Under Jasper's guidance, Bai Mo successfully entered the Astera research base.
The place wasn't too different from the various zones he had explored in the game, though it felt somewhat larger. After taking the cableway up to the upper Star Ship area, Bai Mo caught sight of the Commander busy handling affairs inside the cabin!
As Jasper and the Commander conversed, Bai Mo sensed that things probably wouldn't turn out too badly—after all, their discussion wasn't being held in secret. Once the two finished talking, the Commander introduced himself to Bai Mo:
"Hello, traveler from another world. I am Vesper, Commander of the New World Research Commission. May I have your name?"
"Bai Yu Jing. Just call me Bai Yu Jing."
"Bai... Yu... Jing?" Since Bai Mo had spoken the name aloud, Vesper repeated it with some difficulty. "Understood."
"Regarding the existence of other worlds, the Guild and the Kingdom's records do indeed mention such occurrences. I've seen the documents myself. So, after assessing your potential threat, you may continue staying at our Astera base."
"How exactly will this assessment work?" Bai Mo asked curiously. "What kind of test is there?"
"Originally, there were two methods. If creatures from other worlds are unable to communicate, the Guild would directly eliminate them and preserve the remains. For those capable of communication, after confirming they pose no threat, they would be allowed to join the Hunter's Guild."
"From there, they could choose to become hunters, researchers for the Dragon Research Institute, or ordinary civilians—it's up to them."
After explaining this, Commander Vesper looked at Bai Mo and continued, "As for you, no test is necessary."
"Someone who can tame a Nargacuga and possesses the ability to communicate with all things... You might just be the White Wind our New World Research Commission has been waiting for!"
Vespers then began explaining the purpose of the New World Research Commission's presence here, as well as the specific roles of the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Fleets.
Though Bai Mo was already familiar with the background of the Monster Hunter world, Vesper's explanation gave him a deeper understanding of the Commission.
Thus, when Vesper extended an invitation for him to join, Bai Mo readily agreed.
"I'd be honored to join the Commission. However, I should mention that I'm somewhat of a warrior, so I might... eat a lot."
"Ahahaha!" Vesper burst into laughter upon hearing this. "What's wrong with eating a lot? Hunters eat a lot too!"
"Since it's almost dinner time, why don't you head to the Canteen and try some of our hunters' cuisine? I'm sure you'll love it!"
After Bai Mo decided to join the New World Research Commission, Vesper's attitude grew even friendlier. He then led Bai Mo and his grandson Jasper to the dining area, the Canteen.
Seeing the Felynes bustling around the open kitchen and dining area, Bai Mo instinctively wanted to pet one—after all, he had always been fond of cats and dogs.
However, his sudden movement startled the Felyne, causing it to drop the plate it was holding.
Embarrassed, Bai Mo helped pick up the fallen items and apologized, "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you."
"Meow~" The Felyne waved its paws, indicating it didn't mind.
"Glad to hear that. So, what do you recommend here?"
"Meow?"
"Yeah, I'm talking to you. I can hear the thoughts in your heart."
"Meow meow meow!" The Felyne grew excited and began gesturing animatedly.
"Really? The Dragonbone Meat today was freshly hunted? And there's Herbivore Egg too? Sounds great!"
"You say the Bravely Eel is delicious when grilled? What about Bitterfish Liver?"
"There's even freshly delivered Rathalos Whiskey? I'd love to try that!"
Watching Bai Mo converse with the Felyne, Commander Vesper exchanged a glance with the Canteen's head chef—a large Felyne with a scar over its right eye and a broken sword strapped to its back.
"Meowscular Chef, give Jasper and me the daily special. As for him, let him finish talking with your assistant first."
"So this is the visitor from another world?" The Meowscular Chef, who had learned human language, remarked, "I heard he can communicate with monsters. Seems it's true."
"Ah, with his help, our research on the New World might make even greater progress!"
Meanwhile, Bai Mo, following the Felyne's recommendation, ordered a set meal called the "Hero's Feast."
This feast included two large Dragon Tail Steaks, a portion of Charred Bravely Eel, two grilled Wiggler Fish, a side of Pukei-Pukei Tear Jam, a glass of high-proof Rathalos Whiskey, and several large pieces of bread!
Faced with this spread of dishes, Bai Mo immediately dove into eating mode.
It had to be said—the energy content in these ingredients was remarkably high.
Especially when Bai Mo tasted the Bravely Eel, his skin faintly glowed, as if his Gourmet Cells were resonating with the ingredient!
This was the first time Bai Mo had encountered such a resonating ingredient after eating for so long. It made him even more interested in this world's ingredients and cuisine.
Moreover, after finishing the "Hero's Feast," Bai Mo felt his entire body burning hot, as if his cells had become more active.
Comparing before and after, his physical abilities seemed to have improved by about 5% to 10%.
Was this the power of the Canteen's meals in the Monster Hunter world?
By cooking ingredients imbued with energy, they could stimulate a hunter's body in reverse, achieving a strengthening effect?
Truly incredible!
----------
T/N:
Access 30 chapters in advance on my Patreon:patreon.com/multiversalfeast [Images Included]
You'll also get 5 extra chapters just for being a free member!