Chapter 164:


    Operation Battlefield Reconquest


    Beneath the clear, cold sky, the fervent cries of airsoft gamers echo.


    "Alright, everyone, let''s goooo!"


    """Woooohooo!!"""


    d in camouge outfits and wearing goggles, arge group of airsoft gamers brandish bamboo spears as they charge toward the ghostly aloe. However, these are no ordinary bamboo spears. They get crafted from materials obtained by defeating the nt-based monster known as Kung Fu Bamboo, with sharp, twisted spikes of pale pink rock salt at their tips.


    These are special weapons with formidable attacking power against nt monsters.


    "Chargeee!"


    "Panzer fooorward!"


    "How dare you touch my ride!"


    The content of their battle cries varies, but their morale is exceedingly high.


    "(Pew pew pew!) Ready aim fire!! (thud)"


    The ghostly aloe meets its demise without a fight taking the fierce bamboo spear assaults from enraged gamers.


    Yes, salt is a deadly poison for nts. Struck by the attacks of rock salt bamboo spears, nt monsters slow down as if poisoned, losing their vigor and strength.


    "(Swish swish swish!) Take that, Chlorophy!"


    "Oh no! Bamboo attack!"


    "Leave it to me! Take this, Salt Sorcerer!"


    "Do not falter! Surround them and strike at their roots!"


    """Ohhh yeah!!"""


    Amongst such airsoft gamers, two women stand out prominently, d in shimmering silver armor. They are none other than my beautiful former student Seki, a university student, and Shark, a military otaku high school girl.


    Oh yes, after Shark insisted on wanting salt armor after ourst battle, I prepared a Salt Armor for her. So now Shark is also equipped with a Salt Armor. However, she changed into her regr clothes from her sweaty battle gear. What''s the n if even my regr clothes get dirty, Shark? I won''t know how to face my mom if she scolds me for that.


    "Additionally, as extra equipment, mounts for rock salt circr saws are already attached to their Salt Armors.


    Anyway, the sight of the two brave women challenging nt monsters, especially standing out in their shining armor, resembles Valkyries. Hehehe, since I''ve trained both of them well in the dungeon, theirbat skills are on a different level from cheesy special effects in battle shows.


    "All right! Aim for the roots. Target their feet to immobilize them!"


    Encouraged by their courageous actions, airsoft gamers regain their momentum and surround the Kung Fu Bamboo.


    "Hahaha Our forces are overwhelming indeed."


    Further behind them, Admiral and I stand with crossed arms, admiring the strong determination of those fighting. But Admiral, if you keep saying things like that, you might get shot in the back by your scheming little sister?


    "Finally! You guys made it!"


    "Oh, sorry for the wait, Coach."


    Ah, they''ve finally arrived. Turning around, I see Nina-san, dressed in a casual yet stylish manner suitable for a short trip. Then the always cute Ruu walked towards us.


    "Wee back, both of you. Was the road clear?"


    "We breezed through, right, Ruu-chan?"


    "Yeah."


    "Jung, who are these two?"


    "Ah, Admiral, let me introduce you. Nina-san and Ruu here, like Serai-san and Shark, are also under mybat training."


    "Nice to meet you."


    "Haha Wow, we''ve got some incredibly beautiful additions here. I''m the representative of the Airsoft Circle Trident, known as the Admiral. Nice to meet you."


    Haha, the older Admiral seems to be dazzled by Nina-san and Ruu''s beauty. Well, well, aren''t they impressive? They''re my girls, you know.


    "So, Jang, have you all been battling all this time? It''s gettingte; should we think about lunch?"


    "Yes, we brought not just suits but also crabs! And we stopped by a local produce store to get some vegetables!"


    They nce towards the rented car they arrived in. Looks like they got a big car, probably considering the trip back. And inside the car, you can see a giant crab tied up, moving around.


    "That''s great, both of you! Admiral, it seems reinforcements and supplies have arrived."


    "Oh, that''s a relief! Let''s pause the battle and gather everyone. (Shuffling) Pii, pii, piiing!"


    Taking out a whistle from his chest pocket, probably used during games, Admiral blows it loudly, echoing throughout the battlefield.


    .


    "[Excitement and chatter]"


    "Is anyone injured? If so, pleasee over here for treatment!"


    Everyone gathers at the pavilion on the battlefield. Those who were inbat, as well as those who took refuge on the gravel slope, everyone is here.


    Among them, Ruka tends to the injured, providing medical assistance.


