ARIFURETA: Cooking to be the Strongest?

With the loud bang made by Kouki, the panicked students instantly quieted, their attention snapping to him. Shin, in his mind, let out a silent groan. Given the situation—Ishtar's 'Saviors' declaration, the talk of war, and this world's humanity facing crisis—he already knew exactly what his justice-and-hero-obsessed friend would do.

With all eyes on him, Kouki began to speak, his voice cutting through the lingering panic. "Everyone, there's no use shouting at Ishtar-san. This isn't his fault either. The truth is, we have to fight. Humanity here is facing a real crisis, and I can't just ignore their pleas now that we know. We were summoned to be saviors, after all. Maybe if we succeed, we can even go home... Isn't that right, Ishtar-san?"

"That is correct. Ehit-sama will surely grant the wishes of the Saviors," Ishtar confirmed, a serene smile gracing his lips.

"And we have incredible powers, don't we?" Kouki pressed, his eyes alight with newfound determination. "I've felt an unfathomable strength surging through me since we arrived!"

"Indeed. Each of you possesses power many times, even dozens of times, greater than the people of this world," Ishtar nodded.

"Then it's settled!" Kouki declared, clenching his fist. "I'll fight. I'll save these people, and then we'll all go home. No matter what, I'll save everyone!" He punctuated his resolve with a dazzling, if slightly unnecessary, flash of his teeth.

In that moment, Kouki's leadership truly took hold. The students, who had been on the verge of despair, slowly regained their composure and a spark of courage.

They looked at him with shining eyes, seeing a beacon of hope in their desperate situation. A significant number of the female students, in particular, gazed at him with fervent admiration.

"Damn it, Kouki, when you put it like that..." Ryutaro grumbled, a wry smile spreading across his face. "It'd be stupid to let you go alone. I'm in."

"You're not facing this alone, Ryutaro," Shizuku added, her gaze firm. "I can't just stand by. I'll fight too."

"Oh, um, if Shizuku's going, then I'll do my best too!" Kaori nervously chimed in.

Kouki's closest friends openly declared their support, and the rest of the class, swept up by the momentum, quickly followed suit.

Aiko-sensei cried out a heartbroken "Noo~!" her eyes brimming with tears, but her protests were utterly drowned out by the collective resolve Kouki had ignited.

Hajime, also swept up by the mood Kouki had set, decided to participate as well. While most of them had already joined Kouki's cause to fight for this world's humanity against the demons, Shin, on the other hand, remained silent, deep in thought.

"Well Shin, will you also join me in saving the people of this world?" Kouki smiled, looking at Shin as if he already knew his friend's answer.

Shizuku and Kaori also looked at him with expectant eyes.

Shin observed everyone who seemed genuinely set on joining this war. Did they truly understand what going to war meant?

Or perhaps they were simply swept up by the intense mood Kouki had created, using it as a coping mechanism to prevent their minds from breaking in this new, harsh reality. Shin also saw Pope Ishtar observing them closely.

Choosing not to alarm the Pope Ishtar or create any suspicion, Shin decided to play along for a while and answered in his always aloof tone,

"Sigh... Kouki, you've already given your speech, and it seems everyone's ganging up to join. Why else would I decline, my friend?"

With this, Kouki smiled, satisfied. The discussion concluded with everyone choosing to go to war. Aiko-sensei, on the other hand, teary-eyed, continued to complain to Kouki and the others.

____________

With the discussion concluded, the class was led out of the dining hall by the priests. Ishtar, carrying himself with an air of proud authority, urged them forward.

Soon, a large, white circular pedestal, surrounded by ornate fences, came into view down a beautiful corridor made of the same stone as the cathedral itself. The priests guided the students onto the platform.

A massive magic circle was intricately carved into the pedestal's surface. Beyond its fences lay nothing but a vast sea of clouds, causing most of the students to nervously gather toward the center. Ishtar began to chant, his voice resonating with ancient power.

"The path of guidance, opens for the faithful. 'Heavenly Path'."

As the last syllable faded, the magic circle beneath their feet began to gleam with a resplendent light. Then, with a gentle hum, the entire pedestal started to move, descending diagonally. It was unmistakably a magical cable car, activated by the Pope's chant.

This powerful display marked their very first direct encounter with overt magic in this world, and a buzz of excitement rippled through the class.

Some murmured in awe, others craning their necks, utterly captivated. Even Hajime, the cynical otaku, couldn't help but lean forward, a glint of genuine fascination in his eyes.

Shin, ever the observer, took it all in, noting the intricate patterns of the chanting and the seemingly effortless manipulation of light.

A collective gasp swept through the group as the pedestal plunged into the sea of clouds.

The upper levels of the cathedral receded, revealing breathtaking vistas of the outside world. It became clear that the 'cathedral' wasn't a ground-level building at all, but a towering structure perched atop a majestic sacred mountain.

The air grew cooler, and a gentle breeze swept across the platform, carrying the scent of pine and distant rain.

Students pressed against the subtle resistance of an invisible barrier at the edge of the floating platform, their faces awestruck by the sheer scale of the scenery.

