Chapter 64
After returning to Polar Star, Haruto soon had the chance to taste Soma’s revised Yukihira-Style Chaliapin Steak Rice Bowl.
It truly was excellent.
More importantly, the dish made Haruto recognize one of his own weaknesses.
His Gourmet Cells had dramatically improved his natural talent for cooking, but he still lacked experience.
He could not yet adapt to sudden changes as quickly and effectively as Soma had.
Haruto was not discouraged, of course.
He had only been seriously studying cooking for a short time.
Still, the realization drove him straight back into his experiments with Shun and the Regal Mammoth meat.
They spent several more days repeatedly adjusting the proportions of their smoking blends and testing different temperatures and cooking times.
After more failures than either of them cared to count, they finally discovered the method that best suited the meat.
First, they smoked the Orange Salt with mandarin wood chips, infusing the crystals with a subtle smoky fragrance.
The smoked Orange Salt was then used to marinate the Regal Mammoth meat, allowing the flavor to penetrate deep into its fibers.
Once the meat had marinated long enough, they briefly blanched it in boiling water to seal in its juices, then roasted it until the surface was partially dried.
Finally, they slowly smoked it at a low temperature with a blend of mandarin wood chips and fresh citrus peel.
Even Haruto was amazed by the finished product.
The Regal Mammoth meat’s naturally rich, full-bodied flavor had been drawn out completely.
A fresh citrus fragrance lingered around it, perfectly balancing both the smoke and the meat’s richness.
The three flavors complemented one another, remaining distinct while blending into a harmonious whole.
The first taste carried the deep roasted fragrance of smoke, followed by the meat’s powerful savoriness.
A refreshing hint of citrus emerged at the finish.
Its texture was firm without being dry, tender and springy with a satisfying chew.
Despite the remarkable result, Haruto understood that this was merely the best dish he and Shun were currently capable of producing.
Both of them still had a long way to go as chefs.
This dish represented the peak of their present abilities, nothing more.
Even so, the smoked Regal Mammoth meat could undoubtedly be considered a true specialty dish—though it had taken both Haruto and Shun working together to create it.
The moment Haruto tasted it, he felt his Gourmet Cells stir with renewed activity.
He had already eaten numerous dishes made from Regal Mammoth meat.
His Gourmet Cells had long since grown accustomed to the ingredient.
Eating more usually did nothing beyond replenishing the energy his body consumed.
Yet this dish had managed to awaken them again.
That alone proved how exceptional it was.
Once they finalized the smoking method, Haruto’s life returned to a steady school routine.
He attended his culinary theory and practical classes each day, absorbing as much professional knowledge as possible.
During his free time, he joined the other Polar Star residents for gatherings in Marui’s room.
That peaceful routine was eventually shattered by an unexpected notice.
The first great obstacle awaiting every Totsuki first-year—The school’s first taste of hell!
The Totsuki Friendship and Rapport Training Camp had arrived.
Daimidō Fumio placed the elegantly decorated training brochure on the long table in Polar Star’s dining room.
That morning, everyone followed the scent of breakfast into the room.
The instant they saw the brochure, the previously lively dining hall fell silent.
Every expression became grave.
Even Haruto grew noticeably more serious.
"So it’s finally here."
He was confident in his cooking ability, but many of the training camp’s challenges would test precisely the areas where he still lacked experience.
A heavy mood settled over the group.
Soma was the only one who’s remained completely oblivious.
Seeing everyone staring at the brochure, he curiously picked it up and flipped through it.
"Huh? A residential training camp?"
After skimming a few pages, he looked up at everyone in confusion.
"What is this?"
"Didn’t you have activities like this in elementary or middle school?" Ryoko explained helplessly.
"You know, where everyone stays at a lodge in the mountains for a few days?"
Soma’s eyes immediately lit up.
"Huh? Totsuki has something like that too?"
As far as Soma was concerned, Totsuki was a school for cooking. He had never expected it to arrange something so relaxing.
The idea actually sounded rather exciting.
Haruto rested one elbow on the table and supported his chin with his fingers, interest flickering through his eyes.
"Come to think of it, I’ve never experienced anything like this either. I’m looking forward to it."
He already knew that Totsuki’s training camp was nothing like the peaceful retreat described in the brochure.
Even so, he could not suppress his curiosity.
It was still something he had never experienced before.
A moment later, Soma finally noticed that something was wrong.
His gaze settled on Megumi.
"Hm? Megumi, why are you shaking?"
Megumi’s entire body was trembling with anxiety, and her face had gone pale.
Seeing her reaction, Soma began to suspect that this training camp was nothing like what he had imagined.
Marui adjusted his glasses with a solemn expression.
"The residential training camp is the first hell every student must overcome after entering Totsuki’s high school division."
Yuki continued the explanation.
"All first-year students are taken to a lodge in the mountains, where they face brutal cooking tests every day."
"Fail even one, and you’re expelled on the spot."
She suddenly pointed at the brochure in Soma’s hands.
"Look at what it says! ’Strengthen the bonds between classmates and create treasured memories together.’"
"In reality, it’s a merciless elimination camp designed to throw students out!"
The others nodded in agreement.
Judging solely by the warm description in the brochure, anyone would assume it was a relaxing school trip.
In truth, it concealed a ruthless selection process.
Isshiki looked around at everyone, his voice unusually serious.
"This is where Totsuki’s competitive education truly begins—the process the Director calls polishing rough gemstones."
"Only by surviving repeated trials, colliding with one another, and being constantly refined can a student become a genuine jewel."
Aoki Daigo turned toward Isshiki, the only second-year student among them.
"You participated in this training camp last year too, didn’t you, Isshiki-senpai?"
Since Isshiki still remained at Polar Star, he had obviously survived it.
"Of course."
Isshiki nodded, a touch of nostalgia entering his expression.
"During my year, dozens of students were expelled and sent home every single day."
The camp had not been especially difficult for someone as skilled as Isshiki.
For an ordinary student, however, it truly was hell.
Shun added quietly, "I heard that in some previous years, only half of the students who entered the camp were still enrolled by the end."
That terrifying elimination rate was precisely why the residential training camp was known as Totsuki’s first hell.