Meanwhile, as Kael was finishing the fourth round of dishes, the energy gathered inside him finally transformed. The mass of energy intertwined and became a faint yet pure mana. This was the Gluttonous Mana produced by cultivating the Gluttonous Art.
With this mana, Kael no longer needed to eat with his mouth. Gluttonous Mana could digest anything. As long as it was material—land, trees, stones, metals—it could be consumed to strengthen himself. The higher the energy, the more Gluttonous Mana favored it.
The only drawback was that Gluttonous Mana could only digest material things—earth, mountains, rivers. It couldn't digest things like anger, air, souls, or sunlight. That was why cultivators of the Gluttonous Art, when trapped without food, would eventually consume themselves.
Devouring souls was the ability of the Soul-Devouring Art. Absorbing anger was the ability of the Heavenly Demon Canon of the Seven Emotions and Six Desires. The Gluttonous Art wasn't strong enough to consume such things. But Kael, cultivating the Primordial Heavenly Demon Chapter and merging multiple arts, could achieve this.
As he ate, he absorbed the emotions of those around him—surprise, awe, fear, terror—turning them into nourishment. He strengthened both his Heavenly Demon Mana and Gluttonous Mana simultaneously.
After finishing the fourth round, Kael wiped his mouth and stood to leave the resort. His goal was achieved. It was time to break through.
"Excuse me, sir."
Just as he was about to leave the restaurant, two women stopped him. One wore a gown, the other a lab coat.
Kael glanced at them, recognizing them instantly—Yukinoshita Haruno and Hiratsuka Shizuka.
But weren't they supposed to be in Chiba? Why were they in Tokyo? Tourists, perhaps?
Curious, Kael asked: "Do you need something from me?"
Haruno replied: "Young man, can we talk somewhere quiet?"
Kael nodded. "Alright."
Shizuka was surprised. She thought Haruno would need effort to persuade him. But he agreed easily, curious why they sought him out.
They moved to a private room. Haruno introduced herself: "I'll start. I'm Yukinoshita Haruno, from the Yukinoshita family in Chiba. This is my friend Hiratsuka Shizuka. What's your name?"
"Renjou Kael."
"Ah, Renjou-kun." Haruno smiled brightly, though Kael sensed the smile was forced, a polished facade of a noble family.
Haruno said: "I saw you eat earlier. You're clearly not ordinary."
Kael asked: "So what are you trying to say?"
Haruno replied: "Since you're not ordinary, I'll be direct. Have you heard of the Kengan Tournament?"
Kael raised his brow. The Kengan Tournament? Of course he knew. It was from the anime Kengan Ashura, a special combat competition.
In its world, the Kengan Tournament originated in the Edo period to settle disputes among merchants. Today, it had evolved into a grand contest. Corporations and merchants wagered vast fortunes, hiring fighters to battle. The winner took everything.
For example, if two companies competed for a project, they hired fighters to duel. The winner claimed the project, the loser withdrew. Or if one company wanted to absorb another, it could challenge them in the tournament. Victory meant annexation at minimal cost. Defeat meant abandoning the attempt and paying heavy compensation.
It sounded absurd—and it was. Such a bizarre system could only exist in manga. Yet here Kael was, hearing Haruno mention it in this crossover world.
Haruno, skilled at reading people, noticed Kael's expression. She realized he knew of the tournament.
Her heart skipped, and she asked cautiously: "Ah, judging by your look, you seem familiar with it. Are you already a fighter for some company?"
Shizuka studied Kael carefully.
He shook his head. "I've heard of it, but never seen it. I'm not a corporate fighter."
Haruno sighed in relief, inwardly cheering. "In that case, would you consider joining the Yukinoshita family? Our roots are in Chiba, but we're determined to expand into Tokyo. We just need a fighter. You're clearly not ordinary—you'd be perfect. And with your appetite, your daily expenses must be high. If you join us, the Yukinoshita family will cover all your living costs. What do you say?"
Kael chuckled softly, standing. "I think not."
Haruno's smile stiffened briefly, then brightened even more. She asked, feigning surprise: "Why refuse, Renjou-kun? Do you have concerns?"
Kael shook his head. "No concerns. I just think you're dishonest."
Haruno faltered.
Kael continued: "Since entering this room, you haven't spoken a single truth. Your lies are as obvious as the sun by day, or a lamp at night. Too clear, Yukinoshita Haruno. I wonder—knowing I'm not ordinary, why did you think your lies could fool me?"