Reincarnated in the game world ~ A gamer's beginning to [Dungeon job hunting recommendation]

Vol. 9 - Chapter 467 - A Laid-back Lunch Time on the Beach

"Look at the time, it's lunch time!"

"Ugh, yeah...... Celestine is already getting things ready. We need to help out as well......"

Mert replied in a faint tone from his position as he lay dead tired on the shore and got himself to stand up with limpid movement.

It seems like he couldn't catch Misato in the game of tag at the end. If anything, he just seemed to have tired himself out as he rolled on the sand.

"Ah, Zephyr-kun, are you going to prepare lunch? Wait, I will help out as well."

"Count me in as well! it would be a shame on my title as production holder if I let only Zephyr onii-san and others work out. Just leave it to me."

"It would be a great help, truly. But are you sure though? It's a BBQ under the scorching sun."

We were about to start with our preparation when Hannah and lulu, production job duo, offered to help out.

I was grateful for their offer but our lunch on trips has lately been set to always be BBQ. And BBQ on the beach means enduring the scorching heat of the peak summer sun while working on roasting the ingredients. And since this would result in fumes, we couldn't use it under the rental parasol as well.

So I tried to discourage them a bit but it seemed like that was an everyday thing for the production jobs.

"A little sunshine isn't comparable to the hearth's flame! Piece of cake!"

"I'm using a sun-blocking item as well, so you don't have to worry about it, Zephyr-kun."

"In that case... Thank you. You can start with the iron plate there."

"Aye-aye."

The preparation was supposed to be us boys' task but I guess the real thrill was in working together in the event.  

Besides, girls would feel left out or think they're losing their ground when they saw boys participating in many things but they're not. The best way to avoid souring moods was to let them help out. As for when to do that, it's play by ear...I guess.

We were also one who set up everything while they were changing, I presume it wouldn't hurt to take their offer. The ingredients were already prepared by Celestine. I just needed to heat the BBQ stove, let the grill warm up and set the ingredients over it.

I turned to glance at Alulu. She was making yakisoba... eh? Alulu was wearing a happi coat while having a headband tied to forehead. Now that's unexpected, but if I have to say, she was killing the look.

---Growl!? 

The drifting smell of roasted sauce smelled so appetising it caused my stomach to growl in demand.

"Something...delish!"

"Ahh, slow down, Karua!"

Woah, what? It seemed like the aroma had managed to fish out gluttonous Karua x1!! And also Rika x1 as a bonussssss!!

Just kidding. But they have come at the right time.

"I'm sorry you two, but would you call out others for lunch?"

"Hn, think as it's done. I will do it in a flash. A flash."

Like a fish that found its oasis in the scorching water, Karua surprisingly showed her energetic side as she dashed off. Huh, eh, did she unleash that?

Though she even left bonus Rika behind as well.

"Hey, Karuaaaa. Ahh, and there she goes. ---Zephyr, I am going out to call other."

"Oh, sure so~."

Rika flashed a bitter smile as she turned to Sea. I gave her a thumbs up while grilling meat with others.

Alright, this should cover the girls who were playing at the beach and at shallow waters. But I wonder how they are going to call out the rest of the girls who were playing with water scooter or water skiing?

Cut to chase, it seemed like this part was handled by our ‹Female Ninja› Pamela, who had been informed by Karua.

"Just you see-desu! Behold the secret of ninja, ‹Water Gliding Art›!"

"Amazing!!"

The unusual skill of Pamela, as she showed by walking on water surface, earned sparkling eyes from Karua. Hmm, though she was quite slow in her movement.

"Ack---ohh, th-this is unexpectedly difficult-desu! Is it because of waves!?"

Well, this was an inlet which was preventing the sea from flooding in, but otherwise, you could see waves here and there.

The surface tension of water naturally changes depending on waves which disturbed her balance. Caution is necessary in this case---except that her ‹Water Gliding Art› was just sitting at LV1.

The general dungeons with water often had solitary island-like places at the centre, so this skill was mainly to be used in reaching that place. On the side note, users can even climb up the waterfall by raising the skill level. I want to try it as well~. It sounds cool to run on the waterfall.

