Tactical Embarrassment

Day 81 Afternoon

Miyako POV

"Incoming!"

I ducked just in time as a volleyball soared over my head, landing with a soft thud on the pink sand behind me. Group C had set up a makeshift court using magical lines that glowed faintly against the rose-coloured beach, and a heated match between them and Group B was already underway.

"Sorry, Miyako!" Hitomi called, waving apologetically from the court. Her forest-green string bikini flashed in the sunlight as she jumped to block a spike from Kazuki, who had surprised everyone with his unexpected athletic ability.

"No harm done," I replied, tossing the ball back to her. I settled on a nearby towel to watch the match, enjoying the rare opportunity to see everyone relaxed and playful.

The volleyball game had quickly become the centre of attention, drawing spectators from all three groups. Ryota and Hitomi led Group C with their natural athletic prowess, while Kazuki had assembled a surprisingly competitive team from Group B, including Fryevia, whose Hestashi reflexes gave them a distinct advantage.

"Group C is losing their edge," Airi commented, plopping down beside me on the sand. Her orange string bikini was already dusted with sand, suggesting she'd been involved in some beach activities of her own. "Ryota looks desperate."

As if hearing her words, Ryota called out across the beach. "Andie! We need a sub! Naoki twisted his ankle!"

I turned to see Andie, who had been helping Ruri build something in the sand nearby, look up with an expression of mild alarm. "Me? I'm not exactly volleyball material."

"Come on!" Ryota insisted, waving him over. "We need one more or we forfeit!"

With a resigned sigh, Andie handed Ruri his sand sculpting tools and jogged over to the court. I couldn't help but smile at his reluctance, despite his incredible abilities in so many areas, team sports had never been his forte back on Earth. Classic isekai protagonist syndrome: can fight cosmic horrors but panics at team sports.

"This should be entertaining," Ruri said, settling beside me with graceful movements that somehow made her silver string bikini even more provocative. "Our promised one has many talents, but I don't believe volleyball is among them."

"Don't underestimate him," I replied, watching as Andie took his position on the court. "He's full of surprises."

The game resumed with newfound energy, Group C clearly relieved to have a full team again. Andie's first attempt to return a serve sent the ball wildly off-course, earning good-natured jeers from both teams. But after a few points, he began to find his rhythm, his movements becoming more confident and precise.

"He's using magic," Noel observed, joining our little spectator group. Her diplomatic eye hadn't missed the subtle shimmer around Andie's hands each time he touched the ball. "Just a touch of kinetic control, barely noticeable unless you're looking for it."

"Clever," Ruri grinned. "Technically not cheating since Fryevia is using her Hestashi reflexes."

The match grew increasingly competitive, with magical "enhancements" becoming more obvious on both sides. Viktora's fox ears twitched with concentration as she subtly altered the ball's trajectory mid-flight. Vinera seemed to blend with shadows that shouldn't exist in the bright sunlight, appearing exactly where the ball was headed. Fryevia literally pounced on returns like the cat-person she was, while Kazuki's glasses glinted suspiciously each time he served with perfect accuracy.

"They're all cheating," Airi laughed, not bothering to lower her voice. "This is turning into magical volleyball."

"I prefer to call it 'enhanced play,'" Hitomi called back, overhearing us as she leapt impossibly high to spike the ball.

I snorted at that. "Enhanced play, right. Next we'll be calling shadow meteor attacks 'aggressive weather phenomena.'"

The game reached its climax when Ryota served with such force that the ball briefly ignited with golden energy. Kazuki dove to return it, his hands glowing blue as he sent it back with equal magical enhancement. The ball zipped back and forth, gathering more magical energy with each hit until it was practically a comet streaking over the net.

"Final point!" Ryota shouted, leaping into the air for what would clearly be a devastating spike.

But before he could connect, the ball suddenly exploded into a shower of harmless magical sparks, raining down on both teams like golden confetti.

Everyone froze, turning to see Keiko-oneechan standing at the edge of the court, her hand raised and a stern expression on her face that reminded me vividly of her teacher days, though the effect was somewhat undermined by her sophisticated red string bikini.

"I think that's enough 'enhanced play' for one game," she said, though her eyes twinkled with amusement. "Why don't we call it a tie before someone accidentally turns the beach into a crater?"

Laughter erupted from both teams as they acknowledged the wisdom in her intervention. The magical competition had indeed been escalating to potentially dangerous levels. As the players dispersed, many headed toward the water where swimming races were being organised.

"Want to join?" Airi asked, already standing up and brushing sand from her swimwear.

"I think I'll pass," I replied, content to remain an observer for now. "But don't let me stop you."

Airi darted off toward the water, joining a group that included several Felinari whose natural affinity for water made them formidable swimmers despite their cat-like appearance. Mediena and Fryevia were already demonstrating perfect diving form, their J-cup figures drawing appreciative glances from many of our companions.

As the swimming races got underway, I found myself enjoying the simple pleasure of watching everyone have fun. After weeks of travel, combat training, and preparation for our mission, this carefree day felt like a precious gift, a reminder of the joy and connection that made our struggles worthwhile.

"What's on your mind?" came Andie's voice as he returned from the volleyball game, his hair tousled and damp with exertion.

"Just enjoying the moment," I replied, making room for him on my towel. "Everyone seems so happy."

He nodded, his eyes scanning the beach with that observant gaze that missed nothing. "It's good to see them like this. Reminds me of who we're fighting for."

A comfortable silence fell between us as we watched the activities unfolding around the beach. Near the water's edge, the swimming races had devolved into magical splash fights, with Viktora creating impressive water spouts that Mediena shaped into fantastical creatures before sending them crashing down on unsuspecting victims. Shrieks of laughter echoed across the sand as people retaliated with their own magical or physical water attacks.

Meanwhile, distinct sunbathing circles had formed further up the beach. The gyaru girls, Aoi, Rina, and Haruka, had claimed a prime spot near one of the magical windbreaks, their colourful towels arranged in a perfect triangle. They appeared to be engaged in an intense discussion, occasionally glancing toward other groups with that particular expression that suggested gossip was being exchanged.

Nearby, Miyuki and Mochi had created a more serene setup, their matching lavender bikinis complemented by coordinated towels and a small enchanted umbrella that shifted to maintain optimal shade. They were deep in conversation with Yuna, who seemed to be explaining something about the magical properties of the rose quartz sand, judging by her enthusiastic gestures.

"Shall we join one of the groups?" Andie asked, following my gaze.

Before I could answer, Ruri bounded over, her silver-patterned ears perked with excitement. "Come see what I've built! It's almost finished!"

Curious, we followed her to a spot near the dunes where a surprisingly intricate sand sculpture was taking shape. What had started as a simple indentation had evolved into an elaborate replica of our sanctuary cave home, complete with the winding entrance tunnel, multiple chambers, and even tiny representations of our three vehicles parked at the hidden exterior entrance.

"That's incredible," I said, genuinely impressed. "I didn't know you were an artist."

"I've had centuries to develop various hobbies," she replied with a modest shrug that did interesting things to her minimal swimwear. "Sand sculpting was popular in the Lunethnari Enclave about a hundred years ago. I picked up a few techniques."

"It looks exactly like our sanctuary," Andie observed, kneeling to examine the intricate details. "You've even got the central chamber and connecting tunnels correct."

"Of course," Ruri smiled, her lavender eyes twinkling. "I pay very close attention to the places that matter to me."

Her sentiment reminded me of something that had been forming in my mind throughout the day, how much our concept of "home" had shifted since arriving in Voluptaria. What began as a strange and frightening world had gradually become a place where we'd built meaningful connections, found new strengths, and even created physical spaces that truly felt like our own. I suppose that's the true isekai experience, not just the adventure and magic, but finding a new definition of "home" along the way.

"Look!" Airi called out from further down the beach. "Keiko-oneechan is judging a sand sculpture contest!"

Sure enough, Keiko was moving between several groups, clipboard in hand, examining their creations with exaggerated seriousness. The contest had apparently been spontaneously organised, with teams hastily forming to create everything from traditional castles to more ambitious projects.

"You should enter," I told Ruri. "Yours is easily the best."

She considered this for a moment, her ears twitching with interest. "Perhaps with a few enhancements..."

With a graceful wave of her hand, she infused the sand sanctuary with a touch of lunar magic, causing it to shimmer with a subtle silver glow. The effect was enchanting, like moonlight dancing across every grain of sand.

"Now it's contest-ready," she declared with satisfaction.

We wandered down the beach to see the other entries. Hitomi and Masato had constructed an impressive replica of Truck-kun, complete with working wheel mechanisms made entirely of sand and small shells. Sora and Yuto had gone for humour, creating a cartoonish sand monster that bore a suspicious resemblance to one of our teachers from Earth. The gyaru squad had collaborated on a fashion runway, with tiny sand models wearing exaggerated versions of our string bikinis.

But the most surprising entry came from Kazuki and Hiroko, who had painstakingly recreated a scene from Champions of Eternity, our favourite game from Earth. The detailed sand sculpture showed the final boss battle from the Mistlands expansion, complete with tiny character figures representing our online avatars.

"I can't believe you remembered that," Andie said, clearly touched by the nostalgic reference.

"How could we forget?" Hiroko replied with a shy smile. "It took us fourteen attempts to win that fight."

"Fifteen," Kazuki corrected, adjusting his glasses. "You're forgetting the time Airi disconnected right before the final phase."

"I still maintain that was sabotage," Airi called out from where she was watching the judging.

As Keiko made her final round, Noel approached our group, her cream-coloured ears with gold tips bobbing gently as she walked. "The water fountaineers are preparing a demonstration," she informed us. "It should be quite spectacular."

We gathered near the shoreline where Kurenai, Viktora, and several others with water affinities had assembled. With coordinated movements, they began shaping the seawater into elaborate formations, spiralling fountains that caught the sunlight, creating rainbows; water slides that arced gracefully from impressive heights into deeper sections of the bay; and small, warm pools for those who preferred calmer waters.

"Show-offs," Ryota commented good-naturedly as a perfect column of water rose thirty feet into the air before splitting into a canopy of droplets that fell like gentle rain.

The water magic show drew enthusiastic applause, especially when Viktora created a series of water sculptures, dolphins, sea dragons, and even a detailed replica of Selune that hovered briefly before dissolving back into the waves. Not to be outdone, Kurenai fashioned a set of water steps leading to a floating platform where brave swimmers could dive from various heights.

As the afternoon progressed, I found myself moving between different groups, catching snippets of conversations that ranged from nostalgic reminiscences about Earth to excited speculations about what awaited us in Takejin territory. Despite the chill in the air, increasingly noticeable as the sun began its westward descent, no one seemed eager to end the day's activities.

In these moments of connection, watching my friends laugh and play and share, I understood with perfect clarity what made our strange, displaced community work: it wasn't just shared trauma or necessity, but genuine bonds that had formed in the crucible of our experiences. We had become a family, unconventional, sometimes chaotic, but undeniably real.

As the sun began to dip toward the horizon, Emi's voice rang out across the beach. "Dinner in twenty minutes! Anyone who wants to help with the BBQ, come now!"

The announcement sparked a flurry of activity as people began wrapping up their beach fun and preparing for the evening's celebration. Looking around at our makeshift paradise, the pink sands now dotted with elaborate sand sculptures, the magically enhanced swimming areas, the laughter and warmth that defied the autumn chill, I felt a profound sense of gratitude for this perfect day of respite.

