MIGHT AS WELL BE OP Chapter 899: Endless Broth Seas

The tour proceeded as if Broth-ben had simply decided to erase Anthony’s previous actions from his memory, likely as a desperate measure to keep his mind intact. He eventually led the group toward a boundless ocean, calmly describing the waters of the Ramen Singularity Timeline as the Endless Broth Seas. Each individual sea was defined by a specific base—bone, seafood, vegetable, and even void-derived broths—all of which were unique and carried their own lethal reputations.

Steam and fragrance rose in endless plumes toward the heavens from the unnaturally shimmering surface of the water. Churning like a sentient organism, the broth was thick yet fluid, concealing depths that defied easy measurement. Broth-ben noted that entire fleets had vanished into these tides, consumed by flavors so potent that even master Chefs could lose their sense of self.

Broth-ben then highlighted the various continents of Planet Nodara as they traveled. Every landmass appeared as a massive bowl carved into the very crust of the world, featuring smooth, curved perimeters that looked sculpted by hand rather than natural forces. This design once again mirrored the overarching theme of the Timeline, driving home the point that every element here served a specific intent. Much like the broth seas, the continents felt less like natural geography and more like components of a magnificent culinary display.

Their next stop was the volcanoes, which, true to form, ignored all conventional laws of nature. Instead of magma, these peaks erupted with scalding oil and fierce spice tempests. The surrounding atmosphere burned with such intensity that the sharp aromas were nearly agonizing. However, while such eruptions would cause panic on ordinary worlds, the inhabitants of Planet Nodara raced toward the chaos, desperate to collect the rare spices, oils, and newborn ingredients that only manifested during these violent events.

The group could only stare in awe at the spectacle. The level of intricate detail embedded in every facet of this world was staggering. It appeared as though a celestial creator had painstakingly fashioned this Timeline with extreme precision. Anthony found himself wondering if the smallest life forms—the insects, beasts, and monsters—were also designed around the ramen motif.

Broth-ben subsequently introduced the five primary races of Planet Nodara. He began with his own people, the Brothkin, speaking with obvious pride about their mastery of broth-based techniques and their innate connection to Savor energy. Next were the Noodle-Born, whose semi-flexible bodies could contort in ways impossible for normal humans, their hair consisting of glowing, flowing strands that resembled noodles.

The third group was the Oil Ascendants. They were tall, elegant beings with skin of reflective obsidian-gold that sparkled in the light. Their eyes were like shifting droplets of oil, constantly in motion. Most notably, they never actually touched the ground, perpetually hovering just above the surface.

Then came the Spice-Touched. Broth-ben explained they were birthed amidst the spice storms. Their skin was etched with glowing orange-red cracks, as if a fire burned within their veins, and their every breath released visible heat into the air.

Finally, he spoke of the Empty Bowls, his voice turning somber. These were humanoid silhouettes with hollow chests where only steam and darkness swirled. Incapable of tasting or feeling fulfillment, they consumed flavor itself, leaving nothing but bland desolation in their wake. Consequently, they were viewed as heretics against the Timeline and were hunted without mercy.

Broth-ben didn’t just talk about these races; he pointed them out as they appeared, ensuring the group didn't have to rely on their imaginations.

"I never imagined a place like this could truly exist..." Aura Nova whispered, her gaze jumping between the different races living their daily lives.

"Seriously..." Altheria agreed softly. Despite their backgrounds in elite families where luxury was the norm, this was a different beast entirely. This wasn't just wealth; it was like entering an entirely different layer of existence.

"I feel like I've had my fill just by looking at all this," Lucian remarked, overwhelmed by the sensory bombardment as he walked in silence next to Aaaninja. 'Has the Author’s creative power really reached this level?' he thought to himself. 'To build a world so perfectly centered around ramen...'

He thought back to the Blue Planet introduced at the beginning of the novel. At that time, the imagination behind it felt thin and disorganized. Comparing that early work to what he saw now, it was obvious the Author had evolved tremendously.

'I wonder how many years have passed back on Earth since I was reincarnated,' Lucian pondered. He glanced at Veronica but didn't take her hand. The women had naturally formed their own group, with Aura Nova, Vega, Veronica, and Altheria all moving away from Aaaninja as they bonded.

"To think that Chefs hold more power than Kings or Emperors here," Anthony noted as they strolled. The group nodded. Broth-ben’s earlier revelation that Chefs outranked rulers had been a shock. Such a social structure was unheard of in the Acarnis Galaxy.

"Imagine fighting a war through cooking," Altheria teased, prompting a round of laughter. Broth-ben had mentioned that conflicts were settled via ramen duels. The continent that provided the most satisfaction won the land and glory. Furthermore, the ultimate insult in this Timeline was: Your broth is shallow.

Aura Nova was already busy with her phone. It was obvious she was taking photos and videos to send to her favorite shameless Author. Perhaps seeing this world would push his greedy imagination even further.

"Aaaninja, how did you even locate this Timeline?" Kingsley asked without looking away from a group of passing Oil Ascendants.

"Through the River of Time," Aaaninja replied evenly. "Much like the visions you all experienced, I caught a brief glimpse of this realm and requested the coordinates from the River."

"Do you know of any other places like this?" Veronica asked. "Being here makes me realize how little of reality I've seen. The Acarnis Galaxy has made my outlook too narrow."

Aaaninja shook his head. "Not right now. But if I find another, I will definitely share it with everyone."

They all gave a nod of anticipation for the next strange world.

"I suppose this is where I finally learn to cook," Veronica said, smiling. She wasn't about to leave without gaining some knowledge from such a place.

Anthony let out a soft laugh. "On that note," he added, "maybe I should take on the top chef in a ramen battle." A smirk crossed his face, a look of genuine mischief in his eyes. To outcook the best of Planet Nodara... and then walk away like a legend.

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