66 Chapter Sixty-Four
Sorry for the delay again, I've become very poorly recently plus with uni and work, life is hard, but don't worry chapter will still be coming.
...
Orario's streets buzzed with excitement. Everywhere, the air was filled with the sweet aroma of baked goods, hearty laughter, and the general merriment of the festival.
But amid this celebration, a sense of urgency was palpable, at least for two people.
"Hey, would you hurry it up already did you not just hear the bell, that means the baking competition will be starting in less than five"
"Well excuse me for having to go number two...that's the last time I ever buy special candy from a guy in a black alleyway."
"..." To that statement, his friend didn't even have any words to say.
Hearing the news that the competition would begin in a mere five minutes, Muichiro's eyes squinted slightly.
'The competition...is starting.'
Without hesitation, his eyes scanned the landscape, formulating a path in his mind.
He inhaled deeply, bent his knees, and exploded into a sprint, his feet barely touching the ground.
[NATURES BLESSING: WIND!!!]
From the rooftops to narrow alleyways, Muichiro moved with an almost fairy-like grace.
Every leap, every pivot, every footfall was calculated, showcasing the blend of his natural agility and months of training.
The wind whipped past him, and the city became a blur, yet his focus remained razor-sharp.
...
Meanwhile, back at the competition venue, the tension was palpable. Contestants stood at their stations, ready with their ingredients and ovens preheated.
The MC began his countdown, but a notable absence was clear. May's station remained untouched, her mixers silent, her oven cold. A murmur ran through the audience.
"Where's the representative from the Hostess of Fertility?"
"Starting without her? That's harsh."
However, May could only clutch her apron, hoping in her heart that Muichiro would make it.
"Don't worry May, I'm sure Muichiro will be here any second, he promised after all," Anya said comforting May.
Anya's words did make May feel a little more at ease.
...
As Muichiro navigated the city's skyline, unexpected challenges arose. An elderly lady, her feet tangled in the uneven cobblestone streets, began to topple.
In a mere second, a hand steadied her, and she found herself looking into dead turquoise eyes before the figure vanished again.
Further down, a young boy's cries pierced the air as his balloon escaped his grasp.
Yet, before it could float too far away, a hand reached out, catching the string.
The balloon was returned, and the boy's tears transformed into a smile of pure joy.
But when he looked up to thank his saviour, only the distant silhouette of a figure leaping between rooftops met his gaze.
Finally, as the MC reached "one", a swift gust blew through the venue. The audience gasped, and there, standing at May's station, was Muichiro, and holding the precious Celestia Spora.
May's eyes welled up with tears of gratitude, but there was no time to waste. With a nod of acknowledgement, she began her process, and the competition truly started.
From the audience, murmurs of amazement filled the air.
"Who was that?!"
"Did you see that entrance?!"
"It's like he appeared out of thin air!"
.....
In the middle of the bustling competition, with the whirring of mixers and the clatter of pans, a brief, touching moment unfolded.
Muichiro had finally handed the Celestia Spora to May.
"I promise, with this, I'll win. For the Hostess of Fertility, for myself... and," May hesitated, a blush rising to her cheeks,' for you, Muichiro.'
Muichiro, always the reserved one, nodded. "I believe in you."
From the sidelines, the girls from the Hostess of Fertility watched with bated breath.
Their excitement was palpable. Lunoire, with her big, expressive eyes, whispered to Chloe, "Hey, did you see that? Muichiro came through for May!"
Anya, her cat-like eyes twinkling with mischief, teased, "Well, well, well... seems like our Hero came Nya-Ha-ha-ha!!!"
Chloe gave a light chuckle, her elegant demeanour ever-present, "It seems so. But right now, let's focus on the competition."
But 90 percent of her focus was on Muichiro and how cute and handsome he looked in his festival attire.' AHHHH~ he really is best boy...'
As Muichiro began to move away from the stage, Anya, ever the exuberant one, called out, "Oi! Muichiro! Over here!" Waving him over-enthusiastically, she cleared a spot next to her. "Come on, let's watch May together!"
....
The soft din of the competition became background noise as their attention fixated on May, who was working fervently.
Every movement was precise, her focus unwavering.
Suddenly, a snooty, high-pitched laugh cut through the atmosphere. "Ohohoho! If it isn't May! Trying your hand at winning again this year? With those commoner ingredients?"
May stiffened, recognizing that voice instantly. It was the haughty dog girl, Elara, her fiercest rival from a competing pub, known for her annoying and cocky personality.
She stood tall, her canine ears twitching with every condescending laugh, her posture screaming of overconfidence.
May took a deep breath, turning towards Elara, her spirit unbroken. "Every ingredient has potential, Elara. It's not about how rare or unrare they are but how they're used."
Elara raised an eyebrow, amused. "Oh, we'll see about that, dear May. May the best... or should I say, the most refined, win!" With another "Ohohoho!" she returned to her station.
May shook her head, trying to shake off the irritation. She whispered to herself, "Focus, May. This is for everyone who believes in you. And... for him."
Her gaze darted to where Muichiro sat, her heart fluttering.
....
In the heart of the bustling competition grounds, the MC, a middle-aged man with a dynamic aura and an enthusiastic voice, took centre stage.
Waving for silence, his voice amplified across the area, setting the tone for the event.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the most awaited baking competition of Orario! Today, we have some of the city's finest bakers competing for the esteemed title of Orario's Baking Master!"
The crowd cheered wildly, their excitement palpable. The air was filled with the sweet aroma of pastries, bread, and anticipation.
The MC continued, "Before we begin, let's meet our competitors!" He gestured grandly to the left, "First up, representing the Hostess of Fertility, the talented and passionate May!"
A spotlight shone on May, her face determined but a hint of nervousness in her eyes.
The crowd cheered, especially loud from the area where the Hostess of Fertility's regulars and staff sat. Muichiro's focused gaze was locked onto her, silently sending support.
"And her fierce rival, from the Moonlit Tavern, the elegant Elara!" The dog girl, Elara, stepped into her spotlight with a confident smirk, tossing her hair and giving her signature "Ohohoho!" laugh.
Introductions for other competitors followed, each representing different eateries, pubs, and taverns of Orario.
Every name announcement was met with a mixture of cheers and anticipatory murmurs.
"And now, for the rules!" the MC boomed. "Each contestant will be given exactly three hours to prepare their dish. Use of any ingredient is permitted, but the main ingredient must be... bread!
At the end of the given time, our esteemed judges will sample each dish and grade them based on taste, creativity, presentation, and originality."
"Remember, competitors, this is not just a test of your baking skills but of your creativity and innovation. Give us something that delights the palate and captivates the heart!"
"And now, without further ado, bakers, take your positions!"
The air was thick with tension. The competitors took deep breaths, steadying themselves.
The MC raised his hand dramatically, "Three! Two! One! Begin!"
The competition was in full swing, and the air was thick with anticipation.
