Tactical Embarrassment

Day 80 Afternoon

Miyako POV

Four thousand eight hundred kilometres behind us. We are on our fifth day of travel. One and a half complete rotation through our three-group system, and now Group C was driving again. The rhythm of our journey had become almost soothing, a metronome of shifts, schedules, and routines that kept forty people moving steadily eastward toward Takejin territory.

I stretched in my seat near the back of Scout, our lead vehicle, enjoying the changing scenery outside. Over the past days, we'd watched dense forests give way to rolling grasslands, which had gradually flattened into coastal plains. Now, a bracing sea breeze washed through the open windows, carrying the distinct tang of salt and the promise of open water. The sky stretched above us in a vast azure canvas, cloudless and clear, though the autumn sun cast a more golden light than the harsh brightness of summer. The air had a crispness to it, not bitter, but definitely carrying the edge of the changing season.

"Anyone else getting cold?" Airi asked, rubbing her arms dramatically. She'd switched seats with Noel about an hour ago, claiming she needed to stretch her legs, but I suspected she just wanted to sit next to me to gossip.

"It's definitely chillier than yesterday," I agreed, watching golden-red leaves dance across the road ahead of us. The autumn colours painted the landscape in warm hues that belied the cooling temperature. "I think we're getting close to the ocean."

"You can smell it," Ruri confirmed from her seat across the aisle. Her silver-patterned rabbit ears twitched with pleasure as she breathed deeply. "Salt, seaweed, and freedom. Reminds me of the eastern shores of the Lunethnari territories, though those waters are much colder than what we'll find here."

I glanced at her, noting how her ears always betrayed her emotions. For someone who had lived over three centuries, she could be remarkably expressive. It was one of the things I'd grown to appreciate about her since our engagement to Andie, her unfiltered enthusiasm. Three hundred years old and still gets excited like a teenager discovering a new cafe in Harajuku.

"I've never seen the ocean in autumn," Aoi mused from behind us. "Just summer trips with my family."

"It's different," I told her, remembering school trips to coastal towns during different seasons. "More dramatic. The water seems deeper blue, and the waves have more character."

"And fewer tourists," Airi added with a grin. "Though I guess that's not an issue here in Voluptaria."

Our conversation paused as the Scout crested a gentle rise. Suddenly, the vast expanse of the ocean spread before us, sunlight dancing across its surface like scattered diamonds. The road we travelled curved gracefully alongside the coast, revealing a panoramic vista of sea and sky.

"Oh my GOD!" Airi practically shrieked, pressing her face against the window. "Look! Look at that beach!"

I followed her gaze to where the coastline curved inward, forming a perfect crescent of beach. Unlike the golden or white sands which I was familiar with from Earth, this beach glowed with a subtle pink hue that seemed to shimmer in the autumn light. Crystal-clear waters lapped gently at the shore, their azure depths gradually darkening to a deep sapphire farther from land. Wind-carved dunes rose behind the beach, crowned with swaying sea grasses and late-blooming wildflowers that added splashes of purple and yellow to the landscape.

"It's beautiful," I breathed, genuinely awed by the sight. The play of the late autumn light on the waves created a spectacle both familiar and utterly alien, Earth-like, yet unmistakably Voluptarian. Like someone took the most perfect beach postcard and enhanced it with fantasy filters.

Noel leaned forward from her seat near the front, her cream-coloured ears with gold tips perking up with interest. "That's Roselight Bay," she said, her diplomatic voice carrying easily through the vehicle. "It's known for its pink sands, which contain tiny fragments of rose quartz. We consider it a place of healing and renewal."

"We have to stop there!" Airi declared, already grabbing for the radio. "Team meeting, emergency beach discovery!"

Before anyone could stop her, she'd activated the inter-vehicle channel. "Attention convoy! This is Airi in Scout. We've discovered the most perfect beach EVER. Emergency meeting requested!"

The radio crackled with immediate responses:

"This is Bus-kun. Define 'emergency,' Airi," came Kazuki's measured voice.

"This is Truck-kun," Andie chimed in, amusement evident even over the static. "Is this a real emergency or an Airi-emergency?"

"It's a BEACH emergency!" she insisted. "You have to see this place. Pink sand! Crystal water! Perfect crescent shape! We need a leadership conference ASAP."

