Death Guns In Another World

Chapter 1876 Chapter 1664: Relaxation

1876 Chapter 1664: Relaxation

The warm, golden afternoon sun bathed the artificial beach in a gentle glow. The sound of waves lapping against the shoreline blended with the cheerful chatter of the group as they strolled across the soft, warm sand.

Leon, towering and brimming with energy, had already shed his royal jacket, leaving him in a simple tank top that accentuated his broad shoulders and muscular arms. His fiancée, Ariel, exuded casual elegance, her feline features sharp yet softened by her playful demeanor as she tossed a volleyball between her hands.

"Alright, who's ready to lose to the prince of beastmen and his fiancée?" Leon boomed, his sharp teeth flashing in a wide grin.

"That's big talk for someone who just lost a strength match," Alex quipped, spinning the ball on his finger. Dressed casually, his toned frame was relaxed yet ready for action.

"Careful, Alex," Ariel teased with a sly smile. "I'm the real ace here, not him."

The group laughed as they divided into two teams. On one side stood Alex, Maria, Ariel, and Luna; on the other, Leon, Gracier, Sakuya, and Saeko.

Ariel served first, her precision and grace evident as the ball arched beautifully over the net. Gracier leapt high, her fiery red hair whipping behind her as she spiked it back with surprising force. Alex dove to save it, sand spraying beneath him as he bumped the ball to Maria, who sent it soaring back over the net.

The rally began in earnest. Leon charged forward, his beastman reflexes kicking in as he returned the ball with a powerful strike. Luna, ever calm and focused, anticipated his move and countered with a soft, strategic lob that barely cleared the net.

"Nice one, Luna!" Maria cheered, clapping her hands.

The playful intensity grew. Ariel showcased her feline agility, darting across the sand to keep the ball in play, while Sakuya subtly used her wind element to gain an edge, prompting mock protests from Alex's team.

"That's cheating, Sakuya!" Maria cried out, laughing.

"Not if you can't prove it!" Sakuya retorted with a wink, using her enhanced speed to spike the ball past a scrambling Alex.

Midway through the game, the teams were tied. Alex, determined to up the ante, spiked the ball so hard it left a small crater in the sand.

"Show-off," Leon muttered, though his grin betrayed his amusement.

"Just warming up," Alex teased, brushing sand off his arms.

Gracier, refusing to be outdone, served the ball with a force that sent it hurtling toward Maria. Despite its speed, Maria calmly received it, setting up a perfect play for Ariel, who executed a graceful spike that narrowly missed Saeko's outstretched hands.

Ariel sampled Leon's skewers and grinned. "I have to admit, Leon, you've got a knack for this."

"Of course!" Leon said, puffing out his chest. "A prince must excel in all things."

"Except volleyball," Gracier quipped, earning a round of laughter.

As the meal continued, the group shared stories of their adventures. Leon regaled them with tales of his travels with Ariel, describing their encounters with dangerous beasts. Ariel, ever quick to correct his exaggerations, added her own commentary, much to everyone's amusement.

When the embers of the fire began to die down, the group made their way back to the fortress, the sound of their laughter lingering in the air. It had been a day filled with joy, competition, and heartfelt moments—one they all knew they would treasure.

As Alex and Maria walked hand in hand, trailing slightly behind, Maria looked up at him with a soft smile. "Thank you for today."

He squeezed her hand gently. "Anytime. As long as you're happy, that's all that matters."

Under the starlit sky, the promise of more such days loomed bright—a testament to the bond they all shared.

As they approached the fortress, the glow of the fire pit behind them gave way to the soft, warm lights emanating from the massive stone walls. The night air was cool and carried the faint scent of the sea, a peaceful contrast to the lively day they had just shared.

The group dispersed gradually, everyone heading to their rooms or gathering in smaller clusters to talk quietly about the plans for the days ahead. Alex and Maria lingered outside for a moment longer, watching as their companions disappeared into the halls.

"It's rare to see everyone so carefree," Maria said softly, her voice carrying a mixture of happiness and nostalgia. "It reminds me of when things were simpler."

Alex nodded, his gaze fixed on the horizon where the artificial ocean met the starry dome above. "We've all been through so much. Sometimes, it feels like these moments of peace are more valuable than any treasure or victory."

Maria turned to him, her amber eyes reflecting the faint moonlight. "You've been holding the weight of everyone's expectations for so long, Alex. Do you ever think about what life would be like without it?"

He paused, considering her words. "I do, sometimes. But then I look at all of you—at everything we've built together—and I know it's worth it. If I didn't have this, I'd be... lost."

Maria reached for his hand, lacing her fingers through his. "You'd still have us, no matter what. That's one thing you can always count on."

Alex smiled, leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead. "I know. And I'll never take that for granted."