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 because ignoring them was the only way to keep his mind intact. He soon led the group toward a boundless ocean, explaining with a calm demeanor that the waters within the Ramen Singularity Timeline were titled the Endless Broth Seas. Each individual sea was composed of a distinct base—ranging from bone and seafood to vegetable and even void-based broths—and each was considered remarkably unique and incredibly perilous in its own right.

The ocean's surface flickered with an unnatural luster, emitting thick clouds of steam and savory scents that rose perpetually into the heavens. The broth moved as if it were a sentient entity, possessing a thick yet flowing consistency and depths that defied easy measurement. Broth-ben noted that entire scouting parties had vanished beneath the surface, consumed by flavors so potent that even master Chefs could lose their sense of self entirely.

As they traveled further, Broth-ben highlighted the various continents of Planet Nodara. Every landmass appeared as a massive bowl carved directly into the planetary crust, featuring smooth, curved perimeters that looked more like the work of a deliberate artisan than natural erosion. This architecture once again mirrored the Timeline’s core theme, driving home the point that nothing in this realm existed by accident. Much like the broth seas they had passed, the continents felt less like mere geography and more like components of a magnificent culinary display.

Next, Broth-ben escorted them to the volcanoes. True to the logic of this world, even these landmarks bypassed conventional nature. Instead of discharging lava or flames, these peaks erupted with scalding oil and ferocious spice storms. The surrounding atmosphere seethed with an intensity so sharp it was almost painful to breathe. While people in ordinary worlds would flee such eruptions in a panic, the inhabitants of Planet Nodara actually flocked toward these volcanic tempests, desperate to collect rare oils, spices, and fresh ingredients that only manifested during such violent events.

The group could do nothing but gaze in awe. The level of intricate detail woven into every facet of this world was bordering on madness. It appeared as though a celestial hand had carefully crafted this Timeline with unbelievable precision. Anthony began to wonder if even the tiniest lifeforms—the ants, beasts, and monsters—were also designed around the central theme of ramen.

Following this, Broth-ben introduced the various races of Planet Nodara, which consisted of only five groups. The first were the Brothkin, his own people. He spoke of them with obvious pride, detailing their mastery over broth-based techniques and their innate connection to Savor energy. The second race was the Noodle-Born. Their physical forms were semi-pliable, allowing them to contort in ways impossible for normal beings, and their hair consisted of glowing, flowing strands that resembled noodles, perfectly reflecting their heritage.

The third race was the Oil Ascendants. These were tall, graceful beings with skin like polished obsidian-gold that shimmered in the light. Their eyes looked like suspended droplets of oil, constantly rippling and shifting. Their most notable trait was that they perpetually hovered just above the ground, never making full contact with the earth.

The fourth race was known as the Spice-Touched. Broth-ben explained that they were birthed during the peak of spice storms. Their skin was etched with glowing orange-red cracks, as if a fire burned within their bodies, and every breath they took released visible heat into the air.

The final race was called the Empty Bowls. Broth-ben’s voice grew grim when he mentioned them. They looked like humanoid shadows with hollow chests where only darkness and steam swirled. Incapable of tasting or feeling satisfaction, they instead consumed flavor itself, leaving entire territories bland and devoid of life. Consequently, they were viewed as heretics against the Timeline and were hunted without mercy whenever they appeared.

Broth-ben did more than just describe these people; he pointed out examples of each as he spoke, ensuring the group didn’t have to rely on their imaginations alone.

"Who would have thought something like this actually existed..." Aura Nova whispered as she walked, her gaze jumping between the different races as they went about their daily lives.

"For real..." Altheria whispered back in agreement. Even though everyone there was from a prestigious family and used to immense luxury, this was a different beast entirely. This wasn't just about wealth; it felt like they had entered a completely different layer of existence.

"Honestly, I think I’m already full just from looking at all of this," Lucian remarked, feeling buried by the sensory overload of sights and smells as he walked silently next to Aaaninja. 'Has the Author’s creativity really advanced this much?' he asked himself. 'Such intricate world-building, and all of it perfectly themed around ramen...'

He thought back to when the Author introduced the Blue Planet early in the story, around the second Chapter. At that time, the imagination had seemed disorganized and shallow. But comparing that early work to what he saw now, it was obvious the Author had evolved beyond all recognition.

'I wonder how many years have gone by on Earth since I was reincarnated,' Lucian pondered. He looked toward Veronica but didn't reach out. The women had naturally formed their own group; Aura Nova, Vega, Veronica, and even Altheria had moved away from Aaaninja as they became more familiar with each other.

"To think that chefs have more status than Kings and Emperors," Anthony noted casually during their stroll. The group nodded. Broth-ben had already informed them that Chefs held more power than rulers on Planet Nodara, a fact that had stunned them. Such a social structure would never be found within the Acarnis Galaxy.

"Imagine going to war through cooking," Altheria teased, prompting laughter from the others. According to their guide, conflicts here were resolved via ramen competitions. The continent that provided the most satisfaction won the land and the glory. Furthermore, the ultimate insult in the Ramen Singularity Timeline was: "Your broth is shallow."

Aura Nova had already pulled out her phone. It was obvious to everyone that she was taking pictures and videos to send to her favorite shameless Author. Perhaps, by seeing such worlds, his greedy imagination would grow even further.

"Hey, Aaaninja, how did you even locate this Timeline?" Kingsley asked while they walked. He didn't look at Aaaninja, his attention focused on a passing group of Oil Ascendants.

"Through the River of Time," Aaaninja replied in a neutral tone. "Just like the visions you all witnessed while you were there, I caught a quick glimpse of this realm and requested the coordinates from the River."

"Do you have the location of any other places like this?" Veronica asked with curiosity. "After seeing this, I feel like I haven't really seen the true scale of reality. The Acarnis Galaxy has made my perspective too narrow."

Aaaninja shook his head. "Not right now. But as soon as I find another, I won't hesitate to share it with everyone."

They all nodded, already looking forward to the next unbelievable world.

"I suppose this is where I'll learn to cook for the very first time," Veronica said, smiling. She had no intention of leaving such a place without gaining some new knowledge.

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

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