In the southern United States, near the Mexican border, there lies a region that serves as a paradise for the wealthy and a hell for the poor. The rich live in big houses, secure communities, and enjoy safety, while the poor often find themselves homeless, and those who stray into a life of crime can quickly fall into a deep abyss.
Some people, driven by desperation, commit robbery and murder for as little as $100 to buy drugs. Moreover, since there is no death penalty in the United States, the threat of severe punishment is minimal, making those living in poverty more willing to take risks.
...
The King—no, Davis—grew up in the slums, always lacking money, often going hungry with no promise of the next meal. Poverty was a constant shadow over his childhood. Though poverty is not a crime, living as a poor person made Davis feel stripped of dignity. He felt as though he had nothing, and happiness, dignity, and joy seemed beyond his reach. He didn't even think about what happiness could mean, fearing that such thoughts would only deepen his misery.
One of his most vivid memories was when a wealthy person paid him $580 to stand in line and buy a branded bag with a large logo. To him, this was an insult, a reminder of his status. Yet it was also his first taste of the phrase, "The customer is king." He would never forget the look of disdain and contempt from the store clerk when he first entered the shop, only for their attitude to change into fawning and flattery when they realized he was there on behalf of a rich customer.
In that moment, Davis realized that what he truly desired wasn't wealth itself, but the treatment befitting a king—the kind of respect and attention that was given to those in power. Later, through a mix of luck and relentless effort, he became a Midnight Chef with ties to the mafia.
...
Every time Davis took on a mission, he believed that whether they were diners, attendees, or anyone else, they should all behave like "slaves" who were fortunate enough to receive food from a king. No one was allowed to question or challenge him.
"This... how can this be?"
"These noodles are made from such ordinary ingredients, yet they taste so..."
Davis was deeply shaken inside. The rich always receive better service because they can provide higher returns to those who serve them. Wealthy individuals, as a group, offer the possibility of greater rewards and profits to restaurants and chefs. Therefore, a wealthy person in a high-end restaurant often enjoys meticulous and refined service and cuisine.
However, if a wealthy person were to eat at a street food stall or a barbecue stand, would they receive the same level of service? The answer is likely no. This idea of equivalent exchange seemed fair to Davis. This is why he had always looked down on small, low-cost eateries—they could never offer him the royal treatment he believed he deserved. In his mind, such places shouldn't even exist in the culinary world.
...
"Fast food chefs have a tough, low-paying job. In the southern United States and near the Mexican border, the flavor profiles of fast food are often determined by chefs from the slums. Take a simple corn tortilla, for example—just wrap it around some meat and vegetables, dip it in your favorite sauce, and you have a dish that's been reinvented countless ways by ordinary people.
Whether at street stalls or high-end hotels, almost every restaurant offers this type of food. What I'm trying to say is that everything you Midnight Chefs are doing is in vain. Food will always serve the masses, not just a select group of elites. And since it belongs to the people, it will never disappear."
Zane spoke calmly.
"You..."
Davis was at a loss for words. He wanted to argue but couldn't find a valid reason to counter Zane's statement.
"This can't be happening. I am the King! How could I be defeated by such simple noodle dishes?"
"Who are you? You don't seem like just a small tavern owner..."
Davis felt a deep sense of helplessness. His heart raced uncontrollably, each beat a reminder that he would never be able to stand against Zane. Yes, this tavern owner was terrifying, and the feeling of powerlessness he evoked penetrated Davis to his core, making him feel insignificant.
Perhaps, in the face of this Chameleon Noodle Tower, his own jellyfish dish was utterly insignificant. The air was thick with tension as Davis's breathing became labored. Each inhale seemed like a battle against fear, each exhale a desperate attempt to escape the suffocating sense of inadequacy. Deep down, a profound sense of despair began to take root.
...
"The thing you're chasing isn't really the treatment and service fit for a king. It's not about making everyone treat you like royalty. I think you just want to be noticed, to be cared for gently, just like how this Chameleon Noodle Tower soothes your insecure and fragile heart."
These words hit Davis like a bolt of lightning, shaking him to his core. He realized that Zane's words weren't just simple observations—they were like a powerful force, awakening something within him. Zane's cooking was like a beacon, illuminating the confusion in his heart and helping him understand truths he hadn't seen before.
Psychologist Alfred Adler once said, "People with inferiority complexes aren't always submissive or quiet. In fact, they can be prickly, always on the defensive like a hedgehog." Davis's habit of pretending to be strong was just a way to hide his inner weakness.
"You've won. I admit that your cooking has completely shattered my understanding."
Finally, after regaining some composure, Davis spoke with a complex expression, lowering his head.
...