Whatever tomorrow might bring, we had this moment, this golden memory of joy and connection, to carry with us into the challenges ahead.

Day 81 Evening

The transformation of our beach camp as evening approached was nothing short of magical. Elaborate fire pits glowed with enchanted flames in hues of blue, purple, and gold, casting multi-coloured light across the pink sands. Andie and the crafting team had transformed driftwood into comfortable seating arranged in circular patterns around each fire. Magical lanterns hung from poles driven into the sand, creating the impression of stars hovering just above our heads.

But the centrepiece was undoubtedly Emi's BBQ setup. What had begun as a simple cooking fire had evolved into an impressive outdoor kitchen, with multiple grilling stations, warming areas, and even a stone oven constructed through Andie's Transform ability. The scents wafting from this culinary command centre were mouthwatering, grilled fish and meat, roasting vegetables, and something sweet that I couldn't quite identify but desperately wanted to taste.

"Impressive, isn't it?" Airi said, appearing at my side with two steaming mugs. She handed one to me. "Hot spiced cider. Emi says it'll keep us warm as the temperature drops."

The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

I accepted the drink gratefully, wrapping my hands around the warm mug. Despite the enchantments in our swimwear, the evening chill was becoming more pronounced. Many of us had added wraps, robes, or light jackets over our beach attire.

"I didn't expect anything this elaborate," I admitted, looking around at the festive scene. "It's like a proper festival."

"When Emi gets an idea in her head..." Airi trailed off with a fond smile. "She's been coordinating with the kitchen team all afternoon. Apparently, this is a 'traditional Voluptarian beach feast' according to Ruri, though I suspect she's making that up."

"Almost certainly," I agreed with a laugh. "But it's wonderful regardless. Ruri could probably convince people that volleyball is traditional Voluptarian royal court entertainment if she tried hard enough."

We made our way to one of the circular seating areas where Hitomi, Kazuki, and several others from both Group B and C were already gathered. I noticed that the groupings were more mixed now than they had been during the day's activities, a natural blending that spoke to the increasing cohesion of our expedition.

"Just in time," Hitomi said, making room for us. "We were debating the best method for roasting marshmallows over magical fire."

"Wait, we have marshmallows?" Airi asked, her eyes lighting up.

"Not exactly," Kazuki explained, adjusting his glasses. "But Emi found something similar in the Crossroads market, some kind of cloudberry confection that behaves similarly when heated."

"Dinner is served!" came Emi's cheerful announcement, interrupting our marshmallow debate. She stood proudly next to her culinary team, all of whom were wearing matching white aprons over their swimwear, an amusing contrast that somehow worked.

What followed was nothing short of a feast. Platters of perfectly grilled fish, skewers of meat and vegetables, flatbreads topped with local herbs and cheese, bowls of vibrant salads made from beach greens and edible flowers, it was a stunning display of creativity and skill using both Earth cooking techniques and Voluptarian ingredients.

"You've outdone yourself," Andie told Emi as she personally delivered a special platter to our fire circle. The sincere appreciation in his voice made her blush visibly.

"It's nothing," she insisted, though her smile betrayed her pride. "Just a simple beach dinner."

"If this is simple, I can't wait to see elaborate," Ryota commented through a mouthful of something that resembled grilled octopus but glowed faintly blue.

As we ate, conversation flowed easily from topic to topic. Reminiscences about Earth blended with discussions of Voluptarian culture, interspersed with good-natured teasing and inside jokes that had developed during our journey. The comfort of the group dynamic struck me anew, how naturally we'd all adapted to this strange new reality, finding joy and connection despite the circumstances.

"I propose a toast," Naoki said suddenly, standing up with his mug raised high. "To our leader, who somehow convinced all of us that beach day for 40+ people in late Autumn is a good idea."

Laughter rippled through the gathering as Andie shook his head, a mixture of embarrassment and amusement on his face.

"To Andie," several voices echoed, raising their drinks.

