Without a doubt — whether the three doctors or the West Asia Branch Director — they had all lived lives of luxury and privilege.
So, faced with this dense swarm of cockroaches...
"Everyone, relax. Stay calm."
Ling Ke reminded them with a smile. "There are still two more dishes. No need to hesitate until you've seen them all."
His words offered zero comfort.
Because Edwy and the others knew full well:
If the first dish was already this insane, then the next...
"The second dish!"
Ling Ke announced slowly. The maids uncovered the second trays in unison.
"..."
As expected — even more insane.
Because that white-and-pink mass... everyone present recognized it instantly.
Honkai Beast tissue.
Perhaps they were mentally prepared.
When the second dish was revealed, Edwy and the others weren't particularly shocked.
Now they were even curious: what could the "third dish" possibly be?
Something even worse than Honkai Beast flesh?
Ling Ke kept smiling.
He didn't drag it out, quickly revealing the answer.
"The third dish!"
The maids moved in sync, lifting the final covers before each guest.
At that moment...
"???"
Everyone seated at the long table — including Edwy — wore expressions of pure confusion.
No wonder.
This "third dish" was far too... normal.
A few garnish leaves topped with neatly arranged slices of meat.
The kind of plating you'd find in any Western restaurant.
Peak Dubai knife work.
Edwy and the others were utterly baffled.
So, including her, they all looked toward Ling Ke.
But he simply smiled, gesturing openly.
"Please, everyone, choose for yourselves."
"I won't interfere."
He clearly had ulterior motives.
He even added, "Today's 'banquet' is hosted with utmost courtesy."
"So, as long as the guests remain polite, you may leave safely."
"I hope you all appreciate my good intentions."
With that...
"..."
Dr. Antonio, seated to Ling Ke's right, swallowed hard.
He truly didn't know what to choose now.
Ling Ke was obviously up to no good.
First dish: de-legged cockroaches.
Second dish: Honkai Beast tissue.
The insanity escalated step by step.
So the seemingly normal third dish definitely had a trick.
But...
Cockroaches that were basically no different from eating shit? He couldn't force them down.
If he forced it and vomited — that would be "impolite."
According to Ling Ke's implications, "impolite" meant death.
As for the Honkai Beast tissue...
Eating that was instant death anyway.
So...
"Time is money."
Ling Ke suddenly spoke, startling everyone.
He looked at one of the "guests." "I'm sure Dr. Moniz is especially familiar with that saying."
As his words fell, his expression turned ice-cold in an instant.
The shift was terrifying.
But even more terrifying...
Swish-swish-swish!
With a flick of his right fingers, five nearly invisible "threads" shot out, precisely wrapping around each guest's neck.
Like leashing dogs with collars.
After doing this, he even "kindly" tugged the threads lightly — ensuring the guests immediately understood one fact.