In the blink of an eye, two days passed.
Through Morpheus's relentless efforts, the entire Gourmet World was devoured, absorbed into his Light Dimension.
The Light Dimension expanded several times over.
This, in turn, massively boosted Morpheus's power.
If his Light Power was previously a hundred million units, it was now at least three hundred million.
A threefold increase.
This was the benefit of consuming the Gourmet World, the path for a Extra-Dimensional Demon to grow stronger.
How does a Extra-Dimensional Demon gain power?
Simple: by devouring other dimensions.
In the Marvel universe, many Extra-Dimensional Demons coveted Earth, none more so than Dormammu, Lord of the Dark Dimension.
Without guardians like the Ancient One or Doctor Strange, Dormammu would have consumed Earth long ago.
Earth had birthed Old Gods and was a cradle of life. Even Dormammu, once an Earthling, was obsessed with it.
He yearned to devour it completely.
Morpheus could also consume this crossover world's Earth to grow stronger.
But the Earth here was a chaotic amalgamation of countless stories, its waters too deep. He didn't dare act rashly, fearing he'd provoke a backlash from every major player.
Some big shot might step in to teach him a lesson.
So, since becoming a Extra-Dimensional Demon, his power hadn't grown.
Until now. The Gourmet World's appearance let him feast.
Devouring it not only skyrocketed his strength but also expanded his Light Dimension several times over.
A win on multiple fronts.
All thanks to Erina. So, Morpheus didn't skimp on rewards, gifting her a hefty dose of Light Power.
Erina's Light Power surged to a hundred thousand units.
It sounded impressive.
But compared to Morpheus's gains, it was a drop in the bucket.
This wasn't stinginess—he wasn't holding back out of greed. He feared Erina couldn't handle too much power.
A misstep could lead to disaster.
So, he boosted her strength tenfold from her original level.
Any more, and she might lose control.
Tenfold was just right.
After devouring the Gourmet World, Morpheus and Erina entered his Light Dimension.
It had transformed dramatically.
There were mountains, rivers, deserts, lakes, seas, and grasslands.
Far more complete than what Morpheus had built before.
More importantly, the Light Dimension now teemed with life—various creatures, making it far less monotonous than before.
It brimmed with vitality.
Every food from the Gourmet World had been perfectly transplanted into the Light Dimension.
Morpheus reached out, and an apple with a face appeared in his hand.
"Try it."
He handed it to Erina.
"What's this?" Erina asked, unnerved by the apple's face.
Morpheus explained, "It's called a Suprise Apple. The more frightened it gets, the tastier its flesh. I cast an illusion on this one—it should taste amazing."
Erina was stunned. The Gourmet World had such bizarre things?
Too wild.
Still, she trusted Morpheus. Looking at the trembling Suprise Apple, she closed her eyes and took a bite.
Instantly, an unprecedented flavor flooded her mouth.
It was apple-like.
But sweeter, juicier, and infinitely more delicious than any apple she'd ever tasted.
Erina had never eaten anything so exquisite.
As she swallowed, her Gourmet Cells began to evolve. Her body swelled uncontrollably, transforming from a graceful beauty into a muscular behemoth.
The sudden change made her scream.
"What the—?!"
Her physique was absurd—even a world bodybuilding champion would feel inferior.
But she was just a chef, a delicate beauty. She didn't want these ridiculous muscles!
"Lord Morpheus?!"
"Relax, it's temporary," Morpheus reassured her. "That Suprise Apple was high-level. Your Gourmet Cells evolved, and those muscles are from nutrient overload. They'll fade in a few days."
Erina sighed in relief at "temporary" but frowned at "a few days."
She had to wait days to be seen in public?
That was too long.
Seeing her distress, Morpheus sighed. "You can use Light Power to stimulate your body and speed up nutrient absorption."
Erina clapped her hands, realizing she'd forgotten that option.
She channeled Light Power to enhance her body.
The muscles that shamed bodybuilding champs vanished quickly, and soon she was back to her graceful, beautiful self.
No—better than before.
Her chest was noticeably fuller, her hips more pronounced.
Morpheus suspected she'd done it on purpose but had no proof.
It was her business, so he didn't comment. Besides, her improved figure might be more pleasant to, well, appreciate later.
He kept quiet, pretending not to notice.
"Now, I can tell you the Gourmet World's origin."
Erina blinked. "You already know, Lord Morpheus?"
He nodded. "After devouring it, I understand the Gourmet World inside out, including its origin."
Erina stared at him, ears perked, ready to listen.
Morpheus said, "The Gourmet World is a world fragment."
Erina gasped. A world fragment?
Morpheus continued, "Everything in existence faces death. Humans die, devils die, even the planet beneath us, the sun above—they'll die too."
"Even the universe itself will die."
***
Bonus Chapter:
100 Power Stones = 1 BC
300 Power Stones = 2 BC
500 Power Stones = 3 BC
700 Power Stones = 4 BC
1000 Power Stones = 5 BC
***
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