MIGHT AS WELL BE OP Chapter 905: Payment Method

"You didn’t tell us the name of the fifth step," Anthony remarked from the sidelines as he observed the process. Though his knowledge of ramen was vast, he had to admit this was his first time seeing such a technique. It was understandable, however; this specific method was unique to this particular timeline and couldn't be found anywhere else he had traveled.

"The fifth step is called Skimming the False Self," Broth-ben replied with a calm, authoritative tone. His explanation prompted a collective nod from the group, as the meaning behind the name was immediately clear to everyone present without further elaboration.

Moving without hesitation into the next phase, the chef transitioned smoothly toward the resting dough. His motions were fluid and deliberate as he began to stretch the strands with expert precision. He infused the dough with Savor, imprinting every movement with a sense of rhythm, care, and love. His hands seemed to dance, guided by pure instinct.

As the noodles took shape beneath his touch, they emitted a faint pulse, reacting to him as if they possessed their own consciousness. Maintaining his steady pace, the chef placed them into the pot with effortless grace. The moment they hit the broth, the noodles appeared to sigh in total contentment, as if they were finally returning to their true home.

One method followed another as the chef worked with efficient speed, his meticulous nature embedded in every action. There was no waste or unnecessary flair in his movements. Before long, the ramen was perfectly prepared. The surrounding air grew thick with Savor energy, becoming so dense it felt almost tangible. The noodles drifted languidly in the soup, while the toppings were arranged so beautifully they demanded admiration from anyone watching.

The chef offered no verbal commentary. He simply looked toward Anthony and the others, who were watching in hushed silence, and gave a faint smile and a nod. In the Ramen Singularity Timeline, ramen was served in silence. No justification or explanation was needed; the dish spoke for itself the moment it was tasted.

"In the Ramen Singularity Timeline, it is said that ramen is not cooked," the Brothkin whispered, inhaling deeply as if tasting the dish through its aroma. "It is allowed to happen."

After pausing for a few more moments, the team felt they had seen enough of the Public Simmerium and decided to move on.

"Let’s go do a bit of shopping," Altheria proposed while following the Brothkin. "We don't know when we'll have the chance to come back here."

With everyone in agreement, the group moved as one, their bodies rising gently into the sky. Leaving the Public Simmerium behind, they streaked through the air toward the shopping district, watching the world spread out below them.

"What did you think of that ramen cooking technique?" Vega asked, glancing up at Romulus, who remained perched on her head.

Romulus paused to gather his thoughts before answering, "Basic. But it was sufficient to convey its intentions and its words."

Flying ahead of them, Broth-ben turned back briefly. He offered a smile before saying, "What Romulus says is indeed true." He then turned his focus back to the path ahead.

"You seem quite knowledgeable about ramen," Aaaninja noted, flying level with Broth-ben. "Are you a chef as well?"

"On Planet Nodara, everyone is a chef in some capacity," Broth-ben answered evenly. "Lineage and bloodline do not matter." His tone suggested he would not be providing further details.

The group soon reached the shopping district and descended gently to the ground. The streets were laced with steam and curved inward, leading crowds past rounded stalls fashioned from warm stone. Shallow trays held glimmering Simmer-Pearls, while Traveler’s Noodles hung in pale loops from wooden racks. Aroma satchels floated through the air, emitting trails of soft white vapor.

While Brothkin vendors engaged in patient bargaining, Oil Ascendants stood behind counters in silent observation. Foreign traders moved with care, offering exotic spices and sealed jars. Beneath their feet, the ground hummed softly, as if the market itself were savoring every transaction made within its borders.

The team moved forward eagerly, weaving through the various stalls. They explored shop after shop, inspecting items with great interest. They gathered bowls of all shapes, along with various ingredients, pots, chopsticks, and different oils. They also picked out bottles of liquid taken from the Endless Broth Seas, each one thrumming with faint energy.

Then, a realization hit them.

Mana crystals were not accepted as currency here.

"Ehhh... how are we supposed to pay?" Vega asked, her purple eyes searching for Broth-ben, who was watching them quietly from behind.

"Savor Marks are the currency of Planet Nodara," Broth-ben explained calmly. "However, they are not for use by foreigners. For outsiders, trade is conducted through exchange—specifically using spices that do not exist in the Ramen Singularity Timeline."

"How can we tell which spices to provide?" Aura Nova questioned. "Some might already be common here."

"There is no need for concern," Broth-ben replied smoothly. "Just hand them to the merchant. They will know through the Broth Memory skill."

The group nodded, but a new problem arose. None of them had any spices on hand. Not even a grain of salt was stored in their space rings.

Nevertheless, they each found a way.

Aaaninja reached out to the River of Time. In response, a selection of perfectly chosen spices flowed toward him. As the embodiment of the River of Time, it knew exactly what was missing from the Ramen Singularity Timeline. He paid for both himself and Altheria with the grace of a gentleman.

Aura Nova acted without hesitation. Using Omniedit, she manifested several unique spices from her thoughts, paid the merchant, and stepped aside.

When it was Anthony's turn, he made a casual gesture, utilizing Quantum Manipulation to alter reality. Exotic spices materialized in his hand, their very existence rewritten into being. After paying for himself and Vega, the two walked off together.

Lucian, however, remained rooted to the spot.

He had no way to pay.

For a moment, he stood there speechless and lost. It felt like being on a date and realizing you couldn't cover the bill. Even Veronica couldn't offer a solution.

He had seen spice-related abilities before, but he hadn't bothered to copy something so seemingly insignificant. With a sigh, he released vast, controlled waves of mana from his core. The shopping district shook under the pressure of contained chaos. Lucian spoke a single phrase.

Event Rewriting.

Reality groaned as the laws of the Ramen Singularity Timeline tried to fight back, but it was useless. Lucian forced his will upon existence with even more mana. The moment where he lacked payment was erased and replaced with a new reality. His mana drained away instantly.

The merchant stared at Lucian in sheer terror. On the counter sat a fresh pile of spices that Lucian had forced reality to accept. With a satisfied grin, Lucian walked away, followed by a lovestruck Veronica.

All eyes then turned to Kingsley. Everyone wondered how he would manage, as he possessed no supernatural energy and relied entirely on martial arts. Was he going to punch reality into paying for him?

Suddenly, a portal opened without warning. A rain of spices fell from it, each bundle clearly labeled: Sky Kingsley.

The universe itself had settled his debt.

Kingsley calmly moved some spices into his space ring and left the rest as payment, which would also cover his future needs.

The group watched in stunned silence. No energy had been detected, and there wasn't even a ripple in space.

The merchant quickly checked the spices and then begged them to leave at once. He had no desire to see what else these bizarre foreigners were capable of.

Broth-ben shook his head as he walked away. In all his thousands of years, this was undoubtedly the most ridiculous group he had ever had to lead.

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