Full Marks for the Black Dragon
“Huh?”
The shocking declaration froze the room. No one could handle the aged Compu Mushroom.
What the hell are they expecting us to do with this insane ingredient?!
Eric’s frustration didn’t escape his lips. One wrong breath, and the stench would assault his nose. It was almost a survival instinct.
No one can pull this off, right?
Watching his rivals collapse into chaos, Eric foresaw the future. If no one passed, they’d swap ingredients and start over…
Tap—tap—
Then, the sharp sound of knives rang out. Turning his gaze, Eric saw those three from earlier pressing on without a hint of hesitation or tremor.
These crazy bastards…
Eric couldn’t believe his eyes. They weren’t just forcing their bodies to move—they were truly cooking, each in their own way.
“Participant Avant-garde! He’s mixing small fish and mushrooms together! And what’s that… medicinal herbs!”
The host raised his voice near Avant-garde’s station. The judge watching the process nodded and commented.
“Northern style. Certain herbs can greatly reduce the stench, depending on the type. He’s using strong ones tailored to the aged ingredients.”
Avant-garde, the streamer who’d traveled the continent, knew diverse cooking methods—it wasn’t surprising. But adapting fluidly to the altered ingredient properties? That was impressive.
Whoosh—!
Meanwhile, eyes shifted to Riwei’s station, where massive flames roared.
“Whoa…”
“Is he a real chef or what?”
“He’s the son of some huge Chinese restaurant chain, right?”
Seleade frontrunner Riwei wielded a giant iron plate like a wok. The prepped ingredients and seasonings screamed authentic Chinese technique.
Especially that sauce brewing alongside—no one could guess what was in it.
“Participant Riwei shows masterful skill! That intense, spicy sauce aroma is already whetting appetites! The mushroom stench doesn’t even register!”
The host, sniffing the air, grew even more excited. The sauce’s thick, aggressive scent dominated the venue.
“A wide variety of ingredients in that sauce. Could turn muddy if mishandled, but the balance is exquisite. Even the spicy spices from western regions are used just right. Smart move with that high heat for the wok hei.”
“…Ugh.”
The ongoing successes crushed Eric’s spirit. But his burning resentment overshadowed the defeat.
Splash—
He soaked a cloth in water and clamped it over his nose. Taste be damned. He’d trust his hard-earned knowledge and senses. Worst case, no loss.
Sizzle—!
With renewed resolve, the cooking resumed. Only about 30 participants remained in the race.
“Whoa, what’s that?”
“That’s pro-level.”
“He’s good at cooking too?”
Gazes turned to the key figure: Black Dragon. Thanks to reading the original RP novel, he possessed outlandish knowledge. Who knew it extended to cooking? His performance was utterly unexpected.
Tap—tap—sizzle—
Even as Eric focused on his own work, his eyes drifted over. Black Dragon moved with the fluid grace of a seasoned chef.
What the hell is this guy?
His knife work was precise, fast, and forceful—nothing ordinary. His movements flowed as naturally as if he’d used that station every day.
The way he handled tools. Controlled the fire. Everything drew Eric in.
“Oh? That’s snow mountain boar liver! No idea where he got it!”
The host watching Black Dragon spotted a rare ingredient. Known for its overpowering texture and aroma that could drown out most flavors, this piece boasted vivid crimson hue and glossy surface—top quality.
“A rare find. Tricky to handle, finicky in cooking and pairing. He moves like he’s spent years at it… I’m curious what dish this becomes.”
The judge sounded genuinely surprised.
Sizzle—
Ignoring the stares, Black Dragon focused intently. His aura evoked a master who’d weathered every storm.
Damn it.
The gap widened. Amid the emotional whirlwind, Eric gritted his teeth. He had no choice but to pour everything into his dish.
Thirty minutes later.
“Time’s up! Participants, step away from your stations!”
The host’s call ended the round. Everyone’s dishes sat plated.
“Let’s begin.”
