shido's mousse, which is full of "heartfelt" and unique memories, this absolute "perfection" seems to lack a unique "soul" that can touch the depths of the heart.
It is perfect, but that makes it seem somewhat...standard, lacking unexpected warmth and emotional impact.
After carefully tasting it, Ms. Xiaozhu said, "It's very, very delicious! Very authentic! But... compared to Wuhe's, it feels like it's missing something... that warm feeling in one's heart?"
Origami Tobiichi: "The technical execution is impeccable. The flavor reproduction is 99.9%. However, it falls slightly short in terms of 'uniqueness' and 'emotional value'."
Murasame Reine: "...All parameters have reached their optimal values. However, it lacks a 'non-linear emotional variable' like a special syrup."
After discussing it, the trio said, "It's incredibly delicious! But it feels similar to what we ate at famous Italian restaurants... while Itsuka-kun's is truly unique!"
Hiroto Tonomachi struggled in agony: "Perfect! Chinatsu's cooking is perfect! But... Shido's... it tastes like 'home'! Ugh..."
[Voting Session]
The outcome was almost predetermined after the tasting.
Origami Tobiichi answered without hesitation: "Shido Itsuka."
Murasame's voice calmly pointed: "Itsukawa Shido."
The trio shouted in unison, "We vote for Itsuki!"
Ms. Kozuma looked at Chinatsu with an apologetic but firm expression: "I'm sorry, Phoenix Institute, your work is excellent... but Itsuka's cooking touches my heart even more. I vote for Itsuka."
In his final struggle, Hiroto Tonomachi let out a wail and pointed at Shido: "I'm so sorry, Chika-chan! It's Shido's 'feelings' that are too unfair!"
5:0!
"The results are in—!!" Ai Yamabuki shouted excitedly.
"In the third round, the winner of 'Heartfelt Inspiration and Creativity' is—Itsuka Shido! He also wins the final victory in this Raizen High School Dream Cooking Showdown with a total score of 2 to 1!!"
The entire audience erupted in thunderous applause and cheers! Surrounded by the crowd, Shido scratched his head somewhat embarrassedly, his face beaming with joy and relief.
Amidst this jubilation, Phoenix Inu Chinatsu remained unusually silent.
Her icy blue eyes were fixed on the mousse that belonged to Shido, which had already been tasted, on the judges' panel.
She walked over without a word, picked up a clean little spoon, carefully scooped out a tiny bit from the edge of the mousse, and put it in her mouth.
Close your eyes and savor the moment.
The next second, she suddenly opened her eyes! Her pupils contracted sharply, as if she had sensed something that overturned her understanding.
(The time is now!)
Without the slightest hesitation, she moved swiftly, appearing like a ghost in front of the cooking station Shido had just used! Her speed was so fast that even the cheers faltered!
"What is she going to do?!" Everyone was stunned.
Chinatsu's gaze was sharp as a scanner, quickly sweeping over Shido's remaining ingredients, the jar of special syrup, and every kitchen utensil he had used—the spatula, the mixing bowl, the thermometer…
Then, she moved her hands!
Reason and Law Authority – Complete Imitation, Activated!
Her movements were no longer the elegant and precise movements that were full of personal style before, but instead became a perfect replication of every single movement that Shido had made before!
From the way you hold the knife, to the angle of stirring, to the range of force you exert with your wrist, and even the momentary hesitation when switching the heat... everything is exactly the same!
She used her rational powers to achieve the ultimate perception and control over the flow of matter and energy, realizing a theoretically impossible 100% accurate reproduction in both the physical level and operational procedures.
She even used her powers to microscopically analyze the ingredients of Shido's special syrup and perfectly simulated the process!
The whole process was like pressing the replay button, only the speed was increased several times.
A raspberry chocolate mousse, almost identical in appearance, texture, and smell to Shido's, appeared in her hand.
She immediately tasted it again.
She analyzed it carefully, using all the senses she could muster...
"boom!!!"
With a loud bang, she slammed her fists down on the countertop, making the utensils vibrate.
She lowered her head deeply, her long, icy blue hair falling down and obscuring her face; only her shoulders could be seen trembling slightly.
In the silence, her trembling voice, filled with disbelief and the pain of a collapsing belief, clearly echoed throughout the otherwise quiet venue:
"I can't accept this..."
“It’s clearly…the same ingredients…the same kitchen utensils…and even…the exact same cooking method…”
"Why...why are there two different flavors?!"
She suddenly raised her head, her face no longer displaying its usual aloofness, but instead filled with persistence, confusion, and a sense of "anger" and "resentment" at the subversion of "absolute rationality."
Her icy blue eyes were fixed on Shido, as if trying to see right through him, and her voice suddenly rose in pitch:
"I can't accept this! Cooking... cooking should be able to achieve the same result through precise calculations and perfect reproduction!"
"Data doesn't lie! Methods can be copied! Why is it that your...your 'intentions'...can produce variables that data can't explain?! Why can't they be perfectly replicated?!"
These words, filled with a stubborn adherence to the belief that "cooking is the absolute science" and a sense of frustration in the face of things that cannot be quantified, perfectly embody a genius who prioritizes technology above all else.
The intense cognitive conflict and mental upheaval that arise when encountering phenomena that cannot be explained by existing theoretical frameworks.
The audience was silent.
Everyone was stunned by this sudden, dramatic, and impactful scene.
They watched as the transfer student, who had always been as calm and perfect as an iceberg, revealed such a "vulnerable" and "stubborn" side because he could not replicate his opponent's "intentions".
Shido was also stunned. Looking at Chinatsu's eyes, which were filled with "unwillingness," he felt a mix of emotions.
(Is she... really that obsessed with technology and replication? To the point...?)
Only Chika herself knew just how perfect this "collapse" performance was.
(Very good... The character of the 'foodie obsessed with technique and unable to understand feelings' has been completely established, and the point of 'unable to understand Shido's feelings' has been put on the table in the most intense way... Now, you should come and 'conquer' me, Itsuka Shido? This way, you won't attract the ultimate boss, Takamiya Mio.)
This epic culinary duel concluded with a dramatic finale orchestrated by Chinatsu Hououin, featuring a "collapse of beliefs." But the real battle may have only just begun.
Chapter 56 Waiting at the School Gate
The setting sun painted the sky a warm orange-red, casting a soft twilight over Laichan High School. The hustle and bustle subsided, and most students had already begun their journey home.
Beneath the lush cherry blossom tree beside the school gate, a graceful figure stood out.
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