I gently pried the radio from her hand. "This is Miyako. While Airi's enthusiasm might be a bit much, the beach really is spectacular. And..." I paused, considering our journey so far. We'd been making excellent time, even with the rotation system. Everyone had been working hard, maintaining discipline despite the monotony of long-distance travel. "...a rest day might not be a bad idea."

The radio was silent for a moment before Ryota's voice came through from where he was driving Truck-kun. "Team leaders meet at the next suitable stopping point? We've already done 600 kilometres today."

"Agreed," Kazuki responded. "There's a wider section of road coming up in about two kilometres. We can pull over there."

Twenty minutes later, our three-vehicle convoy had parked in a small clearing just off the road. Andie, Kazuki, and Ryota gathered in a small circle while the rest of us stretched our legs and admired the view. From this vantage point, the beach looked even more inviting, its pink sands glowing softly in the afternoon sun.

I lingered near the leadership conference, listening in on their discussion. My motives were twofold: I wanted to learn their decision, and, admittedly, curiosity got the better of me. Although I was only officially designated as secondary leadership for this expedition, I have effectively become the de facto second-in-command for our class-family in Voluptaria. Naturally, I felt invested in the outcome of their planning.

"We're ahead of schedule," Kazuki was saying, consulting his tablet. "According to our original plan, we calculated sixteen days of travel at about 900 kilometres per day. We've been averaging 1,200 for the first four days plus 600 today."

"That puts us a full day ahead," Ryota nodded, looking pleased. "And Group C has been crushing it with the driving."

"The vehicles are performing better than expected," Andie added. "We haven't had any mechanical issues," he paused, as if wondering whether he was jinxing the trip. "...yet. A day of rest might actually be good for the equipment, too."

Kazuki adjusted his glasses, looking thoughtful. "My only concern is losing momentum. Once we stop for a full day, will people want to get back on the road?"

"They're not children," Ryota countered with a shrug. "Everyone understands the mission. Besides, a break now might prevent burnout later when we're deeper into unfamiliar territory."

Andie glanced over at me, catching my eye with a small smile that still sent a flutter through my chest despite everything we'd been through. "What do you think, Miyako? You've been monitoring morale."

I stepped closer, officially joining their circle. "Honestly, everyone could use a break. The rotation system is working well, but five straight days of travel are taking a toll. Even though each group gets ample rest and a day off between duties, the irregular schedule is wearing on people. I've noticed more irritability in Group B this morning, and Group A has night duty again later. A beach day would really boost morale."

"Hmm," Kazuki mused, still not entirely convinced. "We do have the portal system. We could return to the sanctuary at night as usual and just resume our journey a day later."

"Actually," Ruri interjected, approaching our group with her characteristic enthusiasm, her long rabbit ears bobbing with excitement. "I believe spending the night here would be beneficial. Tomorrow night, Selune will be full, the second and most passionate of our three moons. A night of celebration under her light, especially on the healing sands of Roselight Bay, could provide more than just physical rest. The alignment of Selune with this location is particularly auspicious for bonding and celebration."

I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. For all her centuries of knowledge, Ruri sometimes had the exuberance of a teenager. It was endearing, though I'd never admit that aloud.

"A full moon beach party?" Ryota grinned. "Now you're speaking my language!"

Andie looked at each of us in turn, then nodded decisively. "It's settled then. Tomorrow will be a beach day and night, a chance for everyone to rest, recharge, and bond as a group before we continue to Takejin territory."

The news spread quickly through our convoy, with cheers and excited chatter erupting from all three vehicles. As we returned to our seats for the short drive to the beach, I couldn't help but feel this was exactly what we needed, a moment of joy and togetherness before the uncertainties that lay ahead.

Day 80 Evening

With the decision made, our convoy changed course, following a smaller road that wound down toward Roselight Bay. By late afternoon, we had arranged our three vehicles in a defensive semicircle facing the beach, creating a protected camp area backed by the dunes.

The weather had shifted slightly as the sun began its descent, the breeze picking up and carrying a distinct chill. I shivered as I stepped out of Scout, grateful for the warmth of my jacket.

"Looks like we'll need those windbreakers," I observed to Andie as he coordinated the setup efforts. "It's getting colder."

He nodded, surveying the beach with that focused expression I'd come to know so well, the one that meant he was mentally organizing, calculating, and planning. "Hitomi and Masato are already setting up the main ones. We'll need smaller ones around the individual fire pits too."

I watched as our group split naturally into their assigned duties. Group C, who had been driving all day, was now resting, many of them already exploring the beach despite the chill. Group B handled the setup of our camp, while Group A prepared for night duty by catching naps or helping where needed.

