Dungeon Refrigerator 254

Test

Dungeon Stampede 2.0 Cooking Duty

“Oh my, Nakihito and Machi, you both made it back safely! No injuries? …That’s good to hear. Ah, Shizue, I’m going downstairs for a bit. It’s okay, I’m going with our neighbor, so you don’t need to come along.”

When we arrived at the food delivery house, Ruu's mom was already about to head out, barely having time for greetings, with a pot in her hand for some reason.

"Mom, it's dangerous. I'll go with you."

"My, Ruu, you're such a worrier. But thank you. Let’s go together then."

"Okay."

With that, Ruu and her mom left, and Nina-san, sitting at the kitchen table, gave a tired, wry smile.

"I'm back, Nina-san."

"Welcome back... Looks like both Coach and Machi are fine too."

"Yeah, but you look more exhausted, Nina-san. What happened?"

"Ugh... I’ve been infusing magic into the Fire Wand for cooking all this time. So glad Kōchi taught me meditation."

In front of Nina-san, who stretched her arms overhead, was a Fire Wand set in a red stove. Huh? Wait, didn’t I make a green stinkbug stove?

"Oh, this. The old one got too worn out to use, so I made this one from red scorpion shells. Turned out pretty well, don’t you think?"

"I see, so that’s why it’s red."

Whoa, impressive craftsmanship.

But Nina-san is quite handy. She made that bamboo shield too. However, using boss-level monster materials for a stove is pretty extravagant. Well, if the old one broke, I guess it can’t be helped.

As I listened to Nina-san’s story, I was able to get a sense of the situation.

Yes, the second wave of the Dungeon Stampede hit, causing all sorts of chaos. Monsters attacked, fires broke out, and this whole apartment building was thrown into disorder.

Yet, even during these tough times, Ruu's mom seemed to flip a switch. She started cooking relentlessly, delivering food to families who couldn't cook.

In return, those families, feeling bad about just receiving them, gave her ingredients as thanks, which led to a cycle where Ruu's mom would cook even more meals to give out.

"So Shizu has been fueling the fire this whole time, huh?"

"Yeah, though Ruu-chan and I took turns, so we managed."

Wow, that must’ve been tough. Though the Fire Wand is efficient, keeping it fueled with magic requires some skill.

“So that pot left at the apartment entrance was from Ruu's mom?”

"Yep... People are calling her the 'Mother of 603' because she's helped so many."

Oh, wow… that much?

“Well, Shizu, here’s some good news. Tonight, we’ll be cooking a delicious dinner for you, so look forward to it!”

“Really? But Machi, you're not much of a cook, right?”

“Hey! That’s rude. You’ll be so shocked, you’ll fall over! Right, Egetsu-san?”

“Yeah, you can look forward to it.”

But come on, Serai-san. There are better phrases to use than “you’ll fall over” from surprise. Something like "It'll blow your socks off" would sound cooler...

…

Well, we have a lot to catch up on, but first, I’m hungry, so time to prep for dinner. When I got to the kitchen, I was surprised by the amount of vegetables.

"Hmm, why are there so many vegetables? There are even carrots and potatoes?"

"Ah, that’s because Ruu-chan's mom got them as thanks from the people she helped."

"Ah, so that’s why we have so many vegetables. I guess I didn’t need to go out to the fields to gather wild garlic and chives."

"Oh no, those are still appreciated! Fresh greens spoil easily, so it's hard to get them. I'm glad you brought some."

"I see. Then it was worth it. Serai-san, wash the vegetables well, and let’s steam them."

"Okay, got it! I'll fill the pot with water and place the veggies on a plate to steam."

"Hold on... Let’s remove the potato sprouts first."

"Oh, right. I almost forgot!"

“Machi, are you sure you can handle this…?”

…

[Clink]

“We’re back! Hmm? Wow, something smells really good!”

“Really, what’s that smell?”

Ah, looks like Ruu and her mom have returned.

"Welcome back! Dinner is just ready now!"

“Wait, did Machi-chan make dinner?”

“That’s right! It’s a super delicious crab cheese fondue! Dig in!”

“Wow, it looks so tasty! Let’s eat!”

Heh, let me explain.

We diluted the rare dungeon crab cheese with water, simmered it into a stew-like consistency, and paired it with steamed, cut vegetables to dip in. When you eat it hot, it’s like a fondue.

Well, I’ve never had real cheese fondue, so this is more like a “wannabe cheese fondue.”

[(Dip... Sliiiide...)]

First, Ruu eagerly spears a steamed carrot with her fork, her eyes sparkling like a child’s. She carefully brings the dripping cheese-covered carrot to her mouth.

“Fuuu, fuuu, fuuu! Mmm! It’s so good!! It’s really delicious, Machi-chan!”

"You're right! Oh, this is amazing! It makes me want some wine!"

"Hehe, told you! It’s all in the skill!"

“Oh my, it really is delicious.”

Well, the key is probably the rich flavor of the crab cheese and the salt I created with my skill, but... it's best not to mention that.

Still, seeing their happy smiles is all the reward I need. It clears my mind and blows away all my fatigue.