"Merging magic and Gourmet Cells? So your transformation is due to this fusion!" Zed exclaimed, intrigued by Mirajane's revelation.
Earlier, he'd wondered if her Takeover Magic could function in this magicless world. Now, it seemed the Gourmet Cells had reshaped her abilities entirely.
"Yes. More precisely, the Gourmet Cells assimilated my Magic Source—the core of a wizard's power. Instead of destroying it, they absorbed and transformed it. Now, I'm not using magic but Caloric Energy, as you described."
To demonstrate, Mirajane raised her clawed hand, conjuring a golden orb of light—Soul Extinguisher. Once purple-black, the attack now shimmered with amplified power. "My Demon Soul form also changed because I partially received a Gourmet Demon's power."
She explained how, after learning of Gourmet Demons, she'd attempted to harness their energy using Takeover Magic. Though successful, the sheer force nearly shattered her body, leaving her with only a sliver of the demon's power. Even that fragment had overwritten her Demon Soul and other forms, warping them into something new.
"Fascinating. Let's test your Cell Level," Zed said, intrigued. Most Gourmet Hunters couldn't channel a Gourmet Demon's power without catastrophic consequences.
The device beeped, displaying Level 47.
Erina and Hisako gasped. "Forty-seven?! When we first awakened our Gourmet Cells…" Erina trailed off, unwilling to compare their humble beginnings.
"This can't be right. Mirajane, revert to your normal form," Zed urged, suspecting the Demon Soul state skewed the reading.
Zed didn't react with awe but instead paused thoughtfully. Though Mirajane was unique, newly awakened Gourmet Cells shouldn't grant such immense power. He asked her to exit the Demon Soul state and retested her.
"Confirmed—the earlier Cell Level was a temporary boost. Her true level is 6," Zed announced. Mirajane's background as a wizard gave her a stronger foundation than Erina and Hisako, who'd been ordinary humans before their awakenings.
Next, Zed tested Mirajane's Cell Level across her various Takeover Forms. The results fluctuated wildly: some forms registered single-digit levels, others surpassed 20. Her strongest form—the Demon Soul fused with Gourmet Demon energy—peaked at Capture Level 47.
"It's incredible—she can shift into so many forms!" Erina and Hisako watched, envy tingeing their voices.
"Perhaps you could learn a version of it," Zed mused. "Her Takeover Magic now runs on Caloric Energy, not mana. The principles might adapt to our world."
The duo's eyes lit up. If they could master this, their combat potential would skyrocket.
"I'll explain Takeover Magic's mechanics!" Mirajane offered eagerly, relieved to contribute.
"Save the lesson for later. Eat first." Zed tested Erina and Hisako's Cell Levels, now 15 after Jewel Meat's activation. His own level had risen modestly to 51—a solid gain given the ingredient's Capture Level.
As they devoured the feast, Mirajane grasped the reality of Gourmet Cells: she'd eaten dozens of portions without feeling full. Calories stored in her body now fueled her enhanced physiology.
"Midora, though…" Zed muttered, recalling the legend. Unlike others, Midora's hunger stemmed from insatiable desire, not mere caloric need—a reminder of how deep Gourmet Cells could warp one's soul.