Kurenai and Viktora were working together to establish magical wards around our perimeter, their fingers tracing complex patterns in the air that briefly shimmered before fading from normal sight. I knew the protective barriers would remain, invisible but vigilant, alerting us to any potential threats.

Noel walked along the shoreline, her cream-coloured ears with gold tips swaying gently in the breeze. Her diplomatic robes billowed around her tall frame as she bent occasionally to examine something in the sand. I made my way over to her, curious about what had caught her attention.

"Finding treasures?" I asked, joining her at the water's edge.

She smiled, holding out her palm to reveal several small pink crystals. "Rose quartz fragments. They wash up constantly here, replenishing the pink sands. In the Solenari territories, we have similar beaches along our eastern shores, though our sands are silver rather than pink."

"It's beautiful," I said, watching how even the fading daylight caught and reflected off the tiny crystals. "Different from any beach I saw on Earth."

"Voluptaria has many such wonders," she replied. "The convergence of magical energies creates unique environments throughout the continent." She gestured toward a cluster of wildflowers growing improbably from the dunes. "See those violet blooms? They're moonshade blossoms, they only flourish in places where Selune's light reaches them unfiltered. And the yellow ones are autumn sun-catchers, storing daylight to release as gentle warmth during the night."

I listened, fascinated as always by the depth of her knowledge. Despite the initial awkwardness when Andie had first proposed to me, Noel and I had developed a genuine friendship that had deepened after our shared engagement. Her centuries of experience gave her a perspective I found valuable, while she seemed to appreciate my more direct, Earth-influenced viewpoint.

"The timing of our arrival is fortuitous," she continued, looking out over the water. "The autumn equinox passed just weeks ago, bringing the waters to their most crystalline state of the year. In summer, these waters would be warmer but less clear, and in winter, too cold for comfortable swimming despite their beauty."

"So, we're in that perfect window," I mused, watching the waves catch the light. "Chilly but still swimmable."

"With the right preparations," she agreed with a graceful nod.

Ruri joined us, practically skipping across the sand. "Are you telling Miyako about the beach?" she asked, her lavender eyes bright with excitement. "Did you mention how the sands glow under Selune's full light?"

"I was getting to that," Noel said with fond exasperation.

"They glow?" I asked, intrigued.

"Like a thousand scattered stars," Ruri confirmed, performing a little twirl that sent her platinum hair and silver-patterned ears dancing. "The rose quartz here is attuned to Selune. Even when she isn't visible, her presence lingers in the world. The stones absorb her energy throughout the day, some say even through sunlight, saving it up to release as a glow when she shines full overhead. It's quite the spectacle."

"She's not exaggerating for once," came Andie's voice as he approached us. "I just confirmed it with Viktora, who's been here before. The entire beach will glow with a soft pink light."

"Perfect for romantic moonlight skinny dip," Ruri suggested with a mischievous wink that made my cheeks warm despite the cool air.

"Or for a group celebration," Noel added diplomatically, though the slight twitch of her ears betrayed her amusement.

As dusk settled over Roselight Bay, our camp took shape. Large windbreaks, both physical and magical, created sheltered spaces between the vehicles. Fire pits blazed at strategic intervals, their flames dancing in the growing darkness. The scent of cooking food wafted through the air as Emi and her kitchen team prepared dinner over the largest fire.

I wrapped my jacket tighter around myself, grateful for its warmth as the temperature continued to drop with the sun. Looking around at our circle of firelight, at the faces of friends illuminated by the flames, I felt a surge of contentment. Despite the chill, despite the uncertainties of our journey, this moment felt right, a perfect pause in our adventure.

Day 80 Night

"So, who's excited for swimming tomorrow?" Haruka asked brightly as we gathered around the main fire after dinner. The flames cast flickering shadows across her face, highlighting her typical gyaru enthusiasm despite the travel fatigue visible in her eyes.

A chorus of mixed responses followed, everything from excited agreement to dubious muttering about the temperature.

"It's going to be freezing," Hiroko pointed out, hugging herself dramatically. "Look how cold it is already, and that's with our clothes on!"

"That's what the fires are for," Ryota countered, gesturing to the blaze. "Quick dip, then warm up by the fire. Traditional autumn beach experience!"

"I'm more concerned about what we're swimming in," Kazuki said, adjusting his glasses. "None of us packed actual swimwear for this journey."

