52: Task completed

Senzaemon's voice was not loud, but it carried an unquestionable power that cut right through the assassin's unuttered excuses: "It was Nakamura Azami who approached you, wasn't it?"

"Heh..." The assassin let out a dry, cold laugh, his eyes flickering.

Lin Luo took a step forward, looking down at him: "I have the right to execute you on the spot if you are not honest with me."

These words brought the assassin's laughter to an abrupt halt. His pupils contracted sharply, and his Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily. He had only taken the job for the money; he didn't want to lose his life over it.

"Since... since you've already guessed it, there's nothing more to say." His voice softened significantly. "As for the reason, that's your Family's internal business and has nothing to do with me. I take people's money to solve their problems. He just didn't want to be tracked by the police, so he sought out a 'professional' like me."

Lin Luo snorted coldly: "How did he find you? Explain the contact process truthfully."

The assassin curled his lips into a mocking smile: "There's no point in me saying it. We all know the score, don't we? Even if the state cracks down, they can't completely erase our space to survive. Between light and darkness, there will always be gray areas."

In truth, hearing this, Senzaemon already understood the man's origins. At his level, while he might not know every detail of the world's truths, he had long since come into contact with them. As the "demon king of cuisine" who held the lifeblood of the Far Eastern culinary world, he not only knew of the supernatural world's existence but was also well aware of the gray areas that drifted between light and darkness.

Senzaemon had not only heard of the "gray areas" the assassin spoke of, but if he truly wanted to obtain contact information, it would not be difficult. The connections and resources Tōtsuki Culinary Academy had accumulated over hundreds of years had long since permeated every corner of this world, including those unknown dark places.

Senzaemon slowly stood up and paced to the window, his back to the two of them. "I understand." His voice was terrifyingly calm. "Nakamura Azami chose the most wretched path."

"Since the Supreme Commander already knows the mastermind, I'll take this person back into custody." As Lin Luo spoke, spiritual energy flowed in his hands as he prepared to reinforce the assassin's restraints.

"What?!" The assassin's head snapped up, his bound body writhing violently. "You can't do this! I've told you everything I know! The mission failed, why are you still arresting me?!"

Lin Luo raised an eyebrow, wearing a half-smile: "I don't recall ever saying I'd let you go if you confessed?" He crouched down, meeting the assassin's terrified eyes. "You are one of my mission targets. If I just let you go, wouldn't my mission be a failure?"

"You!" The assassin trembled with rage but could not refute him.

"Furthermore," Lin Luo's tone suddenly turned cold, "you've violated Article 3 of the 'Supernatural Management Regulations,' using supernatural power against ordinary people; Article 5, endangering social security; and Article 17, illegally accepting commissions to commit crimes... do I need to continue listing them?"

Just as Lin Luo was about to pick up the assassin, a rhythmic knocking sounded from outside. Without waiting for a response, the door was gently pushed open, and three individuals in dark uniforms, moving with efficiency, filed into the room.

The leader nodded slightly to Lin Luo: "Commissioner Lin, the Logistics Response Team has arrived as ordered to take custody of the target and handle the scene."

A flash of surprise crossed Lin Luo's eyes. He had only just reported the mission's completion via encrypted communication, yet these people had arrived so quickly. From the moment he sent the signal until now, it had been no longer than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.

His mind raced, and he soon understood—these logistics personnel had likely been quietly deployed in the surroundings, standing by ever since he stepped into Tōtsuki Culinary Academy. The Special Affairs Department's level of importance for this case involving a supernatural attack on a key figure far exceeded his initial estimates.

"High efficiency," Lin Luo praised nonchalantly, stepping aside to make room.

The logistics team moved swiftly and professionally. One person stepped forward, took out a pair of specialized handcuffs shimmering with runic light, and deftly replaced Lin Luo's temporary spiritual restraints; another began scanning the room and collecting evidence; the third engaged in a brief paperwork handover with Lin Luo.

The handcuffed assassin looked ashen, letting himself be handled. He knew that once officially taken into custody by the Special Affairs Department, what awaited him was trial in a Supernatural Court and a long prison sentence. The faint light flowing on the specialized handcuffs not only sealed all his power but seemed to lock away his last bit of hope as well.

Senzaemon stood to the side, silently watching it all. The Special Affairs Department's handling of the matter and the rapid appearance of the logistics personnel, showing such efficiency, professionalism, and deep-seated discipline, made him more clearly realize the power of this official supernatural management agency.

What made his heart sink slightly was that as the Supreme Commander of Tōtsuki Culinary Academy and the nominal owner of this land, he had received no notification regarding these people's infiltration or deployment; they had simply appeared here as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

This "omnipresent" capability was, in itself, a silent deterrent.

The head of the logistics team turned to Senzaemon and spoke politely but formally: "Supreme Commander Your Excellency, regarding today's events, the Department will send a specialist to communicate with you in detail later. In the meantime, please refrain from disclosing any related information to the outside world."

Senzaemon nodded slightly, his expression calm and unruffled: "I understand." Having weathered many storms, he naturally understood the boundaries. This was not only for the sake of case confidentiality but also a reminder to him—in matters involving the supernatural, Tōtsuki Culinary Academy must also follow the state's rules.

The logistics team departed as quietly as they had arrived, taking the prisoner with them, leaving only Lin Luo and Senzaemon in the room, along with the lingering tension in the air.

