Dungeon Refrigerator 261

 Test

Dungeon Stampede 2.0 Ultimate

The food distribution went smoothly and was well-received.

People fetching water were drawn in by the smell, and many came over. As thanks, they brought alcohol from home, allowing us to gather quite a variety of drinks.

I was in my Armored Bug King Suit, ready to handle any trouble at a moment’s notice. But because of the flashy get-up, a bunch of kids mistook me for a local hero and asked for handshakes and photos. So it turned into a bit of an event.

Well, that is, until I put on the Bug King mask and made them cry.

I mean, c’mon, a hero exposing his face feels off, right? I was trying to be considerate, but it backfired and scared them instead.

On a separate note, I also obtained a "giant coyote fur costume."

This happened when I asked Ruu how they usually handled monster corpses, and she said, "We burned them with other flammable waste." So I suggested, "Why not let the red slime take care of it?"

That way, we wouldn’t have to watch over the fire until it died out, and the red slime would get a delicious meal in the process.

So, I had the red slime devour the giant coyote. But even though the transparent slime engulfed it, it couldn't fully digest it and kept squirming around.

Since the goal was simply to eliminate the rotting flesh, I told the slime, "It’s okay, you don’t have to eat the hard-to-digest bones or fur. Go ahead, spit it out." And it promptly spit out the bones and fur—completely intact.

The result was so clean that I decided to hang the fur on the balcony.

Maybe the acids used by the red slime work similarly to the tannic or hydrochloric acids used in tanning leather, helping with the process.

And now, it’s dinnertime.

Tonight, I want to show my gratitude and offer them my best hospitality.

After all, I’ve always been a disliked outcast, with almost no memories of receiving gifts from anyone. Well, except for that one time I found trash disguised as chocolate in my desk on Valentine’s Day.

But for someone like me, Serai-san decided to accompany me on this dangerous journey. Ruu and Nina-san also crafted that heartfelt ‘Red Scorpion Reinforced Armor’ for me. Honestly, these women are more than I deserve.

So tonight, I’m going to make sure they have an amazing time.

"""“Cheers!”"""

First, we all toast and start with some simple grilled mussels.

“Here, have some grilled mussels. Be careful, they’re hot.”

“Okay! Wait… Is it just seasoned with salt?”

“Yep, just salt. But you can add your own favorite acidity with the acid you create, right? Let’s see who can make the tastiest one.”

“Hmm, I think I’d like something like Ruu-chan’s sudachi flavor. Could you make that for me, Ruu-chan?”

“Sure! Leave it to me, Shizu-chan!”

“Oh, Ruu, can I have some too? But try my improved lemon flavor as well!”

“Fufu, no need to rush. We can all compare. But for some reason, mine always ends up tasting like grapefruit. I wonder why?”

“I love Shizu-chan’s flavor. It tastes amazing over ice cream!”

Fufufu, the three of them are having fun comparing the flavors of their acids. Yes, this is learning through play! The ultimate educational method! Or something like that.

Now, onto something simple yet profound.

First, chop the giant mussel meat finely and mix in bitter broth boiled with houttuynia. Then, after pounding and pounding, something magical happens! It somehow turns into sea urchin!

“Alright, here’s the next dish. Nina-san, try to guess what this is.”

“Hmm, it looks like minced shellfish…? Huh!? Wait, why… does this taste like sea urchin!? No way!”

“Haha! You think so too, Nina-san? Isn’t it strange? When you pound the giant mussel meat with the houttuynia broth, it ends up tasting like sea urchin.”

The distinct fishy smell of the shellfish and the grassy smell of the houttuynia cancel each other out, leaving no odor behind.

“Wow, it’s got that smooth, sweet texture too… This is totally sea urchin! So delicious!”

Oh, Nina-san’s savoring it deeply. Let me offer her some warm sake to go along with it. Here, drink up.

“Mmm… This is perfect.”

Yeah, I remember how much you enjoyed seafood during that trip to Izu, savoring all the shellfish and sea urchin. I’ve got your taste preferences down, Nina-san.

“…Hmph, this is a cheap imitation. It’s barely edible!”

Suddenly, Serai-san drops a bombshell.

“W-What did you say!?”

“Whaaat!? Machi-chan!?”

“What are you saying, Machi!? Coach put so much effort into making this. You better apologize right now!”

“Hmph! It’s tasteless and hollow. If you enjoy something like this, it says a lot about your standards!”

“Grr…! So, you’re saying you can make something better than this, Serai-san!?”

“Of course! Leave it to me! I’ll show you what a real crab and cheese gratin should taste like!! (Pointing dramatically!)”

Uh, Serai-san, I know you said “Follow my lead later!” so I did, but… this is a completely different dish. We’re supposed to compete with the same ingredients, you know?

Well, it seems the book you borrowed from the student at the high school you mentor was a gourmet manga.

But I appreciate your enthusiasm for making crab and cheese gratin for everyone.