Death Guns In Another World

Alex placed his hands gently on her shoulders. Soft blue light spread from his palms, seeping into her skin like waves of calm energy. He began to move slowly, his fingers tracing along the muscles of her neck and back, releasing the knots of strain one by one. His movements were steady and precise—like a swordsman performing a kata.

The magic pulsed rhythmically, in harmony with her breathing.

Saeko exhaled deeply, her body relaxing against the mat. ”You ate still good at this.ʼʼ

ʼʼWell, I used to massage you and the others a lots.ʼʼ

The air was filled with the gentle hum of mana, the scent of crushed herbs, and the low murmur of the waterfall.

He shifted his hand down to her lower back, applying just enough pressure to melt away the stiffness from her sparring movements.

”Your stance today—better than before. Youʼve improved your control over the wind,” he said.

Her lips curved faintly. ”Iʼve been training to catch up with you.”

”You donʼt need to catch up,” he replied quietly. ”Just walk beside me.”

For a moment, Saekoʼs heartbeat quickened—not from the magic, but from his words. She turned her head slightly to glance up at him, her eyes reflecting the gold of the setting sun. ”Then donʼt leave me behind again.”

”I wonʼt,” Alex said, and the promise in his voice was firm, unshakable.

When he finished, Saeko sat up slowly, rolling her shoulders. The fatigue was gone—her body felt light, almost floating. ”I feel amazing,” she admitted.

”Told you.” Alex smiled, dispelling the remaining traces of mana from his hands.

”Now, we rest.”

He lay down beside her, both of them sitting up after a moment, gazing toward the distant horizon. The waterfall shimmered like liquid glass as twilight descended over the forest. Fireflies began to drift from the trees, their golden lights dancing in the air.

Alex opened his item box once more, taking out a bottle of fine red wine and two small glasses, along with a plate of fruit and biscuits.

”Wine by the lake,” Saeko said, amused.

”You really came prepared.”

He smirked. ”Always.”

They toasted lightly and drank. The wine was smooth and rich, its flavor deepened by the mountain air. Saeko leaned slightly against him, her head resting on his shoulder as they both looked up at the sky.

The stars emerged, one by one, until the heavens were painted in silver constellations. The sound of the waterfall became a soothing lullaby.