Culinary Race Challenge

From Akira's perspective

"Culinary Race Challenge!? What's that?"

"Don't you know? It's a famous school event! Girls cook magic boost cookies during cooking class, and the boys eat them and race to determine the first place," Sonata explained, but the event was so outlandish, I could hardly believe it.

"You don't know?" Allegro also chimes in.

Being from Japan and new to this otherworldly realm, I naturally don't know the norms of this world.

So, even if they were to lie to me once, I have no choice but to believe them.

"So what does it mean exactly? The magic in the cookies made by the girls combines with the boys' running ability to determine the rankings?"

"That's what I said. Plus, this race also serves as a class reassignment battle."

"Class reassignment battle?"

"If you come in first, you can move up to the Phoenix Class. Conversely, the lowest rankers from the Phoenix Class will fall to our class."

"Wow, it sounds like some sort of knockout battle system used by major comedy talent agencies."

"Comedy talent?"

I accidentally used a term that doesn't translate well in this world.

"Uh, never mind. So, winning means you can stay at this school, right?"

"That's right. That's why everyone's so eager. By the way, where's Elize?"

"Huh? She's usually here around this time."

"O-over here!"

Elize appeared with a ghastly pale face as if she were a zombie.

Such a beauty, ruined.

"What, what happened?"

"I've been up all night cooking, training until midnight. I'm determined to rise to the Phoenix Class."

"So, did you improve?"

"It's fine. The cookies are full of magic power and plenty of love."

The word "love" made my heart skip a beat.

"Ah, love?"

"Haha, just kidding. Did that make you nervous?"

She playfully patted my shoulder.

Her speaking style had slightly rolled Rs, making her sound like a quirky older sister.

"Are you sure you're okay? Maybe you should take a nap now?"

"I'm fine, I'm fine," she insisted, her eyes bloodshot.