A moment of silence followed as we all considered this very practical point. Our expedition had been equipped for traveling, combat, diplomatic meetings, and survival, not beach recreation.

"We could just swim in our underwear," Airi suggested with a shrug. "Not like we haven't all seen each other in that accidentally by now."

"Or shorts and t-shirts," Yuna added more modestly.

Haruka's eyes lit up with a gleam I recognized all too well from our high school days, the look that usually preceded some fashion-related scheme. "Or," she said, drawing out the word dramatically, "we could make proper swimwear!"

Groans and laughs mingled around the fire.

"Here we go," Airi muttered beside me, though I could hear the fondness in her voice.

"I'm serious!" Haruka protested, already pulling out her divine smartphone. "With my Tailor abilities and Andie's Transform, plus the Divine Bazaar app, we could totally create custom swimwear overnight!"

"That's... actually not a bad idea," I found myself saying, warming to the concept. "It would make tomorrow more special."

"Exactly!" Haruka beamed at me. "A proper beach day needs proper beachwear. Who's with me?"

Aoi and Rina immediately voiced their support, unsurprisingly, the former gyaru squad sticking together as always. What did surprise me was Keiko-oneechan's enthusiastic agreement.

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"I think it sounds wonderful," she said, her eyes reflecting the firelight. "This journey has been so focused on our mission and survival. A day of normalcy, of fun, would do wonders for morale."

"Plus," Ruri added with her characteristic mischievous smile, "swimming under Selune's full light in proper attire will enhance the magical properties of the rose quartz sands. The healing energies flow more freely when we're in harmony with our environment."

I wasn't entirely sure if that was true or if she was just supporting the idea for her own reasons, but her endorsement seemed to sway several of the more hesitant members of our group. She could probably convince people that standing on their heads would improve magical flow if she wanted to.

Andie, who had been quietly listening to the debate, finally spoke up. "I'm happy to help with Transform if Haruka wants to lead a design team. But everyone should have input on their own swimwear."

"Absolutely!" Haruka agreed quickly. "We'll set up a design station near the vehicles. Everyone can come by when they have time to approve their own designs before creation."

"What about the cold?" Yuna asked practically. "Even with the fires, it's going to be chilly for swimming."

"Kurenai and I can add warming enchantments to the fabric," Andie offered. "Nothing that would make you overheat, but enough to take the edge off when you're out of the water."

"And we can have warm wraps and robes ready for when people get out," Haruka added. "It'll be perfect!"

With that settled, an impromptu design team formed, Haruka, Aoi, Rina, Keiko-oneechan, and Andie gathered around Haruka's smartphone, already discussing styles and materials as the rest of us continued our fireside conversations.

Curious, I wandered over to their group after a while, catching snippets of their animated discussion.

"...definitely need a cohesive theme for each group," Haruka was saying, scrolling through fabric samples on her phone. "I'm thinking warm colours for Group A, cool tones for Group B, and earth tones with bright accents for Group C."

"What styles are you considering?" I asked, peering over her shoulder at the screen.

Haruka grinned up at me, a suspiciously innocent expression on her face. "Oh, you know, classic beachwear. I'm thinking different designs for different body types and personalities."

"Uh-huh," I said sceptically. "And you're consulting everyone about their preferences?"

"We'll have a basic design for each person based on what we know about their style," Keiko-oneechan explained diplomatically. "But yes, everyone will have final approval before anything is created."

"The guys will get proper swim trunks," Rina added, smirking slightly. "So, no worries there."

I glanced at Andie, who gave me a reassuring smile. "I'm mostly here for the Transform part," he said. "Haruka's handling the actual designs."

"That's what worries me," I muttered, though without any real concern. Despite her enthusiasm, Haruka had always had an excellent eye for what suited different body types and personalities.

As the night progressed, I watched members of our group stop by the design station one by one. Some seemed excited, others mildly embarrassed, but all eventually left with expressions ranging from resignation to anticipation. Whatever Haruka was planning, she was clearly convincing people to go along with it.

"Will we freeze?" I heard Hiroko ask anxiously as she approached the station.

"Not if you stay by the fire!" Haruka replied cheerfully. "Plus, Andie's warming enchantments will help."

Later, as I was preparing for my night guard shift, Airi flopped down beside me with an exaggerated sigh.

"So," I prompted, "did you approve your swimwear design?"

"Yep," she grinned. "It's actually pretty cute. Though I think Haruka is definitely pushing some boundaries with these designs."

