Chapter 62: Infinite Possibilities of Food Honor, Mirajane’s Introduction to Food Honor, Unexpected Discovery

As Zed delved into cellular barriers, he guided Mirajane in Food Honor, though he knew his combat-focused approach wouldn't suit Erina or Hisako. Their path lay in Shoukurin Temple Temple's culinary philosophy. 

Once their studies at Nakaume Gourmet School advanced, he'd take them there—and seize the Bubble Fruit, a rare delicacy coveted even in the Food World. 

Many human-world ingredients, like Century Soup and Bubble Fruit, rivaled Food World treasures in rarity. The Century Soup alone had stirred Midora's Gourmet Cells, its allure transcending capture levels skewed by the Ice Hell's harsh environment. 

Teppei's recent report confirmed the Bishokukai had stolen the Century Soup, mirroring history. Komatsu drank the final drop, while Toriko recovered in the Healing Town. In six months, Toriko's arm would regenerate, and Komatsu would recreate the soup—a pivotal window for Zed to sharpen his strength. 

Zed's Gourmet Cell level now neared 100, bolstered by mastering Food Honor. Yet breaking cellular barriers revealed new depths: each shattered limit multiplied caloric storage, but subsequent barriers grew tougher. 

Yosaku, stunned by Zed's progress, admitted even IGO President Ichiryuu hadn't found Food Honor's ceiling. "Its possibilities are infinite," he'd said. 

Meanwhile, Mirajane battled ten Balbamoth at 10,000 meters—50x gravity crushing her limbs. Zed watched, ready to intervene if needed, until her fists erupted with unseen precision. The beasts collapsed, their carapaces splintered by strikes that blurred like afterimages. 

"Congratulations," Zed grinned. "You've mastered Food Honor." 

Mirajane stared at her hands. "My attack produces the same force… but amplified. Their attacks felt slow." 

"Food Honor sharpens perception and efficiency. This is just the beginning." 

As Zed spoke, his system rewarded him—not with Food Honor, but deeper Food Honor insights. Unlike others who focused on "thickening" cellular limits, this reward hinted at "heightening" control—a vertical expansion even Shoukurin Temple's masters hadn't explored. 

"So there are two paths," Zed murmured, eyes narrowing. "One hones control over the body and energy through Food Honor to amplify strength. The other… solidifies Food Honor's effects, also known as Food Immersion, making caloric surges permanent." 

His first cellular barrier, once temporary, now stood permanently open—a revelation that shows Zed has reached the highest form of Food Honor, borderline Imposible. Calories stored here wouldn't decay, granting limitless reserves. 

The implications terrified him. Battles often erupted unpredictably, leaving little time for preemptive feasting. Even legends like Zaus struggled to "eat perfectly" without foresight. 

Yet Zed's breakthrough defied this. His cells hummed with latent energy, a reservoir waiting to flood. If discovered, this could upheave the Gourmet World. "Best keep this quiet," he decided, though excitement prickled his nerves. 

Mirajane's training concluded at the Heavy Hole's nadir, where 100x gravity crushed lungs and pride alike. "Food Honor… barely helps here," she gasped, sweat pooling beneath her boots. 

"Since you have mastered Food Honor, adaptation now depends on your Gourmet Cells," Zed replied, leading her to Tatsu's battleground. The beast towered over Scorpion Demon Cattle, its playful swats sending shockwaves through the stone. Cracks spiderwebbed across the floor. 

Tatsu's growth troubled Zed—its size now impractical for cities. Yet its power dwarfed the bulls, rendering their skirmishes mere games. 

Two weeks later, Mirajane's Gourmet cells acclimated. "Not bad," Zed remarked, though Toriko's Gourmet Demons would've adapted faster. Only his Leader Slime rivaled such speed. 

Returning to Melk Mountain, the Melk II gaped. "Two and a half months in the Heavy Hole… you're all insane." 

Zed smirked. "Insanity is the price of progress."