MIGHT AS WELL BE OP Chapter 898: Existential Crisis

"Such precision and arrangement," Anthony reflected silently. Since he had pursued the culinary path because of Vega, his knowledge of ramen was extensive. It was this very expertise that made him more shocked with every detail Broth-ben shared. From the formation of the clouds and the sky's unique hue to the presence of nine moons and three suns, every element perfectly aligned with the true essence of ramen.

Each detail seemed intentional, balanced, and purposeful, as if the universe had been forged through the lens of culinary philosophy. This was only the sky; they hadn't even begun to investigate the planet or the societies living upon it.

"Existence, Reality, and Creation... they are truly wondrous," Anthony thought. He doubted that he could craft something so flawless and distinct even if he were a god with the power to design a whole Timeline. In this place, the theme of the world was embodied by the sky alone, seizing the spirit of artistry, satisfaction, and balance in a way that defied simple logic.

Broth-ben waited a moment for his explanation to sink in before resuming his speech.

"On Planet Nodara, every inhabitant is born with an innate talent called Expanded Chromatic Perception. This allows us to see a spectrum of specialized colors beyond the normal range. For instance, we see Savory-Gold, which signifies completion and fulfillment. There is Heat-Red, a shade that shifts depending on the level of spice. We also perceive Umbral-Brown, a color only visible when an object possesses a deep soul. Lastly, there is Aroma-White; only high-level Chefs can see it, appearing as floating trails in the breeze like soft steam moving through invisible currents."

The group of friends nodded as they listened. None of them were common people. Every person there—excluding Veronica—already possessed the Expanded Chromatic Perception that Broth-ben described so proudly. Even Kingsley had it. Though he lacked any traditional energy or mana, his physical form had evolved to a ridiculous degree, granting his eyes the power to see truths hidden from others.

"Now," Broth-ben announced with a grin, "I shall guide you across Planet Nodara." While he kept a professional air, a hint of pride colored his voice. It was obvious that he found great fulfillment in showing his way of life, traditions, and culture to those from the outside.

With a sharp snap of his fingers, a strange power that was neither intent, aura, nor mana radiated from his frame. This energy folded and spiraled, manifesting as an open-air flying vessel hovering in the sky. Aura Nova, Lucian, Aaaninja, Anthony, and the others looked at the craft in wonder, amazed by its unique build and the mysterious energy keeping it aloft. Each member of the group began to analyze it using their own techniques, trying to grasp its fundamental nature.

"Within the Ramen Singularity Timeline," Broth-ben clarified, "conventional power sources like mana are not utilized. Instead, we are ruled by a unique energy called Savor. This is the force that governs our world. I would be happy to explain further, but I do not wish to bore you with excessive technicalities."

He gave a knowing smile. As their guide, he was skilled at balancing detailed explanation with necessary restraint.

The group then stepped onto the vessel. Together, they surged forward, cutting through the heavens in a flash of speed. Anthony and his companions let the rushing wind wash over them. Though they had soared through many skies, this experience felt fresh and exotic, as if the very air they breathed and the wind they felt were entirely different from anything they had known.

Despite Broth-ben’s attempt to keep things brief, Aura Nova could not suppress her inquisitive nature. "How does a person awaken Savor energy?" she inquired. She was genuinely curious; she couldn't simply encounter a new power without seeking to understand it.

Broth-ben smiled, visibly pleased by her interest. "In the Ramen Singularity Timeline, Savor energy awakens the moment one prepares ramen and truly satisfies another person for the very first time."

Aura Nova nodded at his answer. While she wanted to ask deeper questions—such as the existence of a Savor core or if repeated success in cooking increased one's Cultivation and control—she recognized there was a proper time for such things. She was currently a tourist. Even if she didn't ask everything now, she could find the truth later through her own observations, study, or a return trip.

Going back would be easy for her. She had already copied and mastered the Tear in Reality, and she could simply alter it to travel to this Timeline whenever she wished. Her Omniedit ability was just that broken.

Meanwhile, Anthony casually lifted his hand. Mist of golden-white steam swirled around his palm with natural ease; it was undeniably Savor energy. Cooking to satisfy someone? Such a requirement was trivial to him. He had the power to wield every type of energy in existence.

The flying vessel came to a sudden halt.

Broth-ben’s gaze locked onto Anthony’s palm, his eyes bulging in pure shock. Having lived on Planet Nodara his whole life, he could never mistake Savor for something else. His entire worldview seemed to crumble for a second. Then, a sudden thought occurred to him, easing some of his confusion.

"Ha... have you visited us before?" he asked tentatively. "That is the only way you could already command Savor energy."

Anthony just smiled and shook his head. "This is my first visit."

Broth-ben stood there, completely lost for words as he stared at the human. It wasn't the fact that a foreigner could use Savor that shocked him, as they could awaken it under the right conditions. The shock came from the fact that Anthony hadn't cooked a single thing, yet he was already manipulating the energy effortlessly.

Aura Nova, Vega, Lucian, and the rest of the party simply sighed. They weren't surprised at all. They had already seen Anthony do the exact same thing with Faith energy previously.

"The faster you accept it, the better off you'll be," Aaaninja remarked flatly. He wasn't talking to Broth-ben, but to Altheria, who looked just as stunned. She blinked, then nodded slowly. She had heard the legends of Anthony from Aaaninja, but seeing it in person was a different matter entirely.

Broth-ben let out a long breath. After a quick existential crisis, he got the tour back on track, silently conceding that his perspective on the universe had been changed forever.