A large crowd had already formed blocking the entire street. Some of the bystanders were unable to pass through at all. One man dragging along a wagon with unrefined ore yelled out.

“Get out of the bloody way! I’ve got a shipment to deliver! If I’m late it's on your head!”

“Just fly over.”

“Let’s see you try lifting these things!”

After getting challenged like that, the man didn’t turn aggressive but instead became more understanding. If it was so heavy that a Rank 5 had to manually haul it then he had no chance of doing anything.

He decided to explain the situation instead. “There’s apparently a big show on Dominion’s headquarters. Epitome’s bringing out their top prodigy to show her off. The crowd’s not going to clear up any time soon.”

“That’s just great.” The man went back and started bringing along the ores on another route.

Ethos had just arrived and managed to figure out the situation from that small interaction. It was getting more and more out of hand than he had thought. A simple girl he saw turned out to be quite a formidable person. This only urged his desire to obtain her even more.

As a Rank 10, Ethos easily created a pathway between himself and the entrance to the restaurant. The crowd was initially displeased but seeing how Ethos conducted himself, no one dared to voice any complaints.

Walking through the pathway he had just created, someone got curious. “Who are you?”

“Ethos Rathel.” Ethos then took out an insignia from his clothes and showed it to everyone. The crowd immediately went into a sudden burst of murmurs.

Entering the restaurant, Ethos wasted no time approaching Quinton and Nue. He immediately sat beside Quinton.

“Sir Ethos, you need to order the same service as them to sit there. It’s our restaurant’s rules.” The waiter was terrified of even opening his mouth. Fortunately, Ethos took out 30 High-Quality Mana Stones from his spatial ring and handed them over to him.

“I’d appreciate it if we had more… privacy. Can you arrange that? I’m willing to spend a bit more to ensure peace.”

As a man who had gotten anything he wanted since young, his tone carried a sense of certainty and inevitability.

“I’ll see what the owner has to say about it.”

He rushed in the back as the fat chef was reaching out for the next batch. This time around, it was no longer only the humbling flesh of a 1st Phase monster but of a 2nd Phase monster. Somehow, this chef had already managed to acquire a Low Rank 11 monster’s flesh.

Tearing apart the next set of meat and bone, he sternly replied before the waiter could even ask. “No. Either he eats or he doesn’t.”

Between the owner of this restaurant and an extremely terrifying big shot, the waiter had to make a decision. If he were to offend either of them it was his head. Now that he was forced to make a decision, he actually followed through with the fat man’s order.

It was safe to say that Ethos did not find this joke funny.

“It’s just a bit of privacy. I don’t see the point of being so stingy about it. If you’re afraid that you’ll lose out on today’s profits then I’ll accomodate you an entire week’s income for an insignificant favor.”

Quinton could see Ethos turning extremely hostile. To ensure that nothing unexpected were to occur, Quinton had to intervene. “Young master, we could just leave the restaurant. A person who can cook meat that can increase your cultivation is unheard of. Eating a single dish was enough for me to break through from Low Rank 9 to Medium Rank 9.”

Ethos sneered. “She’s not the only person I’m here for. It just turns out that I needed a personal chef. You hear that? It’s your lucky day, I’m scouting you out personally.” Ethos then glanced back at Nue who was wolfing down everything in front of her without a single care about what Ethos had just said.

The door to the kitchen suddenly opened revealing the owner of this establishment. On his hands were two plates, one was made out of a Low Rank 11 monster’s meat while the other was made from a Low Rank 10 monster’s meat.

The mana radiating from the Rank 10 meal was enough to cause some spectators to undergo mana sickness. They were completely filled up to the brim with mana that was negatively affecting their bodily functions. As for the Rank 11 meal, the chef was taking it upon himself to limit the mana radiation. If he didn’t do so then people would’ve died already.

“Shut up and eat.” The chef placed the Rank 10 meal in front of Ethos while he placed the Rank 11 meal in front of Nue.

“Hahaha, it seems like you’ve made a mistake.” Ethos laughed to himself while reaching out for Nue’s plate. Nue had finished the last batch and was looking out for the next one when she saw Ethos’ hand try and reach out for what was hers.

The owner grabbed Ethos’ hand. “It’s not for you. If you want it then eat this first. Once you’ve proven yourself that you can handle it then I’ll make it for you.”

