Chapter 248: Under Artificial Stars

“Did we keep you waiting for long?” Ava was the first one to speak. She spun gracefully, causing the flowy design of her swimsuit to trail in the wind.

Her cybernetic arms were gone, or more precisely, replaced by silicone counterparts that looked indistinguishable from real arms but still carried the advantages of a weapon of war.

The girls couldn’t wait to see the boys’ reaction. They watched with anticipation, only to burst into giggles when they saw the boys too stunned to say anything.

Undoubtedly, their bewildered expressions told them all they needed to hear.

Each one was dressed in stunning attire, but Victoria’s undoubtedly commanded the most attention. The black triangle bikini, coupled with her enchanted looks of a Grandmaster, put every supermodel to exist to shame.

After a brief second the boys recovered and officially entered the water park. With their enhanced looks thanks to their high realms, all of them gathered the attention of the passersby, causing whispers to spread.

“So many beautiful people… Are they filming a romantic drama?”

“I don’t know, but isn’t the tall one a hottie?”

“Hey, am I hallucinating, or does one of them seem to have cat ears and a tail?”

“Wait, if they have an altered person with them, it must mean they are soldiers! Quick, look the other way!”

Effortlessly picking up the conversations happening all around, Michael turned to Ruby.

“If you feel overwhelmed, feel free to tell me, okay?”

In response, her tail swung freely in the wild. “You don’t have to worry about me! I don’t plan to hide myself any longer!”

By the determined glint in Ruby’s gaze, it was clear she had made up her mind.

“If you say so…” Michael chuckled, patting her on the head.

The water park was much bigger than anticipated. Slides in all shapes and sizes were scattered throughout. Some twisted in snake-like patterns, while others towered high above, drawing the attention of adrenaline junkies.

Even though the crew had survived many near-death experiences, the slides turned out to be fun, though a bit underwhelming.

Deciding to take it easy, the crew gathered around the largest pool. Coincidentally, they found Robert, Livia, Skylar, and Luis already there.

When the idea of playing pool volleyball was suggested, everyone eagerly joined in. To keep things fair, Michael and Robert were kept on separate teams, as they were the strongest players physically.

Everyone relaxed as the hours slipped by, enjoying the activities they had chosen for themselves.

Once Ruby grasped the rules of the pool volleyball game, she began to dominate her opponents by using her cat-like flexibility.

Claire stretched her body on a lounge chair, ice cream in hand, enjoying a peaceful sunbath as gentle rays caressed her skin.

Leo and Luis had decided to play a game of poker, the loser having to treat the winner to a drink.

Enzo, who was busy enjoying a glass he had brought from a nearby drink stand, threw discreet glances toward Amelia from time to time.

“Did you really think I wouldn’t notice you staring?” She teased.

Enzo blushed, looking the other way. “Sorry about that…”

Unexpectedly, Amelia rose and settled into the lounge chair that Enzo had already claimed.

“I didn’t tell you to look the other way…”

She couldn’t help but laugh seeing Enzo’s eyes grow wide.

“You know, I seem to be having a problem with applying sunscreen to my back…” She tilted her head to the side, her hair trailing behind her ear.

“Do you think you can help me?”

Wordlessly, Enzo nodded.

At the same time, after finishing another game of volleyball, Richard got an idea as he glanced at Ava.

“Hey, I’ve got a question for you.”

She raised an eyebrow in suspicion. “What is it?”

“I was wondering.” He asked. “Is there any point to wearing gloves if I don’t have hands? Similarly, is there any meaning in wearing socks if I don’t have feet?”

Ava scoffed. “Of course there isn’t! What kind of question is that?”

“Exactly, there’s no point, right?” Richard exclaimed, pointing at her. “So here’s the thing… Why are you wearing a swimsuit top?”

“…”

Ava’s brow twitched in irritation.

“I will end you.”

Eventually, as more hours passed, the time for the main event came.

Magmorious was the capital of Venus, a planet where days lasted longer than its years, meaning true night would not fall for a long while. However, with the settlement’s protective shield repaired, it was time to take advantage of one of its numerous features.

Gradually the protective veil materialized in plain view, reducing its transparency, mimicking nightfall.

As the surroundings grew darker, a voice drifted across the whole capital.

“Citizens of Magmorious. The incident with the rogue AI resulted in many lives lost, but it also demonstrated something undeniable: the unyielding strength of the human spirit! In just a few minutes, we will hold a grand fireworks display to honor the brave soldiers who gave their lives in battle! Glory to Mankind!”

Michael, who had finally gotten out of the pool, his hair dripping wet, heaved a sigh.

’Could this really be declared a victory, with such devastating losses?’ He thought grimly.

As he prepared to join the others, a soft voice drifted into his ears, causing him to stop in his tracks.

“Michael…”

Turning to the source. His gaze settled on Victoria.

With the surroundings turning dark, she stood beneath warm light, which illuminated her stunning features.

Her blonde silky hair, which was drenched just like his, cascaded down her exposed shoulders. A bashful expression was visible on her peerless face, while two trembling hands were clasped behind her back, betraying her nervousness.

The hesitation that seemed to hold her back did not last for long. After taking a deep breath, causing her chest to flare outwards, she stared into his eyes, though a hint of red still lingered on her cheeks.

Her long legs slowly carried her toward him. The faint sound of her footsteps echoed with each step of her bare feet. Stopping only when less than an arm’s distance separated them.

“I…” Her lips shook slightly. Though her head stubbornly remained tilted upwards as she met his silent gaze.

“Just as promised, I have come… To confess a few things…”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep