Erina had witnessed everything from afar as she rushed over.
Although she knew Victor was strong, she hadn't expected him to be this powerful! Even the girl who accompanied him was terrifyingly capable—taking down more than a dozen people in an instant. Not even the strongest bodyguards her family employed possessed such abilities.
The strength displayed by both of them made her question the very nature of her world. Could it be that supernatural powers truly existed, hidden from ordinary society?
Victor released the suffocating discipline captain, tossing him aside like garbage, then dusted off his hands. "Let's go. I don't have much time—after lunch, I promised to take my girlfriend shopping."
"Please follow me," Erina said, taking the initiative to lead them deeper into Totsuki Academy.
The students who had witnessed the confrontation were buzzing with excitement.
"I can't believe that man was actually invited by Lady Erina for a meal!"
"Who could he possibly be?"
"Those two are incredibly strong. They must be from some ancient martial arts family."
"Someone should probably help carry those unconscious guys away..."
A few minutes later, Erina brought Victor and Shinobu to a spacious, luxurious dining hall.
"Please wait here while I prepare your meal," Erina said before departing, leaving only her secretary Hisako to attend to them.
"Would you care for any drinks?" Hisako asked politely.
Victor considered for a moment. "Two cups of black tea, please."
"Of course."
Hisako nodded and began preparing their beverages.
Shinobu looked around with wide eyes, taking in every detail of her surroundings. Everything in this world was fascinating to her. From the bustling city streets and towering buildings to this palace-like culinary academy, people in the future clearly lived far more luxuriously than she could have imagined.
More than half an hour later, Erina returned wearing a pristine white chef's uniform, followed by two maids pushing an elegant serving cart.
"It smells incredible!" Shinobu exclaimed.
Though the dishes were covered with silver domes, the tantalizing aroma still managed to escape and fill the entire dining room. When the covers were lifted, the rich fragrance immediately intensified, making both Victor and Shinobu's mouths water.
"I've prepared a complete meal for you," Erina announced with obvious pride. "The main course is Oyakodon, accompanied by Mapo Tofu, West Lake Sweet and Sour Fish, and steamed egg custard, with abalone and chicken soup to complement everything."
Victor nodded approvingly. "Excellent choices."
He appreciated that Erina had considered his Chinese heritage. Only the Oyakodon represented local flavors, while the rest were refined Chinese delicacies. This thoughtfulness demonstrated genuine consideration for her guest.
The maids carefully arranged each dish on the table and served portions of the Oyakodon to both guests.
"Please enjoy your meal."
Victor and Shinobu didn't hesitate to pick up their chopsticks and begin tasting the extraordinary cuisine. The moment the rice touched their tongues, their taste buds exploded with flavor—it was truly a feast for all the senses.
"Delicious!" Victor declared.
"I've never tasted anything so amazing!" Shinobu couldn't contain her amazement. She was genuinely astounded that cooking could be elevated to such artistic heights.
Seeing their expressions of pure satisfaction, Erina felt a surge of professional pride. For any chef, having customers genuinely enjoy their food was the highest form of validation.
As time passed, the dishes on the table gradually disappeared at a remarkable pace. Just as Victor and Shinobu were savoring their meal, an imposing elderly man suddenly burst through the doors, followed by a squad of black-suited bodyguards.
When Erina spotted the old man leading the group, panic flashed across her features.
"Found you, just as I expected," the elderly man declared, his sharp eyes immediately locking onto Victor and Shinobu as they dined.
Erina opened her mouth to speak, but the old man cut her off with a dismissive wave of his hand, striding directly toward the two guests.
Victor and Shinobu merely glanced at the sudden intruder before returning their attention to their food, completely ignoring his presence.
This blatant disregard struck the old man as a direct challenge to his authority.
"Boy, you certainly have nerve," he growled. "You force your way into Totsuki Academy, assault our guards, injure our disciplinary officers, brazenly enjoy our hospitality, and now you have the audacity to ignore me."
Victor looked the elderly man up and down with casual indifference. "Old man, who exactly are you? I'm trying to eat here—what business is it of yours?"
The old man stared in disbelief. "You don't know who I am?"
Both Erina and Hisako watched in stunned silence.
The old man's face reddened with indignation. "I am Nakiri Senzaemon!"
"Ah, so your name is Nakiri Senzaemon," Victor replied with mock understanding.
"Now that you know who I am—"
"Still don't know you," Victor interrupted, shaking his head and returning to his meal.
"Pfft!" Shinobu couldn't suppress a small laugh at the exchange.
Senzaemon looked ready to explode with rage, smoke practically rising from his head.
Erina quickly seized the opportunity to intervene. "Grandfather, Mr. Victor and this lady are my personal guests. The earlier misunderstandings occurred because I failed to properly notify the staff of their arrival."
"Silence!" Senzaemon snapped at his granddaughter. He then turned his attention back to Victor. "Listen carefully, boy. I don't care what relationship you might have with my granddaughter, but you will leave these premises immediately. I'm willing to overlook your previous transgressions—but if you refuse, don't blame me for what happens next."
Erina hurried to Victor's side and whispered urgently, "Mr. Victor, perhaps it would be better if you left for now. I can visit your home another day to cook for you properly."
Victor calmly set down his chopsticks, leaned back in his chair, and crossed one leg over the other, regarding Senzaemon with an insolent smirk.
"I'd love to see exactly how ruthless you plan to be."
Instead of responding verbally, Senzaemon simply gestured to his bodyguards behind him. The men understood immediately and began advancing on Victor and Shinobu.
As Shinobu started to rise from her seat, Victor gently pushed her back down.
"Let me handle this."
Victor stood leisurely, taking a moment to stretch his arms above his head. One of the bodyguards had already reached him and was extending his hand to grab him when Victor caught the man's wrist in a firm grip.
Then, with a single devastating punch, he sent the 140-pound man flying more than ten meters through the air like a broken kite, crashing heavily into the far wall.
The entire room fell into shocked silence. Was it even humanly possible to launch someone that distance with a single blow?
The remaining bodyguards stood frozen, momentarily forgetting their orders as they tried to process what they'd just witnessed.
Victor wouldn't give them time to recover. He raised his foot and stomped forcefully on the ground, channeling a massive surge of Geo elemental energy through his sole into the floor below.
Instantly, a magnificent rock dragon erupted from beneath the marble, sending the surrounding bodyguards tumbling to the ground in a spectacular display of supernatural power.
Victor crossed his arms over his chest, standing proudly atop the fearsome dragon's head as his cold gaze looked down upon Senzaemon, Erina, and Hisako below.
"Now then, old man—would you care to repeat what you just said?"
At that moment, Victor appeared nothing short of divine.