When Shun heard what Shuu-sensei said, he did freeze for a second.
He was the one to guide her?
He had indeed grasped Food Honor, but he hadn't trained for long. In the world of Shokugeki he basically had no rivals, yet to rise to the level of a teacher… he still felt a bit short.
What's more, the one he'd be guiding was Miyoko. That added pressure.
"Shuu-sensei, this… you want me to do the guiding?" Shun asked, a little hesitant.
Shuu-sensei kept that all-seeing smile and said, "Teaching is the best touchstone for testing the results of your own training. Bringing her here and letting her see Shokurin Temple already proves your strength. Retrace the path you walked, and observe every step from a guide's vantage point. For you, this will be indispensable tempering on the road toward the ultimate secret art of food."
The phrase "ultimate secret art of food" made Shun's spirit jolt.
At Shokurin Temple he had only completed the basics of Food Honor. Forget the ultimate—he hadn't even reached where Shuu-sensei stood now… no, for a long while he probably wouldn't be able to get there.
Or so Shun believed.
How far his Food Honor had actually gone, even he wasn't sure. Perhaps only Chin Town could measure it.
Shuu-sensei's gaze deepened; he smiled on. "When you successfully lead your friend and she steps through the threshold of Food Honor, you may understand why I arranged today as I did. It won't only be her recognition—it will be your ticket to challenge deeper mysteries… perhaps Shoku-metsu… or perhaps what I just said, the ultimate secret art of food."
"I understand, Shuu-sensei."
Shun bowed solemnly. "I won't fail your trust!"
As soon as he spoke, the system's chime rang in his head.
Ding—Quest triggered: [Elevate Yourself II].
Quest: [Elevate Yourself II]
Objective: Successfully guide Hojo Miyoko to master the basics of Food Honor, enabling her to maintain the "gratitude" mind-state independently for more than thirty minutes without the host's guidance.
Rewards: [Food Honor Insight (Advanced)] ×1, Energy +300
Special Reward: [Hundred-Flavors Harmonizing Dew] ×1
…
Another system item he'd never seen!
He didn't know what it did yet, but the name alone screamed importance.
Still, Shun didn't dare relax. In the past, quests usually only came with a basic reward; this was the first time there was a special reward.
That could only mean one thing—the task looked simple but actually had teeth.
After making the arrangements, Shuu-sensei turned and left, no longer interfering with Shun and Miyoko.
Shun received special permission to take Miyoko anywhere except the training tower.
Once Shuu-sensei departed, Shun led Miyoko into Shokurin Temple.
Following at Shun's side, Miyoko's curiosity ballooned the moment they passed the threshold—she found everything here fascinating.
"Shun, what do we do next? Do we start training right away?" Miyoko asked, itching to go; she could hardly wait to explore this special place.
Shun shook his head, calm. "No training today. Shuu-sensei gave us access to most areas—that's a rare chance. Training in Food Honor can't be rushed. The first things you need are understanding and feeling."
"Understanding and feeling?" Miyoko blinked, puzzled again.
Shun nodded, explaining with patience. "Shokurin Temple itself is the best teacher. Every structure, every plant, even the moving air carries principles of Food Honor. If you rush, you'll reap the opposite—and you might even provoke rejection."
Miyoko remembered what Shun had said earlier—the temple had a will.
If you hurry, your Food Honor becomes muddled.
Hearing that, she reined in her impatience at once and nodded seriously. "I understand… I was too hasty. So now we…"
"Come with me."
Shun smiled and started forward. "I'll help you truly get to know the place where we'll live and train for a while."
Taking on the role of guide, Shun led Miyoko on a slow walk through the temple's main grounds.
They walked upon a road paved with white stone whose name neither of them knew. Shun gestured at the buildings around them. "These structures aren't dead things. They change subtly with the heart. If you hold reverence, they're steady and warm; if even a trace of disrespect creeps in, they may become slick, repellent—or even attack you."
Just like the very first time Shun had come to Shokurin Temple: he let stray thoughts in while stepping onto the stone steps and got struck for it.
Or like in the "plot," people who tried to run—the temple's wrath (wildfire) answered them.
As he spoke, Shun and Miyoko passed a vast vegetable garden.
It dwarfed the field behind Polar Star Dormitory many times over, full of greens and fruits Miyoko had never laid eyes on.
"These vegetables… they're so unusual. Are these ingredients unique to this world?" Miyoko asked, eyes round with curiosity.
"This is Shokurin Temple's Sincere Heart Garden," Shun explained. "Everything grown here has exceptionally keen perception. Only those who harvest with pure gratitude can pick them—and unlock their most extreme flavors. Otherwise, they'll wither before your eyes."
They continued north until they came to the bank of a murmuring stream. The water ran crystal-clear and carried a faint sweetness.
Scooping a handful, Shun said, "This is the Spring of Gratitude. Drink it regularly and it calms the heart. But if you're restless and irritable, the water you taste will turn bitter."
Without a doubt, most food within Shokurin Temple belonged to the so-called "special ingredients" of this world—without special methods, they couldn't be handled.
Truthfully, Shun had debated for a long time whether to let Miyoko stay and reflect in the temple.
Putting aside that Miyoko came from another world—even many capable people native to the Gourmet world couldn't endure the harsh training here.
You needed talent, yes—but more than that, unyielding will. Those who gave up halfway were innumerable; those who succeeded were few and far between.
But now that they had chosen this place, Shun had to stick with it—help Miyoko complete her first class at Shokurin Temple.
Shun didn't rush things. He spent three full days letting Miyoko grow familiar with the temple, and only on the fourth day did he officially begin training.
…
(End of Chapter)
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