Natasha was strong—Alex knew that much—but this was the first ti he had seen her fight without holding back. And he had to admit, he was thoroughly impressed.
She tore through Jagaan as if he were nothing, moving across the battlefield like she had morized his every move before the fight even began.
Despite her calm and effortless deanor, Alex knew better. The Vampire Princess was reading every one of Jagaan's movents. The way she had stepped in to stop him from harming Jullie proved how alert she was throughout the fight.
Now, they all stood in the middle of the arena—everyone except Jagaan, who had been carried off to the infirmary.
Elder Lucan stood beside Alex as they faced the last two top-ranked warriors of the Beast Realm.
Sothing had changed in them. Their usual laid-back attitude had faded, replaced by a sharper edge. After watching the battle, they understood sothing crucial: even Rebecca and Jullie, fighting together, had given Jagaan a hard ti. A warrior didn't have to fight alone to prove their strength—sotis, teamwork led to even greater victories.
"I won't try to convince you," Alex said, his voice firm. "But if you're not ready to fight as a team, then you're out of this selection. A fighter who can work with others will always be more valuable than one who puts on a flashy solo performance."
So might have thought Alex was acting like the team captain, even though he wasn't the strongest or the most influential. But no one objected. The people backing him weren't the type to be ignored, and everyone seed to understand that things were naturally falling into place.
Barrock crossed his arms and said, "It's not about whether I want to be part of a team or not… I just haven't fought while relying on others before."
Barrock has always fought alone ever since he finished his training under his first and only master. So, rather than showing arrogance here, it was more of a skill issue on his part.
Shuri nodded in agreent, her expression showing she had the sa concern.
Natasha stepped forward, her tone calm yet firm. "You don't have to worry about that. We have ti, and we have the right people to shape you into a team fighter."
"You heard the lady," Alex added with a smirk. "So, if you're willing to go through training, should I assu you're fine with playing the 'coward' and leaning on others?" His grin carried just enough edge to provoke a reaction.
Barrock narrowed his eyes before letting out a dismissive huff. "As long as I get paid."
Shuri, however, had a different demand. "I don't mind either… but I want her to be my teacher." She pointed directly at Natasha.
Her choice was clear—if she was going to learn from anyone, it had to be the strongest. And in her eyes, Natasha had already claid that title.
Alex raised an eyebrow at the silver-haired vampire before leaving the decision to her.
Natasha remained indifferent as she answered, "I won't be teaching regularly, but once in a while—"
"Works for !" Shuri interrupted, her fox tail swishing with excitent.
Alex chuckled and leaned in slightly. "Looks like you've got another fan," he murmured.
Natasha shot him a side glance before turning away, making her way toward Sarah, who was holding Alice.
At so point, the little girl had woken up, eaten a few cookies that Celestria had brought along, and promptly fallen asleep again. She must have been exhausted.
Lucan stepped forward, addressing Barrock and Shuri. "You two should go and prepare. Training will begin in the evening."
Both warriors gave a salute before heading toward the mansion.
Lucan then turned to Alex with a knowing smile. "There's going to be a ceremony this evening, and a few people will be coming to et you. I hope you'll stay until then."
The words sent a wave of relief through Alex. He had been dreading the possibility of staying here for days.
Barely able to contain his excitent, he replied, "I'll leave tomorrow morning. Don't worry."
Lucan gave a satisfied nod before walking off toward the mansion.
The mont he was out of sight, Alex turned to his group, his excitent barely hidden.
Before he could say anything, Celestria leaped onto him. "Yeaaaaa!" she cheered, beaming.
They had all assud their visit to the Beast Realm would last several days, aning the plans Alex had promised them would have to wait. But now, with the recruitnt settled, they were free to leave by morning.
Alice blinked her big eyes at the four, roused from her sleep by Celestria's excitent.
"At least now we don't have to rush things," Sarah said, letting out a relieved sigh.
Rebecca crossed her arms. "Still, it's surprising. Did soone tell the Elder that we wanted to leave early?"
"Who cares?" Celestria grinned. "All I know is that we're going to have fun!"
At the ntion of "fun," Alice's eyes sparkled. She didn't look at anything else—just them, their smiles, their energy.
Noticing the little girl's gaze, so full of eagerness, Natasha felt a strange tightness in her chest.
The girl must have been devoid of familial warmth considering what she went through. And right now, that warmth can only be delivered by Alex and the others.
Taking a step forward, she asked, "Alex… would it be too much to ask for us to co along too?" Her tone was hesitant and the girl seed unusually nervous.
Alex turned to her, a bit surprised.
Before he could respond, Natasha continued, "It looks like Alice wants to go."
"Oh, we'll take her!" Celestria chid in without hesitation. Then, with a teasing smile, she added, "No need to push yourself into this boring vacation. We'll take care of Alice."
She reached forward and gently took Alice from Natasha's arms, making it clear that Natasha didn't have to co.
Natasha stared at her empty arms, the warmth of Alice's small fra now gone. The weight of reality settled in as Alex's words echoed in her mind.
…True. There was no real reason for her to go. Alice trusted Alex and Sarah.
And besides… Alice would probably feel more at ease without her. A cold, distant woman like her had no place in their warmth. It was better if she just—
"Do you want to co?" Alex's voice cut through her thoughts, quiet yet steady.
She lifted her gaze to et his, that familiar, patient smile waiting for her answer. Before that expression, before those eyes that saw straight through her, she couldn't lie.
"...Yes," she admitted, barely above a whisper.
Alex's smile deepened. "Then it's settled. Tomorrow, we all leave together."
Natasha blinked. "W-Wait… shouldn't you ask your partners first?" He made the decision so nonchalantly, but what if his lover doesn't want to have an extra person along?
Alex simply raised an eyebrow, then turned to the others without hesitation. "Do you all mind?"
Sarah gave an easy shrug. "As long as I get to spend ti with you, it doesn't matter who else is there."
Rebecca nodded in agreent, her tone light. "As long as I can have you to myself for a whole day, I'm happy."
Celestria, however, folded her arms across her chest, a teasing smirk playing on her lips. "I'll allow it on one condition—you have to actually join in on the fun, like the rest of us. No standing off to the side, all stiff and awkward. You need to loosen up, Nat."
Natasha narrowed her eyes. "What's with that na?"
"Your full na's too much work. So Nat, from now on," Celestria declared without room for argunt.
Alex chuckled before turning to the last person in the group. "Professor? What about you?"
Jullie was slightly embarrassed as she said, "I myself am a third wheel here so having Natasha would help feel a little less guilty."
Jullie really didn't fit in this group since they were going to have so quality ti together after a long ti. And she was nothing but their ex-professor.
However, she didn't resist when he asked her to co since, truthfully, she also wanted to breathe in so fresh air and get so sunlight. She has been in the Blood Domain for over one month now, and she really wanted to cool down a little.
Natasha realized that she might be overthinking here since none of Alex's lovers seed against her joining.
In the end, she nodded, "T-Then, I will co."
"It's settled then. Let's return to the mansion and get ready for the celebration. Tomorrow morning, we will leave for the human domain together." Alex told them with a soft smile and soon they returned to the mansion.
Their vacation starts tomorrow!
°°°°°°°°°°
A/N:- I have another story prepared, but I am not sure when I will upload it. Maybe I will finish this within fifty or so chapters and do a mass release.
Well, drop a comnt.
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