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Food Wars: Gourmet King

A no name street rat died a cruel death due to starvation. After waking up he finds himself in an unfamiliar body. Knowing he had died, he found his situation to be the usual cliché transmigration. In a world where chefs are highly respected and praised, this nobody will make a name for himself. He may not be as gifted or passionate about cooking as others were but he had his own passion… Winning…That was his passion. What will this former street rat do now that he has the chance to finally win in life?

Arokey · 漫画同人
分數不夠
20 Chs

Chapter 2

A week had passed since Soran's declaration and the boy had spent the entire week with his nose in the numerous books that Joichiro was able to provide.

Granted it was just theoretical work, he had made considerable progress in just a week. He had also taken to practicing knife handling in the kitchen, helping Soma and Joichiro cut up and prep ingredients when he wasn't learning from the books.

[Name: Yukihira Soran]

[HP:100%/100%]

[Skills]:

[Gastronomy][12/50]

[Physical Conditioning][3/50]

[Knife Work][5/50]

'Gastronomy…the study of cuisine and culinary arts.' Though he had read books to increase his knowledge about cooking, he had yet to actually start cooking, hence his lack of a 'Cooking' skill.

He could help but feel pity for those who spent years learning how to cook while the system sped it up for him by more than ten times the speed if he put in enough work.

He had also taken to light workouts every morning to stay in shape. The stronger and healthier his body was, the easier and faster he'd be able to work in the kitchen.

The mandatory need to go to school took out out his reading time but not by much as he still made use of the books during classes, not that the teachers even noticed.

With the previous Soran being a loner, he didn't have to bother himself too much with interactions with his classmates.

Though he would like to get those basic skills to higher levels before getting hands on with cooking, he just couldn't help himself and wanted to get a feel for it.

At the moment, it was night and the diner was closed. Soran could be seen carefully laying a bunch of ingredients on the counter.

He had already picked out a basic dish to make to test his knowledge and finally acquire the cooking skill in the process.

'Olive oil, shrimp shells, garlic cloves, black peppercorns, thyme sprigs, bay leaf, kosher salt, Parmesan cheese…' He continued listing the array of ingredients, mentally checking the boxes in his head until he was sure he had everything he needed.

'I'll start by making the shrimp stock.' He thought as he took out a medium saucepan.

Pouring some olive oil on the pan he warmed the oil over medium-high heat. While that was being done, he took hold of the length of thyme, cutting them up as quick as possible.

Gathering the garlic cloves he had, he peeled them before smashing them up for use.

With that done, he added the shrimp shells, garlic, black pepper, thyme and bay leaf and began cooking.

[You have gained 'Cooking' skill!]

Stirring occasionally, he watched as the shells slowly turn bright red. Adding water, he brought the mixture to a boil, reducing the heat and simmering until it was reduced by 1/4.

While that was happening, he took the onions he had set out and began cutting them up.

[Knife Work has leveled up!]

His accuracy and speed increased just a bit but it was noticeable to him as a grin showed on his face.

He took another set of garlic, thinly slicing it up into fine pieces. He took hold of the length of chives by the side, also slicing them up.

After all of that was done, he took out a large heavy bottom pot and began making the second part of the dish.

He added a tablespoon of warm olive oil and one tablespoon of butter over medium heat. He added the onion he cut up along with a pinch of salt and allowed it to cook.

It only took five minutes for the onions to turn tender. He needed them tender but not browned. He added the garlic and a bit of lemon zest, stirring in the rice and cooked for another two minutes. He then added the white wine and let it cook for one more minute.

Just in time, he turned to the saucepan that he had left to cook, turning of the heat and straining the stock.

Taking a cup of the warm stock, he added it to the pot along with a pinch of salt, stirring until all the liquid had been absorbed.

He continued adding warm shrimp stock, half a cup at a time, waiting until the stock was absorbed before adding again, and stirring frequently to make sure the bottom didn't burn.

He continued this until the rice was cooked through. Seeing that he didn't use up all of the stock, he made a mental note to store it for later use.

He added in the shrimp and continued stirring to allow the shrimp itself cook as well. Two minutes passed before he turned off the heat, fishing out the strips of lemon zest.

Adding in some Parmesan cheese, two tablespoons of butter and lemon juice, he stirred it all up. He seasoned it with some salt, black pepper and lemon juice.

With his dish finished, it was time to plate it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Name: Yukihira Soran]

[HP:100%/100%]

[Skills]:

[Gastronomy][12/50]

[Physical Conditioning][3/50]

[Knife Work][6/50]

[Cooking][4/50]

Placing the dish in front of him, Soran couldn't help the small burst of pride that filled his chest as he looked at it.

"Shrimp Risotto." He said simply, looking at the plate in front of him.

It gave off a nice appeal to it but Soran couldn't help but be a bit nervous as he took a spoon, scooping up a small portion to taste.

"It looks like you were really serious about this." Joichiro's voice came from behind him just before he could take a bite.

"Dad?" Soran asked in confusion, surprised that the man was still awake.

"Shrimp Risotto huh? Not a bad idea to start with." Joichiro said, walking up to the counter.

He grabbed a spoon before taking a bite out of it. Soran watched his expression carefully. Other than a raised brow, the man didn't show anything.

"Not bad for someone who hasn't cooked in four years. I dare say you even got a little bit better. You've still got a long way to go." Despite what he said, Joichiro had a grin on his face.

Soran only nodded his head In understanding. He didn't expect Joichiro to be fawning over his dish, it was only level 4 after all. It was to be expected.

"Though, since you're really serious about this, why don't we pick up where you left off?" Joichiro said as he tuned to Soran whose eyes widened a bit.

"You mean…?"

"Yeah. If you're going to catch up to Soma, you'll need all the help you can get." He said with a wide grin.

"Prepare yourself. I won't take it easy on you one bit." He warned as Soran let out a grin that matched his father's own.

"Don't worry about that. Give me all you've got. I'll take it." He challenged, a confident smirk on his lips.