Below them, a vast, untouched wilderness stretched into the horizon—dense forests, winding rivers, and jagged peaks piercing the very clouds they were descending through. The sky above was an impossible blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds that seemed within arm's reach.

While most marveled at the sheer beauty, Shin and Hajime were also engrossed, though for entirely different reasons.

"We're descending from a high-altitude mountain without any breathing difficulties," Hajime muttered, a sarcastic laugh escaping him.

"This overly magnificent, miracle-like display of magic? It's all just Ishtar's way of cementing their 'god' as the center of this world."

Shin hummed in agreement, his red ruby eyes observing the distant landscape.

"Indeed. A clear performance to show the 'will of the god' holds the fate of this world... and, more importantly for us, the possibility of returning to Earth."

The implicit understanding between them was clear: this grand show was less about their comfort and more about demonstrating overwhelming divine power and control.

After a short journey, the floating pedestal continued its steady descent until a sprawling city came into view on the horizon.

It was the capital of the Heiligh Kingdom. A massive, intricate castle stood on a distant hillside, its towers reaching for the sky, and from its base, a vibrant castle town spread radially downwards. The imperial palace was connected to a colossal central tower by a sky-high corridor, and it became clear their floating platform was heading directly for that towering structure.

It seemed this was the place where they would be introduced to the art of combat, where their training would truly begin.

_____

The floating pedestal eventually docked, not at the base of the sacred mountain, but high up, directly at the imperial palace connected to the towering central structure.

From there, the class was guided through corridors adorned with decorations no less magnificent than those in the church.

Every few steps, they passed by people dressed as knights, government officials, or palace maids. All eyes were on them, fixed with expressions of admiration or deep respect.

It was clear these people already understood the significance of the Pope's accompanying entourage.

Hajime, visibly uncomfortable under the weight of so many gazes, tried to discreetly fall to the back of the group. But before he could fully melt away, Shin's hand firmly clasped his uniform, stopping him.

"Hajime, don't mind those gazes," Shin murmured, his own expression unbothered by the attention. "It's not like we haven't been bathed in gazes before. Though, the ones we got back home during middle school were certainly far less desiring."

Hajime, momentarily flustered, realized Shin had a point. In the bewildering circumstances of this new world, he'd almost forgotten Shin's ever-present, oddly calming presence. A small, grateful smile replaced his anxious frown. "Alright, alright, I won't hang back. Just stop dragging me and let go, I can walk."

Shin simply nodded, releasing his grip.

Finally, they arrived before a massive, beautifully crafted double door, a testament to exquisite workmanship. Two stern-faced soldiers stood at attention on either side. With booming voices, they declared the arrival of Ishtar and the Hero's party. Without even waiting for a reply, the grand doors swung open.

Ishtar strolled in with a leisurely confidence, as if entering a throne room was the most natural thing in the world. Apart from Kouki and a select few who seemed to revel in the grandeur, most of the students passed through the threshold trembling, a mixture of awe and fear etched on their faces.

And there, they were introduced to the Imperial family.

____________

Beyond the grand doors, a long red carpet led to a lavish throne. Standing before it, radiating dignity, was King Eric S. B. Heiligh.

Beside him stood Queen Luaria, their ten-year-old son Prince Randell, and their fourteen-year-old daughter, Princess Liliana.

Lining the carpet were approximately thirty figures: armored knights on one side, stern government officials on the other.

Ishtar led the class before the throne, then proceeded to the King, who respectfully kissed the Pope's extended hand. The gesture confirmed Hajime's earlier conviction: this entire nation revolved around their 'God'. He sighed inwardly at the pervasive influence.

Formal introductions followed, including the Prime Minister and the Knight Commander. Hajime noted Prince Randell's gaze seemed particularly drawn to Kaori, her charm evidently universal.

Later, they gathered for an evening meal, sampling the imperial cuisine. While the cathedral's food was delicious and almost religious in presentation, the palace dishes resembled Earth's Western-style fare, some featuring vibrant pink dressings or seven-hued drinks—all surprisingly delicious.

Shin, much like before, meticulously tasted every available dish, impressed by the unique flavor combinations of this world's spices and ingredients. Throughout the meal, Prince Randell persistently sought out Kaori, much to the anxious observation of the other boys.

The imperial palace provided them with luxurious shelter, food, and clothing. They were also introduced to their military instructors, handpicked from the Royal Knights and Imperial Court Mages, who would soon begin training them for the coming war.

After the long day and the evening meal, the class was finally dismissed to their private rooms. Hajime, like many, was amazed by the luxurious canopy bed.

Despite the opulent surroundings, he felt unable to fully settle, his body melting from exhaustion. With a tired sigh, he simply leapt onto the bed, and his consciousness slowly drifted off to sleep.

Meanwhile, Shin sat on his own lavish bed, meticulously processing every event and observation.

"Seems like the palace kitchen isn't on that direction," he muttered to himself.

Unlike the others, who were exhausted, Shin appeared to have different plans, likely intending to sneak out for some "samples" from the kitchen.