The Mercenary Deathstroke only carried salt in the earliest days, but in these leisurely years, Su Ming has naturally added more seasonings.
Although it doesn't matter whether one eats food or not now, the need to eat and loving food are two different things.
As the soul of the Celestial Dynasty, now he has the ability to acquire things he hasn't tasted before, how could he miss out?
For instance, when going to other worlds, hunting something like a Giant Dragon or a Sea Monster, one has to try its flavor, right? If critical seasonings are missing at those times, what a regret it would be!
Su Ming doesn't want to end up thinking about the lack of cumin from the last barbecue if he somehow has to kick the bucket; that would be too tragic.
He skins and cuts the Rabbit, the cloak washes the meat, and Strangulation takes charge of skewering.
By the time Monac reacts, Deathstroke, as if possessed by Divine Speed, is already ready to chop wood.
"You! None of you Wilson family people have a heart!" Monac said with grievance, clutching his chest. Although rationally he knew the Rabbit was just livestock, the long-term self-hypnosis made him feel deep sorrow: "They're so cute, how could you eat them..."
Su Ming transformed Godslayer into a golden Great Axe, hoisting it on his shoulder as he walked toward the southern lawn: "Why does that sound like something I've heard before? 'XX is so cute, how could you eat it!' But it was you who killed them, not me. I only made their corpses more valuable."
"...." Monac was speechless, beginning to ponder why he chose Rabbit as the Casting Cost initially? If only he'd chosen an inedible animal.
Little did he know that even if he'd chosen Scorpions, Centipedes, or Lizards, it wouldn't stop a Mercenary eager to taste new things.
Su Ming carrying the Great Axe and Strangulation gripping a bunch of skewers, headed toward the Magnolia Tree, with the cold winter wind causing its branches to tremble slightly, dropping snowflakes without releasing any fragrance.
The Magnolia Tree is a flowering tree with a special scent. The "Compendium of Materia Medica" even records that its bark can be used medicinally to clear the liver and brighten the eyes.
Yet, who knows how barbecue would taste? In some places of the Celestial Dynasty, it's called mountain cinnamon bark and should pair well with meat.
However, before Su Ming could reach the tree, a series of black objects suddenly descended from the sky, followed by a series of explosions. On turning back, the once snow-clad Magnolia Tree was now burning fiercely like a large torch in the night.
Su Ming smelled gasoline; these were Incendiary Bullets, so it seemed this barbecue Rabbit dinner wouldn't happen.
He took the skewers from Strangulation and put them away, planning to find Big Cat next time and try barbecuing under the Baobab Tree.
Then he turned around to see Steve and Peggy running out of the house, followed by some bodyguards.
Captain America had, at some point, donned his Shield and uniform, looking somewhat more presentable under the bright flames.
Indeed, Captain America in the midst of battle is the natural state.
"Is it an air raid?"
He commanded the bodyguards to quickly extinguish the fire. The United States East Coast is very dry in winter, with almost everything highly flammable. Steve chose to put out the fire first to stabilize the situation, then immediately queried the two standing outside in the cold wind about what had transpired.
Su Ming sighed: "Not an air raid, no aircraft passed over, so it's either Rocket Shells or Mortars, meaning..."
"Enemies have entered the city?" Steve looked around but saw no trace of the enemy.
"Not so fast, those few shots were just calibration shots; the main course is yet to come. Godslayer, extend!" The axe in Su Ming's hand suddenly transformed into a slender weapon resembling a flexible whip: "Have you been off the battlefield for so long that you forgot how infantry attacks are preceded by artillery fire covering the enemy positions?"
Steve had no time to reply because, at that moment, countless small black shadows appeared in the night sky, rapidly covering their area.
He raised his Shield to protect Carter, but with these shells being Incendiary Bullets, then...
Just as he was about to move into the underground shelter within the White House, Deathstroke began to swing his weapon towards the sky, the golden streaks slicing through the night sky, cleaving each black shadow in half with precision.
Meanwhile, Monac had already rushed to the four's side, spreading open a Magic Shield, sheltering the quartet underneath, while Deathstroke could only ensure a small space above their heads. The surrounding explosions required Monac to isolate.
"Indeed Mortars, then the enemy must be within a few hundred meters of us, interesting." Deathstroke continued slicing the shells above like a Fruit Ninja, still having the leisure to chat with Monac.
"I've seen men throw shells by hand at Steel Saw Ridge, but I didn't know Mortar shells could be cut with a knife." Monac maintained his magic with both hands, whilst commenting sarcastically.
"After the primer at the base is triggered, the impact fuse at the tip of the shell is activated. At this point, if the fuse is destroyed mid-air, it's no problem."
Su Ming explained briefly that the bombardment wave was not Incendiary Bullets but high explosives meant to inflict personnel damage.
Of course, the premise is old-fashioned shells using impact fuses; if it's timed or proximity fuses, it might explode before being struck, and these objects fall quite swiftly. If not a Super Soldier, it's wise not to attempt.
"Their first target indeed is here, damn it!"
Steve attempted several times to rush out and save people, but the smoke and debris had already engulfed the four. Only the snow beneath them remained white; elsewhere, the soil had overturned, and black frozen earth pillars suddenly and violently erupted, dispersing and landing.
The sound of fiery explosions mixed with the scent of something scorched burrowed deep into everyone's senses.
"Wonder how those dispatched to extinguish the fire are faring, but surely the place needs refurbishing now." Monac, having no better solution for such situations, could only resort to British-style wry humor.
Su Ming shattered his illusion: "Where do you think the barbecue's burnt aroma comes from? I certainly haven't had time to grill yet."
"....Don't bring up the barbecue." Peggy glanced testily at her British compatriot: "We need to eliminate the enemy quickly and stabilize the situation."
Su Ming shook his head and retracted his weapon: "This bombing's purpose is merely to sap the Americans' confidence, its political significance outweighs its military impact, so the enemy should already be preparing to retreat."
Steve looked at Peggy, then at Deathstroke, gritted his teeth, and brandishing his Shield, dashed out of the protective barrier.
He trusted Deathstroke's assessment but couldn't blatantly declare Peggy was wrong, this internal strife left him preferring to charge through the hail of bullets to verify with his own eyes.
Deathstroke put away his weapon, and though the protective shield was directly hit by several shells subsequently, the Magic Prince's preparations were sufficient, leaving the three unharmed.
However, not far away, the once beautiful building now lay in ruins.
"Alright, this one's stabilized, having sacrificed this area, victory is assured."
Su Ming walked out from the barrier, using his toe to flip over a piece of debris to examine, telling the two behind him.
As long as any Alien or invader bombed here, America is bound to react dramatically, this is one of the biggest flags, just as Barry's sacrifices are inevitably effective.