"No way. A combination of Conjuration and Specialization traits wouldn't result in something so simple," Chrollo thought to himself.
Unless, of course, the user was deeply obsessed with food—but based on his interactions with Morin, Chrollo didn't believe this was the case.
"If it were Manipulation, there might be a condition like, 'If someone eats the food I create and enjoys it, the ability activates.' But Morin clearly isn't a Manipulator, so..."
His focus shifted to the tablecloth Morin had brought out.
"Is it because of this tablecloth?"
"Exactly."
Morin swallowed a mouthful of noodles before explaining, "This tablecloth is called the Gourmet Tablecloth. It can conjure all kinds of delicious food."
"My ability lets me conjure various tools, each with its own unique function. The Gourmet Tablecloth is just one of them."
"I see..."
Chrollo nodded thoughtfully. If that's the case, then the ability certainly aligns with Morin's Nen traits.
Even with just the Gourmet Tablecloth, the ability to conjure food at will was impressive. Judging by Morin's nonchalant attitude, any conditions or limitations tied to its use were likely minimal.
No wonder he had earned the respect of Uvogin and Machi.
For the first time, a spark of competitive spirit ignited within Chrollo.
"I can't fall behind," he thought, a glimmer of determination in his eyes. "I need to start working on my own abilities as well."
For now, however, the priority was to satisfy his hunger.
Chrollo picked up chopsticks and tried a bite of the noodles.
"Delicious," he said simply.
Meanwhile, Feitan and Pakunoda, who had gone all day without food, were drawn by the aroma. Watching Nobunaga slurping his noodles so enthusiastically, they couldn't resist any longer and each grabbed a bowl.
Now part of the same team, they didn't hold back.
The moment the noodles hit their tongues, both froze briefly before speeding up their eating.
Their voracious eating was reminiscent of the first time Machi had tried the dishes Morin conjured.
For people from Meteor City, whose diet mostly consisted of plain black rice, their taste buds were far less experienced than those of many children in the outside world.
This traditional dish, hailing from a culture with a rich 5,000-year culinary heritage, was nothing short of a spiritual awakening for their palates.
Pakunoda and Feitan, both now with sauce-covered mouths, didn't care about appearances—Pakunoda momentarily abandoning her ladylike demeanor, and Feitan his assassin's composure.
In front of a bowl of zhajiangmian, they were simply devoted food lovers.
"Hey! Morin, this is too much! You're all back there feasting while we're up here smelling it!"
Uvogin, catching the aroma from the driver's seat, loudly protested.
Franklin, though silent, smacked his lips, his throat visibly moving as his mouth watered.
Morin passed bowls to both of them.
While Franklin drove, Uvogin alternated between taking bites himself and feeding Franklin. The scene was unexpectedly harmonious.
The truck drove through the vast wilderness, its interior filled with the savory aroma of zhajiangmian.
Before long, the outline of a city appeared on the horizon.
"We're here!"
Uvogin's voice rang out, unable to hide his excitement and joy.
Finally, they were about to enter the outside world.
As the truck rolled into the city limits, an old, weathered sign stood firm against the dusty winds:
[Welcome to Kawale City]
It looked like an unremarkable, ordinary city.
Franklin drove through the entrance without being questioned. Observing the surrounding buildings, Morin quickly surmised that while called a city, Kawale was more of a small town.
Cities near Meteor City were rarely wealthy or developed.
After driving into a dimly lit alleyway, the group disembarked.
"Let's find a place to stay first," Chrollo suggested. "Then we'll locate a competent Nen user to learn more about this world and its Nen system."
"Our most important step is to grow stronger."
He glanced at Franklin, Feitan, and Pakunoda. "We also need to open your aura nodes."
"For lodging, we don't need to overcomplicate things," Machi said, turning to Morin, who had just taken out his Out of Nothing Door Sticker.
"There's nothing better suited for this," Morin remarked with a smile as he applied the sticker to a nearby wall.
Machi explained its function to the others while the door revealed a fully furnished apartment-like interior.
"Such a convenient tool," the group thought, staring at the opened door.
"This place is safe, which is perfect for training Feitan and the others," Chrollo noted with satisfaction.
"Well, you all train Nen properly. I'm going to explore the city!"
Uvogin exclaimed enthusiastically, swinging his arms as he hurried off.