Death Guns In Another World

Chapter 1870 - 1659: Reunion 2

Above the tangerine mountains of the floating fortress, kissed by the sun to their warm blush, the clouds moved like shoals across the sky. Equal parts blue and gray, streaked with silvers and golds, the heavens painted a breathtaking canvas over the serene landscape.

Alex woke with a deep, contented sigh, the first rays of sunlight filtering through his window. He felt unusually lighthearted, a quiet joy simmering within him. Though he couldnʼt pinpoint why, he didnʼt question it. Some days simply began this way, with a sense of peace that made the world seem a little brighter.

Rising from bed, he dressed in comfortable training gear and quietly left his room, careful not to wake the girls. He had decided to take advantage of the tranquil morning for a solitary jog through the forest behind the mountain.

The back mountain of the floating fortress was a haven of untouched beauty. Towering trees with emerald canopies swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves shimmering with dew. Shafts of sunlight pierced through the foliage, creating patches of golden light on the forest floor. Birds sang in soft, melodic tones, and the distant hum of a stream added to the symphony of nature.

Alex jogged along the winding trail, his steps light and steady. The crisp morning air filled his lungs, invigorating him with every breath. He kept a measured pace, letting his mind wander.

”Perfect morning,” he murmured to himself, glancing up at the interplay of light and shadow above.

The deeper he went into the forest, the more vibrant it became. Flowers of every color dotted the undergrowth, their petals glistening with morning dew. A curious squirrel darted across his path, stopping briefly to eye him before scampering up a tree.

After a while, Alex slowed to a walk, allowing himself to take in the scenery. He reached a clearing where the trees gave way to a stunning view of the valley below. From this vantage point, the floating fortress looked majestic against the backdrop of the horizon, its towers catching the morning light.

Alex sat on a smooth rock at the edge of the clearing, wiping the light sheen of sweat from his brow. He gazed out at the landscape, a thoughtful smile on his face.

In moments like this, he felt grounded—grateful for the strength and purpose he had found, and for the people he shared his life with. The challenges they faced together, the laughter, the moments of stillness like this… they all felt like pieces of a larger puzzle that he was slowly piecing together.

Just as he closed his eyes to savor the breeze, Alex heard the soft crunch of footsteps behind him. Turning, he saw Gracier approaching, her fiery red hair catching the morning light. She was dressed in light training clothes, her expression bright but slightly sheepish.

”Good morning, big brother,” she said, rubbing the back of her neck. ”I woke up and noticed you were gone… thought Iʼd come find you.”

Alex smiled warmly. ”Youʼre up early. I thought everyone would still be sleeping.”

Gracier shrugged, taking a seat beside him. ”I guess I just had a feeling youʼd be out here.”

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the sounds of the forest enveloping them.

”This place is beautiful,” Gracier said softly, her eyes fixed on the distant horizon.

”It is,” Alex agreed. ”Sometimes, itʼs nice to take a step back and just… appreciate it all.”

Gracier nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. ”Youʼre right. Weʼre always training or fighting. Itʼs easy to forget how amazing this world can be.”

After a while, Gracier stood, stretching her arms above her head. ”Since weʼre both up, how about a little sparring?” she suggested, her eyes gleaming with playful determination.

Alex chuckled, rising to his feet. ”You never take a day off, do you?”

”Not when I have the chance to beat you,” she said with a grin.

They found a flat area in the clearing and began a light sparring session. Gracier conjured her signature flames, weaving them into precise arrows as she moved with agility. Alex countered with controlled bursts of water, keeping her on her toes.

Though it wasnʼt a serious fight, their exchanges were sharp and fluid, each pushing the other to adapt and respond.

”Your aimʼs improved,” Alex said, deflecting a fiery arrow with a conjured shield of ice.

”And your defenses are as annoying as ever,” Gracier replied, launching another volley with a laugh.

Eventually, they both paused, breathing heavily but grinning.

”Letʼs call it a draw,” Alex said, ruffling her hair.

