Even after the beach volleyball match ended, we continued to enjoy the ocean to the fullest. We went through all the classics, from splitting watermelons to switching up groups for various games.
It felt as though we had spent every ounce of energy we had. By the time the sea was dyed in the colors of dusk, my body was filled with an indescribable, comfortable sense of fatigue.
Laguna-san had certainly been right to insist on this spot; the sunset at this beach was breathtaking. The sun dipped toward the horizon so clearly that its beauty made me regret not having a camera on hand.
"We certainly played a lot today."
"...Yes... it was... very fun."
Isis-san nodded with a smile at my mutterings, and I could see the others wore similarly bright expressions. It was a peaceful atmosphere—tranquil, yet tinged with that faint touch of loneliness that always comes when a wonderful time draws to a close.
"It’s just about time to pack it in, isn't it~?"
"Closing with the sunset is quite nice in its own right. Though, if it were night, I’d want to see at least one firework go up..."
Alice replied to Fate-san’s leisurely remark in a light tone. Hearing that, Shiro-san rested a hand on her chin and murmured thoughtfully.
"...Hmm, fireworks? I see. That might indeed be a fitting conclusion."
"Hmm? Shiro, are you going to set some off? Well, that sounds like a good idea. It’s still a bit bright out, but since there’s nothing blocking the view, I’m sure they’ll look lovely."
"Then, immediately..."
Having received Kuro’s agreement, Shiro-san gave a slight wave of her hand toward the ocean. Suddenly, a line of what looked like cannons—or rather, firework launch tubes—appeared on the surface of the water. There were a staggering number of them.
"Fireworks... I haven't seen them much myself, but this is quite a spectacular sight."
"...No, wait, this is..."
"...Y-Yes... isn't this... a bit too many?"
Anima raised her voice in admiration at the sight of the massive tubes lined up across the waves, but Sieg-san and Lilia-san both looked bewildered. I knew exactly how they felt; I was likely wearing the same expression myself.
Cruelly, however, reality didn't wait for us to process the situation. I saw the fuses extending from the tubes ignite all at once.
"...Shallow Vernal-sama, exactly how many rounds are there?"
"Five thousand, based on the fireworks festivals in Kaito-san's world."
"Heh, that's quite a scale. But every single fuse I can see is lit... You don't mean they're all going up at the same time, do you?"
"Hmm? Is simultaneous not allowed?"
"..."
Alice, having confirmed the very thing everyone was worried about, let out an exasperated sigh. In an instant, she moved in front of me, taking a position to shield me.
At the same time, I caught a glimpse of a split body of Alice appearing in front of Sieg-san. Immediately after, the sky was enveloped in a blinding light, accompanied by a roar that made the very air tremble.
It was a sight that could only be described as a massive explosion. The fact that I didn't feel the shockwave or the thunderous noise, and that the light didn't feel blinding despite its intensity, was surely thanks to Alice protecting me. She really was a thoughtful, quick-acting, and reliable friend.
"Good grief... she’s been acting perfectly normal all day, so why did she have to pull a clueless stunt like this at the very end? Well, in a sense, this lack of common sense is exactly what makes Shiro who she is, but... it’s not exactly the most graceful finale."
"Mumu... I hear someone in a characterless state talking—someone who, thanks to Alice's interference, hasn't been able to bring out her identity as the Baby Castella even once today."
"...Hah?"
"Now, now, you two, calm down."
I recovered from the shock just in time to see Shiro-san and Kuro on the verge of a spat, so I stepped in to mediate.
Ever since that incident in the God Realm, the two of them had become closer than ever, able to speak their minds to each other without reservation. However, it seemed that the frequency of their bickering had increased in direct proportion to their closeness.
They had already gone at it once today over the swimsuits, so I had to make sure to stop the second round before it started. Fortunately, unlike Eden-san, they both listened to reason when I intervened.
"...That was an incredible sound... I wonder if the Hydra Kingdom Army or the Gods were startled?"
"Hmm. I doubt anyone would be rude enough to barge in while Shallow Vernal-sama is here, but I’m sure they’re curious. I’ll send word to the God of Space-Time and the God of Life myself."
Given that the people present were far from ordinary, no one seemed particularly rattled by the massive explosion. If anything, they were already moving on to handling the aftermath with composure.
"Alice-sama, thank you for your help."
"No problem. I wasn't sure if it was strictly necessary, but better safe than sorry, right?"
"...Um, I didn't get any protection, though..."
"You aren't categorized as someone I need to protect. As far as I'm concerned, you and Anima-san are handled on the same level as Count-class high-ranking demons. To put it bluntly... you can take care of yourselves, can't you?"
"Ah... right."
I looked over to see Sieg-san, Alice, Lilia-san, and Anima gathered together. Their conversation drifted over to me.
"It simply means Alice-sama acknowledges your strength, Lilia. I'm actually a little envious."
"Well, that's certainly one way to look at it... But still... I am, uh, well... a 'fragile maiden' myself, after all..."
"..."
Wait, was it just my imagination? I could have sworn the beach, which should have been warm, suddenly felt quite chilly.
"...Listen closely, Anima-san. When a person who isn't normally a jokester gets swept up in the mood and thinks, 'Maybe I'll try saying something funny for once,' they cause major accidents like this. You're also a serious-leaning character, but you should make sure you're capable of a bit of humor so you don't end up with a major injury like this when it counts."
"...Yes. I will take that to heart. I feel as though I have witnessed something truly terrifying."
"...Lilia."
"...Please, Sieg. Don't say another word."
It seemed that while I was feeling that sudden chill, Lilia-san had suffered a critical mental injury. She was going to need some serious follow-up.
As Kuro had said, it wasn't the most graceful end to the day, but in a way, it was perfect for this group.
With a wry smile, I walked over to Lilia-san—who was now beet-red and looking like she was about to cry—and spoke to her as gently as I could.
Machina: "...We really saw something scary there, didn't we? I'm sure Lilia just got caught up in the excitement, but... she flopped hard. I'm also something of a 'serious-leaning character,' so I have to be careful not to cause an accident like that myself."
Serious-senpai: "...Eh?"
Machina: "...Eh?"