"And to Kazuki and Ryota," Andie added quickly, gesturing to his fellow team leaders. "This expedition is a team effort."

"To the team leaders," came the response, even more enthusiastic than before.

This sparked a series of toasts, each more specific and often more humorous than the last.

"To Hitomi, who built us magical vehicles that don't explode!"

"To Emi, who makes sure we're too well-fed to complain about anything else!"

"To the gyaru squad, who somehow made string bikinis a practical solution to autumn swimming!"

By the time the toasting circle reached me, my cheeks hurt from smiling. I stood, raising my mug and looking around at these people who had become my family.

"To all of us," I said simply. "For finding home in each other, no matter where we are."

A moment of appreciative silence followed, broken by Ruri's melodious voice. "Well said, co-fiancée. Now, who's ready for some music?"

As if on cue, several people produced instruments that I hadn't realised they'd brought, Mediena with something resembling a lute, Viktora with a small drum, Ayumi with what looked like a wooden flute. They arranged themselves near the largest fire pit and began to play, the melody unfamiliar but somehow perfect for the setting, hauntingly beautiful with an underlying rhythm that invited movement.

Soon, a space cleared in front of the musicians as people began to dance. Unlike the formal pair dances of Earth events, this was a communal experience, bodies moving freely to the rhythm, sometimes in loose circles, sometimes individually, sometimes in spontaneous groups that formed and dissolved like waves on the shore.

"Join us!" Ruri called, already moving to the impromptu dance area, her silver-patterned rabbit ears bobbing in perfect time with the music.

I took Andie's hand and pulled him toward the dancers. "Come on, darling. When's the last time we actually danced?"

His momentary surprise at my endearment quickly gave way to a smile as he allowed himself to be led into the circle of dancers. We joined a larger group that included Noel, Airi, and several others, all moving to the infectious rhythm with varying degrees of skill but equal enthusiasm.

The dance had no formal steps to follow, just the pure joy of movement expressed through each person's individual style. Ruri moved with centuries of grace, her body flowing like liquid silver in the firelight. Noel maintained her dignity even as she allowed herself to be swept up in the circle's energy. The gyaru squad performed a synchronised routine at the centre that drew appreciative cheers, while Miyuki and Mochi moved as perfect mirror images of each other at the edge of the group.

What struck me most was how easily everyone blended together, Earth humans and Voluptarians, the naturally graceful and the rhythmically challenged, all finding their place in this collective expression of joy. Even those who chose not to dance were part of the celebration, clapping along or simply watching with contentment.

"You look happy," Andie said as we spun past each other in the circle.

"I am," I replied simply, feeling the truth of it in every movement.

The music shifted from lively to nostalgic as the night deepened, and eventually, we found ourselves gathered around the fires again, this time for storytelling. It began spontaneously, with Sora recounting the disastrous first night after our arrival in Voluptaria.

"Remember how Hina kept trying to get everyone organised while Kenji was screaming about monsters?" he asked, earning laughter and nods. "And then Ryota just picks up a branch and charges into the dark?"

"Hey, it worked," Ryota defended himself good-naturedly. "That vole-bear thing ran away!"

"Only because it was more scared of your screaming than you were of it," Hitomi added, prompting more laughter.

The stories continued, each one highlighting some moment from our shared journey, some harrowing, some humorous, all significant in their own way. There was a therapeutic quality to this collective remembering, a reinforcement of the bonds that had formed through our shared experiences.

As the storytelling circle wound down, Kazuki cleared his throat. "While I hate to be the one to mention it," he said, adjusting his glasses, "we should probably discuss tomorrow's departure. We're scheduled to resume our journey at dawn."

A collective sigh rippled through the group, but there was no real resistance to the reminder. We all understood the importance of our mission, and this day of respite had only strengthened our resolve.

"The rotation remains the same," Andie confirmed. "Group C will be driving, Group A on night duty, Group B resting. We'll aim to cover at least 900 kilometres tomorrow to get back on schedule."