Meanwhile, at Totsuki Academy, in Erina's room, the moonlight streamed through the window, illuminating the pages of a manga. The fluid lines and expressive characters seemed to leap off the page, bringing the story to life. Every panel was meticulously crafted, whether it depicted intense battle scenes or touching everyday moments, all brought to life through careful brushstrokes and clever composition. The use of color was also spot on—sometimes bright and cheerful, other times soft and warm—always making Erina's eyes light up.
"Hisako, where did you put the latest volume of *To Love-Ru*?"
Finishing the volume she was reading, Erina closed the book and turned to ask Hisako.
"The latest volume? You mean volume 16, right? I think I put it on the top shelf of the bookcase, third from the left," Hisako replied after thinking for a moment.
"Oh!" Erina got up and found the latest volume of *To Love-Ru* as Hisako had described, then eagerly continued reading. Despite her role as the new Director of Totsuki Academy, which kept her busy with various school affairs—especially with the recent promotion exams and the Midnight Chefs incident—she still found time to relax with manga and light novels when she had a moment.
"By the way, Miss Erina, I've heard that the new teacher, Mr. Suzuki, is an excellent lecturer! He's friendly, speaks well, and is already very popular among the students here at Totsuki Academy," Hisako suddenly remembered and mentioned.
"Suzuki?" Erina paused for a moment. Totsuki's faculty included experts from various culinary fields and countries like Italy, America, and France. These instructors offered students a diverse learning experience. Each one had deep expertise and experience in their field, providing students with top-notch guidance and advice.
While their teaching styles varied, all were dedicated to nurturing students' culinary talents and creativity, encouraging them to constantly challenge themselves and push their limits. Totsuki maintained its position as Japan's top culinary school not only because of its high-quality students but also due to this talented team of instructors.
Knowing that Totsuki had managed to recruit another outstanding teacher brought a sense of satisfaction to Erina.
*Sigh...*
"If only Zane could come to Totsuki Academy as an instructor, that would be even better." But after feeling pleased, Erina's thoughts turned to Zane, and her bright eyes dimmed with a touch of sadness.
...
*Ring! Ring! Ring!*
As the two talked, Hisako's phone suddenly rang. She quickly pulled it out and answered the call.
"Hello?"
"What? You're saying... that Eishi Senpai... he also lost to the Midnight Chefs?"
When Hisako heard the shocking news from the other end, she was stunned, as if struck by a bolt of lightning. Her delicate face instantly lost all color, her wide eyes filled with disbelief and shock. The atmosphere in the room grew heavy and oppressive, making it hard to breathe.
How could this be? Eishi Tsukasa, the First Seat of the Elite Ten, represented Totsuki Academy's highest culinary power. Yet, even someone as strong as him had lost to the Midnight Chefs?
Beside her, Erina, who was reading *To Love-Ru*, was filled with a mix of emotions—shock, confusion, fear, and deep concern. The news was like a stone dropped into a calm lake, creating ripples that disturbed her peace. She couldn't calm her mind. It was more than just information; it was a turning point, signaling unknown changes and challenges that Erina had to face.
Almost all the Elite Ten had been defeated, proving that the Midnight Chefs indeed had the power to destroy the entire culinary world of Japan.
...
"Miss Erina, what should we do now?"
After hanging up the phone, Hisako, feeling helpless, turned to Erina.
"There's nothing else we can do
. I'll have to handle this myself," Erina said resolutely after some thought.
"But, Miss Erina, even Rindo Senpai and Tsukasa Senpai failed. I'm afraid if you go yourself..."
Hisako's worries were not unfounded. Despite Erina's success in defeating Rindo during the promotion exams, proving she had surpassed the Elite Ten in strength, the Midnight Chefs were a force that had wreaked havoc across Japan, leaving even the best chefs defenseless.
So, relying on Erina alone to stand against the entire Midnight Chefs was extremely difficult—no, impossible.
"Hisako, this is my responsibility as the Director of Totsuki Academy. I can't just run away from it," Erina said, gently patting Hisako's shoulder.
...
From the age of five, Erina had been tasting for renowned global dining brands, developing her refined palate. Her influence in the culinary world was so vast that her network could rival any major culinary institution. Combined with her position and skills, Erina was unquestionably an EX-level figure in the world of *Food Wars!*.
After the end of the Totsuki Coup, her leadership skills had fully blossomed. She managed to unite Alice, the residents of Polar Star Dormitory, and others to fight against the Central Gourmet Institution. There was no doubt that Erina was the most qualified person to be the Director of Totsuki Academy.
Her "God Tongue" gave her an unmatched ability to evaluate and understand flavors, making her the most precise critic in the culinary world, as Satoshi had pointed out. As the "ceiling of student strength at Totsuki" and the "ultimate monster in Totsuki's history," Erina had become the final hope in the fight against the Midnight Chefs.
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