After hearing Lin Yu's words, not just Phantom and Li Hua, but everyone else understood his intentions. Everyone's expressions turned grim.
"Psychological Society members really are complete lunatics!" Fish cursed out loud.
Even Robin, as Lin Yu's teammate, didn't look pleased. Because right now, while Lin Yu seemed to hold a "nuclear weapon" level of deterrence... this deterrence came at the cost of him completely abandoning any chance of "winning this round"!
After all, with the Shadow-Type Pseudohuman being the furthest behind, even if Li Hua and Phantom's groups used all their Flavor Papers... Pitian would ultimately have 40+52, equaling 92 Flavor Paper foods on his side! White Drace would end up with 40+46, totaling 86 Flavor Paper foods! Meanwhile, the Shadow-Type Pseudohuman currently had 49+48... making 97 Flavor Paper foods!
The Shadow-Type Pseudohuman would still be the slowest. Even though the numbers were close and it seemed to eat quickly... its eating method made victory impossible. While it could consume large amounts at once, its eating speed and intervals remained constant. When foods became larger portions, it couldn't reach optimal consumption rates, wasting "eating turns"—meaning at least one or two extra eating cycles.
In other words, Flavor Paper foods had the most delaying effect on the Shadow-Type Pseudohuman. After exchanging all his Flavor Papers at once, Lin Yu could only ensure someone would lose, not that he could win himself.
So... Lin Yu's current threat was somewhat like a barefoot man threatening those wearing shoes. Coming from anyone else, this threat might not have worked! Among the seven present, only Fluoxetine would possibly stir trouble in such a "cutting off your nose to spite your face" manner!
Even Fish from the Marauders... she might be radical, but she wasn't insane! There's a clear difference between mania and outright madness. So within seconds... everyone believed Lin Yu was dead serious.
Under Lin Yu's amused gaze, Fish was the first to move. "Damn it all, I'm done with this! Exchange 17 sheets for me!" She raised her Flavor Papers to exchange for food. As 17 sheets disappeared, a giant meatball descended from above.
Li Hua immediately pulled out his twenty-sided die, but was distracted by a sudden loud noise. "Bang! Thud!" Turning his head, he saw an elegant snow-white rabbit—usually dressed in a tailcoat and carrying a cane—leap from Phantom's hat.
The rabbit twirled its cane and spoke in perfect British accent: "Ladies and gentlemen—Welcome to The Greatest Magic Show!" Instantly, the rabbit teleported before the falling die and whisked it away with a red cloth. Then it patted its coat pocket and bowed slightly to Li Hua.
"Are you insane? Using your [Assistant] for this?!" Li Hua cursed, fishing his die from his pocket. During this distraction, the meatball landed in Pitian's area.
Radish scratched his head. "What now? I'm not good at this!" Mosin-Nagant spoke up: "No problem. Just throw the food up—I'll handle delivery!" He blew his whistle repeatedly.
Phantom's expression changed seeing hunting dogs and ospreys appear on the table. "Seriously? I called one, you call two?!" In response, both Radish and Li Hua shouted: "Exchange Flavor Papers!"
The five participants descended into complete chaos! Food rained down as everyone brought out their trump cards. Spectating Lin Yu was thoroughly entertained. "So this is how masters fight..."
Though he'd witnessed top-tier battles between Order and Marauders in Zheng City before, he'd been too far away to appreciate it fully. Moreover, that battle's level paled in comparison to this one!
However... with limited Flavor Papers and es remaining, the struggle didn't last long. Soon, everyone successfully delivered their items. With attacks on opponents forbidden... defense proved far harder than offense!
Soon, Pitian and White Drace's areas overflowed with food. Yet as predicted, they still outpaced the Shadow-Type Pseudohuman. The creature truly struggled with large foods—often managing only one portion at a time. While possessing some intelligence, it couldn't strategize food consumption, worsening its glacial pace.
Meanwhile, Pitian and White Drace ate at neck-and-neck speeds, making the eventual winner seemingly up to Lin Yu's deciding "vote." Their chances appeared equal. Of course, there remained a slim possibility... the cupcake contained some overpowered buff allowing the Shadow-Type Pseudohuman to stage a comeback.
But... the odds were minuscule. Yet at this critical juncture, everyone couldn't help glancing at Lin Yu, fearing that improbable scenario. Bathed in their gazes, Lin Yu—transitioning from spectator back to center stage—felt utterly delighted.
"The anticipation has peaked. Time for the climax..." Lin Yu smiled internally. "Oh? Everyone seems so interested in me... or rather, this 'cupcake.'" He lifted the cupcake, flicking it lightly with his finger.
Then he did the unthinkable—breaking off a piece and popping it into his mouth. "Mmm—delicious!" Under stunned stares, he proceeded to eat the entire cupcake, leaving no crumbs! Watching their dumbfounded expressions, Lin Yu licked frosting off his finger, grinning.
"The performance... was a great success!"