"Meaning?"

"Let's just say there will be a lot of skin on display tomorrow," she replied with a wink. "But the magical warming enhancements are genius. I tested a sample, and it actually works, feels like there's a thin layer of warmth just above your skin."

I nodded, unsurprised that they'd found a practical solution to the temperature issue. Our group had become quite adept at applying magic to everyday challenges. Nothing says "isekai adaptation" like using world-changing magic for beach comfort.

"Did you see yours yet?" Airi asked.

"Not yet," I admitted. "I've been helping set up the night rotation."

"You should check it out before bed," she advised, a suspicious twinkle in her eye. "I think you'll be... impressed by Haruka's vision."

With that cryptic comment, she wandered off to her assigned position, leaving me curious about what tomorrow would bring. As the camp settled for the night, I could see the design team still hard at work, their excited whispers and occasional laughter carrying on the night breeze. Whatever they were creating, it seemed the reveal would have to wait until morning.

I took my position for the first watch, gazing out over the darkened beach. Even without Selune's full light, the pink sands seemed to hold a subtle glow, as if promising the magic to come. Despite the chill in the air and the responsibility of our journey, I felt a flutter of anticipation for tomorrow's unexpected beach day.

Day 81 Morning

Andie POV

The sunrise over Roselight Bay was nothing short of spectacular. Golden-pink light spilled across the horizon, painting the clouds in fiery hues and setting the unique pink sands aglow with warmth. I'd been up for over an hour, helping with morning preparations while most of our group still slept after the night's rotation.

"Perfect timing," Haruka declared, appearing at my side with an armful of colourful packages. Dark circles under her eyes suggested she'd barely slept, but her energy seemed undiminished. "Everyone will be waking up soon. Ready for the big reveal?"

I nodded, taking half the packages from her. "You guys were up late. Are these all finished?"

"Every last one," she confirmed proudly. "Aoi and Rina are bringing the rest. We've sorted them by group and labelled each package."

True to her word, Aoi and Rina emerged from behind Truck-kun, each carrying similar bundles of wrapped swimwear. Despite their obvious fatigue, they shared Haruka's excitement.

"This is going to be epic," Rina grinned, adjusting her grip on the packages. "I haven't been this excited about a fashion reveal since our class trip to Okinawa."

"Is everyone getting the same style, or...?" I asked, suddenly realising I hadn't actually seen the final designs for anyone except myself. I had a sudden ominous feeling, like when a quest giver avoids giving specific details.

Haruka's smile turned mischievous. "Let's just say we went with what would suit each person best." Her emphasis on "best" did nothing to ease my sudden concern.

"You didn't go overboard, did you?" I asked, remembering Miyako's scepticism from the night before.

"Define 'overboard,'" Aoi replied with an innocent blink that wasn't innocent at all.

Before I could press further, people began emerging from tents and vehicles, drawn by the scent of breakfast cooking over the morning fires. Emi, who had been up as early as I was, had prepared a light meal of fruit, bread, and some local fish that Kenta had caught at dawn.

"Swimwear delivery!" Haruka announced brightly, holding up her packages. "Come get your custom beachwear before breakfast!"

What followed was a chaotic but entertaining distribution as people gathered around us, each accepting their labelled package with varying degrees of enthusiasm or trepidation.

"Ladies, if you have any fit questions, come see me or Aoi," Haruka instructed, handing Miyako her package with a suspiciously wide smile. "Guys, Andie can help with adjustments if needed."

I noticed with growing alarm that the packages for the women were significantly smaller than those for the men. Much smaller. Concerningly smaller. Oh no, I think I know where this is going, and my Isekai Protagonist Sense is tingling.

"Haruka," I said quietly as I handed Kazuki his package, "what exactly did you design for everyone?"

"Just trust me," she whispered back. "It's going to be amazing. I stuck with traditional styles for everyone, just with a slight Akiba influence."

My suspicions were confirmed when the first shrieks and gasps echoed from behind the vehicles where many of the women had gone to change.

"Haruka!" Hiroko's voice carried clearly across our camp. "This is practically dental floss!"

"It's a string bikini!" Haruka called back cheerfully. "The less you wear, the more fun you have, it's an official Akiba rule!"

"Since when?" demanded Asuka's voice.

"Since forever!" Rina chimed in, already changing into her own swimwear without the privacy concerns of the others. "Don't be such prudes! We're all family here!"

