As the Sperm Whale glided into the Oasis dock, we swung into action.
We had two objectives for this mission. First, we needed to develop the specialized equipment required to cook that massive eyeball. Second, we had to fulfill my promise to "The Spider"—serving him "genuine curry."
"Mina, I’m counting on you. An ordinary knife won’t even scratch that eye’s outer shell."
"Leave it to me, President! I’ll scavenge some junk from Oasis and whip up a top-tier dismantling tool!"
Mina led a squadron of work drones toward the cargo room, her spirits high. I’d tasked her with creating a super-vibrating cutter to slice safely through the hard shell and a pressure-release unit to bleed off the internal gases. It didn't sound much like cooking equipment, but being the tech otaku she was, I knew she’d deliver exactly what I needed.
"Now then, time for the main event."
I took Lucia and the Professor with me, heading back up to the restaurant on the top layer. Emulgand decided to accompany Mina on her supply run; I hoped they wouldn't run into any trouble.
In our arms, we carried a case of carefully selected spices, a refrigerated container holding Star Tuna fat, and our precious buckwheat flour.
◇
The restaurant’s kitchen was thick with tension, reminiscent of a battlefield. While The Spider’s personal chefs directed resentful glares our way, I laid claim to the central cooking station.
"...Can this truly surpass 'The Scripture'?" The Spider asked.
He was watching via a monitor from his VIP seat in the dining hall, still clutching a package of the instant curry he loved so dearly.
"I guarantee it," I replied. "The true nature of that 'addictiveness' you’re looking for isn't just the kick of the spices. It’s the golden ratio of overwhelming umami and fat, all brought together by a perfect thickness."
I fired up the stove. Into the pot went the pure white energy fat I had shaved from the Star Tuna’s belly.
Sssssss!
The fat rendered down instantly, filling the kitchen with a rich, mellow aroma. I then added "Zan Gala," a local spice similar to cumin seeds. This was the tempering process—letting the spices pop in the hot fat to draw out their fragrance to the absolute limit.
"A fine scent... However, that alone shouldn't be able to produce that signature rich, heavy consistency."
"Yeah. If I had ordinary wheat flour, it'd be a quick fix, but we're fresh out. So, I’m using this instead."
I pulled out the buckwheat flour.
Normally, curry is thickened by sautéing wheat flour and butter into a roux. But buckwheat works just as well as a substitute. If anything, its unique nuttiness and viscosity should pair perfectly with Japanese-style dashi and soy sauce.
I dry-roasted the flour in a separate pan to bring out its aroma before mixing it with the melted tuna fat. There’s really nothing like a well-equipped kitchen. Before long, my special, deep-brown "buckwheat roux" was ready.
"...I see. Using that powder as a binder. Ingenious," the Professor noted, nodding in approval.
In the main pot, "pseudo-onion" sautéed to a deep amber, a massive amount of "pseudo-ginger," and scraps of Star Tuna meat were already simmering. I hadn't used a drop of water. Instead, I used the moisture from the vegetables and the "Void Squid Tentacles and Bedrock Mushroom Dashi" I’d prepared earlier. It was essentially a concentrated Japanese dashi—not the absolute best in history, perhaps, but the best I could manage with what I had.
Into the pot went a powder blended from several different spices and my special buckwheat roux.
Glug... pop, pop.
The contents of the pot transformed into something heavy and glossy, like golden mud. The rising steam was an assault on the senses, overwhelmingly appetizing.
"The finishing touch."
For my secret ingredients, I added a splash of pseudo-soy sauce and a pinch of synthetic sugar. This took the sharp edge off the spices, rounding out the flavor and giving it depth. It was a rich, heavy curry with the punch of dashi and soy sauce—a direct descendant of the "soba shop curry" style.
"It’s done. 'Star Tuna Buckwheat-flavored Curry'."
I ladled a generous helping of the thick roux over a plate of synthetic rice. The tuna had simmered down into tender fibers, completely integrating with the sauce.
When I wheeled it out to the hall on a service cart, The Spider’s nose twitched. His reptilian pupils contracted into thin slits with excitement.
"...The aroma passes. But as for the taste..."
With a trembling hand, he took up a spoon and scooped up a mouthful of curry and rice.
"……!!"
Clink.
The spoon fell onto the plate. The Spider looked up at the ceiling, his thin body arching back in his seat.
"...What is this...!" An ecstatic breath escaped his lips. "Spicy! It is spicy to the point of pain! But... more than that, it is heavy! The umami surges like a tsunami, as if it is burning through my very brain!"
The energy fat from the Star Tuna and the savory depth of the dashi were held fast by the buckwheat flour, clinging to his tongue and refusing to let go. It was a flavor that used the brute force of top-tier natural ingredients to recreate—and then surpass—the junk-food addictiveness of instant curry.
I felt like using Star Tuna was almost cheating, but I had plenty of stock and the fishing grounds were nearby. Capturing them was a nightmare, but I hoped the locals would manage somehow.
"The way the synthetic rice mingles with this rich roux... it creates an exquisite texture! This... this is the embodiment of 'The Scripture' I have been seeking!"
The Spider began to eat like a man possessed. Greasy sweat beaded on his forehead and his eyes were bloodshot, but his expression was one of absolute bliss.
"I’d call that a victory," Lucia said quietly.
The Spider's personal chefs hung their heads in defeat, having realized they were beaten from the scent alone.
It didn't take long for him to finish. He cleaned the plate as if he intended to lick it, then wiped his mouth with a napkin. The look on his face was one of profound satisfaction, as if a long-held curse had finally been lifted.
"...You have my thanks, Akito. You have fulfilled my lifelong dream."
He reached into his jacket, pulled out a card key, and slid it across the table.
"Your reward: 'Top Priority Trading Rights,' registered to my personal identification code. Since you are a chef, I will also grant you access to data on all traded ingredients—including those currently out of stock. A man with your eye might find something of value. If you find a way to make it work in a curry, I shall reward you even further."
"That'll be a huge help. Thanks," I said, grinning as I pocketed the key.
Information and rights were far more valuable than credits or raw supplies in a place like this. This was the ultimate passport for surviving the "Graveyard of Iron."
"I’ll feed you an even better curry eventually. One where every single ingredient is perfect."
"I see... there is still a level above this...?" The Spider hesitated, averting his gaze slightly. "And... one more thing. That buckwheat roux... would you be willing to teach me the recipe? I would like to try making it myself."
As he spoke, the scales on his neck flickered with color and his nictitating membranes blinked rapidly. It seemed I hadn't just captured his stomach, but his heart as well.
"Sure. Consider it a special service."
I nodded. There was no reason to refuse someone who genuinely wanted to cook something delicious. With this, our foundation in Oasis was rock solid.
However, I still had work to do.
Because roux is such a staple, I found myself thinking about curry and practically shouting, "There's no wheat flour!"
I suspect Akito felt exactly the same way. Miraculously, everything is starting to click...
If you enjoyed this chapter or are looking forward to the next one, please hit the "★"! It might just help Akito's dinner tomorrow get a little upgrade. Thank you for reading!