Chapter 57 — ILK Chapter 57

Garlic Vermicelli Shrimp and Crab Meat Scrambled Eggs

The mode of transport to the Tide Sea changed to a sleek speedboat. The heavy transport ships carrying bulk supplies had already departed for the Tide Sea Base. Made of a composite of Black Crystal and other metallic alloys, the speedboat featured glass on all four sides, offering a panoramic view wrapped in a high-tech aesthetic. The interior spanned about ten square meters and was furnished for maximum comfort.

Four hours after leaving the turbulent waters surrounding the main base, Sang Ye witnessed the other side of the Tide Sea. As the glass panels on the top and sides slowly retracted, a pale blue, mirror-calm ocean revealed itself.

In her memories, the ocean appeared blue due to the reflection of sunlight. But Black Tower had no sun. Here, the magical hue was the result of oceanic bioluminescence and mineral veins. When the water took on this specific color, it meant they had entered the territory of the Tide Sea Clan.

The waters where the Tide Sea people lived were crystal clear, a result of their mental connection to the sea. As they lived within the water, their constant mental output acted as a natural purifier. Consequently, the Tide Sea was a rare habitable paradise on Black Tower. Both rotating Sentinels and officers loved being stationed here. However, because they constantly leaked mental energy, the frequency of mental riots among the Tide Sea people remained high.

"Is that a crab?" Sang Ye’s eyes lit up as she pointed at a creature scuttling across the shallow sea floor.

"Looks like it," Du Yuan leaned in. "It’s huge. Look at those claws—there must be a lot of meat hidden inside."

"And those nearby look like little shrimp."

"Tiny shrimp can be crushed into shrimp paste," Sang Ye mused. "It’s incredibly savory—perfect for mixing with rice, stir-frying, or pairing with porridge."

"I wonder if there are fish in this sea." Sang Ye kept her eyes glued to the surface, searching for movement.

"Don't even think about it," Rong Cheng said from the pilot’s seat. She glanced at the excited pair. "These are heavily contaminated with heavy metals. Eating them won't kill you, but you won't escape the dizziness and vomiting."

This bucket of cold water extinguished the culinary fire in Sang Ye and Du Yuan. Du Yuan patted Sang Ye’s head comfortingly. "It’s okay. Once the ocean in your pocket dimension appears, we’ll have plenty."

…

Two hours later, they finally arrived at Amoli Island. The Tide Sea Base was visible in the distance—a gray, tower-like structure typical of base architecture. While the Major General in charge went to handle military affairs, Sang Ye and her group headed directly to the island.

Amoli Island was a rare beauty on Black Tower. Its buildings were vibrant and oil-painting-like, with hollow centers extending deep into the seabed to facilitate the Tide Sea people's travel between land and water. Sireno lived in a sea-view house shaped like a giant coral on the eastern edge of the island. The living room featured a massive pool that connected directly to the ocean.

Sireno returned to the Royal Palace first to report his mission. After a day of travel and swimming, Sang Ye felt she needed a massive meal to replenish her energy before crashing.

Since fresh local seafood was out of the question, she rummaged through her supplies and found frozen Black Tiger Shrimp and Crab Claw Meat. She decided on Garlic Vermicelli Shrimp and Crab Meat Scrambled Eggs.

She prepped a large amount of vermicelli by soaking it. After thawing the shrimp, she removed the heads and veins but kept the shells and tails intact. She sliced each shrimp down the middle, using the tail to keep the meat together. After rinsing, she arranged them tail-to-tail on a bed of vermicelli.

She pounded garlic and a few bird's-eye chilies into a paste, then drizzled it with hot oil to release the aroma. Mixing the garlic with light soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a pinch of sugar, she spread it evenly over the white shrimp meat. Once steamed, the shrimp and vermicelli would absorb the sauce until saturated.

For the Crab Meat Scrambled Eggs, she used the large, complete chunks of meat from swimming crab claws—snow-white and delicate. She whisked ten eggs with cooking wine, salt, and pepper, adding a small bowl of starch water for a silkier texture. After a quick sear of the crab meat to release its juices, she poured the meat and juice into the egg mixture.

She heated oil on low heat—this was crucial to ensure the eggs stayed tender and didn't set too quickly. When the eggs reached a state where the crab meat was lightly suspended in the soft curds, it was ready.

Finally, she took the steamed shrimp out, drizzled them with a splash of hot oil to activate the fragrance, and the meal was complete. The shrimp shells were bright red, the meat snow-white, and the garlic-shrimp oil formed a brilliant yellow sheen on the surface. It was a sight that stimulated the appetite instantly.

Du Yuan, not wanting Sang Ye to be too exhausted, personally made Chicken Soup Noodles to accompany the dishes. They brought the dinner out to the viewing balcony. Sang Ye sent a message to the Wu family—who were out snorkeling with Jianing—to come back for dinner.

In the Snow Mountain, Sang Ye had made a version of this with imitation crab sticks, but the real meat was incomparable. The real crab was soft and delicate; one bite released a burst of fresh, briny ocean flavor. Paired with a dip of vinegar, it was a flavor explosion.

The Black Tiger Shrimp were meaty and firm. Paired with the garlic, the flavor was unique. But the real joy was the vermicelli beneath, which had soaked up all the shrimp essence and savory sauce.

Jianing ate like a messy little kitten, her face covered in sauce as she peeled shrimp. Wu Huansheng, true to her style, didn't interfere with the child's independent eating, while Mu An occasionally wiped the girl's face.

Bathed in the evening breeze coming off the sea, they finished their meal together. Sang Ye felt that since arriving at Black Tower, this was her most beautiful day.

Stunning scenery before her, and family by her side.