Food Wars: Taste Reversal

On the second day, the fourth assessment was successfully held.

The questions in this exam were very similar to the second assessment, except that the original "50-person set meal" had evolved into an "80-person set meal." The diners were still a group of muscular brothers and noblemen, and the students who completed this assessment felt that their whole bodies were about to collapse.

Everyone in Polar Star Dorm went back to their rooms to take a shower after the assessment, and not long after they got together, they heard an announcement from the big radio.

"To all the students, you have worked hard today."

"Is it the head chef Dojima Gin?" Yuki Yoshino, who was already slumped in her chair, raised her head listlessly and immediately recognized the owner of the voice.

The announcements on the radio continued.

"One hour from now, that is, at 10 p.m., please change into your uniform and gather in the Grand Ballroom."

The notice came to an abrupt end at this point, and Dojima Gin didn't say what to do after the gathering. But it wouldn't take much thought to realize it wasn't good—this was another way for the academy to torture them.

"At 22 o'clock... Kill me!" Zenji Marui, who already had dark circles under his eyes, wailed. "Can't you let me go to bed early?"

"No, it's more than that. Calling us together so late... What the hell is going on?" Ryoko rubbed her temples with a headache, looking tired.

The people who had planned to go back to their rooms for a good night's sleep had no choice but to get up and change their clothes, then rush to the grand banquet hall mentioned in the announcement.

Along the way, tired students shuffled like ghosts toward the banquet hall. The tense atmosphere of the first day of residential training was gone, replaced by a collective irritation due to lack of sleep.

Fortunately, Shiraki had the foresight to take a nap in advance. He had no plans to stay up late tonight, as he could think about things tomorrow. It was truly convenient to make a few random meals during the assessment—no need for the great lengths other students went to conceive breakfast menus for the next day.

Just after everyone arrived, Dojima Gin on the stage finally began to speak.

"Okay, it looks like we're all assembled... Everybody, look this way!"

All the lights in the banquet hall suddenly focused on Dojima Gin, drawing the students' attention.

"I asked you to gather now for one reason: to inform you of tomorrow's exam questions!"

"The project is to create a new breakfast menu for the guests of Totsuki Resort!"

"Breakfast, the face of the hotel, is an important meal to kick off the day for guests who have stayed overnight. I want you to come up with a fresh dish that will delight and surprise your guests at their tables."

At this point, the students below began whispering in small commotion.

"What do you mean? Are we supposed to make dishes worthy of Totsuki Resort's reputation?"

"Just kidding, that's way too difficult, isn't it?"

"Quiet, let's listen to what the head chef has to say..."

Dojima Gin ignored the murmurs below and continued, "The main ingredient you will use is 'eggs.' As for the types of dishes, there are no restrictions—whether Japanese or Western, you can be as creative as you like. But the most basic condition is that your dishes should be served in buffet style."

"The examination will start at 6 a.m. tomorrow morning, so please prepare in advance so the examiners can try your dishes!"

"From now until tomorrow morning at 6 a.m., you have free time. All kitchens will be open for you to try your dishes. Of course, you can also go back to your room to get some sleep!"

"Well, then, I'll see you tomorrow morning at 6 a.m. Adjourned!"

Dojima Gin came and left as quickly as he could. After dropping this bombshell announcement, he exited from the backstage, leaving behind a group of wailing students rushing to the kitchens.

Although most students were overcome with drowsiness, Dojima's meaning was clear—if you wanted to pass the test tomorrow, you wouldn't be sleeping tonight!

This almost threatening advice made everyone tense. The major kitchens were quickly occupied, and the exhausted students began staying up all night experimenting with their dishes.

In just two minutes, the entire banquet hall had nearly emptied.

Shiraki looked at Erina, Hisako, Alice, Ryo Kurokiba, and the others still present, greeted them casually, and turned to leave with a yawn.

"Shiraki-kun, aren't you going to the kitchen?"

Seeing Shiraki heading back toward his room, Alice called out in surprise.

"No, come on." Shiraki waved dismissively.

"What confidence... Then I'll have to work hard. Oh, and Shiraki-kun, be sure to visit my booth tomorrow!"

"Okay, see you tomorrow."

After exchanging a few words, they parted ways. Erina, who stood behind them with her arms crossed, watched the interaction with a conflicted expression.

Even Hisako Arato noticed her hesitation and asked tentatively, "Erina-sama... Do you want to go up and talk?"

"No, no, it's not that! I was just thinking about what I should cook tomorrow..." Erina replied hastily, her face reddening. However, by the time she spoke, Shiraki and Alice had already disappeared, leaving only her and Hisako in the hall.

"Ahh..."

Sighing quietly, Erina felt annoyed. She knew she should have gone up to talk.

Hisako, noticing Erina's downcast mood, felt a mix of concern and amusement.

Time ticked by slowly. As the night deepened, more and more students succumbed to the chaos.

Under the unexpected challenge of Dojima Gin's "fourth assessment," countless students were destined for a sleepless night.