Ethos’ arm was locked in place, unable to move at all. The owner’s brute strength was stronger than his, a Rank 10 powerhouse. The annoyance of not getting what he wanted angered him. Even still, he played along for now.

Little did Ethos know that if the owner of the restaurant did not do that then Ethos’ hand would’ve been detached from his body. When it’s about food, Nue was a force to be reckoned with. Or generally, to be more honest.

“Tch, let’s see what’s so good about this.” Ethos acted unimpressed but his body was calling out for him to consume the dish before him. Ethos was a Low Rank 10 mage, a very formidable one at that. It was to the point that mana was essentially his servant. Yet for some reason, he was extremely allured by the Rank 10 meat in front of him.

One bite. One bite was all it took for Ethos’ cocky attitude to shift. He did not put up any more airs as he started consuming this Rank 10 meal without any care for his appearance. This was just simply the most delicate thing he had ever consumed.

On the other side, Nue was happily chomping down this Rank 11 monster’s juicy and succulent flesh. She was pretty satisfied. It still couldn’t reach up to Cain’s cooking but in terms of quantity, it was fine.

After finishing one meal Ethos felt his body take one step closer to the next level. “More! Give me more!” Any semblance of extravagance in him disappeared, replaced with a child-like desire for more.

“I apologize on behalf of the young master. I’m Quinton, may we have the honor of learning your name?” Ethos suddenly acting like this didn’t look good for Epitome.

“It’s Chu, Chef Chu to you.” Chef Chu went back into the kitchen to continue serving more meals. When he returned, the next tier was revealed. As Quinton could no longer consume any more in fear of exploding, Ethos and Nue were happily waiting to be served their next meal.

Low Rank 10, Medium Rank 10, High Rank 10, Peak Rank 10… Ethos was genuinely a genius worthy of being called a top talent. He had reached Peak Rank 10 within a single sitting. While Quinton could only eat enough to break through from Low Rank 9 to Medium Rank 9, Ethos was rapidly making development.

This was the difference between talent and providence. Despite being an Elder, Quinton could only bear so much mana before he was unable to take it. With Ethos’ talent, he was able to handle everything relatively easy.

“Congratulations on becoming a Peak Rank 10 genius, young master. The guild master will be extremely pleased with your progress.” Quinton was smiling from ear to ear, the power of a Peak Rank 10 was the highest possible state of a 1st Phase world. His next breakthrough would require an Ascension, an even greater feat that very few could so quickly bridge.

As Ethos was constantly breaking through, he felt the joy and satisfaction of regaining his prime. It was unbelievable that this was actually the way he was going to reach this point. His heightened senses managed to uncover the praise of those watching on.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

“Ethos… he’s Peak Rank 10? Heavens, it looks like Epitome’s about to overtake Dominion soon enough.”

“What a freak! Quinton’s already an Elder, someone who’s extremely skilled and talented. Now someone’s even greater than him! World domination is basically set for them.”

“Why does Epitome have two ungodly geniuses? How is it fair?”

Ethos was happily enjoying the helplessness of those fools on the outside but that last comment made him snap back to reality. Two people meant him and… the golden-eyed girl that had been eating silently this entire time. Ethos’ body was already on the verge of being unable to eat more but the girl in front of him just seemed to never be satisfied.

Come to think of it… has she broken through at all? A heart-stopping thought. He had only eaten up to Peak Rank 10 meals but he had already reached his limit. The girl in front of her was still eating despite him being unable to continue.

“Quinton, what kind of meat is she eating?” Ethos forgot to pay attention to Nue this entire time as he was too preoccupied with eating his own dishes.

“Young master… she’s eaten more meals than you have. By the time you’ve eaten 8, she’s eaten… 24. That’s High Rank 14 monster meat.” Quinton didn’t understand it either but it was the truth.

“That… no that’s not right. Besides, how can you even have High Rank 14 monster meat already? Have you seen a single Low Rank 11 monster yet? Something’s extremely odd about this place.” Ethos refused to believe that this was even real.

Suddenly, the kitchen door opened once again. Chef Chu only had one single plate on his hands. And based on the sequence of events, Nue’s just about to be served Low Rank 15 monster meat.

Seeing this meal, it was different from the rest of her meals. It wasn’t meat but instead a leaf. It was a single leaf that was covered in a liquid golden sauce. Despite being so small, the mana contained within this was absolutely incredible. Seeing this, Nue crossed her arms. “What is this? That’s not meat!”

