Death Guns In Another World

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.

"Point for us!" Ariel exclaimed, high-fiving Maria and Alex.

As the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the beach, the game entered its final round. Both teams were tied at 19-19, the tension palpable as Alex prepared to serve.

He launched the ball high into the air, his powerful serve rocketing over the net. Leon leapt high, his beastman strength on full display as he sent the ball careening back. Maria, ever quick on her feet, kept it in play.

The rally stretched on, each side refusing to back down. Ariel's nimble movements and precise strikes paired perfectly with Alex's raw power, while Gracier's fiery determination and Leon's sheer strength kept their team in contention.

Finally, Luna seized the moment. With a perfectly timed jump, she delivered a delicate yet strategic spike that landed just inside the boundary, winning the game for her team.

"Yes!" Luna cheered, her normally composed demeanor breaking into a triumphant smile.

"Well played," Leon admitted, clapping Alex on the back.

"You're not so bad yourself, furball," Alex replied with a grin.

The group collapsed onto the sand, laughing and catching their breath as the first stars began to twinkle in the sky. Someone suggested a round of drinks, and soon they were gathered around a makeshift fire pit, sharing stories and teasing one another about the day's game.

As the stars dotted the night sky, the group decided to end their exhilarating day with a barbecue party by the beach. The artificial waves lapped gently against the shore, providing a soothing backdrop to the crackle of the grill and the warm laughter echoing through the air.

Alex and Leon took charge of the grill, a friendly competition brewing between them as they showcased their cooking skills. Alex, meticulous and methodical, expertly handled the steaks and skewers, seasoning and turning them with precision. Meanwhile, Leon, ever the showman, grilled with flair, tossing spices into the air dramatically before letting them land on the sizzling meat.

"Are you cooking or performing?" Alex teased, flipping a perfectly charred steak.

"Both!" Leon shot back with a laugh. "Cooking is an art, my friend. You wouldn't understand."

The girls set up a cozy area with blankets and lanterns, bathing the scene in a warm, golden glow. Gracier busily arranged a spread of fresh vegetables and side dishes, humming a cheerful tune. Maria and Ariel worked together to prepare a fruity punch, their laughter mingling with the savory aroma of grilled meat.

Once the food was ready, the group settled in a circle around the fire, plates piled high with juicy steaks, charred skewers, roasted vegetables, and grilled seafood.

"Alright, let's see if you two lived up to the hype," Maria said, smirking as she took a bite of Alex's steak. Her eyes widened in approval. "Not bad at all, Alex."

"Not bad? It's perfection," Alex replied smugly, taking a bite himself.

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?"
Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire

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."