After a moment of silence, Senzaemon slowly paced to the tea table, personally poured two cups of green tea, and pushed one toward Lin Luo.

"Mr. Lin Luo, I owe you my thanks this time." His voice carried a trace of subtle fatigue, but more so the steadiness of someone who had survived a great upheaval. "Not only did you save my life, but you also allowed me to see many things clearly."

Lin Luo took the teacup without ceremony: "It was part of my duty. There's no need for the Supreme Commander to worry about it."

"Nakamura Azami..." Senzaemon spoke the name with a complex tone. "He touched power he shouldn't have touched and stepped into a Realm he shouldn't have entered."

"The Supreme Commander still needs to be careful," Lin Luo reminded him. "Their failure this time doesn't mean they will give up. As long as the mission isn't retracted, someone else will surely take it up."

"I know." A sharp light flashed in Senzaemon's eyes, the edge belonging to the "demon king of cuisine." "Tōtsuki's Legacy has lasted hundreds of years and weathered more storms than this. Since the storm is inevitable, then let it come."

He looked at Lin Luo, his tone becoming solemn: "Mr. Lin Luo, before this matter is completely resolved, I have a bold request. Could you temporarily stay at Tōtsuki as a Special Consultant? On one hand, I need your strength to deal with supernatural threats that may reappear; on the other hand, Erina... I'm worried she might become a target as well."

Lin Luo shook his head almost without thinking, though his refusal wasn't harsh: "It's unlikely for me to stay here long-term. The Special Affairs Department has other missions to handle."

Seeing the flash of disappointment in Senzaemon's eyes, he changed his tune: "However, I can prepare some protective talismans for you. If you encounter a supernatural attack like today's again, the talismans will react, at least giving you time to respond."

As he spoke, Lin Luo took out several warm jade talismans from a silk pouch he carried. Complex runes were carved onto the jade, with spiritual light faintly flowing through them. He handed two of them to Senzaemon.

"This one, Supreme Commander, please wear it with you. The other can be given to Young Miss Erina." Lin Luo explained, "If any supernatural power with malicious intent approaches, the jade talisman will grow slightly hot as a warning. If you suffer a direct attack, it can automatically trigger a protective barrier, sufficient to block one fatal strike."

Senzaemon solemnly accepted the jade talismans, feeling the gentle yet resilient power within them. The gravity on his face eased slightly: "In that case, I thank you on Erina's behalf."

"Mr. Lin Luo, if you're not in a hurry, please rest at Tōtsuki for a while." Senzaemon suggested sincerely, "I will have Erina prepare a meal to express my gratitude."

Gods Tongue Erina Nakiri cooking personally?

Hearing this, a flash of anticipation crossed Lin Luo's eyes. To have this star figure of Tōtsuki Culinary Academy prepare a meal for him—it would be a lie to say he wasn't interested. He had long heard that this gifted girl had already shown culinary skills far beyond her peers during her middle school years, even being evaluated as having 'Elite Ten' level strength—the very top of the Tōtsuki Culinary Academy pyramid, each one a Genius capable of standing alone in the culinary world.

"Since the Supreme Commander has invited me so warmly, I shall accept." Lin Luo agreed with a smile, "I've long heard that Young Miss Erina's culinary skills are extraordinary. It is my honor to have the chance to taste them."

Seeing Lin Luo agree, a slight smile appeared on Senzaemon's face. He called for Butler Morita, who was waiting outside the door, and whispered a few instructions. Hearing them, the butler looked at Lin Luo with slight surprise before bowing respectfully and withdrawing, presumably to inform Erina.

"That child Erina, though she's a bit proud, never cuts corners when it comes to cooking." Senzaemon's tone held a hint of pride. "I believe she won't disappoint you, Mr. Lin Luo."

About an hour later, in an elegant Japanese-style room in the Nakiri residence, Lin Luo and Senzaemon sat across from each other. Erina did not appear; instead, servers presented meticulously prepared dishes one by one.

First was an appetizer—[Seafood Crystal Jelly with Caviar]. Fresh, sweet shrimp and scallops were encased in transparent jelly, topped with shiny black caviar, looking like a work of art. It melted in the mouth, the freshness of the ocean and the saltiness of the caviar exploding on the palate, distinct yet harmonious.

Next was the soup, [Truffle Consommé]. A few paper-thin slices of truffle floated in the crystal-clear broth, yet the aroma was so rich it felt tangible. With one sip, the warm broth carried the truffle's unique, complex fragrance down the throat, warmth instantly spreading through his limbs.

The main course was [Pan-Seared A5 Wagyu with Seasonal Vegetables]. Perfect heat had left the Wagyu slightly charred on the outside while maintaining an inviting pink interior, the fat distributed as evenly as marble patterns. When cut, the juices slowly seeped out, and paired with a special red wine sauce, it melted in the mouth, the rich meat fragrance lingering for a long time.

Every dish was perfect, with impeccable taste and beautiful plating, fully demonstrating the cook's superb skill and ultimate pursuit of aesthetics.

"As expected of the 'Gods Tongue'." Lin Luo put down his utensils and praised sincerely, "Her control and pairing of flavors have indeed reached an astonishing Realm."

Senzaemon nodded slightly: "To receive such an evaluation from Mr. Lin Luo is that child's honor."