There were nods of agreement all around. The practicalities addressed, we naturally turned our attention to the eastern horizon, where a silvery glow indicated the imminent rising of Selune, the first and most passionate of Voluptaria's three moons.

"Perfect timing," Ruri observed, her silvery-pattern ears tips standing tall with anticipation. "Selune appears at her fullest just as we complete our feast."

We made our way to the water's edge, where the view of the horizon was unobstructed. A hushed anticipation fell over our group as the first silver edge of Selune appeared, larger and brighter than Earth's moon had ever been. Her light cast a different quality than our familiar lunar glow, more intense, more dynamic, seeming to pulse with a rhythm that resonated somewhere deep in the chest.

"Look at the sand," Ruri whispered, pointing downward.

As Selune's light touched the rose quartz-infused beach, a transformation occurred. The pink sands began to glow with a soft, rosy luminescence that spread like ripples from where we stood. Within minutes, the entire crescent beach was alight with gentle radiance, creating the impression that we were standing on a reflection of the cosmos itself.

"It's beautiful," I murmured, watching as the glowing sand shifted and shimmered with each movement of the waves. And here I thought the "magical glowing beach" thing was just Ruri being dramatic again.

"The rose quartz responds to Selune's energy," Ruri explained, her voice taking on the educational tone she often used when sharing Voluptarian knowledge. "The crystals absorb her light and transform it, releasing it as this glow we see now. It's said that standing on such sands during Selune's fullness brings clarity to one's passions and purpose."

"Does it work?" Airi asked sceptically.

Noel's diplomatic smile was answer enough. "It's a pleasant tradition, regardless."

As Selune rose fully above the horizon, her silver light bathing the beach in ethereal radiance, I found myself naturally seeking out Andie. He stood a few paces away, flanked by Ruri and Noel, all three gazing upward with expressions of wonder. I moved to join them, completing our quartet as we stood together on the glowing sand.

"Quite the day," Andie said softly, taking my hand in his.

"Quite the night," I corrected, leaning slightly against his shoulder.

Around us, our companions had formed their own viewing groups, some sitting on the luminescent sand, others standing in quiet appreciation, a few even wading into the shallows where Selune's reflection danced on the gentle waves. The moment felt sacred somehow, a perfect stillness in the midst of our journey.

But even the most perfect moments must end. As Selune climbed higher into the night sky, Ryota's practical voice broke the spell. "We should start preparing for departure if we want to get any sleep tonight."

With reluctant nods, we began the process of breaking down our beach camp. The transition from celebration to preparation was efficient, another testament to how well our group had learned to work together. Within an hour, most of our belongings had been packed away, the fires extinguished, and the area returned to a state resembling its natural condition.

"Time to head home," Andie announced, standing beside the portal anchor we'd established in Truck-kun. "Hiroko, are you ready with the concealment magic?"

Day 81 Late Night

Andie POV

I watched with pride as Hiroko stepped forward, her confidence growing visibly as she prepared to cast the group invisibility spell that would conceal our vehicles. Despite her natural shyness, she had become our foremost expert in stealth magic, her talent far exceeding what anyone might have expected from her quiet demeanour back on Earth.

"I'm ready," she confirmed, her hands already tracing the complex patterns of the enchantment. "Everyone, please gather close to the vehicles. The spell works best when there's minimal spatial distance to cover."

We arranged ourselves around our three vehicles, Scout, Bus-kun, and Truck-kun, forming a tight cluster that would make the concealment more effective. Hiroko closed her eyes, concentration evident in her expression as she channelled her magical energy into the spell.

A shimmering veil of magic cascaded over our group, starting from above and flowing downward like liquid light. Where it passed, the visual outline of vehicles and people blurred, then seemed to merge with the background. Within moments, our entire convoy had vanished from ordinary sight, though we could still see each other as slightly translucent figures.

