Death Guns In Another World

Chapter 2060: A Day of Stillness

The morning sunlight filtered through the tall windows of Alexʼs inn, painting the room in soft gold. For the first time in a while, he hadnʼt woken up inside Nyxʼs inner world drenched in sweat or trembling from battle scars. Instead, he lay there with a rare calmness, his body humming with restrained strength. Even someone with his monstrous regeneration and physique wasnʼt immune to fatigue—the endless clashes with Nyx and the sparring match with Serah had drained more than his muscles. They had left an invisible weight on his spirit.

So, for once, Alex chose peace.

After a simple breakfast, he left the inn and walked into the lively streets of Velria. The city was buzzing even in the early hours—merchants loudly boasting their goods, children chasing each other near the fountain square, adventurers haggling over supplies at weapon stalls. Banners waved above rooftops, displaying the guildʼs emblem, a mark of both pride and safety for the people.

Alex wandered without destination, letting his eyes sweep over the city that was slowly becoming familiar. He took in the smell of roasted meats and fresh bread drifting from street vendors. His sharp ears caught snippets of gossip—about the dungeon, about the monster he had slain, about the guildʼs ”Black Star.” His name was whispered everywhere, but Alex ignored it, his hands casually resting inside his coat pockets.

Today, he wasnʼt an adventurer. He wasnʼt training to be stronger. He was just Alex, a man exploring.

Eventually, his wandering feet brought him to a district he hadnʼt visited before: the Steam Quarter, a small section of the city built around natural hot springs that ran beneath the mountain. Elegant wooden buildings lined the streets, with smoke rising gently from chimneys and the faint scent of herbs mixed with steam hanging in the air. Unlike the noisy market, the Steam Quarter was quiet, serene, almost sacred in its atmosphere.

A banner caught his eye: ”Velria Grand Sauna & Springs”.

Perfect.

Alex stepped inside.

The entrance hall was warm, polished with cedarwood, and lit by glowing mana-lamps that gave off a soothing orange hue. Attendants bowed politely, welcoming him with calm smiles. The air itself carried a faint mist, infused with lavender and mint leaves. It seeped into his lungs, easing tension he hadnʼt realized he carried.

”Would you like the sauna, hot spring, or both?” an attendant asked.

”Both,” Alex replied simply.

He was led into a changing room, where he shed his clothes and slipped into the provided robe. His reflection in the polished bronze mirror made him pause. Despite his youthful face and casual posture, his body was etched with lean muscle, sculpted by battles and training that would have broken most men. Even the faint scars that crisscrossed his skin told stories of survival.

He smirked faintly at the image before tightening the robe and moving on.

The sauna was his first destination.

A wave of dry, searing heat struck him as he entered the wooden chamber. Inside, a few adventurers were already seated, their skin glistening with sweat. They glanced up at him but quickly looked away, whispers muffled by the crackle of heated stones.

Alex sat near the corner, stretching his legs out and letting the heat sink into his body. The warmth seeped deep into his muscles, loosening the knots of fatigue. Beads of sweat formed quickly on his forehead, sliding down his neck and chest.

For several minutes, he closed his eyes and simply breathed—slow, controlled, meditative. The intense heat reminded him faintly of fire magic, of the crushing pressure inside Nyxʼs inner world. But unlike that suffocating darkness, this was strangely soothing.

He overheard the other adventurers muttering.

”Isnʼt that him?”

”The Black adventurer… the one who killed that monster…”

”No way, he looks too calm for that.”

Alex ignored them. He wasnʼt here for recognition.

When the heat grew unbearable, he poured a ladle of cold water over himself, the hiss of steam rising with a sharp shhh. His skin burned, then cooled, sending shivers through him. He repeated it again, savoring the strange balance of fire and ice against his flesh.

After nearly an hour in the sauna, Alex moved to the hot springs.

The moment he stepped into the steamy outdoor baths, he exhaled in contentment. The view was breathtaking—the springs had been carved into terraces along the mountain slope, overlooking Velriaʼs valley. Steam rose like soft clouds, blurring the line between earth and sky. Lanterns swayed gently on wooden posts, their reflections dancing across the waterʼs surface.

Alex slipped into the hot pool. The water enveloped him instantly, heat embracing every fiber of his body. He leaned back against the stone edge, closing his eyes as he let himself sink in up to the shoulders.

For the first time in days, his mind slowed. No shadows, no blades, no pressure of battle. Just the sound of water trickling, the distant calls of birds, and the warmth sinking into his bones.

”Peaceful, isnʼt it?”

Alex opened one eye. Beside him sat Nyx.

She hadnʼt been there a moment ago, but now she was seated gracefully in the water, her obsidian hair damp and clinging to her pale skin. Her cold expression remained unchanged, her form shrouded in a thin veil of dark mist—ensuring he saw nothing beyond what she allowed.

Alex chuckled faintly. ”Still hiding yourself?”

Nyx nodded once, indifferent. ”It is unnecessary for you to see more.”

He sighed. ”Spoilsport.”

She said nothing, simply resting beside him, her eyes reflecting the rippling water. Even if she refused to show it, Alex could feel the faint trace of… comfort. She wouldnʼt admit it, but Nyx enjoyed this rare stillness too.

They sat together in silence. No battles, no commands, just two figures soaking in the spring as the sky slowly shifted from blue to orange.

Later, attendants brought trays of food and drink to the edge of the spring. Alex reached for grilled skewers of spiced boar meat, fresh vegetables drizzled in herb oil, and soft bread filled with melted cheese. He ate slowly, savoring the flavors. Each bite felt like a celebration of life after constant brushes with death.

He raised a glass of golden whisky, the scent sharp and smoky. He swirled it once before taking a long sip, the burn tracing a fiery path down his throat. He exhaled deeply, savoring the warmth that spread through his chest.

Nyx, as usual, did not eat. She merely sat there, occasionally glancing at him, occasionally watching the steam curl upward.

”Days like this are rare,” Alex said suddenly, his voice low, almost thoughtful.

Nyx said nothing.

As night settled, the stars appeared above the mountain sky, glimmering faintly beyond the steam clouds. Most adventurers had left, leaving the springs quiet. Alex leaned back further, arms stretched out against the stone edge, his head tilted toward the heavens.

In that stillness, he felt his exhaustion melting completely. His body hummed with restored energy, his mind sharper, calmer. Tomorrow, he would train again. Tomorrow, he would continue climbing higher. But tonight, he allowed himself to simply exist.

Beside him, Nyx shifted slightly, her gaze also lifting to the star-studded sky.

For a fleeting moment, even she looked almost… at peace.