Each sip strengthened him, and more importantly, progressed the gestation of his Pokémon. Which meant—He needed more.
Linda, noticing their enthusiasm, chuckled. "Since you liked it so much, have some more." She generously refilled their bowls, allowing them to indulge once again.
Of course, no one refused. Bowl after bowl, they continued drinking, until they were utterly satisfied. But the meal didn't end there. Linda's kitchen was full of ingredients left over from the soup-making process.
Since only the most refined parts were used in the broth, the rest of the high-quality ingredients were repurposed into separate dishes rather than being wasted. Larry found himself amazed by the sheer variety of flavors he encountered throughout the meal.
The more he ate, the more he realized—this wasn't just dinner, this was an experience. By the time they finally finished, night had already fallen.
With their stomachs full, the group finally prepared to head their separate ways for the night. Gel, not having arranged a place to stay, mentioned she might book a room at one of the specialty hotels in town.
As for Larry—He was staying at Menchi's shop. Menchi's place was more than just a storefront. It was a three-story building, with plenty of extra rooms.
Since she had rarely visited the place, the upper floors were mostly unused, making it the perfect lodging.
***
The food contest's opening ceremony was just three days away, and Larry and Menchi planned to make the most of their time by exploring the food area. Menchi was determined to introduce Larry to as many dishes as possible, hoping he'd fully experience the depth and charm of gourmet cuisine.
Larry, on the other hand, had a dual purpose—he wanted to taste all the delicious food, but he also saw this as an opportunity to accelerate the gestation period of his Pokémon, allowing it to take shape faster.
The next morning, with their goals in mind, the two set off on their food-tasting adventure. Their first stop was Gem Barbecue, a place famous for its signature dish made from Gem Pigs, creatures native to the Forest of Beasts in the United Nations of Bergrosse. These pigs were known for their unique skin, which emitted a faint gemstone-like glow.
At night, when large groups of them gathered, the effect intensified, illuminating the forest with an ethereal shimmer. But the real surprise came when one was butchered—its flesh shone like polished gems, with cross-sections that gleamed even brighter. Some collectors even kept Gem Pork as part of their rare specimen collections.
Larry casually picked up a freshly grilled piece of Gem Pork. The sizzling fat crackled, releasing an intoxicating aroma that rushed straight to his nose. The reason behind its diamond-like luster was its unique fat composition, which, when grilled, produced an added fruity fragrance.
Taking a small bite, he immediately felt the meat melting in his mouth. The intense, savory richness spread across his tongue, lingering far longer than expected. At the same time, the gestation bar in his mind inched forward, though not as significantly as when he had Hundred Flavor Soup the day before.
Was the speed-up effect influenced by the quality of the food? He made a mental note to test that theory. But for now, he focused on the meal, quickly devouring another large piece of grilled meat. As he reached for another slice, an idea suddenly struck him. He reached into the shadows and pulled out a small crystal bottle.
When it came to grilled pork, he had the perfect seasoning for it. Uncorking the bottle, he sprinkled a fine layer of Volcanic Salt onto the Gem Pork. Almost instantly, the already rich aroma intensified, the scent of roasted meat now intertwined with a tantalizing salty undertone that spread through the air.
Several passersby stopped in their tracks, drawn in by the mouthwatering fragrance. Larry didn't forget about Menchi, making sure to season her portion as well. Thankfully, he had collected a good amount of Volcanic Salt before—it wasn't easy to come by, but even half a bottle would last him a while.
With the seasoning absorbed, the Gem Pork transformed before their eyes, its diamond-like sheen taking on a deep ruby-red hue, making it look even more appetizing. Taking another bite, Larry could immediately taste the difference.
The salt didn't just enhance the flavor—it elevated the dish in every possible way. And just as he expected, the progress bar in his mind moved noticeably further than before.
Satisfied with their first meal, they moved on to their second stop—Rainbow Juice.
After feasting on the rich, fatty barbecue, the two were feeling thirsty. Conveniently, there was a juice stand just outside the barbecue restaurant, making it an easy next destination.
Rainbow Juice was famous for being made from seven rare fruits, sourced from six different continents, blended in a precise ratio. The most fascinating part? Despite being mixed, the fruits maintained their individual colors, forming perfectly distinct layers inside the cup. It looked like a cascading rainbow waterfall—vivid, bright, and mesmerizing.
The moment Larry took a sip, he could feel the juice sliding smoothly down his throat. The flavors unfolded in layers—at first, a burst of strawberry, then orange, followed by a blend of other exotic fruits.
Each sip brought out different notes, making the experience refreshing and complex at the same time. After the heavy grilled meat, this cool, fruity drink was the perfect follow-up.
Looking at the barbecue stall and juice stand positioned so closely together, Larry had a thought—maybe their owners intentionally set up shop side by side because their foods complemented each other so well. And, as expected, the bar in his mind moved forward again.
At this rate, he might actually reach the end of the bar by the end of the day.
After finishing their Rainbow Juice, Larry and Menchi strolled through the bustling streets, scanning the countless food stalls for their next meal. The aroma of sizzling meat, fresh pastries, and exotic spices filled the air, making the decision all the more difficult.
As they debated where to go next, Menchi's eyes suddenly caught a familiar figure standing in front of a crowded stall. "Lika?" she called out, her curiosity piqued. "What are you doing here?"
The stall was surrounded by an unusually silent group of people. Despite the large crowd, there was an eerie hush, as if an invisible force had stifled their voices. It felt unnatural—almost like everyone had been hit by some kind of Nen-based ability preventing them from speaking.
Frowning slightly, Menchi stepped forward and gave Lika a light pat on the shoulder. "Hey, what's going on?" she asked in a hushed voice.
Lika turned, visibly relieved to see her friend. Leaning in, she whispered an explanation to Menchi and Larry. "This stall specializes in White-Purple Pufferfish," she said. "That's the only thing they sell."