It was called a surprise, but in reality it was just a simple barbecue feast.
After asking around, even Mualani, who knew Kinich best, only knew that he loved eating meat.
As for other things like hobbies, very few people knew.
Kinich had always been a mysterious guy.
This could be seen from where he lived.
As a renowned hero of the Scions of the Canopy tribe,
He did not live inside the tribe but lived in seclusion among the mountains.
Citlali asked if that was really so strange?
In short, the group bought a lot of ingredients at the Stadium of the Sacred Flame and waited for Kinich before heading out into the wilderness together.
The task of cooking naturally fell to Mu Yang.
The others were in charge of juices and drinks.
When buying ingredients, Mu Yang specially asked about a few recipes.
He knew many nations' cuisines, but that did not include Natlan's.
Learning a few dishes this time to bring back would also let the Traveler try something new.
Anyway, it would still be a long time before she came this way.
Since they were in the wilderness, there were fewer tools available. The most common method was naturally barbecue.
It just so happened that Kinich also liked big fish and big chunks of meat.
Regarding this, he himself said he ate everything and did not only eat meat.
He liked both meat and fruits, vegetables, and melons.
Unfortunately, this statement was ruthlessly exposed by Ajaw.
"Yo, acting like a good kid who isn't picky. How come I never see you picking granular fruits?"
Kinich remained expressionless. "Too heavy to carry."
Mualani turned her face away, secretly holding back her laughter.
Ajaw had a loose mouth and could sometimes reveal things that no one knew.
Mu Yang was marinating beef heart. His face showed nothing, but he smiled inwardly.
This pair was a living comedy duo no matter where they went.
Skewered grilled beef heart was the most common street barbecue in Natlan.
After skewering the marinated beef heart and placing it over charcoal, it roasted to an enticing color and aroma.
Paired with grilled granular fruits and potatoes,
This was the golden combination that remained popular in Natlan's snack scene.
Besides this, Mu Yang also learned about a snack that was as important in Natlan as Phlogiston—tacos.
Mu Yang still remembered what the stall owner said when handing him the taco.
"Life may disappoint you, but tacos never will."
Mu Yang couldn't help but retort inwardly, "Mathematics too— if you don't know it, you just don't know…"
But honestly, this thin stuffed pancake was indeed impressive.
When the tongue touched the hot pancake skin and filling, the pleasant fresh fragrance with enthusiasm flowed into the mouth.
The flavors of shrimp, cheese, and sauce melted in the mouth…
It truly did not disappoint.
However, since they were in the wilderness and it was not convenient to show off, he decided to try making it again once he returned to Fontaine.
This time he would just use the ready-made ones from the stall owner.
On the juice side, Kachina prepared everything very skillfully.
After finishing her tasks, the little girl ran over to Mu Yang's side to see if he needed help.
As soon as she got close, she was hooked by the sizzling sound of oil dripping on the charcoal fire.
That sound was like blowing the horn for gluttony.
It made one unable to resist wanting to taste a bite…
Mu Yang took down a thinner-cut skewer and handed it to Kachina.
"Try the taste."
Kachina knew Mu Yang was giving her special treatment.
She was not polite and took a direct bite.
The thick, chewy texture of the meat complemented the rich and appropriate meat juices.
This experience could only be described with one word—awesome!
A thoroughly satisfying tongue-tip experience.
Kachina, who had gotten an early special snack, began helping Mu Yang.
The next dish to prepare was grilled fish with mint sauce.
This was also a common method in Natlan.
First, make cuts on the fish, then stuff it with spices. After grilling until cooked, pour thick mint sauce over it.
The fish meat was full of fresh fragrance and made one's appetite soar.
One bite of the crispy and fragrant fish skin, inside was tender and chewy fish meat.
After eating, the mouth was filled with the refreshing aroma of mint…
Kachina was responsible for stuffing the spices.
While Mu Yang was busy, Kinich was not idle either.
Although this barbecue gathering was prepared for him, he didn't want to just stand by and wait.
So he also prepared one of his signature dishes—the Dragon Hunter's Reward.
This was a rather spicy stewed meat dish.
His knife skills when cutting the meat were very practiced.
It was clear that Kinich really liked eating meat.
Large chunks of stewed meat went into the pot, along with beans, tomatoes, and spices…
Finally, Mu Yang made some other grilled meat dishes, and the meal was finally ready to eat.
Mona took the lead by saying, do you know how hard it is for someone who eats vegetable salad year-round to smell this kind of aroma…
Citlali was also a food enthusiast.
Moreover, this was her first time eating Mu Yang's cooking.
"Uh… why are you all looking at me?"
Obsidian Grandma was just about to put the skewered grilled beef heart into her mouth.
She noticed Mona, Mualani, and Kachina looking at her with half-smiling expressions.
"It's nothing, nothing. Great Senior, eat quickly, or it'll get cold soon…"
"How strange…"
Citlali didn't know what they were plotting.
Helplessly, the meat skewer in front of her smelled far too good.
She had eaten this common street snack for so many years.
This was the first time she had such a feeling…
Only after seeing the intoxicated expression on Citlali's face did Mualani and the other two satisfiedly start eating.
Had this already become a necessary step when eating Mu Yang's cooking?
On Kinich's side, he ate without making a sound.
He never talked much anyway.
The problem was that the chatterbox Ajaw had also become well-behaved.
Having tasted the benefits, Ajaw pushed Kinich's dish to the center of the group in order to monopolize Mu Yang's grilled fish.
He had already eaten it many times anyway.
Ajaw said in a "serious and heartfelt" tone,
"In the past, this was a delicacy we only rewarded ourselves with after hunting a big one. Today you guys are lucky—I'm giving it to you."
"The great Ajaw will make do with these few fish."
"Hey, you over there, hurry up and bring the juice!"
Ajaw, who had gone overboard with showing off, was promptly sealed by Kinich…
Now it was finally quiet.
Kinich knew Ajaw's little scheme. Mu Yang's cooking was indeed delicious.
He couldn't let it shamelessly monopolize it.
Better to let it stay "quiet" for a while…
The food was quickly wiped clean.
After Ajaw was sent flying, no one really spoke anymore.
After all, saying one more sentence meant one less bite of food.
Mu Yang didn't need others to praise his skills with words.
Everyone busily devouring the food was the best affirmation for a chef.
After the whirlwind of eating, everyone was full.
At this time, Mu Yang brought up a topic and asked Kinich what his dish was called.
He had already roughly learned the method.
"According to Ajaw, this dish should be called the Dragon Hunter's Reward."
"Dragon Hunter?"
Mu Yang was somewhat puzzled.
Ajaw had indeed said earlier that they usually only ate such large chunks of meat after hunting a big one.
So the "big one" they hunted referred to… dragons?!