”Fine, but only because Iʼm hungry,” Gracier replied, swatting his hand away.

As they made their way back to the fortress, the sun climbed higher, casting a warm glow over the world. The rest of the group was beginning to stir, and the aroma of breakfast wafted through the halls.

Luna greeted them in the dining room, her gentle smile welcoming.

”Morning jog?” she asked, setting down a plate of fresh fruit.

”Something like that,” Alex said, pulling out a chair for Gracier.

As the group gathered around the table, the conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and plans for the day. Alex watched them all, his earlier contentment deepening.

After their light breakfast, the group dispersed, each slipping into their morning routines. While Alex disappeared with a knowing grin, Gracier and the other girls decided to take advantage of the sunny day to unwind with a yoga session.

The girls gathered in the fortressʼs open-air garden, where vibrant flowers and lush greenery surrounded a smooth stone terrace. It was a peaceful spot, with the soft sounds of a bubbling fountain and the occasional chirping of birds providing a tranquil atmosphere.

Luna, ever the calm and composed one, led the session. She was dressed in a flowing white outfit perfect for stretching and movement. ”Letʼs begin,” she said softly, moving to the center of the terrace.

Gracier, dressed in comfortable yoga attire in shades of red and gold, followed suit, glancing at the others. Sakuya stretched effortlessly, her black hair tied back in a neat ponytail. Saeko smirked, clearly enjoying the idea of something that didnʼt involve swords for once. Artemia sat at the edge, observing with her usual composed demeanor before joining in.

”Deep breaths,” Luna instructed, her serene voice guiding them into a meditative state.

The group eased into the routine, starting with gentle stretches to loosen their muscles.

As the session progressed, the girls flowed through poses—Downward Dog, Warrior Pose, and Tree Pose—each movement slow and deliberate.

Gracier wobbled slightly as she tried to balance on one leg during the Tree Pose. Sera, who had joined reluctantly but was surprisingly flexible, smirked. ”Focus, Gracier. You donʼt want to topple over.”

”Easy for you to say!” Gracier replied, sticking her tongue out but quickly correcting her stance.

Saeko chuckled from her spot in a perfect Warrior Pose. ”Yoga isnʼt just about balance—itʼs about grace. Something you could use in battle, Gracier.”

”Iʼll remember that next time I shoot arrows faster than you can swing your sword,” Gracier quipped, earning a laugh from the group.

Luna transitioned them into a more challenging sequence of poses. The girls shifted into Cobra Pose, followed by a fluid movement into Cat-Cow Pose.

”This is oddly relaxing,” Artemia admitted, her normally stiff posture softening as she eased into the stretches.

”Itʼs good for flexibility,” Luna said. ”And it helps with mental clarity.”

”Which youʼll need if you keep trying to keep up with Alex,” Sakuya teased, moving effortlessly into a graceful Dancer Pose.

At the mention of Alex, Gracierʼs expression softened. She thought about her brother and how he had left earlier that morning. She wondered where he had gone but trusted that he was off doing something productive.

Luna guided them into the final stretch of the session—a moment of meditation. The girls sat cross-legged on their mats, eyes closed, as Lunaʼs gentle voice led them through breathing exercises.

The tension melted away, and a quiet sense of unity settled over the group.

When the session ended, the girls slowly opened their eyes, sharing small smiles.

”This was nice,” Sakuya said, standing and stretching. ”I needed this.”

”Agreed,” Artemia said. ”A moment of calm is rare for us.”

Gracier bounced to her feet, full of renewed energy. ”We should do this more often! But now… whatʼs next?”

Meanwhile, Alex who was touring his fortress happened to feel someoneʼs presence, upon going to the coordinates of the teleportation as expected she appeared. How much he did miss her. Time seemed to have stopped for the two lovers as nothing else mattered in their world, the third wheel stood dumbfounded not because of their reactions but because of how scary Alexʼs existence was.

”He is a complete monster!” Hilde concluded.