076. The Eighth Seat Who Appeared in the Classroom

The next morning, it was once again Lecturer Chapelle's class.

This time, Shiraki still wasn't assigned to a team with Megumi Tadokoro. Instead, he was placed on a team with Soma Yukihira and Takumi Aldini.

The curriculum at Totsuki Culinary Academy adopts a university-style, free-course selection model. Except for a few compulsory courses, most classes allow students to choose freely. Unfortunately, Lecturer Chapelle's lessons are among the few mandatory ones.

As soon as Shiraki entered the classroom, he felt the burning gazes of two people. Soma Yukihira kept glancing at Shiraki and then at Takumi, as if plotting how to challenge them. Meanwhile, Takumi completely ignored Soma, dismissing him due to his mediocre performance in the first class, which had only earned him an E-grade. Takumi was more focused on Shiraki, another transfer student, whom he now saw as a worthy rival.

These two individuals were the only ones in the classroom who showed any friendliness toward Shiraki. The rest of the students were far less welcoming, having heard rumors of Shiraki's "friendly relationship" with Erina Nakiri the previous day. This revelation had sparked jealousy and anger. Many saw Shiraki's transfer as arrogant, and now, fueled by their resentment, they eagerly waited for an opportunity to challenge him to a culinary duel.

Erina's popularity was unmatched—not just among the boys, but also among the girls. Even students like Nao Sadazuka, who was desperate to oust Hisako Arato as Erina's secretary, admired her. Such admiration only intensified the animosity toward Shiraki.

By the way, the Halberd Challenge Box at Polar Star Dorm had been overflowing the previous night. Mrs. Fumido had taken considerable effort to deliver the pile of challenge letters to Shiraki, who, after receiving them, promptly tossed them into the stove without hesitation.

"Tsk. You got lucky being assigned to the same group as the transfer student," a boy with a slick hairstyle muttered with disdain, glaring at Shiraki. "Hey, transfer student, don't get in my way."

Shiraki glanced at the boy. His face held a faint smile, but his silence only seemed to irritate the other student further.

"What's with that expression?!"

The boy was about to confront Shiraki when a sudden commotion erupted across the classroom.

Everyone turned to see a figure with yellow bangs and black hair walk into the room.

"It's the second-year Kuga Terunori!" someone whispered excitedly.

"Really? The Eighth Seat of the Elite Ten?"

"Why is an Elite Ten member here?"

The students instantly recognized Kuga. As one of the Elite Ten, he was an almost mythical figure to the first-years. Though few had seen him in person, his name was well-known throughout the academy.

Kuga paused at the door, glanced at the room number, and then strolled inside casually. As he walked toward his destination, he passed by Soma Yukihira's cooking station.

"Hey, I heard you're one of the Elite Ten. Interested in a culinary duel?" Soma asked, grinning with excitement.

Kuga didn't even spare him a glance. "Idiot. Get lost," he replied bluntly, walking past.

Takumi, standing nearby, gave Soma a scornful look. "Are you stupid? You don't even have the credentials to challenge someone from the Elite Ten."

Soma shrugged. "Well, I tried. Yesterday, Isshiki-senpai also rejected me. It's really hard to compete with the Elite Ten…"

Ignoring their banter, Kuga finally stopped in front of Shiraki's cooking station.

"You," he said, pointing at the boy standing next to Shiraki. "Move. I'm taking your spot."

"Huh?" The boy looked around in confusion, then hesitantly stepped aside.

Kuga walked over and stood beside Shiraki.

"Wait, aren't you a second-year student?" the boy blurted out. "If you take my spot, who will I team up with?"

"That's your problem," Kuga replied coldly. "Now get out of my sight, or I'll have you expelled. I'm counting to three. Three... two..."

"I'm sorry!" the boy cried, panicking and fleeing the room.

Shiraki watched the boy, who had just been provoking him moments ago, leave in disgrace. Such spineless students were nothing new to him. During the transfer exam, he had seen plenty of candidates run away at the sight of Erina Nakiri.

Totsuki Culinary Academy was home to many talented and confident students, but it was also filled with those who lacked courage. People like that didn't even deserve Shiraki's attention.