"These two guys only showed up later to mooch food, yet they're acting so arrogant…"
Uvogin muttered while smacking his lips in frustration.
His tone was filled with envy and jealousy as he watched Phinks and Feitan devour their food.
But the two of them completely ignored Uvogin's grumbling.
They were already so overwhelmed by the aroma and taste that they were practically lost in it.
The thick, crispy golden pork cutlet—
Every bite went straight into their mouths without hesitation.
And the fragrant fried noodles mixed with crunchy bean sprouts—
Picked up with chopsticks, lifted to the mouth, then slurped down in one smooth motion.
At this moment, Phinks and Feitan—fully focused on eating—finally experienced the same happiness that Uvogin and Machi had earlier.
"Man… that was amazing."
After swallowing the final bite, Phinks let out a long breath.
"I swear… what kind of life was I even living before this?!"
For a moment, he almost felt like crying.
Compared to what he used to eat, this was real food.
Actual food.
But when he remembered Uvogin was still standing nearby, he forcefully held back the tears that had nearly reached his eyes.
Even the carefree joy from finishing such a delicious meal settled down a bit.
"You gave us really good food. Thanks."
Phinks placed the black coconut-like fruit container down and thanked Arvin Locke seriously and sincerely.
"Oh wow, I didn't know you were capable of saying 'thank you.'"
"…If you keep talking, I'll rip your tongue out."
Phinks shot Uvogin an angry glare before turning back to Arvin Locke.
"This is actually the first time I've thanked someone… anyway, forget that."
"My name's Phinks."
He introduced himself.
Phinks Magcub.
That was his full name—coincidentally sharing part of the name of a famous Marine Vice Admiral.
"And this is Feitan."
"Feitan Portor."
Feitan spoke his full name in a low voice.
"Yep, that's right."
Phinks patted his chest proudly.
"You treated us to such great food, so we acknowledge you now."
He gave Arvin Locke his trademark "friendly but terrifying" grin.
"If you ever need help, just let us know."
"The two of us are pretty well known around here."
"For example—if someone steals the stuff you find while scavenging…"
"Or if someone tries to force you to do things you don't want to do."
"Like threatening you to make food for them."
"Hey! Hey!!"
Uvogin immediately protested.
"Who exactly are you talking about, you bastard?!"
"Oh? So the big muscle-brained idiot actually figured it out."
Phinks replied sarcastically.
"If you know who I'm talking about, then keep it in mind."
"I acknowledged him, but you're still an exception."
"Our score isn't settled yet."
"The hell it isn't—!"
Just as Phinks and Uvogin were about to start another round of insults—or possibly a fight—
Arvin Locke interrupted them.
"My name is Arvin Locke."
"If you want to eat again in the future, feel free to come find me."
"Deal!"
At the mention of food, Phinks immediately brightened up.
"I won't hold back then."
"You don't need to hold back."
Seeing how openly expressive Phinks was, Arvin Locke smiled.
Age-wise, he wasn't much older than Uvogin.
At this stage, Phinks' mindset was simple—
Whoever gives him food is a friend.
Of course…
Uvogin was the exception.
"So how exactly do you do that?"
Phinks was still savoring the taste of the pork cutlet while staring curiously at Arvin Locke.
He was extremely interested in this mysterious ability.
"How do I do it? Simple."
"I just use a certain special power."
Arvin Locke flipped his palm, and the syringes along with the remaining modification agents disappeared.
The Inventor Master ability conveniently came with a storage space.
It was specifically used to store items he had invented.
Including things like the Sticky Rice Cake Maker he had created earlier.
"A special power…"
Phinks' eyes widened.
This was the first time he had truly encountered something like this.
Feitan also stared silently without blinking.
Even Uvogin and Machi—who had already seen it before—still found it incredible.
"Can we learn that kind of power too?!"
Phinks asked bluntly.
His face was filled with desire.
Even someone as straightforward as him understood—
If he could master this kind of power…
Surviving in Meteor City would be easy.
Even going out into the outside world would no longer be impossible.
"Of course."
"Anyone can learn this power."
Arvin Locke smiled.
"Then…"
Phinks' voice became slightly hoarse.
"But if you want to learn it and become stronger, you'll definitely need—"
"I know!"
Phinks immediately cut in.
"You'll definitely have to pay a price, right?"
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