"Perfect execution," I told Hiroko, who blushed at the praise. "How long will it hold?"

"At least three days," she replied, the effort of the major spell evident in her slightly breathless voice. "Longer if it's not disturbed by significant magical interference."

"That's more than enough," I nodded, turning my attention to the portal preparations. "Miyako, Ruri, are you ready?"

My fiancées moved to join me at the portable portal anchor we'd installed in Truck-kun. The three of us had developed a synchronised method for activating the portal, a blend of my infinity-powered Transform, Miyako's Arcane Attunement, and Ruri's lunar magic that created a stable connection with minimal energy expenditure.

"Ready when you are," Miyako confirmed, taking her position at the anchor's left side.

"Eager to return to proper beds," Ruri added with a theatrical sigh, moving to the right side. "Pink sand is lovely to look at but terrible for one's hair."

We placed our hands on the designated points of the anchor, a triangular formation of rune-inscribed metal that served as the focal point for our portal magic. As we channelled our combined energies, the familiar shimmer of spatial distortion began to form in the air before us, a window opening between our beach location and the sanctuary's portal room.

"Portal stabilised," I announced as the connection solidified. "Group C, you're first since you'll be driving."

Ryota nodded, organising his team with practised efficiency. "Single file, minimal gear first. We'll send someone back for the rest once we're through."

One by one, Group C members stepped through the portal, each disappearing with a subtle ripple of energy before reappearing in the sanctuary on the other side. The process was orderly but necessarily slow, even with our improved technique, the portal could only safely transport one person every few seconds.

"Group B next," I directed once the last of Group C had passed through. "Then Group A. Miyako, Ruri, and I will maintain the portal until everyone's through."

Kazuki led Group B through with characteristic precision, followed by the members of Group A. As the number of people on the beach dwindled, I felt a strange reluctance to leave this place, as if the magic of our beach day might somehow be left behind when we departed.

"I know that look," Miyako said softly, her eyes meeting mine across the anchor. "You're getting sentimental."

"Guilty," I admitted. "It was a good day."

"One of the best," Ruri agreed, her silver-patterned ears drooping slightly with her own reluctance to leave. "But there will be others."

"There will," I promised, though I couldn't quite shake the feeling that such perfect moments were rare treasures to be cherished.

Finally, only the three of us remained, still maintaining the portal connection. "Ladies first," I said with a nod toward the shimmering doorway.

"Always the gentleman," Ruri teased, but she released her hold on the anchor and stepped gracefully through the portal.

"See you on the other side," Miyako said, following suit with a last glance back at the moonlit beach.

I remained alone for a moment, taking one final look at Roselight Bay, the pink sands still glowing under Selune's silver light, the gentle waves lapping at the shore, the perfect crescent of beach that had given us this day of joy and connection. With a deep breath, I stepped through the portal, simultaneously releasing the anchor's power and closing the connection behind me.

The sanctuary's portal room felt almost jarringly familiar after the open expanse of the beach, solid stone walls, enchanted lighting, and the comfortable temperature that never varied regardless of the season outside. Around me, our expedition members were already dispersing to their quarters, many yawning or rubbing tired eyes despite their evident contentment.

"Group C, remember we're on driving duty," Ryota was saying, organising his team for their driving rotation. "Please rest well for the rest of the night."

"Group B, breakfast at dawn," Kazuki reminded his team. "We're resting tomorrow, but that doesn't mean we don't get proper rest."

I moved through the sanctuary, checking in with different groups and ensuring everything was in order for our early departure. Emi and her kitchen team were already preparing supplies for the journey. Hitomi and Hina were running final remote diagnostics on the vehicles' systems to make sure no sand had interfered with critical components. Everywhere I looked, people were settling back into our established routines with the easy familiarity of a well-organised community.

By midnight, most of the sanctuary had quieted. Almost everyone had sought their beds after the long day of activities. I found myself drawn to my private chambers, where Miyako, Ruri, and Noel would be waiting.