    Ruka, who used to be shy and always stayed behind Seki-san, now looks like apletely different person. Her growth makes my heart warm.


    "Jung why are you grinning at Ruu-nee like that? Stop being gross!"


    "Hey! Instead of saying that, wash your hands and help Nina-san with me!"


    "Ugh, fine. Let''s go, Machi."


    "Seriously! Why do you call Ruu nee'' but just address me casually, Shark?"


    As usual, Shark and Seki-san bicker while heading towards Nana.


    After learning and training together in the dungeon, Shark has grown fond of kind-hearted Ruu. In Shark''s hierarchy, it''s probably Nina-nee > Ruu-nee > myself  Machii."


    "Wow, this crab is huge!"


    "Everyone, just wait a bit longer. I''m making delicious crab soup now! (Crack!)"


    """Wow!"


    "Can we help?"


    "Me too!"


    Yeah, Nana is always popr with the guys.


    She never takes the initiative normally. But when the timees, she acts decisively and efficiently. Her thoughtful actions always win everyone''s hearts. That''s our Nana.


    .


    "Listen up, everyone! Due to the sudden appearance of monsters, today''s airsoft regr event turned into an unexpected twist. However, thanks to Jung and the beautiful Valkyries, with everyone''s efforts, reiming the battlefield is within reach!


    Furthermore, they''ve provided medical supplies and even prepared warm meals for us. Let''s show our gratitude! Salute!"


    """Thank you very much! Let''s eat! (ck!)"""


    As Admiral expresses his gratitude, the members of the Airsoft Circle Trident and other participants salute and thank us.


    [Excitement and chatter]


    Then, it''s a lively mealtime.


    "Sizzle Snap!"


    "Wow! Looks delicious!"


    "It smells amazing!"


    On the makeshift grill made of blocks, the legs of the crab sizzle and emit a tantalizing aroma. And there we are, watching eagerly, mouths watering, the airsoft gamers.


    "Mmmm Ahhhh! So warm!"


    "Hey, you''re taking too long! But man, this is so good! Mmm"


    "I''ve got crab legs in my right hand and crab soup in my left! I''m invincible!"


    Yeah, everyone is enjoying their meals in their own way, which is great.


    "Oh Jang, I''ve relied on you so much"


    Admiral, who has beenforting and talking to the members and participants enjoying their meals, finally settles down in an old pipe chair behind me.


    "Don''t worry about it, Admiral."


    "Here, Admiral, have some."


    I pass Admiral a crab leg expertly grilled by Ruu, then he takes it graciously and continues.


    "Oh, did I mention Ruu-san? Sorry for burdening you all with the member''s medical treatments. My rough guys must have caused you some trouble?"


    "Not at all. Everyone here has been very considerate."


    "Hmm that''s good to hear. (Crunch!) Wow, this is delicious!"


    "Haha, Admiral, you''ve been taking care of everyone. Please eat as much as you like."


    "Hmm, you think? But thisrge crab meat is amazing. How much would a teful cost?"


    "Haha It''s from the dungeon, so it''s free."


    "What!? (Cough! Cough!)"


    "Oh, it''s okay. It''s not widely known in Japan yet, but it seems dungeon-sourced food is gaining poprity overseas. And both they and I have been eating crab almost every day since the new year."


    "Really, Shark?"


    "Yeah, delicious monsters are justice. To be stronger, I''ll eat monsters if I have to! (Munching)"


    Yeah, it sounds cool, but Shark, you''re still not good with chopsticks.


    "Don''t worry about it, Admiral. You''ve been doing well. Enjoy your meal."


    "Yeah, Admiral, please."


    Admiral, who seems surprised and puzzled, isforted by Nina-san and Serai-san.


    In stories, there would be some dramatic twists after this, but it should be fine. I asked the Salt God and the Pixie Queen about eating dungeon monsters, but they both responded, Why are you worried about that?'' Their values and concepts are just different.


    "Hmm But even after eating it for a long time (Chomp, chomp)"


    Despite his contemtive tone, Admiral can''t resist the deliciousness and continues devouring the giant crab.


    Yeah, it should be fine. It probably won''t turn into a horror story like with mangoes. If you''re worried about that, it''s better if they have a higher existence than just being strong and edible.


    Red Slime, which became my left leg because of the incident, seemed to have mutated.


    So yeah, it should be okay to eat monsters I''ve defeated on my own.


    Oh, "mangoes" here refer to mushrooms that parasitize and multiply inside humans like cordyceps.


    Well, well, what a creepy horror story it is.