Incidentally, since ‹Water Gliding Art› etc type of skills were indispensable in reaching those island-like spots, the treasure chest there shrines pretty desirable items, more so because of the difficulty. I mean, it's almost a template in the RPGs to find areas in the middle of lakes etc, no?

So I had Pamela acquire the skill to not miss out on such loot.

"Grrr, right, time for willpower! Come forth, my will!"

She was slow but holding herself well, so I guess it's alright to leave her like that.

I would have suggested swimming, which seemed the better option there, but that would be a party pooper moment, no? Hahaha.

"Alright, I am done grilling meat."

"Meat!"

"Woah? Eh, how come you're here, Karua?"

I had just informed others about meat when Karua appeared in front of me holding a plate.

Huhhh? I was sure I saw her looking at Pamela with glittering eyes but.......hmm-mm, whatever!

We're on a trip so no need to dwell on minor things. Yeah! For now, I gave our hungry cat some meat who immediately moved to the table under a parasol and started feasting on BBQ.

"Bon appetit! Huff, delish!"

Heh, so she didn't miss out on her prayers huh. I guess that just goes to show how seriously she treats food.

"Isn't it? It's the meat of boss minotaur actually. I thought since we're here to enjoy, than extra bit of luxury is a must, no~?"

"Hn, wonderful."

I do believe every meat tastes great, it's just there was no beating the exceptionally juicy and mellow taste of meat from the rare boss ‹Boss Minotaur› drop only.

As they say, food---no, meat makes up for half the fun of a party!

I also give one a taste while keeping my eye on meat yet to be grilled, and that was truly heavenly~!

Just as Karua and I were busy taste-testing the meat, the rest of the girls were back.

"......A ninja had to receive help...hah..."

Pamela murmured as she walked in small steps, her dejected face was quite striking. Oh, yes, yes, she was there too. How should I say, er, sorry. I almost forgot about you. I apologised to her in my heart... after all, certain things are better left unsaid.

Apparently, she was so slow that others gave her a lift to shore on the water scooter. It was a matter of practice. I am sure once she gets some practice, handling trifling waves would be a piece of cake for her even at LV1.

"Hn, don't mind."

"And I can't believe you left me alone, Karua!"

"Sorry, and meat... want to eat?"

"Sniff, thanks for the food!"

As expected of the fastest combo, blazing fast even in the friendship.

Rika was looking at them with mixed feelings. It was the kind of 'I'm happy at her growth but there will be no longer just us two' expression. Speaking of, Karua's friend circle had recently widened in this summer vacation as she hang-out in various places.

"Zephyr-kun,  do we still have juice stock left?"

"Yes~. Wait, I am going to take out the whole cooler."

Any amount of drinks were less in this season huh.

At Hannah's call, I took out another cooling box from ‹Item Bag› and with a fwoomp, placed it on the table.

The inside of the box was brimming with chilled juice bottles submerged into ice water. Hah, that's such a sore sight to eyes, like finding my oasis.

I took out juice bottles and distributed them among others. Fortunately, I had made sure to bring a whole lot of stock, so it was going to last even if others just focused on juices rather than eating.

I poured one glass of juice and passed it to Nico who was sprawled on the table.

"Wake up, Nico. Here's your juice."

"Oh my, thank you so much, Brave-kun. ------Gulp-Gulp. Haaa, that hit the spot right. Is this how it feels like to be revived from the dead? Anyway, listen to me, Brave-kun. These girls seriously don't know what cutting the corner is called! They pulled me to every place possible."

"For now, good job staying this long. How is it, do you think you built up some stamina?"

"Listen here, I am saying for the nth time, a researcher needs no stamina alright? Yeah, absolutely."

Woah, what actually happened? Nico's eyes were glazed with a distant look.

On the other hand, Kairi, Alulu, and the Harmonic Trio still looked so vibrant and full of energy.

Ahaha, I guess I should have our great researcher take some rest for the afternoon.

After we continued with lunch time which passed in the blink of an eye amidst the giggling and liveliness of girls and not long after, the hand of clock turned to afternoon.

Alright, I assume everyone must have some good fun already, so it's time to hold the customary event game!