"Too brutal, isn't it?"

Behind the castle, Johannes, looking bewildered, put down the telescope and picked up the water bag next to him to take a gulp to calm himself down. Even from such a distance, it was clear to see how ferociously those few people on the beach were playing volleyball. Creating five-meter high splashes with each hit was just basic, and entwining various Chi and Magic around the ball was a common occurrence. Johannes even began to suspect if the volleyball itself was some ancient relic or creation of an alchemist, otherwise how could it endure such elaborateness.

"I regret this. If our combat capability is exposed, won't we be doomed? Let's run, let's run."

Johannes put away the telescope, prepared to flee, but was stopped by Sullivan grabbing his collar.

"The task that His Majesty entrusted to us, do you think you can just walk away from it?"

"I was just expressing my thoughts." Johannes shrugged.

"Instead of worrying about whether your plan will succeed, I think it's more important to focus on what's in front of us," Vera, who had been silent for a while, suddenly spoke up.

Sullivan was taken aback for a moment, and like Vera, Johannes, who had set up some reconnaissance spells on this hill, also noticed the issue a bit late. Without time for joking around, Johannes immediately broke free from Sullivan's grip and squatted down on the ground, using his fingertips to illuminate the holy light and draw a simple spell on the ground.

"With two opponents, if they don't notice my spell, their magical abilities won't exceed mine. Judging from their footsteps and posture, the likelihood of them being skilled warriors in martial arts is higher."

"Are they very strong?"

"They might not be inferior to Sir Knight." Vera added in a timely manner.

Sullivan furrowed his brows. Although they hadn't been discovered yet and could still retreat, the time was approaching when it would be suitable to cast illusions. If they missed this timing due to a disrupted rhythm, it would be troublesome.

In a direct confrontation, despite having the advantages of initiative and intelligence, facing two opponents whose strength was not inferior to his own, Sullivan wasn't confident in winning without utilizing illusions - after all, there was also Vera, an unstable factor by his side.

Just as he was in a dilemma, Vera suddenly tightened the scarf around her neck and disappeared from Sullivan's view.

"Well, I'll just go ahead and help you all solve some problems. You can continue with your original plan," the voice of the girl gradually faded from the direction down the mountain.

...

On the beach some time later.

"Huff... Huff... 134 to 134, quite impressive, Aya."

"Not bad yourself, Miss Tiran."

Visually, it seemed like the ground around had been plowed at least once, even with the waves continuously sweeping over and keeping some parts of the terrain intact, the surroundings were still a mess.

After going all out, the strengths on both sides were not much different, so much so that towards the end, both Mimi and Vivianne were starting to feel exhausted and had to leave the game. Aya and Tiran, after going back and forth dozens of rounds, still couldn't break the tie.

"I'm thinking, should we just stop for now?" After catching her breath, Aya glanced nervously at the beach beside her.

To have reached this point... if it weren’t for Mimi being one of the instigators, she would have been in trouble again.

"Yeah, let's... let's not continue," Tiran decisively agreed, letting out a sigh. This prolonged tug of war was truly torturous for both herself and the spectators. If not for the sake of dignity, the princess would have long forfeited.

It was really fortunate that the two of them managed to keep their attention focused and prevented the battle from affecting the barbecue grill, umbrellas, tables, chairs, and other facilities on the beach. Otherwise, the seaside barbecue party would likely have to be canceled.

Even with controlling their strength, quite a few spectators were affected - although most were just startled, it was a bit too thrilling for the maidens who were mostly ordinary people.

Probably the only one who truly got hurt was Little Angel.

Initially keeping her distance obediently, eating barbecue and playing with sand on the side, even enjoying herself while meticulously building a sand castle for over an hour, Little Angel was abruptly knocked over by a violent spike from an unknown source and her carefully crafted sand castle was ruined in an instant.

"Wuwu... my castle... (ﾍ;´Д｀ﾍ)"

In dismay, with her head hanging low, Little Angel was almost on the verge of shedding tears and throwing a tantrum.

No, she must eat more delicious food to comfort her wounded soul.

"...Little Fei, it looks like you won't be able to finish your barbecue either."

Aya, returning to the shore, approached Little Angel, sympathetically patting her shoulder and then delivered another blow unexpectedly.

"Huh?"

Turning around, the scattered sand grains had adhered to over a dozen skewers of lamb that were almost ready on the nearby grill. Due to this, the barbecue, along with the sandcastle, was now ruined, and the delightful aroma that was making Little Angel salivate nearly brought her to tears on the spot.

Just when Little Angel was about to burst into tears, pressing her lower lip tightly, Aya reached out and helped her up from the ground.

"Um, I'm sorry..." Aya apologized with a somewhat embarrassed expression, "But we are about to have cake. Come join us."

"Really? Yay! (ﾉ´▽｀)ﾉ♪"

One moment on the brink of tears and the next raising her hands in joy, the speed at which Little Angel changed her expression almost made Aya think she had just been acting.

...

Shuma lifted his right hand to shield his eyes from the sunrays filtering through the layers of leaves above and then glanced at the figure of the mercenary leader in front of him.

Hmm, having followed him for so long on a loose march, at least seeing those muscular and powerful lines on his back would help Shuma maintain his composure.

Although, in the current context, facing the mercenary leader alone, it was enough to allow Shuma to engage in normal conversation.

"I say, are you planning to keep holding my hand like this? Such rough actions won't be welcome by a lady."

Shuma slightly shook his left hand. Starting from the small path on the beach, Beinrich had been gripping his hand all along and hadn't let go till now.

After the initial panic subsided, Shuma distinctly felt the calluses and rough skin in the palm of that large hand, from years of wielding a sword, along with the deep warmth. Same as the warmth he had felt in his chest when this guy unreasonably carried him to safety during their time at the magitech capital, it was a bit uncomfortable yet comforting.

"I'm sorry! I was afraid you'd... uh..."

The silence was suddenly broken as Beinrich also panicked a bit, quickly letting go of Shuma's hand and unconsciously trying to explain.

But upon second thought, explaining "I was afraid you'd back away" would seem like he had some ulterior motive, so he could only choke back the words and be speechless for a moment.

Seeing the mercenary fumbling nervously, Shuma couldn't help but smile, taking a step forward and whispering into his ear.

"However, I don't mind at all. After all, I'm not a lady."