I caught Miyako's eye across the camp as she headed toward Scout to change. Her expression was equal parts resignation and amusement, suggesting she'd anticipated something like this from our fashion-forward friends.

"Did you know about this?" Kazuki asked me quietly, inspecting his own package which contained perfectly reasonable swim trunks in a deep blue colour.

"Not the details," I admitted. "But I should have guessed when they were so secretive about the designs."

He sighed, adjusting his glasses. "Well, it's too late to object now. And I suppose one day of... extravagant beachwear... won't hurt anyone."

As more people emerged in their new swimwear, the initial shock gave way to a festive atmosphere. Despite their skimpy nature, the suits were undeniably well-designed, each perfectly tailored to its wearer's body and personality. The warming enchantments I'd helped integrate into the fabric seemed to be working well, as no one appeared to be suffering from the morning chill despite the minimal coverage.

I busied myself setting up shade structures on the beach, using my Transform ability to create comfortable lounging areas with windbreak and heat enchantments. It gave me something to focus on besides the parade of scantily-clad friends emerging from all directions.

My concentration was utterly broken, however, when a familiar voice called my name.

"Andie? What do you think?"

I turned to find Miyako standing a few metres away, and my brain promptly short-circuited.

The sight of Miyako in her swimwear nearly made me lose my grip on the shade structure I was transforming. She wore a black string bikini with subtle gold accents that perfectly complemented her tan skin and platinum blonde hair with pink highlights. The minimal coverage seemed to accentuate rather than hide her H-cup figure, the curves I'd come to know intimately somehow looking even more breathtaking in the morning sunlight.

"Earth to Andie," she said with a knowing smile, approaching me with that confident walk that had captivated me since our high school days. "You're staring."

"I, you," I swallowed hard, forcing my brain to reconnect with my mouth. "You look amazing."

Her smile widened. "Thanks. Haruka actually did a good job, even if there's barely enough fabric here to make a handkerchief." She turned slightly, giving me a view of how the bikini bottom accentuated her figure from behind. "The warming enchantment works really well too."

I was saved from having to form a coherent response by an enthusiastic shout from down the beach.

"Darling! What do you think of mine?"

Ruri was bouncing, quite literally, toward us, her silver-patterned rabbit ears perked high with excitement. She wore a moonsilver string bikini that somehow caught light from impossible angles, creating an ethereal shimmer around her. If Miyako's bikini was minimal, Ruri's was practically theoretical, the strings and small triangles of fabric doing very little to contain her L-cup figure. Yet somehow, on her, it looked perfectly natural, an extension of her playful, uninhibited personality.

"I think you've rendered him speechless," came Noel's melodious voice as she approached at a more dignified pace. Despite wearing a sun-gold string bikini with cream accents that matched her rabbit ears, she somehow maintained her diplomatic bearing. The bikini showcased her K-cup figure in a way that was simultaneously elegant and alluring, the contrast between her formal mannerisms and the revealing swimwear creating an effect that was uniquely captivating.

"Guilty," I admitted, feeling heat rise to my face as my three fiancées gathered around me. "You all look... incredible."

"So eloquent, our promised one," Ruri teased, twirling to show off her swimwear from all angles. The movement sent her platinum hair cascading around her in a silver curtain. "Though I suppose we should be grateful you can speak at all, given the circumstances."

"The designs are quite thoughtful," Noel observed, adjusting one of her shoulder straps with graceful precision. "Despite the minimal coverage, Haruka has taken care to ensure each piece complements its wearer."

Miyako nodded in agreement. "She definitely knows what she's doing. Have you seen the others yet?"

I had, in fact, been catching glimpses of our companions as they emerged in their swimwear, though I'd been trying (somewhat unsuccessfully) not to stare. The beach was gradually filling with our group, each person showcasing Haruka's design vision.

Airi was helping set up beach games near the water's edge, her fiery orange string bikini featuring subtle gaming-inspired patterns that only someone who knew her would recognise. The bright colour perfectly suited her outgoing personality, while the cut flattered her G-cup figure as she moved energetically around the play area.

Nearby, Miyuki and Mochi were laying out towels in a carefully arranged pattern. They wore matching lavender string bikinis with subtle differences in trim, Miyuki's featured silver accents while Mochi's had gold. Their identical G-cup figures and graceful movements drew appreciative glances from several of our companions, though the sisters seemed oblivious to the attention.

