After the meal, Mirajane detailed the mechanics of her modified Takeover Magic. The magic, now assimilated by Gourmet Cells, had transformed into a calorie-driven system.
"It's not complicated," Zed remarked after listening. Erina and Hisako, however, struggled to grasp the concepts—their foundations as former ordinary humans limited their comprehension. Zed, having mastered Food Honor (Shokugi), began experimenting immediately.
"Takeover!"
He activated the calorie-fueled magic, opting for Full-Body Reception. Unlike Mirajane's risks—where resisting entities like the Beast King's Soul could cause backlash—Zed faced no such danger. The Gourmet Demons in his body lacked consciousness, making their power safe to channel.
His body shifted subtly: glowing lines reminiscent of Ichiryu's Leader Slime form etched across his skin, while a Knife and Fork materialized in his hands—weapons once wielded by the Leader Slime against Acacia.
"Power surged… but visually, only these markings changed." Zed flexed his hands, feeling the energy hum. Testing his Cell Level, the device flashed: 70, up from 51.
"This magic's effect is no joke," he mused. At Level 70, he could dominate the Human World—barring clashes with elites like Midora or Joa.
The magic's utility would diminish as his Cell Level climbed into the hundreds, where summoning a Gourmet Demon's full power—even briefly—would outclass partial reception. Yet the technique still held value: prolonged use without bodily strain, trading raw strength for endurance.
Mirajane's modified Takeover Magic stunned Zed. While potent, the technique posed risks for others. Unless one could fully command their Gourmet Demon—like Toriko with his Red Ghost—using it meant surrendering control of their body to the demon. Once possessed, recovery required exhausting the Caloric Energy fueling the possession—a vulnerability Gourmet Demons would exploit. For most, this made the magic a forbidden gamble.
"Mastering it in half an hour?!" Mirajane muttered, awed and unnerved. Her Takeover Magic, though reshaped by Gourmet Cells, demanded years of mastery in her world. Zed's rapid grasp defied logic.
"My mastery of Food Honor (Shokugi) is the key," Zed explained. "Once you comprehend it, learning skills becomes instinctual—like breathing."
"Food Honor…?" Mirajane echoed, intrigued.
Zed outlined its principles: refining energy efficiency, amplifying power, and transcending limits. "Imagine casting spells with 10% of your former mana cost while doubling their strength."
Her eyes widened. "That's…!"
"Overwhelming? Yes. But focus on raising your Cell Level first. Food Honor comes later."
The group nodded, trusting his guidance. After cleaning up—a task streamlined by Zed's industrial dishwasher—they retired. Outside, Tatsu's aura blanketed the First Ecological Zone, deterring all threats. Rest here was safe, even in the wild.