MIGHT AS WELL BE OP Chapter 898: Existential Crisis
Previously on MIGHT AS WELL BE OP...
"Such precision and arrangement," Anthony mused silently. Having embarked on his journey as a chef because of Vega, his knowledge of ramen was profound. It was this very expertise that made him increasingly stunned by every piece of information Broth-ben shared. Every element—from the formation of the clouds and the hue of the firmament to the presence of nine moons and three suns—perfectly aligned with the true essence of ramen.
Each detail appeared intentional, balanced, and purposeful, as if the foundations of the world had been established upon culinary principles. This was only the beginning with the sky; they had yet to even set foot on the planet's surface or witness its societies.
"Existence, Reality, and Creation... they are truly magnificent," Anthony thought. He doubted that even if he possessed the divine power to forge an entire Timeline, he could produce something so flawless and distinct. The sky alone captured the world's theme, manifesting the spirit of artistry, satisfaction, and equilibrium in a manner that defied conventional logic.
Broth-ben paused briefly to let his explanation sink in before continuing.
"On Planet Nodara, every inhabitant is born with an intrinsic talent known as Expanded Chromatic Perception. This allows us to see specialized shades beyond the normal spectrum. For instance, we perceive Savory-Gold, which signifies completion and fulfillment. There is Heat-Red, a hue that fluctuates based on the level of spice. We also see Umbral-Brown, a color that only reveals itself when something possesses a profound depth of soul. Lastly, there is Aroma-White, visible only to master Chefs; it is said to look like flowing lines in the atmosphere, resembling soft steam drifting on hidden breezes."
The group of friends nodded as they listened. None of them were ordinary. The Expanded Chromatic Perception that Broth-ben described with such intensity was a trait they all shared—with the exception of Veronica. Even Kingsley had access to it. despite lacking mana or any traditional cultivation energy, his physical form had reached such an absurd level of evolution that his eyes could perceive fundamental truths hidden from others.
"Now," Broth-ben announced with a grin, "I shall guide you through Planet Nodara." Even while maintaining his professional role, a hint of pride colored his voice. It was evident that he found great satisfaction in presenting his traditions, culture, and lifestyle to those from the outside.
He snapped his fingers, and a strange power that was not aura, mana, or intent surged from his frame. This energy coiled and reshaped itself, manifesting into an open-air flying vessel floating before them. Anthony, Lucian, Aaaninja, Aura Nova, and the others looked at the ship with fascination, struck by its unique design and the mysterious energy keeping it aloft. Each individual instinctively began to analyze the craft using their own specialized techniques to grasp its true nature.
"Mana and other common power sources do not exist within the Ramen Singularity Timeline," Broth-ben clarified. "Instead, we are ruled by a unique energy called Savor. It is the force that governs our existence. I could explain further, but I wouldn't want to tire you with excessive technicalities."
He offered a knowing smile. As their guide, he was skilled at balancing detailed information with necessary brevity.
The group then boarded the vessel. In an instant, they accelerated, cutting through the heavens like a streak of light. Anthony and his companions felt the rush of the wind against them. They had traversed many skies, but this experience felt novel and invigorating, as if the very air and breeze were fundamentally different from anything they had encountered in their lives.
Despite Broth-ben's attempt to keep things brief, Aura Nova's curiosity got the better of her. "How does one go about awakening Savor energy?" she inquired. She couldn't simply ignore such a unique power without seeking to understand its origin.
Broth-ben smiled, clearly enjoying the inquiry. "In this Timeline, Savor energy awakens the moment a person prepares ramen and truly satisfies the heart of another for the first time."
Aura Nova nodded, processing the information. While she was curious about deeper mechanics—such as the existence of a Savor core or if repeated success increased one's Cultivation and control—she recognized that now was the time for sightseeing. Even if she didn't ask everything now, she could uncover the truths later through her own observations or a return trip.
Returning would be simple. She could easily alter the Tear in Reality she had already analyzed and copied, allowing her to jump back to this Timeline whenever she wished. Her Omniedit power was truly that dominant.
Meanwhile, Anthony casually lifted his hand. Wisps of golden-white vapor began to swirl around his palm with natural ease; it was undeniably Savor energy. The requirement of cooking to satisfy someone seemed almost trivial to him. He was capable of wielding every variety of energy in existence.
The flying vessel came to a sudden halt.
Broth-ben’s gaze locked onto Anthony’s hand, his eyes bulging in pure shock. Having spent his entire life on Planet Nodara, he could never mistake Savor for anything else. His entire worldview seemed to shatter in a heartbeat. Then, a thought occurred to him that partially explained his confusion.
"Have... have you visited this place before?" he asked tentatively. "That is the only way you could already possess Savor energy."
Anthony merely smiled, shaking his head. "This is my first visit."
Broth-ben was left utterly speechless as he stared at the man. It wasn't the fact that a foreigner could use Savor that shocked him—outsiders could awaken it under the right circumstances. However, Anthony hadn't cooked a single thing, yet he was controlling the energy as if it were second nature.
Vega, Lucian, Aura Nova, and the rest simply let out a collective sigh. They weren't surprised at all. They had already seen Anthony do the exact same thing with Faith energy previously.
"It's best if you just get used to it quickly," Aaaninja remarked flatly. He wasn't speaking to Broth-ben, but to Altheria, who looked just as stunned. She blinked, then gave a slow nod. She had heard the legends about Anthony from Aaaninja, but seeing it in person was a different reality entirely.
Broth-ben let out a long breath. After a short internal crisis, he continued the tour, quietly accepting that his perception of the universe had been forever altered.