Chef Chu wasn’t offended at all. He gave out a hearty laugh while slapping his belly. “It’s difficult to kill Low Rank 15 monsters, even for me. So I give up. You win, young lady. You deserve this prize. Yggdrasil’s Leaf, consume it and you will have the right to ascend to godhood. I’m in complete awe that you can get this far. I set the standard as your cultivation base after all.”

Quinton felt something odd when he said that. “I recall you first gave us Low Rank 5 dishes. Am I missing something?”

“That is correct. It was first a Rank 5 meal but I decided to skip ahead since there was no point playing around with someone like her.” Chef Chu bowed before Nue and presented such an extremely valuable item like it was nothing.

Ethos’ eyes bulged in amazement. This was an item from the legendary tree, Yggdrasil, anything that came from it was without a doubt completely insane. The right to ascend to godhood was no joke, even Ethos was extremely tempted by this.

“Ew. Leaf.” Nue pushed such a legendary item without a care. This actually made the onlookers start shouting out.

“That’s a legendary item! What do you mean ‘ew’ do you even understand what you’re rejecting?”

“She’s surely bluffing! I don’t even Epitome has something like that.”

“You can become a god? That’s completely priceless.”

Chef Chu didn’t seem to have changed his mind as he hovered his hand over this particular leaf and encased it in glass. He placed it right beside Nue to use as she deemed fit. Even still, Chef Chu couldn’t believe that Nue would actually act out like this.

“What’s wrong, young lady? Do you not understand this item’s value?” Chef Chu couldn’t help but wonder. He knew of fools that were blessed with providence but to Nue’s degree… it was his first time seeing such a case.

“Leaf taste bad.”

“That is… true but do you not care about the effects? Or rather, do you have something so much better that this item doesn’t even catch your attention?” Chef Chu’s curiosity was piqued.

Nue looked up at the ceiling, trying to recall something in her distant past.

~~~

“It’s that monstrosity! Anyone that’s still alive, fight on! We cannot let her eat Yggdrasil!” A ferocious voice echoed out through the nine worlds. There were barely any warriors left who were strong enough to fight against this eldrich abomination.

Seeing their hope slowly dwindle, this man had no other choice but to go all out. “Judgement of Deities. I call upon the beginning and the end, to fend off this monstrosity. I offer the lives of all the soldiers on the battlefield. Send it away.”

The void shattered and cracked, revealing the golden hands of fate. “Do you desire to be the reason for another civilization’s genocide? A sinner for eternity?”

“If that’s what I must become to protect Yggdrasil then I will.” Countless purple chains started escaping from beyond the void and inserted themselves within his body. The weight of his decision burdened his soul to be tormented for all of eternity. No matter what form he takes after reincarnation, he will bear the price.

From the distance, the illusionary barrier that he had placed up to hide Yggdrassil away was consumed by an unknown force. A large force of pure destructive gluttony appeared consuming anything in its path. Not even the Abyss could consume as thoroughly as this monster. Opening its non-existent mouth, half of Yggdrasil's branches were consumed in an instant. It was only then that the golden hands of fate grabbed ahold of this monster and sent it far far away.

~~~

“Hmm, leaf taste bad.” Nue was sure of it.

“Very well, whatever you decide to do with it, is your business.” Chef Chu went back to the kitchen as if nothing ever happened. Nue shrugged her shoulders before she started intently looking at this encased leaf.

Now that they had the opportunity, Ethos reached his hand out. “It’s your lucky day, girl.”

Nue tilted her head. “It is?”

“Of course, you are, I’m formally inviting you to join me. There’s a lot of eyes and ears here so would you mind following me to a more private place?” Ethos didn’t show any weakness in front of her. Not only was Nue completely gorgeous, but she was also a peerless prodigy. It was obvious that Ethos would want to be acquainted with her.

“I thought only Harry gets lucky. Weird.” Nue mumbled as she played around with the leaf in her hands.

“Ahem, who’s Harry?” It appears that Nue wasn’t alone.

Quinton pitched in. “There’s also another name I’ve heard from this young lady, Cain. They might be a hidden group. I don’t think we can be so brazen about recruiting her anymore. Establishing friendly relations seems to be the best course of action.”

“Harry is…” Nue pointed to the side. Her finger pointed towards an extremely well-dressed nobleman. His face seemed to have been specifically sculpted from jade. “Him!”