Sure enough, all three were there, Miyako arranging her travel gear for tomorrow, Ruri brushing sand from her hair with exaggerated concentration, and Noel reviewing some diplomatic scrolls despite the late hour.

"Everything secured?" Miyako asked, looking up as I entered.

"All set," I confirmed, sitting on the edge of our oversized bed with a contented sigh. "Everyone's settling in for an early start tomorrow."

"It was a remarkable day," Noel observed, setting aside her scrolls. "The kind that strengthens bonds and renews purpose."

"And the kind that leaves sand in uncomfortable places," Ruri added with a theatrical grimace that made us all laugh.

As they continued our preparations for bed, I found myself reflecting on the extraordinary turn my life had taken. Just a few months ago, I was Andie Ryuu, occasional top of my class, self-convinced that I was unremarkable, invisible to all but a handful of classmates who knew me from gaming sessions. Only later did I realise that half the girls in our year had quietly nursed crushes on me since junior high and senior high. Now, by a twist of fate, I found myself in a magical sanctuary in another world, sharing my days with three remarkable women willing to be by my side. Together, we were preparing to lead an expedition to find the missing Naomi Kimochi, the mother of the once-estranged Kimochi sisters. I'd only meant to warn her, but she was accidentally pulled into the isekai circle meant for me and swept away to Voluptaria.

Sometimes the sheer improbability of it all hit me so strongly I half expected to wake and find it was only a dream: the magic, the adventure, the bonds forming between us. But the new weight of responsibility I carried, the need to protect those around me and make things right, was all too real, grounding me in this world far more than disbelief ever could. If this were a game, I'd have maxed out several unlikely achievement tracks by now.

As if responding to my reflective mood, I felt a sudden pulse through my shadow-bond with Rurielle, sharper than the occasional tugs I'd grown accustomed to, carrying an emotional impression that felt distinctly like concern. For a brief moment, my vision blurred, replaced by a flash of what seemed to be Rurielle examining something dark and pulsing with malevolent energy. The vision faded as quickly as it had come, leaving behind an unsettled feeling that contrasted sharply with the day's joy.

"Andie?" Miyako's voice pulled me back to the present. "You went somewhere else for a moment."

"Rurielle," I explained, knowing she would understand. "The shadow-bond. She seems... worried about something."

Ruri's ears perked up immediately. "What did you see?"

I described the brief vision, watching as my three fiancées exchanged looks of varying concern.

"Could be related to her mission on the shadow-flame research," Noel suggested, her diplomatic tone not quite hiding her unease. "She's been investigating those phenomena for some time."

The possibility hung in the air between us, a subtle reminder that our beach day had been merely a pause in a much longer, more complex journey, one whose dangers and challenges remained largely unknown.

"Whatever it is," I said finally, "we'll face it together when the time comes. For now, we should rest while we can."

They nodded in agreement, and we completed our preparations for bed in comfortable silence. As we settled in for the night, Miyako to my right, Ruri to my left, and Noel beyond her, I found myself taking inventory of everything we'd accomplished and everything that still lay ahead.

Our vehicles were ready, tested and proven reliable. Our group had developed into a cohesive unit, capable of adapting to challenges and supporting each other through difficulties. Our portal technology provided a crucial connection to our sanctuary base, ensuring we could retreat if necessary. And our individual abilities continued to grow, strengthened by practice and the unique magical environment of Voluptaria.

Yet the shadow-pulse from Rurielle served as a timely reminder that not all was certain. The murky future contrasted sharply with the perfect clarity of the day we'd just experienced, like Selune's bright light against the dark sea.

As sleep began to claim me, one final thought crystalised in my mind: whatever came next, the bonds we'd formed, from my three fiancées beside me to every member of our expedition, were our greatest strength. No challenge, no darkness, no uncertainty could stand against the unity we'd built.

With that thought, I surrendered to sleep, ready to meet whatever dawn might bring.