Apocalyptic Rebirth: With a repairman system space, she rises again.-Chapter 579: Outside the palace.

The palace cafeteria had been put on lock down so Sunshine and Nine could not eat there. Being that they were palace guests, they were given food coupons to enjoy anything that they wanted in the restaurants or eateries that were close to the palace.

Nine was overjoyed. Any opportunity to escape the confines of the palace, even for a single moment was welcomed greatly. As the palace guards transported them out, he chattered on about the sandwiches.

"Can you imagine it, bread!! They live under the sea so you would never expect them to eat bread because it would get soggy and all."

Sunshine sighed.

Nine’s mandibles parted wider, forming something that looked like a smile. "The best bread they have is made from Saltflower nectar, pearl grain and red seaweed. They add sea crust essence to create a crispy crust. Mmm, mmm, mmm, you have not lived until you have tried it."

He raised his hand, showing something a small circular mirror that operated like a cell phone. "According to ratings from the food court, the Super-Sub from Stall 42 is the only one that makes sandwiches with Saltflower bread and sea bunny meat. You are in for a treat; it has fifty galaxy stars. Do you know what that means?"

"No." Sunshine replied dryly.

"It means they have one of the highest ranked chefs in the universe." Nine squealed. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

If they’re really that good, Sunshine thought, I’ll bring a bag home. The kids would love a treat from another world, and so would Hades.

"We should not eat at Mr. Coral’s," Nine poked her in the shoulder, gently. "Their jelly nectarine made me throw up last time. Glacians are judgmental to people with weak stomachs."

"I thought you have not been here before." Sunshine asked.

Nine waved his leg dismissively. "When did I say that? I have been here before but that does not mean that I like it here.....the water and everything." He said, shuddering.

They reached the stall, but the line was long_ at least twenty people deep.

"Don’t let the line scare you," Nine said, his antennas bobbing with excitement. "The chef is a legend, that is why the line is long. We are in luck today, they are giving double dressings and the portions are huge. It’s worth the wait, trust me."

Sunshine sighed and settled into the queue. Since they were stuck there, she decided to actually look around. The snack bar was a massive, high-ceiling hall that felt more like an intergalactic airport. Because of the championship games, creatures from every corner of the galaxy were crowded together, all trying to fuel up before the next event.

Nine, feeling proud that they were finally ’friends,’took it upon himself to be her tour guide. "See those guys over there?" Nine pointed with a clawed finger at a group of green-skinned creatures walking past. Each of them had two pairs of eyes and two mouths. "Those are the Mosotoys. Don’t stare too long. They’re tough as nails and they hold grudges forever. If you step on a Mosotoy’s toe today, his grandson will probably come looking for you in fifty years to demand an apology."

Sunshine blinked. "I’ve heard of them before, but I’ve never seen them in person. They look... very interesting."

"You mean ugly." Nine blurted out.

Sunshine scoffed lightly. "I was trying to be polite."

"Yeah right," Nine said, then he pointed toward the transparent floor, where small, glass-like creatures were being rolled along in transparent, transport pods. "Those are the Vhal from Aetheri. Peaceful little things, but I wouldn’t want to be one. Their bodies are so delicate that a strong breeze could crack them. But," he lowered his voice, "they protect themselves with mind manipulation. One look and they can make you bite off your own arm. Scary stuff."

Suddenly, a loud splash and a shout came from a nearby table. Two amphibious humanoids_ covered in blue scales and smelling like salt_ were screaming at each other.

"You swim like a turtle with a leg cramp!" one yelled. "You cost us the relay!"

"The current was too strong, you overgrown sardine!" the other barked back.

Nine chuckled. "Those are Tideborn. They’re basically made of muscle and can survive in the harshest oceans in the universe. But they have zero patience. They’re probably going to be wrestling on the floor in about five minutes."

As if to balance out the anger of the Tideborn, a group of tall, multicolored human like creatures walked by. They were beautiful, with skin that shimmered like a rainbow, and flower petals literally fell from their hair as they moved. One of the angry Tideborn accidentally slammed into a girl, nearly knocking her over. Instead of getting angry, the girl laughed: a sound like wind chimes, and apologized to the Tideborn for being in his way.

"Solmiri," Nine said, his voice unusually soft. "Radiant creatures from the planet Salom. It’s the most peaceful place I’ve ever been to. No wars, no hunger, just gardens of flowers and music. You could declare war on them and they will resurrect every happy memory from your life, ending the war without sweating. Nobody tries to attack them anymore because its a waste of time. They’re so happy it’s almost annoying, but you can’t help but like them."

Sunshine was already smiling at them, wishing she could hug one. The joy they exuded was just so infectious!

Finally, they reached the front of the line. Nine immediately began to drive the seller crazy. "I want the jelly nectar with a hint of orange. My sandwich should have sea bunny, deep fried. Can you put the spicy peppers only on the left side? And I want the blue cheese, but not the smelly kind. Oh, and can you toast the bread until it’s exactly the color of a sunset? Apply honey to the edges, but it should not stick to my claws so...do something about that."

The seller, a tired-looking man with three arms, looked like he was about to jump over the counter and strangle Nine.

Sunshine stepped forward and gave Nine a sharp, warning gaze_ the same one that had preceded the hammer throw earlier.

"Just two standard specials," Sunshine said firmly. "With extra dressing. Please."

Nine laughed lightly, antenna’s twitching nervously. "Right. Standard is good. Standard is fine, but the jelly nectarine, they should give us what I ordered."

The order was worked on within a minute and the food was presented. With their sandwiches wrapped in warm foil, they began to push back through the crowded hall. Nine was still talking, holding his sandwich like a trophy. "You see, Sunshine, the secret is the_"

Sunshine wasn’t listening. Her eyes had locked onto a figure near the exit.

He was roughing up a young repairman, grabbing him by the shoulder and shoving a holographic picture into his face.

"Asgeda," Sunshine whispered. Her heart skipped a beat.