“Did I miss something?” Harry awkwardly smiled. His suit was completely made out of jewels to the point that even Ethos was surprised that someone was that rich. He even had a very feminine boy following right behind him. This boy was actually Elliot.

“Harry, we found Nue so let’s leave already. This has been the most stressed I’ve been ever since I received Madam Helena’s grace.” Elliot kept close to Harry, tugging his clothes. It was clear on his face that this was not an easy day for him.

“Yeah, yeah, Nue, let’s go.” Harry seemed to start panicking a bit faster as he went out and grabbed Nue’s arm. His eyes noticed the small encased glass box and were decently surprised. “Yggdrasil’s Leaf, what’s that doing here?”

Harry then glanced to the side and saw Ethos and Quinton sitting in front of Nue. Considering this was a restaurant, it was clear what happened. “You monsters! Taking advantage of a poor girl and trying to bribe her. Shameless! I’ll be taking that.” Harry took the Yggdrasil’s Leaf and pocketed it.

“Eh? Are we in even more trouble?” Elliot grabbed Harry’s neck as the three were trying to get out as soon as possible.

Nue let herself be dragged away as she started sleeping. It was a while but she was finally full enough to take a short nap. “Nap time.”

“Nue? Nue?! For the love of… how could my luck get any worse than this?” Harry grabbed Nue by the waist and started running out as soon as possible. Very dangerous people were about to come and get them.

Ethos’ mood had turned for the worse. “You think you can just-”

Harry already had so much on his plate, this guy was just another problem he couldn’t be bothered with. “Shut up.”

Ethos, a Peak Rank 10 mage, felt his entire body go limp. The mana stored within his body started dissipating as his accumulated power began to vanish before his grasp. Peak Rank 10, Low Rank 10, Medium Rank 9, Low Rank 8… Medium Rank 3, Low Rank 1, Ethos’ cultivation rank had dropped to the lowest possible metric within such a short amount of time.

“Harry did you just…”

Harry immediately replied. “Heavens no, I just made it so that he can’t use mana for a week. As I promised, no killing. And I never break a promise to a friend.”

“Thank you. But…” Elliot felt the entire world start shaking.

Chef Chu suddenly appeared outside the restaurant and clashed against this unknown force. Black lighting surged all over the place, causing mass mayhem. People immediately started running away as the mana radiating from that one singular clash already exceeded Peak Rank 10.

“Yeah, we really should start running! Dammit! I thought Nue would’ve saved me but she just up and slept! Just how unlucky can I get?”

Black lightning started increasing in ferocity as Chef Chu was actually sent back into his restaurant. The force between those strikes was to the point that things were very dangerous.

“Harry, who’s she? I thought you promised me that you’d only look at me?” A girl enveloped in black attire revealed herself from the purely terrifying ball of annihilation. She had a black veil preventing others from revealing her identity but it was clear from her eyes that she was an otherworldly beauty. It wasn’t the kind of illusionary trick either, she was a definite temptress.

“Miss Fortune, hey… what’s… what’s up?” Harry’s heart was pounding, very heavily.

“What’s up…” Her voice turned low, almost growl-like. “What’s up is that my husband is holding two women by his side. That’s… what’s up.”

“It’s not what you think! You’ve got the wrong idea! Besides, why are you wearing black?”

Black lightning shot out and tried to strike Harry down. The power contained within this lightning strike was stronger than the one that Chef Chu blocked. Harry gritted his teeth and activated his skill, Sage. That mass of chaotic mana started breaking apart, following Harry’s command.

“It’s a funeral.”

“Ahem. Who’s funeral? I don’t think anyone died-” Harry wasn’t having a good time. He missed it when things were simpler.

“Yours, my dear husband.” Miss Fortune, rained down hell. Numerous magical circles appeared right behind her as they all poured down black lightning unto Harry. Without missing a single attack, Harry deconstructed everything to ensure that there wouldn’t be lingering damage around here.

Harry had Elliot and Nue by his hands and started running away. “I just wanted to gamble! Was that a sin?!”

“No. Touching another woman is! Now die!” Miss Fortune flew above the city and rained down hell as she wished. Yet for every single attack she sent down, Harry would ensure that it quickly disappeared into motes of mana.

Just when did everything go wrong? Harry was crying tears of regret. He shouldn’t have tried to push his luck further than this. That damn casino was where everything went wrong. If only he didn’t enter that damn casino.