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The aroma of the barbecue was rich and mouthwatering, enhanced by the expensive seasoning that added a distinct layer of fragrance.
Bella and Angie's family prepared their feast with generous amounts of oil.
Carried by the sea breeze, the tantalizing scent drifted deep into the forest at the heart of the island. It stirred the instincts of countless carnivorous creatures, drawing their attention.
But despite their interest, a strange sense of foreboding blanketed the island and even the surrounding island chain.
All creatures—whether beasts or insects—instinctively sensed danger.
The threat of death.
They cowered, trembling in their lairs, unwilling to move.
On the beach, the feast was magnificent:
Roasted meats paired with fruit, wine-infused juices, bread, and butter.
Grilled fish and seafood, incomparable to anything on Earth—each catch from this alien sea was top-tier in taste.
Even a random fish from here could put Earth's best delicacies to shame.
The meat was tender, glazed in soy sauce and spicy oil, grilled to perfection over charcoal, and sprinkled with five-spice powder. The fish was crystal-clear with golden crispy edges, releasing a heavenly aroma.
There were even creatures resembling crabs, neatly arranged on green leaves atop bamboo trays. Unknown delicacies topped with coconut milk and mint completed the spread.
Grilled fish, seafood soup, sandwiches—everything came together to form the perfect, lavish meal.
But Bella and Angie weren't the only ones digging in. The little ones were eating with wild enthusiasm.
Especially Nina.
Despite her tiny appearance, her appetite was shocking. She devoured an entire plate of barbecue, a serving of grilled fish, and a bowl of fish soup all by herself.
Once full, she collapsed on the beach with a satisfied expression, her whiskers twitching as she snored.
It was the image of pure happiness.
That round, fluffy body was explosively adorable.
But Nina wasn't just cute—she was a serious eater. Still, compared to Cosmo, she couldn't compete.
Cosmo had undergone genetic modification; his body was a walking energy converter. Everything he ate could be instantly turned into fuel.
He was like a bottomless dog-shaped pit.
Little Sally didn't start with a big appetite, but after years of magical enhancement from Bella and her own growing power, her body required far more nutrition than an ordinary child.
Her appetite now rivaled professional eaters.
Bella even joked that if she wanted to, she could probably eat nonstop for a whole month.
The only one eating at a somewhat normal pace was Angie.
Her physical enhancements were still progressing, not yet to the extreme.
Even so, she finished a large plate of grilled meat, a small dish of fish, and various seafood sides—still a lot by normal standards.
Thankfully, her digestion was strong enough that she didn't feel bloated afterward.
Stuffed, Angie quietly backed away from the feast, casting envious glances at Bella, while Cosmo and Sally continued their food battle.
She felt weak in comparison.
Then, a realization struck her:
The biggest perk of a strengthened body for a foodie... is an endlessly expandable stomach!
Her eyes lit up at the thought.
Someday, she too would become a big eater!
---
Later that night...
While one family was enjoying their interstellar vacation...
Sanjid sat at a seaside café, sipping coffee by the window.
The beach outside was bustling with people enjoying the night, and he was in a good mood.
He wore a simple light-blue shirt, orange slacks, and casual shoes.
His quiet demeanor, shaped by years of study, paired with his handsome features, gave him a certain charm.
Quite a few girls in the café had already taken notice, whispering among themselves and sneaking glances.
Sanjid noticed—but wasn't particularly interested.
Ding~
A notification sounded from his laptop. He glanced at the message and smiled.
After typing a casual reply, he shut the laptop and slid it into his backpack.
Over the next ten minutes, he politely turned down invitations from at least seven or eight hopeful girls.
They left disappointed.
Jingle bell~
The café's wind chime rang as the door opened.
A girl in black leather armor and jeans stepped inside, a backpack slung over one shoulder.
She scanned the café quickly—until her eyes landed on Sanjid by the window.
Her face lit up.
Under the curious gazes of the other girls, she walked confidently over and sat across from him.
"Hey, nice to meet you, Mr. Knight. I'm Skye," she greeted cheerfully, offering her hand.
Sanjid smiled at her lively energy.
"Hi, Skye. I never imagined such a talented hacker would also be such a beautiful girl."
"Wow—thank you so much!"
Skye, usually casual and bold, blushed slightly under the compliment.
She knew she wasn't considered particularly beautiful back in country M. Some even thought she was plain.
But to be praised like this by her idol? She was overjoyed.
"Honestly, it's my honor to help a superhero like you! And you're connected to the Goddess of Judgment, right? You were amazing last time—taking down an entire organization by yourself!"
"Oh! What's your relationship with her anyway? Your fighting style is really similar to hers."
"Could you help me get her autograph? I'm a huge fan! I even manage a fan page with tens of thousands of members. If they knew I had her autograph, they'd scream with envy!"
"Bahahaha~!"
"Ah, sorry, I'm getting too excited. But really—there are even rumors online that you're a member of the Knights of the Round Table, aren't there?"
Skye leaned over the table, arms propped up, chattering non-stop.
It was her first time meeting a superhero in person, and she was thrilled.
Sanjid didn't mind at all.
His nature was warm and easygoing, and he could tell right away what kind of person she was—lively, cheerful, and genuinely likable.
After she finally calmed down a bit, Sanjid smiled and snapped his fingers.
From across the café, a waiter approached—carrying a fresh cup of coffee.
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