Death Guns In Another World

Chapter 1868 - 1657: Barbecue

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of gold and violet, Alex and the group gathered in the fortress courtyard for a well-earned evening of relaxation. The sparring matches had pushed everyone to their limits, and now it was time to unwind with laughter, good food, and warm camaraderie.

A large barbecue pit had been set up, the scent of sizzling meat wafting through the air and mingling with the crisp evening breeze. Torches lined the courtyard, their soft flames flickering against the backdrop of the star-studded sky. Nearby, a long table was adorned with bowls of fresh vegetables, sauces, and bread, while jugs of juice, wine, and sparkling water glimmered in the torchlight.

Gracier was the first to take charge, her fiery personality matched by her natural affinity for the grill. ”Leave it to me, big brother!” she declared confidently, tying an apron around her waist. She conjured small flames in her palms, using them to ignite the coals beneath the grate. The fire danced to her command, burning evenly and brightly.

Alex chuckled. ”All right, but no turning the meat into charcoal.”

She stuck her tongue out playfully. ”Trust me. Youʼll love it!”

Saeko joined Gracier at the grill, expertly slicing vegetables and marinating the meat. Her precise movements made every preparation seem effortless. ”Weʼll handle this part,” she said with a reassuring smile.

Meanwhile, Sakuya and Luna set up the table, arranging plates and utensils with care. Sakuya added her personal touch, folding napkins into elegant shapes and sprinkling flower petals along the center of the table. ”Aesthetics are just as important as flavor,” she said with a wink.

Luna nodded, her golden hair catching the firelight. ”Everything needs to feel special tonight. Weʼve all worked hard today.”

As the grill began to sizzle, the atmosphere turned lively. Gracier flipped the first batch of skewers, her flames carefully adjusting to sear the meat to perfection. But a sudden flare-up caught her off guard, and a puff of smoke rose into the air.

”Gracier!” Saeko teased, fanning the smoke away with her hand. ”Youʼre not roasting a dragon.”

Gracier laughed sheepishly. ”I mightʼve gotten a little too excited.”

Alex stepped in to help, his own fire magic steady and controlled. Together, they turned the skewers, ensuring everything cooked evenly. ”Itʼs about finesse,” he said, demonstrating.

”Show-off,” Gracier muttered, though her smile betrayed her affection.

Artemia, ever composed, stirred a pot of her signature lightning-infused sauce over a smaller fire. ”This will add a spark to the meal—literally,” she said, her lips curving into a rare smile.

As the food finished cooking, everyone gathered around the table. Plates piled high with grilled meat, vegetables, and freshly baked bread were passed around, and soon the courtyard was filled with the sounds of laughter and conversation.

Alex took his seat at the head of the table, Gracier on one side and Incursio on the other. He looked around, his chest swelling with a deep sense of contentment. This was more than a team—it was a family.

Sakuya raised her glass of sparkling juice. ”A toast! To another day of training and surviving Alexʼs relentless attacks!”

Everyone laughed, clinking their glasses together.

”Honestly, big brother, youʼre too strong,” Gracier said, pointing her fork at Alex. ”We need to team up more often to stand a chance against you.”

Alex smirked, cutting into a perfectly grilled steak. ”Thatʼs the idea. If you can handle me, you can handle anyone.”

Sera, ever quiet, added in a low voice, ”Itʼs exhausting but effective.”

Incursio leaned back in her chair, her white hair glowing under the torchlight. ”Weʼll beat you someday. Just wait.”

Alice, seated beside her, nodded. ”Iʼm already planning strategies for our next match.”

Alex laughed. ”Good. Keep me on my toes.”

As the meal wound down, the group grew quieter, enjoying the peaceful ambiance. Luna played a soft melody on a small harp she had brought out, her fingers dancing across the strings. The music blended seamlessly with the crackling of the torches and the distant chirping of crickets.

Alex leaned back, gazing at the stars. Gracier rested her head on his shoulder, her earlier energy replaced by a calm contentment. ”Itʼs been a good day,” she murmured.

”It has,” Alex replied, placing a hand on her head.

Saeko, seated nearby, sipped from her cup and smiled. ”These are the moments that make all the hard work worth it.”

Before the night ended, Sakuya stood up, her expression serious yet warm. ”Letʼs make a promise,” she said, looking around at everyone. ”No matter what challenges come our way, weʼll always face them together.”

One by one, the group nodded, their expressions resolute.

Alex raised his glass. ”Together.”

”Together,” the others echoed, their voices filled with unwavering determination.

As the torches burned low and the stars shone brighter, the group lingered in the courtyard, sharing stories, jokes, and dreams of the future. For Alex, this moment was a reminder of why he fought so hard—not just for himself, but for the people around him.

They were his family, his strength, and his greatest treasure.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the fortress windows, casting golden hues over the stone walls. For once, there were no grueling training sessions or intense sparring matches on the agenda. It was a day off—a rare opportunity for the group to relax and recharge.

As everyone gathered in the courtyard after breakfast, Gracierʼs eyes lit up with excitement. ”Pool day!” she exclaimed, bouncing on her toes.

”About time we took a break,” Sakuya said with a grin, tying her hair into a loose braid.

”Iʼve been looking forward to this.”

Alex chuckled at the enthusiasm surrounding him. ”All right, letʼs make the most of it.”

The fortress pool was an oasis nestled within the outer gardens, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers. Crystal-clear water shimmered under the sun, reflecting the azure sky above. Lounge chairs lined the edges, shaded by tall umbrellas, and a small refreshment station offered cool drinks and light snacks.