HBWnovel Chapter 1868: Chapter 1657: Barbecue
Chapter 1868: Chapter 1657: Barbecue
Chapter 1868: Chapter 1657: Barbecue
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of gold and violet, Alex and the group gathered in the fortress courtyard for a well-earned evening of relaxation. The sparring matches had pushed everyone to their limits, and now it was time to unwind with laughter, good food, and warm camaraderie.
A large barbecue pit had been set up, the scent of sizzling meat wafting through the air and mingling with the crisp evening breeze. Torches lined the courtyard, their soft flames flickering against the backdrop of the star-studded sky. Nearby, a long table was adorned with bowls of fresh vegetables, sauces, and bread, while jugs of juice, wine, and sparkling water glimmered in the torchlight.
Gracier was the first to take charge, her fiery personality matched by her natural affinity for the grill. "Leave it to me, big brother!" she declared confidently, tying an apron around her waist. She conjured small flames in her palms, using them to ignite the coals beneath the grate. The fire danced to her command, burning evenly and brightly.
Alex chuckled. "All right, but no turning the meat into charcoal."
She stuck her tongue out playfully. "Trust me. You'll love it!"
Saeko joined Gracier at the grill, expertly slicing vegetables and marinating the meat. Her precise movements made every preparation seem effortless. "We'll handle this part," she said with a reassuring smile.
Meanwhile, Sakuya and Luna set up the table, arranging plates and utensils with care. Sakuya added her personal touch, folding napkins into elegant shapes and sprinkling flower petals along the center of the table. "Aesthetics are just as important as flavor," she said with a wink.
Luna nodded, her golden hair catching the firelight. "Everything needs to feel special tonight. We've all worked hard today."
As the grill began to sizzle, the atmosphere turned lively. Gracier flipped the first batch of skewers, her flames carefully adjusting to sear the meat to perfection. But a sudden flare-up caught her off guard, and a puff of smoke rose into the air.
"Gracier!" Saeko teased, fanning the smoke away with her hand. "You're not roasting a dragon."
Gracier laughed sheepishly. "I might've gotten a little too excited."@@@@
Alex stepped in to help, his own fire magic steady and controlled. Together, they turned the skewers, ensuring everything cooked evenly. "It's about finesse," he said, demonstrating. "Show-off," Gracier muttered, though her smile betrayed her affection.
Saeko, seated nearby, sipped from her cup and smiled. "These are the moments that make all the hard work worth it."
Before the night ended, Sakuya stood up, her expression serious yet warm. "Let's make a promise," she said, looking around at everyone. "No matter what challenges come our way, we'll always face them together."
One by one, the group nodded, their expressions resolute.
Alex raised his glass. "Together."
"Together," the others echoed, their voices filled with unwavering determination.
As the torches burned low and the stars shone brighter, the group lingered in the courtyard, sharing stories, jokes, and dreams of the future. For Alex, this moment was a reminder of why he fought so hard—not just for himself, but for the people around him.
They were his family, his strength, and his greatest treasure.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the fortress windows, casting golden hues over the stone walls. For once, there were no grueling training sessions or intense sparring matches on the agenda. It was a day off-a rare opportunity for the group to relax and
recharge.
As everyone gathered in the courtyard after breakfast, Gracier's eyes lit up with excitement. "Pool day!" she exclaimed, bouncing on her toes.
"About time we took a break," Sakuya said with a grin, tying her hair into a loose braid.
"I've been looking forward to this."
Alex chuckled at the enthusiasm surrounding him. "All right, let's make the most of it." The fortress pool was an oasis nestled within the outer gardens, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers. Crystal-clear water shimmered under the sun, reflecting the azure sky above. Lounge chairs lined the edges, shaded by tall umbrellas, and a small refreshment station offered cool drinks and light snacks.