Emi bustled around the cooking area in a chef-inspired white string bikini with red accents, her E-cup figure moving confidently as she organised supplies for the day's meals. The swimwear might have been revealing, but she'd maintained her practical nature by adding a short wrap skirt that could be easily removed for swimming.

Yuna knelt in the sand nearby, her rune-patterned maroon string bikini catching the light as she traced protection symbols around our beach area. Her E-cup figure bent gracefully over her work, her usual scholarly concentration unbroken despite the unusual attire.

Keiko-oneechan, it was still strange to think of my former teacher this way, stood discussing something with Ryota, her sophisticated dark red string bikini belying her former professional status. Her F-cup figure carried a newfound casual confidence that spoke to how completely she'd embraced our new life in Voluptaria.

Aoi, Haruka, and Rina moved as a coordinated unit in their gyaru-style neon string bikinis, their curves (E-cup, D-cup, and F-cup respectively) showcased by the fashion-forward designs they'd created. They flitted between groups, making adjustments to swimwear and accepting compliments with practiced modesty that didn't fool anyone.

From my vantage point, I could also see Group B members in their cool-toned swimwear. Hiroko had emerged shyly from behind Bus-kun, her sky-blue string bikini causing her to blush furiously whenever anyone looked her way. Her E-cup figure, usually hidden behind modest clothing, now drew attention she clearly wasn't used to, though I noticed her gradually relaxing as the morning progressed.

Sakura moved with more confidence in her cherry-blossom pink string bikini with subtle white accents, her F-cup figure complemented by the delicate design. She'd added a simple white wrap around her waist, though it did little to diminish the overall effect of the swimwear.

Fryevia stretched contentedly near the water's edge, her teal-accented white string bikini and J-cup figure giving her a distinct presence among the Earth women. Her Hestashi cat ears twitched with pleasure in the sea breeze, and I could see her occasionally showing younger members of our group how to test the water temperature with just a toe.

Vinera moved with shadow-like grace in her deep purple string bikini, somehow managing to be both visible and elusive as she patrolled the perimeter of our beach area. Her J-cup figure drew attention despite her attempts to remain inconspicuous, a shadow hunter's instincts clearly at odds with the revealing swimwear.

The other Group B members, Hina, Ayumi, Nao, Riko, Mei, and Yui, had gathered near a tide pool, their cool-toned string bikinis creating a visual harmony as they examined something in the shallow water. Each swimsuit reflected its wearer's personality: Hina's deep blue with silver geometric patterns, Ayumi's periwinkle with musical note accents, Nao's seafoam green with delicate lace overlay, Riko's pale blue with constellation patterns, Mei's aqua with mathematical symbols, and Yui's lavender with herb motifs.

Further down the beach, Group C had established their own area, their earth-toned swimwear with bright accents creating a striking visual contrast against the pink sand. Hitomi's forest-green string bikini highlighted her athletic volleyball player's physique, her G-cup figure balanced by her toned core as she demonstrated proper volleyball form to several interested classmates.

Kurenai moved with practiced precision in her deep red string bikini with golden thread enchantments, her E-cup figure complemented by the magical shimmer that occasionally rippled across the fabric. She was coordinating some kind of game setup, marking boundaries in the sand with colourful flags.

Viktora's fox ears twitched with alertness despite her relaxed posture as she lounged on a transformed beach chair, her I-cup figure showcased in a russet-orange string bikini that matched her ears. Her eyes constantly scanned our surroundings, the adventurer's vigilance never fully abandoned even during leisure time.

Mediena performed a playful twirl for an appreciative audience, her sunrise-pink string bikini catching the light as her J-cup figure moved with natural Eosashi grace. The performer in her clearly enjoyed the attention, though I noticed she kept her movements within the bounds of tasteful display.

The rest of Group C, Ayaka, Miku, Asuka, Nana, Tatsuya, Kenta, Shohei, Masato, Naoki, and Ryota, had split into smaller groups engaged in various beach activities. The women wore earth-toned string bikinis in shades of amber, terracotta, moss, and bronze, each with bright accents that reflected their personalities. The men wore more modest swim trunks in similar earth tones, though I noticed several of them had removed their shirts despite the morning chill.

"You're multi-target locking again," Miyako observed with amusement, bringing my attention back to my immediate surroundings. I'm pretty sure if this were a game, I'd be getting achievement pop-ups for "Complete Visual Survey" or something equally embarrassing.

"I, what?" I blinked, realising I'd been surveying the beach for several minutes without speaking.

