Sender: Cyrene
Recipient: Demiurge

*This page of the story… comes from beyond the endless cycle of suffering, a gift I give to you. Imagine, if Amphoreus were as ordinary as the countless stars, where people's joys and sorrows wove the smiles and tears of everyday life…*

“Grand Chrysos… is unparalleled!”

Cipher tossed a red banner onto the table. “Found this outside the shop.”

All eyes turned to the deliverer of the kitchen. Phainon flailed his hands in protest. “Guys, you know me, if it were me…”

“It would've been a purple-and-gold banner. So it wasn't you.” Cipher cut him off, flipping the banner over. Everyone leaned closer, only to find a line of small print on the back: “But if foes come from beyond the sky… can you still hold onto first place?”

Signed… “Astral Food Express.”

“This is a challenge letter.”

The room fell silent. Not long ago, the master chefs had fended off the conservative food critic group, the “Council of Cheddars,” and later defeated the gourmet Intellitron, “Sacred Glutton” Lycurgus. Grand Chrysos was riding high, and challenger chefs flocked to its doors, yet none had prevailed.

“But the 'Astral Food Express'… is clearly not like those petty rivals.” Aglaea began to explain the challengers from beyond the sky to everyone. Rumor had it they traveled the stars aboard a peerless food truck, creating a Star Rail Map of astral routes that linked every culinary tradition across the cosmos.

“We have no reason to refuse!” Phainon clutched the banner tight. “This is a priceless chance to share the true essence of cooking with master chefs from beyond the sky…!”

Castorice, who had stayed silent for a long time, lifted her head. “Lord Phainon is right. Becoming a chef… means offering all yourself up to satisfy the taste buds of others.”

“In the Kremnos family's dictionary, too, there is no word for fear.”

Seeing the fire rekindled in their eyes, Aglaea nodded with quiet satisfaction. “I'll help you prepare everything. Perhaps, it's time to visit an old friend…”

That day, under cloudless skies, the entire staff stood guard at the entrance. Soon, an express appeared in the skies above Okhema. Like a meteor, it glided for a moment before landing squarely in front of Grand Chrysos.

The doors opened, light spilling out, and the first to step down as a gray-haired person. They scanned the crowd, immediately spotting Phainon at the front, then rushed forward to grab his hand. “Ah, Chef Phainon! I'm your idol… no, wait, you're my fan… no, that's not right! Anyway, I can't believe I finally get to meet you!”