The judge who’d observed throughout rose and approached the stations slowly. First up: the nearest participant.
“Stir-fry, huh.”
He examined the plate closely. Moments later—
Whoosh—!
He flung it aside.
“Zero points.”
“W-What?! Why my dish…!”
The participant’s eyes bulged in protest. The judge narrowed his like he was eyeing a bug.
“Think dumping oil hides the mushroom stench? Tastes like chewing rubber soaked in filthy water.”
Whoosh—
Sharp critique delivered, he moved on. The verdicts stayed brutal.
“You know salt from sugar? Wouldn’t feed this to my worst enemy. Zero.”
“Undercooked noodles made it even more revolting. Starving monster wouldn’t touch this trash. Zero.”
“Pathetic. Did you think this was a kids’ play contest? Zero.”
Participants plummeted with zero after zero. The hell continued until only four remained.
“Hm.”
Next: Avant-garde. The judge lifted the plate, scrutinizing.
“Clever herb usage.”
He nodded slowly, then scooped a spoonful and tasted.
“Mm.”
Eyes closed, he savored it deliberately. Finally, setting the spoon down:
“Good attempt, but the herbs overwhelmed the mushroom’s flavor. Refine the balance. 5 points.”
“As I figured. Disappointing.”
Avant-garde nodded coolly, accepting the fair critique. He hadn’t fully countered the aged ingredient.
Step—
The judge stopped before Eric.
“Hm.”
His gaze probed the dish. Spoon in hand, he poked through it.
“Solid basics, but you rushed.”
“…!”
Eric’s eyes widened at the piercing assessment. It stung deeper than expected.
“Basics alone don’t make a great dish. You need deeper ingredient understanding. 2 points.”
Whoosh—
Judgment passed, he moved to Riwei.
“Hm.”
Unlike the others, he spent triple the time examining Riwei’s plate.
“Definitely different.”
Nodding, he scooped and tasted.
Slurp—
Chewing slowly, eyes closing then opening. He set the plate down.
“Clear vision in this dish. Skill rivals a pro chef. Sauce, spices, and char—well harmonized.”
The praise flowed in detail. But it didn’t end there.
“Great balance, but the key is the impression it leaves. Compu Mushroom’s strengths are flavor and texture—you needed to highlight them more. Lighter technique would’ve helped. 8 points.”
“Regretful, but it’s my best. No regrets.”
p>Riwei shrugged it off. He’d given his all.
The judge turned to the final participant.
“Hm?”
Stopping at the station, he peered at the plate curiously. Leaning in, he asked Black Dragon:
“What’d you make?”
“Steak from Compu Mushroom and snow mountain boar liver. Together, they create a tender, meat-like texture.”
“…You knew that, huh.”
Nodding, he leaned closer, inhaling deeply. It didn’t take as long as Riwei’s— he was eager to taste.
Slice—
Fork and knife in hand, he cut carefully. Tender yet springy.
Schick—
A large piece went in swiftly. The moment the juicy steak hit his tongue—
“…!”
Eyes flew wide in shock.
Chew—
His expression shifted with every bite: bliss, surprise, awe. The rapid changes piqued curiosity.
Gulp—
How good is it? Just watching made everyone crave it.
The judge continued in rapture. Soon, the plate was empty.
“Ha.”
He smacked his lips regretfully, staring at the empty dish before looking up at Black Dragon.
“Outstanding. I’d steal that technique myself.”
Sincere admiration poured out.
“Precise doneness complements their textures perfectly. The mushroom and liver oozed umami like meat juices. Unique sauce and grilled veggies pushed it to near perfection.”
“Thank you. What’s the score?”
“10 out of 10, of course. Shame that’s my max. If you visit the capital, stop by my place.”
The judge unpinned a small brooch from his chest and handed it to Black Dragon. Then he turned and left the venue.
“Uh…”
The host stared after him. Once he was gone:
“The winner is Black Dragon! He scored a perfect 10 out of 10!”