"Your eyes," she explained. "They're doing that thing where you're trying to look everywhere at once without being caught looking anywhere specific."

"I wasn't," I began, then sighed in defeat as all three of my fiancées fixed me with knowing looks. "Okay, maybe I was. It's just... there's a lot to process."

Miyako POV

I couldn't help but laugh at Andie's flustered expression. For someone who had faced down shadow monsters, negotiated with divine aspects, and led our entire group through countless crises, he could still be utterly undone by the sight of women in swimwear. It was endearing, and a relief to know that some aspects of his character remained unchanged despite everything we'd been through.

"Should we rescue him?" I asked Ruri and Noel, not bothering to lower my voice since Andie was clearly too distracted to process my words.

"From himself?" Ruri replied with a mischievous gleam in her lavender eyes. "I rather enjoy watching him malfunction. It's quite flattering, really."

"Perhaps a small intervention would be merciful," Noel suggested, her diplomatic nature extending even to this situation. "Before he causes himself injury."

I nodded, stepping closer to Andie. "Hey, Player 1," I said, using our private terminology to break through his daze. "How about instead of just looking, you join us for some actual beach fun?"

He blinked rapidly, his focus returning. "Right. Yes. Fun. That's... that's what beaches are for."

"Exactly," I agreed, taking his hand. "Starting with a swim. The warming enchantments work better when wet, anyway."

"A swim," he repeated, as if the concept was entirely novel. If I didn't know better, I'd think Haruka's designs had temporarily reset his personality stats.

Ruri giggled, striking a dramatic pose that made her minimalist swimwear even more minimal. "Unless you'd prefer to continue your scientific observation of swimwear engineering?"

"I wasn't, that's not," he stammered, his blush deepening.

"Your attention to detail is commendable," Noel added with dignified amusement, "but perhaps a more active participation would be beneficial for everyone."

That broke through his stupor at last, drawing a laugh from him. "Okay, okay. I surrender. Let's swim."

With that declaration, Ruri let out a delighted whoop and grabbed his other hand. Together, the three of us began dragging him toward the water, Noel following at a more measured pace.

"Wait," he protested as we approached the shoreline. "I need to change into my..."

"Transform," I reminded him with a grin. "You can change your clothes instantly, remember?"

"Right," he acknowledged, and with a quick gesture, his casual clothes shimmered and transformed into the navy-blue swim trunks that had been in his package.

"Much better," Ruri approved, her ears twitching appreciatively. "Now, last one in is a shadow wraith!"

With that, she released his hand and dashed into the waves, her platinum hair and rabbit ears streaming behind her like a silver banner. I followed immediately, pulling Andie along with me into the crystal-clear water.

The first touch of the sea was a shock, colder than it looked in the autumn sunlight, but the warming enchantments in our swimwear activated instantly, creating a thin barrier of heat just above our skin. It wasn't enough to make the water feel warm, exactly, but it took the edge off the chill, making it refreshing rather than uncomfortable.

"It works!" I gasped, immersing myself up to my shoulders. "The enchantment really works!"

"Of course it works," Andie replied, finally relaxing into the moment. "We tested it thoroughly before adding it to the swimwear."

"Always so practical," Ruri teased, floating on her back nearby, her ears somehow remaining perfectly dry despite her submerged position. "Even your magic has to pass quality control."

"Thoroughness is an admirable trait," Noel observed as she waded gracefully into the water, barely disturbing the surface. "Especially when applied to such... unconventional challenges."

Around us, others were gradually venturing into the sea, their reactions to the temperature ranging from shocked squeals to determined plunges. The warming enchantments were clearly functioning for everyone, as even the most cold-sensitive members of our group were able to enjoy the water without immediate retreat.

I watched as Andie finally surrendered to the moment, diving beneath a small wave and resurfacing with a genuine smile that made my heart skip a beat. His hair, longer now than he'd ever worn it on Earth, clung to his face in wet strands, and droplets of water caught the sunlight as they ran down his shoulders.

In that moment, as we played in the autumn sea under a bright blue sky, I felt a perfect happiness that had nothing to do with divine blessing or extraordinary circumstances. It was simply the joy of being together, of finding laughter and connection in the midst of our journey.

The cool water, the warm enchantments, the pink sands, and the sound of our friends' laughter created a memory I knew I would treasure long after our beach day ended, a bright moment of respite before we continued toward whatever awaited us in Takejin territory.