Death Guns In Another World

Chapter 1878 - 1665: Men speak with their fists

As the flying fortress settled into the quiet of the night, Alex and the others retired to their rooms, leaving Leon and Ariel to enjoy the serenity of the evening. The couple made their way to the top of one of the fortressʼs grand towers, a spot known for its breathtaking views of the surrounding floating mountains and the endless, star-speckled sky.

A small, elegant table had been set for two, adorned with a crisp white tablecloth and a centerpiece of glowing crystals that cast a warm, romantic light. A soft breeze carried the faint scent of jasmine from the nearby gardens, adding to the enchanting atmosphere.

The meal, prepared by the fortress staff, was nothing short of exquisite. Plates of seared salmon, roasted vegetables, and delicate pastries awaited them, along with a bottle of vintage wine that sparkled like liquid gold in the light.

Leon pulled out Arielʼs chair with a flourish, his ever-present confidence shining through. ”My lady,” he said with a playful bow.

Ariel chuckled, her emerald eyes sparkling as she took her seat. ”Always the charmer, arenʼt you?”

”Only for you,” he replied smoothly, taking his place across from her.

As they began their meal, the conversation flowed effortlessly, filled with shared memories and gentle teasing. Ariel recounted her favorite moments from their travels, her voice filled with warmth as she described the challenges theyʼd overcome together.

”You know,” she said, setting her glass down, ”I wasnʼt sure what to think of you at first. You were so… loud.”

Leon laughed heartily. ”And now?”

”And now, I canʼt imagine my life without you,” she admitted, her cheeks tinged with a soft blush.

His laughter softened into a tender smile. ”Youʼve changed me, Ariel. Made me better. I donʼt say it often, but… Iʼm grateful for you.”

Ariel reached across the table, her fingers intertwining with his. ”Then let me hear it more often,” she teased gently, though her expression was one of deep affection.

After dinner, they stepped to the edge of the towerʼs balcony, leaning against the ornate railing as they gazed out at the vast expanse of sky and floating mountains. The moon hung low, casting a silver glow over the fortress.

Ariel rested her head on Leonʼs shoulder, sighing contentedly. ”Itʼs so peaceful here. I almost wish we could stay forever.”

Leon wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer. ”Weʼll find peace like this for ourselves someday,” he promised. ”But until then, Iʼll make sure every moment we have is worth it.”

Ariel turned to face him, her eyes shimmering in the moonlight. ”You always say the right thing, donʼt you?”

”I try,” he replied with a grin before leaning down to capture her lips in a soft, lingering kiss.

As they pulled apart, the faint sound of music drifted up from the fortress below, a gentle melody carried by the wind. Without a word, Leon held out his hand.

”May I have this dance?” he asked, his tone playful yet sincere.

Ariel laughed softly but placed her hand in his. ”You really are impossible.”

Together, they moved in slow, graceful steps, their silhouettes bathed in moonlight as they swayed to the distant tune. It was a moment of pure magic, a memory they would cherish forever.

As the night deepened, they returned to their seats, sharing the last glass of wine as they admired the view one final time.

”No matter what challenges lie ahead, Iʼll always stand by your side,” Leon said, his voice steady and full of conviction.

Ariel smiled, resting her hand over his. ”And Iʼll always be with you. Wherever you go, thatʼs where I belong.”

Under the canopy of stars, their bond felt unshakable, a quiet testament to the love they had nurtured through trials and triumphs alike. Together, they welcomed the promise of the future, knowing they would face it hand in hand.

The training ground buzzed with energy as the morning sun rose, its golden rays casting long shadows over the fortress. Alex and Leon stood at the center, their shirtless forms gleaming with the faint sheen of sweat under the sunlight. Muscular, powerful, and confident, the two men were ready to engage in a friendly sparring session, just like the good old days.

Both wore relaxed, confident smiles, but their eyes told a different story—each was eager to test the other.

”Still think youʼve got what it takes to handle me?” Leon teased, cracking his knuckles.

Alex chuckled, rolling his shoulders as he assumed a loose stance. ”Youʼre about to find out, old friend.”

The onlookers, including the girls and Ariel, watched from the sidelines, some cheering, others smirking at the display of competitive energy.

Leon launched the first strike, a powerful right hook aimed at Alexʼs jaw. Alex sidestepped smoothly, his reflexes sharp as ever, and countered with a jab that Leon deflected with his forearm.

Their fists collided with a dull thud, sending shockwaves through the air.

”Still fast, I see,” Leon grunted, throwing a series of rapid punches aimed at Alexʼs torso.

”Still slow,” Alex quipped, weaving between the blows with practiced ease.

But Leon wasnʼt just about speed. His raw strength was unmatched, and he used it to his advantage, lunging forward to close the distance. He managed to grapple Alex, lifting him slightly off the ground before slamming him down into the dirt.

Cheers erupted from the sidelines.

”Nice move!” Ariel called out, her eyes sparkling with pride.

Undeterred, Alex rolled with the momentum, planting his hands firmly in the dirt before twisting his body and sweeping Leonʼs legs out from under him.

The beastman prince hit the ground with a grunt, but he recovered quickly, leaping back to his feet. His grin widened. ”Not bad. But Iʼm just getting started!”

They charged at each other, fists flying in a brutal exchange of punches. Leonʼs strikes were heavy and deliberate, while Alex relied on precision and agility, landing quick blows to Leonʼs ribs and shoulders.

At one point, Leon tackled Alex, pinning him to the ground. But Alex, ever resourceful, used the momentum to roll them both over, ending up on top and delivering a playful, but solid, punch to Leonʼs chest.

”Had enough yet?” Alex asked, breathing heavily.

Leon laughed, even as he winced. ”Not even close!”

With a sudden burst of strength, he flipped Alex off him and stood, offering a hand to his friend.

Both men were battered and bruised, their knuckles red from the relentless punches, but their grins never wavered.

The group dissolved into laughter as they all moved on to prepare for the next dayʼs adventures.

Rest and Recovery

After the intense sparring session, the group retired to a shaded pavilion near the training grounds to rest and recover. The fortress staff had prepared refreshing drinks and light snacks for them, the table laden with cold fruit juices, freshly sliced melons, and trays of pastries.

Leon leaned back against a wooden bench, his chest still heaving from exertion. Ariel handed him a cold towel, her expression hovering between exasperation and admiration.

”You could at least try not to look like youʼve been through a war,” she teased, dabbing at a faint bruise on his cheek.

Leon winced slightly but smirked. ”Whatʼs the fun in holding back? Besides, I had to give Alex a proper challenge.”

Alex, sitting across from him, raised his glass of juice in a mock toast. ”Proper challenge, huh? Looked more like desperation at the end there.”

The group laughed, their camaraderie filling the space with warmth. Maria shook her head, a smirk tugging at her lips. ”I donʼt know how you two arenʼt completely wrecked. Iʼm sore just from watching.”

Gracier, perched on a nearby chair with a plate of pastries, chimed in. ”I think itʼs amazing! Brother and Leon looked like real warriors out there. Maybe I should start sparring too!”

”Not a chance,” Maria interjected, though her smile softened the words. ”At least not with these two. Theyʼd crush you in a heartbeat.”

Everyone laughed, the atmosphere was lively.