Interstellar Beast World: All My Husbands Are Powerful and Rich!-Chapter 41: Will I get to taste it?

"I do know someone like that," Mindy Lane said at last, after a brief pause to think it over. She tilted her head slightly, brows knitting as she searched her memory. "But her lightning isn’t red-white. It’s a pure, vivid crimson. She is a Rank Four Etherian. She came with us to hunt beasts this time, but when the beast tide surged, she ran north instead. If you’re interested, I can take you to her right now."

Pure red lightning. Rank Four.

The faint spark of anticipation in Sylas Ruan’s eyes dimmed almost instantly. His expression fell into a semblance of disappointment, the kind that came from hope snuffed out too quickly.

"No... I don’t think she’s the one I’m looking for," he said flatly after a pause.

There was no hesitation in his voice. He wasn’t searching for just anyone with lightning abilities—only for the female who had saved his life. No substitute would do. Without sparing Mindy another glance, Sylas turned away and departed with his men, his golden feathers catching the light as he vanished into the forest canopy.

Where could she be? How long did he have to look for her?

He had scoured Veridan City for days, pulling every available record, studying image after image of Rank Three females. None of them were her. Not a single one carried that presence, that unmistakable force, that... magnificent aura.

The female who saved me... where are you now?

A troubling thought crept in. What if she wasn’t even from Veridan City at all? It had been a while.

As Sylas disappeared from sight, Mindy’s mate hurried to her side, unease written plainly across his face.

"Female Master," he asked carefully, "why did Mr. Ruan leave so suddenly? Is something the matter?"

Still simmering with frustration from his abrupt exit, Mindy snapped back, her temper flaring.

"How should I know why he left? Do you think I wanted him to go? Idiot..."

Her mate immediately lowered his head.

"My apologies, Female Master. I spoke out of turn."

She ignored him, letting her anger fester. Useless men. Completely useless. If only she could trap Sylas as her mate instead.

They’d nearly gotten her killed by that Rank Eight beast. If Sylas Ruan hadn’t arrived when he did, she would already be dead.

"Clean up," she barked sharply. "We’re meeting Gina and her friend next."

The irony gnawed at her. She had gone south to avoid the beast tide, only to stumble into a carnivorous vine. They’d barely managed to burn the thing to ash before running headlong into a Level Eight beast. All that chaos—and Rory could’ve warned them about the vine before running north.

Not far away, once Mindy’s group had fully vanished from sight, one of Sylas’s subordinates stepped forward.

"Master Ruan," he reported respectfully, "we’ve confirmed it. That female truly was hunting beasts with a group of Etherians. She wasn’t lying."

"I see," Sylas replied quietly, nodding once as his gaze lingered on the twisted forest below.

The subordinate hesitated, then spoke again, choosing his words even more carefully this time.

"Master Ruan... I may have a thought. I’m not sure if it’s appropriate to say, though."

"Go on," Sylas said, arching a curious brow.

He sat atop a thick fallen trunk, eyes fixed on the writhing vines beneath the canopy, his voice calm but attentive.

"What if," the subordinate continued, "the female you’re searching for has already advanced to Rank Four? Her ability could have evolved along with her rank. That would explain why we couldn’t find her among the Rank Three records."

Advanced?

Sylas shot to his feet, realization striking like a bolt of lightning.

"Of course," he breathed. "Why didn’t I think of that? It is entirely possible."

His eyes gleamed with sudden clarity.

"She said Rank Four had lightning abilities, didn’t she?"

"Yes, Mr. Ruan," the subordinate confirmed with a nod. "That’s exactly what she said."

Sylas’s hands trembled faintly at his sides. Could it really be her?

"Let’s move," he said decisively. "We’ll follow and see for ourselves."

He spread his golden wings, then paused mid-motion and turned sharply back to his men.

"Send word to Adam. Have him recheck every female in Veridan City. Every last one. Leave nothing out."

I searched so hard... and missed something so obvious.

Meanwhile, far to the north, once the battlefield had been fully cleared, Rory sat comfortably beside the rest pod Jasper had set up for her. She cheerfully directed Jasper and Dax as they prepared a feast over open flames.

Rory had already cleaned and marinated the beast meat with practiced efficiency. From her storage band, she produced a compact grill, while Dax—whose fire-based ability was perfect for the task—ignited the heat with ease.

Gina had brought her own grill as well. Rory had taught her how to barbecue before, though Gina still relied heavily on Rory when it came to seasoning and marinades.

Soon, the air was thick with the rich, mouthwatering aroma of roasting meat. The scent was so intoxicating that even Jasper and Dax—who usually couldn’t stand being near each other—found themselves standing shoulder to shoulder, eyes locked on the grill.

"Rory, you’re incredible," Jasper said, barely restraining himself. "I’ve never smelled anything this good."

The meat wasn’t even finished yet, and already it was enough to make even beasts salivate. He could only imagine how extraordinary it would taste once fully cooked.

Before Rory could reply, Dax puffed up proudly.

"That’s nothing," he said smugly. "Female Master can cook all kinds of amazing food. Have you ever had her pancakes or dumplings? They’re soft, tender, and fragrant all at once."

"And her fruit oatmeal—sweet but not heavy. Pair that with her fluffy white rolls, and it’s pure heaven."

Watching Dax boast so shamelessly, Jasper clenched his fists, fighting the urge to throttle him on the spot. He turned to Rory instead, softening his voice.

"Rory... will I get to taste those someday too?"

She nodded immediately, smiling without hesitation.