"Congratulations. It seems the Rainbow Fruit suits your Gourmet Cells, activating them fully."
Chef Sumire smiled. Gourmet Cell activation marked a monumental leap in strength—a milestone worth celebrating.
"Thank you, Chef Sumire. My Cell Level improved significantly, but credit goes to your culinary mastery as much as the fruit."
Zed's gratitude was genuine. While raw ingredients boosted power, a top chef like Sumire could elevate their efficacy tenfold. Her desserts had maximized the Rainbow Fruit's potential.
He retrieved an IGO-issued tester—a device measuring Cell Levels up to 100.
[Cell Level: 43]
"A 13-level jump," Zed mused. "And with more desserts left, maybe higher."
Cell Levels were mere benchmarks; true strength lay in Food Honor mastery. With it, Zed could challenge Level 70-80 beasts despite his "low" level.
He glanced at Erina and Hisako. Their auras remained unchanged—no Gourmet Cells yet. The system's millionfold boost wasn't a guarantee, just improved odds.
Patience, he thought. They'll awaken eventually. Until then, we feast.
The girls nibbled sparingly—ordinary humans couldn't stomach Gourmet World portions. Chef Sumire sampled a bite, savoring nostalgia over utility.
Zed devoured the remaining Rainbow Fruit desserts, their Chef Sumire-enhanced potency pushing his Cell Level to 44. In the Gourmet World, ingredients peaked in efficacy during first consumption—subsequent servings offered diminishing returns.
He kept the fruit from Nakaume Gourmet School's students. Sharing with thousands wasn't feasible, and unlike Toriko's altruism, Zed prioritized his inner circle.
Days later, the Puffer Whale spawning season arrived. Zed boarded a train bound for the nearest town to the Cavern Lagoon, its route safeguarded by IGO patrols against airborne predators.
"Zed! Heading to the Cavern Lagoon too?"
He turned to see Toriko, the Four Heavenly Kings' blue-haired titan, and Komatsu, his meek partner.
"Toriko. Been a while." Zed nodded. They'd met years prior during a joint commission—Zed's pragmatism clashing with Toriko's idealism, yet mutual respect endured.
"Zed…?" Komatsu squinted. "Wait—the Zed? One of the new generation Saiseiya legends?"
Toriko grinned. "None other. His rep rivals ours now."
Komatsu gawked. Zed's feats—regenerating Flower Field fragments, taming Demon Snake outbreaks—had eclipsed even Teppei's renown.