The words "dumpling" and "awaken" didn't seem to fit together at all.

Just as the crowd was pondering this, they saw Ryohei Tanaka lift his hand and remove the lid of the steamer.

In that instant, billowing steam surged like a sea of clouds, and a golden light burst forth from within. A rich, savory aroma washed over them like a tidal wave, and a strange "whooshing" sound emanated from the steamer basket.

As the steam gradually dissipated into the air, the palm-sized Ascending Dragon Dumpling, due to the different rates of thermal expansion between its two layers of dough, slowly began to "stand up." Amidst the lingering steam, it assumed the perfect posture of a dragon raising its head.

It shone with a brilliant light, wreathed in mist, looking as if it were about to ride the clouds and fly away at any moment.

This incredible sight left every witness stunned, their breathing suspended.

A second of silence fell over the stall, followed by a torrent of astonished cries:

"It... it's awakened! The dumpling looks like it's come to life! This is unbelievable!"

"Amazing!"

"Ascending Dragon Dumpling... So this is the Ascending Dragon Dumpling!?!"

"It actually moved!"

"How did he do that? Why did it move? Is it immortal magic? Culinary Sage, you must have used immortal magic!"

"Oh my god!"

"..."

Nanako Shinno stood before the stall, her beautiful eyes wide and her cherry-like lips slightly parted, her jaw nearly hitting the floor in shock. She had never seen such a magical dumpling; it completely redefined her understanding of what a dumpling could be!

"How... how is this possible!?"

As a professional host, she was so shocked that she could barely speak coherently. After blurting out the question, Nanako held the microphone out to Ryohei, her brown eyes fixed on him, awaiting his answer.

"It's simple," Ryohei said with a calm and breezy smile, as if he were merely discussing the weather. He enunciated clearly, "I just utilized the principle of thermal expansion and contraction."

"...Huh!?"

'What did you just say?'

It wasn't just Nanako; every single person present was completely baffled.

'Thermal expansion and contraction? The one from the middle school physics textbook?'

'What does a moving dumpling have to do with thermal expansion and contraction?'

'Are you sure it's thermal expansion and not immortal magic?'

'I have my doubts!'

In Eri's live stream, viewers from all over the country were spamming the comments with their disbelief.

'I don't get it. I feel like my brain isn't working. Can any experts explain?'

"'It's simple'!"

'So simple that my mind is completely blown!'

'I'm relieved to see that no one else understands either!'

'I seriously suspect the Culinary Sage is just messing with us. There's no way this has anything to do with thermal expansion...'

"..."

At the back of the line in the central square, people could only hear the various cries of shock and discussion from the front. Their hearts itched with curiosity, but they couldn't see a thing, leaving them frantic with impatience.

'What do they mean the dumpling is alive? It moves? How does it move? I can't even imagine it!'

A flash of inspiration struck someone, and they pulled out their phone to watch one of the influencers' live streams. Others began searching for "Ascending Dragon Dumpling" online, and soon, they too let out gasps of amazement.

In the aisle to the right, Take Hirako, holding his Quinque, stared at the Ascending Dragon Dumpling that looked poised to fly away, the shock on his face lingering.

'So this is... the Culinary Sage's glowing cuisine?'

Gulp—!

He inhaled the rich, enticingly savory aroma filling the air and couldn't help but swallow.

'What does it taste like? I really want to try it!'

"..."

"Miss Nanako, would you like to have a taste?" Ryohei Tanaka didn't elaborate further, skillfully changing the subject.

"Of course!" Nanako retrieved 2,000 yen from the small handbag she carried and handed it to Kouji, who was standing on a small stool, ready to collect the money. She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and smiled brightly. "My purpose here today is to find the most unique dishes at the food festival... and your stall is my first stop!"

Ryohei smiled at her words and casually picked up a paper box. It was a custom box he had the organizers make, similar to a takoyaki box, printed with the image and name of the Ascending Dragon Dumpling. One box was the perfect size for one dumpling.

Using bamboo chopsticks, Ryohei gently lifted the Ascending Dragon Dumpling, which stood tall as if ready to take flight, and placed it in the box. He added a pair of disposable chopsticks and handed it all to Nanako.

"Please, enjoy."

"Thank you!" Nanako hurriedly took it with both hands and moved to the side with her camera crew. Ryohei also stepped back, letting Minos take over the task of packing the orders.

"..."

"Well then... time to eat!"

In the relatively open space of the aisle, Nanako faced the camera and eagerly picked up the Ascending Dragon Dumpling with her disposable chopsticks. She first leaned down and gently bit off the tail before taking a large bite.

"Mmmph—!"

The first thing Nanako noticed was the unusual, two-layered texture of the dumpling skin. But before she could ponder it, the scorching hot soup erupted like a volcano, and a torrent of deliciousness instantly washed away all her thoughts.

Nanako couldn't help but tilt her head back, her fair neck forming a graceful arc. A blissful smile spread across her delicate face.

'It's so delicious!'

She closed her eyes and chewed slowly. Her teeth pierced the soft and chewy outer wheat skin, and the slightly coarse texture of the inner oat skin bloomed on her tongue, creating a marvelous contrast with the incredibly tender and springy shrimp. The sweet and savory juice, enrobed in rich fat, flowed freely in her mouth, while a hint of white pepper's spice added a perfect touch, enhancing the layers of flavor without being overpowering.

"Super delicious! Unbelievably tasty! Beyond imagination!" After swallowing, the aftertaste still lingered in her mouth, and Nanako showered it with praise.

She then turned sideways to show the half-eaten dumpling to the camera. "The Culinary Sage's Ascending Dragon Dumpling has two layers of skin—wheat on the outside and oat on the inside. The filling is primarily shrimp, with a small amount of fatty pork..."

"The two layers of skin don't feel thick at all; it's just right, creating a rich and complex texture."

"The filling inside is also fantastic. The shrimp has a nice, chunky texture, making it springy and smooth, and the flavor is incredibly fresh. The proportion of fatty pork is perfect; it's not greasy at all and adds a wonderful richness to the overall taste... Highly recommended!"

After her review, Nanako took another large bite, closing her eyes in enjoyment as she savored every sensation. "The chewiness of the wheat skin, the texture of the oat skin, the fresh springiness of the shrimp, the rich fullness of the fat..."

"Every layer of texture is distinct yet perfectly integrated, unleashing wave after wave of savory delight in my mouth..."

"Whoa—!"

Nanako was completely immersed in the deliciousness!

It wasn't until she felt a pushing force from beneath her feet that she was startled back to reality. Her body swayed, and she instinctively lowered her center of gravity to steady herself. As she opened her eyes, she was stunned to find that she was standing on the head of a giant Eastern dragon that was soaring into the sky...

~~~

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