Universe Infinite Canteen

"The first intelligent being I encountered upon my birth into this world killed me without saying a word."

"He was my teacher and taught me about killing. This… is my way of connecting with the universe," said the Six-armed Ancient Ape, enunciating each word.

"Well, the Ares people truly aren't great at welcoming newcomers," said Ma Lu. "If you'd encountered Old Wang or their kind initially, perhaps the Multiverse wouldn't have been plunged into crisis."

"It's not just the Ares people… I later ran into many other creatures… all of them were skilled in killing. Killing brings joy to life."

The Six-armed Ancient Ape seemed to be growing accustomed to speaking, its pronunciation becoming clearer. "I want to bring joy to the universe too."

"Ah, typically, those being killed don't actually experience joy," replied Ma Lu. "I admit, killing can indeed bring humans a sense of joy, like some sort of primitive biological instinct."

"I also went through a phase where I was obsessed with it—whether killing or being killed, it would send adrenaline surging."

"In fact, humans have many bad habits. Some are passionate about waging war, some are addicted to gambling, some can't stop popping pills, and there are countless individuals with all sorts of messy and peculiar obsessions."

"Some people enjoy attacking others online; others fanatically fixate on idols. Look around us—people continually form various cliques, ostracizing outsiders and squabbling endlessly..."

"Is that why your dish, 'Cosmic Infinite,' doesn't reach perfection? Whether in color, aroma, or taste, I feel it's missing a certain something—it doesn't seem complete," mused the Six-armed Ancient Ape.

"No, it's because I lack the ability to make it perfect," Ma Lu admitted with a shrug.

"Of course, I and Chef ψ are fundamentally different types of people. I do not pursue perfection. In my eyes, the universe has never been perfect—or rather, most of it is imperfect."

"As children, we were taught humility, tolerance, honesty, and kindness. Yet, upon graduating college and entering society, you discover it runs on entirely different rules—a set far colder and more realistic."

"Deceptive people are rewarded; honest ones are often sacrificed. The brutal cycle of competition goes on and on, endlessly—it's as if someone were incessantly whipping you from behind, refusing to let you rest."

"And people direct all applause and accolades to the victors—raising them onto pedestals, crowning them with laurels, and kissing their feet with reverence."

"But hey, don't get too smug too soon. When you fall from that pedestal, the flowers and applause will vanish. They'll transform into the sharpest and most vicious of daggers, stabbing into you one slash at a time—stripping you bare and mocking you without mercy."

"Many people rage against this, feeling deceived by the world. But in truth, the world hasn't changed; it has always been... this awful."

"If you were to rewind time and review your past, you'd uncover many details you overlooked."

"Why were your parents so eager to curry favor with teachers? Why was President Wang's son your class's junior monitor? And why did Director Li—so imposing and authoritative in front of you—immediately display a gentle, affable demeanor when encountering Principal Chen?"

"The truth of the universe hides right there, around you; it's just that back then, your mind was wholly consumed by the hormones of adolescence, leaving you unwilling to see."

"Yet it has always been there, ever-present."

"Then what is the meaning of preserving such a universe? Why are you stopping me from destroying it?" the Six-armed Ancient Ape asked, perplexed.

"Because despite how awful this world is, it has indeed birthed beautiful things," Ma Lu replied.

"In this universe—one of survival of the fittest, rife with lies and deceit, violence and self-destruction—there are still things that I cherish and deem worth protecting."

"I'm not saying this because I'm a multimillionaire or because I have a Golden Finger. Though both have indeed brought me great joy."

"PS5, 115-inch TV, iPhone 16 Pro Max, ES8, an outrageously expensive bedside table, a massage recliner... all these genuinely made me happy."

"But even before I had those, there were things that brought me joy."

"Like the first time I kissed the girl I liked, riding shared bicycles together through alleys, petting someone else's cat for free, aimlessly wandering sidewalks, or enjoying a two-yuan ice cream."

"Even though we didn't end up together, those moments of joy were real."

"There's happiness that belongs to being alone too. During school, moving up a few ranks in exams, earning praise from teachers and parents—that brought joy."

"Winning card games was joyful. Reading novels brought joy. Watching silly, risqué short videos brought joy. Scoring big discounts on Meituan felt great."

"Even staying up working late into the night, feeling so drained it seemed death was imminent—just momentarily glancing up at the brilliant starry sky was healing. Even if it only lasted for a few seconds."

"I know this might sound trite, like outdated, toxic motivational lines from a cheesy drama, but... I truly love this terribly flawed world and don't want it destroyed."

"Because as long as you're alive, there's hope and joy awaiting you ahead—even if they're small, exceedingly small, but they are our weapons against reality."

The Six-armed Ancient Ape appeared to be deep in thought. "So, time is what's tying all these flavors and ingredients together in this dish?"

"Exactly. Among all the planes within the universe, only time is eternal," Ma Lu affirmed. "Time signifies all hope and miracles."

"I crushed the shell of the Time Blue Lobster, seared it, and infused its flavor into the sauce, then drizzled that sauce over all the ingredients."

"To be honest, I initially intended to keep this ingredient for myself—in case I failed, I could escape to another timeline."

"But in the end, I realized it was an indispensable part of the dish I prepared for you, so I had to go with Plan B."

"And you're so sure that consuming your dish will make me spare all life?"

"I'm not. I admit there's a sense of gambling involved, but I had to at least try communicating—be it through words, writing, or food."

The Six-armed Ancient Ape fell into a long silence upon hearing this.

After a while, Ma Lu cautiously asked, "So? Are you willing to end all this peacefully?"

The Six-armed Ancient Ape pondered further. "I don't know. Like you said, this is a chaotic universe—whether to destroy it or preserve it seems reasonable."

It paused, then added, "But your dish, 'Cosmic Infinite,' truly piqued my interest—a rare occurrence."

"How about this—I won't destroy the universe for now. Fifty years later, I'll return here. If you can prepare another dish that satisfies me..."

"You'll completely spare the Multiverse?" Ma Lu probed.

"No—I'll just wait another fifty years."

"I won't live that long."

"But I will," said the Six-armed Ancient Ape. "My lifespan is limitless. How about this—I'll loosen the requirements a bit. It doesn't have to be you; others can try. And it doesn't necessarily have to be food—anything that interests me will suffice. Then I'll give you another fifty years."

"You really go all-in on unlimited refills, huh?" Ma Lu sighed. "Still, your fist is bigger, so you get the final say. Well then—see you in fifty years."

"By the way, do you mind if I share the recording of our negotiations with other planes of the universe? At the very least, I'll need someone to take over for me fifty years from now."

"Certainly," the Six-armed Ancient Ape agreed readily.

Yet, as it finished speaking, it was as if someone pressed pause—animals nearby froze momentarily. But within the next instant, the Six-armed Ancient Ape before Ma Lu turned berserk, slamming its palm toward him!

Before it could strike, however, a figure swiftly darted in front of Ma Lu—it was Boggy, who had long been ready.

The girl's right fist—clenched at her chest—was enveloped by a gust of wind.

Ma Lu couldn't even catch how she struck, but her punch had already landed squarely on the Six-armed Ancient Ape's left leg, making it stumble and lose balance.

By this point, the other Hunters as well as the crew from the Pink Whale Ship had reacted and joined the battle.

Though these animals were immensely powerful, without Skulder's control, their actions were no longer coordinated. They even started fighting amongst themselves before they could attack the humans.

Not to mention that the foes they faced this time were each no less formidable.

Without the terrifying constraints of Skulder's ability, the Female Sorceress alone could wipe out all the animals in this desert.