Chapter 5

"Did it just appear out of thin air?"

Machi's instincts kicked in. Anything unknown or beyond her understanding demanded caution. In Meteor City, survival depended on this vigilance. Without it, a person wouldn't last long in a place wholly unsuited for the naive or unwary.

"Don't worry about where it came from."

Morin smiled. "So, what do you think of this tablecloth? Nice, isn't it?"

"It's quite nice," Machi admitted after a closer look.

As far as fabric went, it was the finest she'd ever seen, leagues ahead of anything in Meteor City.

"If you trade it, you could get a decent amount of black rice for it."

"Black rice? Like the stuff you're eating?"

Morin glanced at the black sludge in Machi's bowl, chuckling as he shook his head.

"This tablecloth isn't for something as crude as bartering for food. That would be such a waste. It's called the Gourmet Tablecloth for a reason!"

Machi's expression didn't change much, but her gaze clearly said, "It's just a name—why does that matter?"

"Watch closely."

Morin spread the Gourmet Tablecloth over the worn table in front of Machi.

"Now, it's time to witness a miracle!"

Feeling his aura and nen flowing through him, Morin smirked.

Item: Gourmet Tablecloth

(Also known as Banquet Napkin, Culinary Spread, or Dining Drapery)

Effect: Conjures real, edible food out of thin air. Simply name the dish, and the tablecloth will produce it. The food is unlimited, authentic, and free.

Note: A coveted item for anyone who's ever dreamed of eating gourmet meals without cooking or struggling to find rare delicacies. Its functionality makes it one of the most iconic and desirable tools in any reality.

If this item existed in his previous life, Morin imagined global happiness skyrocketing as people skipped cooking and enjoyed endless feasts.

"Let's see how it works here in this world," Morin thought.

"Give me sweet-and-sour ribs, braised duck, mapo tofu, steamed fish, ham and winter melon soup, and a bucket of white rice!

With a snap of his fingers, Morin felt his aura slightly diminish.

At the same time, dishes began appearing on the tablecloth. Plates materialized one by one in front of Machi's widening eyes.

"What is this…?"

Machi couldn't maintain her calm anymore. The scene unfolding before her defied all logic.

"Do you see now why it's called the Gourmet Tablecloth?"

Morin grinned as he saw Machi staring, entranced, at the steaming plates of food.

"It's because it can conjure any dish!"

Pulling over a rickety stool, Morin grabbed the accompanying bowl, spoon, and chopsticks and scooped a generous portion of white rice into his bowl.

"Ahhh…"

He took in the aroma of the food—so rich and vibrant it almost made him emotional.

"This smells amazing!"

These dishes, famously dubbed "Four Dishes and One Soup," had evolved over centuries, remaining a staple of hospitality across regions.

Morin didn't waste another second. Picking up a piece of the sweet-and-sour ribs with his chopsticks, he took a bite.

"This is incredible!"

He gave a big thumbs-up.

"These are the best ribs I've ever tasted!"

The balance of sweet and sour was perfect, with tender meat and a flavor so rich it melted in his mouth.

Machi looked down at her bowl of black sludge, then back at Morin, who was savoring a bite of mapo tofu.

Suddenly, her "food" seemed even less appetizing.

No, scratch that—it had never been appetizing!

"Is it really that good?"

Trying to sound indifferent, Machi sat down across from Morin.

"Here."

Morin, without pausing, handed her a bowl and a set of chopsticks.

"Why don't you try for yourself?"

"I even prepared a portion for you."

He barely looked up as he devoured another mouthful of rice.

Machi hesitated but finally accepted the bowl and chopsticks.

"Fine, I'll try it."

She tried to keep her tone neutral, though her actions betrayed her curiosity.

The moment she took her first bite, her expression softened. It was clear—this wasn't just good food; it was extraordinary.

Machi didn't rush for the main dishes or rice. Instead, she ladled herself a bowl of ham and winter melon soup.

Sip.

The moment the soup touched her tongue, her eyes quivered.

The savory richness of the ham perfectly complemented the subtle sweetness of the winter melon, creating a harmony that made the soup extraordinarily delicious.

For the first time in her life, Machi felt like her entire being—down to the very cells in her body—was celebrating.

Without realizing it, her hand moved on its own, continuously bringing spoonfuls of the heavenly soup to her mouth.

"I'm not about to let you win."

Noticing Machi eating with increasing speed, Morin smirked and sped up his own pace.

In no time, the table was wiped clean.

The Gourmet Tablecloth's four dishes, one soup, and even the bucket of white rice were completely demolished by the two of them.

Not a single drop of sauce or crumb of rice was left. The plates sparkled as if freshly washed, glistening even more than Morin's face.

Burp.

Letting out a small, satisfied belch, Morin leaned back with a contented sigh.

"That was the best meal I've ever had," he admitted. "But it feels like something's missing. Dessert, maybe?"

He turned to Machi, who had returned to her usual calm, composed demeanor—though moments ago, she'd been fiercely competing for food like a seasoned fighter.

"What about you? Want dessert?"

"Anything is fine," she said, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, her voice steady again.

"Alright, leave it to me."

Morin snapped his fingers once more.

"Two apple custard tarts and a glass of fresh spring water with a sprig of mint."

As his nen and aura decreased slightly, the Gourmet Tablecloth conjured three more items.

No girl could resist the allure of desserts, especially when it involved the perfect combination of fruit and custard.

"What's the spring water for?"

Machi asked curiously while taking small spoonfuls of custard, savoring the explosion of flavors on her tongue.

"You'll see soon enough."

Morin chuckled, enjoying his dessert with an air of mystery.

Machi nodded silently and continued eating her dessert.

After a few moments of quiet, she spoke.

"What do you think? If we were to sell these kinds of food, how much could we make?"

"I'd say not a penny."

Morin scooped another bite for himself. "As soon as we bring food like this outside, a mob of hungry people would pounce on us and tear us to shreds."

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