Chapter 36

Chapter 36

“Wow! She’s absolutely enchanting!” Ista clutched his chest, his face flushed with infatuation, as if instantly smitten. “I hereby declare Professor Evans my eternal goddess!” His voice rang with unwavering devotion and reverence.

“It seems quite a few people feel the same way,” Louis remarked, glancing at the other boys with a teasing grin. “Good luck with *that*!” Evan was once again taken aback to see Ista blush.

“So—where are you heading for lunch?” Ista changed the subject, eyes bright with anticipation. “I’ve heard each dining hall at the Imperial Knight Academy specializes in distinct regional cuisines—featuring signature dishes from across the Empire and its colonies.”

Louis instinctively pulled out a slim booklet—the upperclassmen-recommended guide. Freshman-accessible dining halls were clearly marked, complete with senior endorsements.

“How about the First Dining Hall?” Evan patted his empty stomach decisively. “The freshman section on the first floor serves the freshest beef and lamb, and their chefs are masters of steak and lamb chops—plus, it’s all-you-can-eat.” His eyes gleamed with eager anticipation, as though he could already inhale the savory aromas.

The dining hall lauded by seniors lived up to its reputation. Its entrance was wide and sunlit, radiating warmth and welcome. The moment one stepped inside, a rich, mouthwatering fragrance enveloped them—immediately awakening the senses.

Behind gleaming glass counters, steam rose in soft clouds, revealing towering stacks of steaks, lamb chops, and pork chops—each seasoned to perfection. The steaks glistened with deep, appetizing hues and delicate marbling, exuding an intense, savory aroma. The lamb chops were roasted to golden crispness—tender within, crackling without—making mouths water instantly. The pork chops were succulent and tender, rich and mellow, each bite bursting with flavor. Seasonal fruits from the colonies sat in neat boxes—vibrant, plump, and fragrant with fresh, sweet notes. Their pristine appearance spoke volumes: clean, ripe, as if freshly plucked from sun-drenched orchards.

In addition, there were golden-brown, crusty white loaves; velvety mashed potatoes enriched with milk; crispy golden fried chicken pieces; large cauldrons of creamy mushroom soup; and refreshing fruit sweet soup. The white bread was baked to perfection—crispy and golden outside, soft and airy within, redolent of warm, nutty wheat. The mashed potatoes were luxuriously smooth and creamy, subtly sweetened by milk. The fried chicken boasted a shatteringly crisp exterior and tender, juicy meat within—the golden crust encasing succulent morsels that begged to be devoured. The creamy mushroom soup was deeply umami-rich and mellow, its earthy depth perfectly balanced by the sweetness of cream—a truly unforgettable bowl. The fruit sweet soup was bright and invigorating—the tangy-sweet fruit harmonizing flawlessly with the light sugary broth, delivering a refreshing coolness with every spoonful.

The sheer variety was enough to satisfy even the most exacting palate. Whether a discerning gourmand or simply someone seeking a hearty meal, everyone could find something here to delight their taste buds.

After practicing the breathing technique, Evan felt his appetite had surged dramatically. His body seemed like an insatiable void, constantly demanding energy to replenish itself. Without hesitation, he snatched up a tray and bowl and charged into the serving area like a soldier storming the battlefield. The zone buzzed with energy—lively, bustling, crowded. Students queued patiently, selecting their favorites. Evan darted through the throng, eyes locked on the delectable offerings, heart racing with anticipation. In under five minutes, he emerged—tray piled high with food—and broke into a broad, satisfied smile, as if he’d just unearthed buried treasure.

Soon, he reunited with Louis and Ista, and the three settled together at a table. A glance passed between them—and they burst into laughter. Two black pepper steaks, one white loaf, two red apples, one piece of fried chicken, and a bowl of fruit sweet soup—their selections were identical. It was an uncanny coincidence, as if fate itself had orchestrated it. Gazing at each other’s trays, a quiet warmth swelled in their chests. In this unfamiliar world, they had discovered shared tastes—a subtle, wordless bond of understanding.

Talk about fate! After just one class, Evan, Louis, and Ista each found the other two impressively cool. They’d exchanged ideas and shared thoughts and feelings openly during lessons. They discovered a shared thirst for knowledge and parallel aspirations for the future. Though their personalities differed, they intuitively understood and accepted one another. As friends, they clicked effortlessly—and whether they’d grow into close, lifelong companions would depend on how their relationship deepened over time. In this academy brimming with challenges and opportunity, mutual support and encouragement would be indispensable. They looked forward to studying side by side, growing together, and forging unforgettable memories in the days ahead.

“We’ve got the opening ceremony at two o’clock this afternoon—in the Grand Auditorium,” Ista announced, relaying insider intel he’d picked up while savoring his beef. His face lit up with excitement and anticipation, as if divulging a closely guarded secret. “A senior told me the format and content vary slightly each year—and rumor has it the dean decides the program by lottery.”

“No way?” Louis couldn’t quite believe it. He’d been eagerly anticipating the Imperial Knight Academy’s legendary opening ceremony—imagining something solemn, majestic, and awe-inspiring. But now, hearing Ista’s words, a flicker of concern crossed his mind. What if the lottery introduced unpredictability? What if the ceremony descended into chaos?

Evan savored the black pepper steak slowly, thoughtfully. No wonder it was hailed as a signature dish—it truly was exceptional. He closed his eyes, savoring its texture and depth of flavor. The tender, juicy beef melded seamlessly with the bold, aromatic black pepper sauce—an unforgettable combination. If served at a mid-tier restaurant off-campus, it would undoubtedly draw crowds from the middle class. He pictured it on a modest bistro menu—and imagined the lines of diners waiting for a taste.

“Well, we’ll just have to go along with it,” Evan said, spearing a piece of fried chicken with his fork. “Seems the First Dining Hall excels at meat dishes—this fried chicken is delicious.” His tone held a quiet note of resignation—and acceptance. Within the academy, rules and arrangements were non-negotiable. Though he harbored mild concern over the lottery-based ceremony, he also recognized they had no alternative. All they could do was adapt—and hope the event unfolded smoothly.

Hearing this, Ista immediately grabbed a piece of fried chicken and took a bite. *Mmm*—delicious. A contented smile bloomed across his face, as if he’d just tasted a rare delicacy. “The Second Dining Hall specializes in seafood. The head chef at the Third Dining Hall hails from a mysterious Eastern land—renowned for noodles and authentic Eastern cuisine. And the Fourth Dining Hall’s chef masters dishes from every corner of the Empire—but their desserts and ice cream? Absolutely top-tier.” His eyes sparkled with infectious enthusiasm, as if unveiling culinary treasures. He brimmed with curiosity and eagerness—determined to sample every exquisite dish the academy had to offer.

Suddenly, Ista glanced around, then lowered his voice. “Actually… the *real* delicacies are all upstairs. Every dining hall in the academy has three floors. The first floor is open to all students—free of charge. The second floor requires Level-One access. There, you can use academy points—or cash—to order specially prepared dishes using premium ingredients—designed as nutritional supplements to aid cultivation. And those ingredients? Extremely rare—and incredibly flavorful.” His voice dripped with mystery and allure, stirring irresistible curiosity.

At the mention of legendary delicacies, Ista instinctively swallowed. “The third floor? Only accessible to students with Level-Two clearance—and academy faculty. Rumor says the chef there is a true master—and the meals he prepares possess *magical properties*.” His gaze drifted, filled with longing and anticipation—as if already imagining the extraordinary surprises those enchanted dishes might hold.

Author’s Note:

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I’m unwell—feeling terrible. Updates will be irregular.