Warhammer 40K in a box

Chapter 655 The Cultivating Group

For the next few standard days, the island of Tranquility seemed to be enveloped in a soft filter of time, with a tranquility and comfort in the air that was completely different from the war-torn Milky Way.

Chen Xi changed into a set of light linen clothes and spent his days leaning against a lounge chair facing the endless blue sea.

On the small table beside him, a local specialty iced drink, still covered in condensation, slowly melted, while an ancient paper book from a distant world lay open on his lap, its ink still fragrant.

He tried to step into the warm seawater. At first, his movements were still cautious, as he had learned on the battlefield. But he was soon soothed by the gentle, all-encompassing blue and immersed in the rare sense of weightlessness and freedom amidst the ebb and flow.

Aurejana chose a shady corner where the palm trees swayed in the breeze.

She did not completely shut down the analysis module, but instead focused her perception on the rhythmic surging of the waves, the billions of light spots reflected by the sunlight dancing on the water's surface, and the complex spectrum of scents carried by the wind—salt, floral fragrance, humus, and the faint fishy smell of distant seaweed.

When Chen Xi spoke with her, her optical glasses, which usually only flickered with data streams, would shift slightly, revealing a thoughtful expression that was almost human.

Her robotic cat is having a cautious “communication” with a bold sand crab, emitting a soft, confused buzz.

Her perfectly proportioned sandcastle, built with precision tools, appeared too orderly next to MaiMai's wild and unrestrained "fortress," and unexpectedly lost in the joking competition.

MaiMai, on the other hand, is like a thunderous beast released back into nature, full of boundless energy.

He either rides his surfboard through the emerald waves, shouting as he goes, or he organizes a noisy beach volleyball match.

At sunset, he and Guterres would always occupy the barbecue area, discussing the grilling temperature, spice ratios, and timing of sauce application with the seriousness of discussing precision weapons, letting the enticing aroma waft with the sea breeze, making mouths water.

Dusk prefers the tranquility of solitude.

She spent long periods wearing a snorkeling mask, immersing herself in the bizarre underwater coral jungle, silently swimming alongside schools of colorful alien fish.

Or perhaps you can lazily sink into a hammock, swiping your fingertips across the data tablet's pages, enjoying undisturbed reading time.

However, whenever Hai Tu's portable holographic projection equipment was unveiled, she was always the first to quietly approach, her eyes gleaming with the focused light unique to a tech priest, quickly taking over the setup and transforming a beach into a stunning open-air cinema.

Guterres is perhaps the person, besides Chen Xi, who has best interpreted the word "vacation".

His bronze skin was soon covered with the marks of the sun, and the surfboard became his new ride.

As night falls and the smoke rises from the chimneys, he becomes Mai Mai's indispensable assistant and taste judge, controlling the atmosphere with his hearty laughter and precise seasoning suggestions.

When everyone sits around, he usually starts by telling fascinating interstellar tales or legion anecdotes of unknown origin.

Sea Hare always participated in every activity with his unique, calm and gentle demeanor, but never overshadowed the main event.

His sophisticated projection equipment became the focal point of every night.

As dusk settled in, the enormous image floated above the sound of the waves. People savored the aroma of grilled fish and the sweetness of tropical fruits, immersing themselves in the fantastical story, while the cool sea breeze swept away the last trace of the day's heat.

In this tranquil corner on the border of the empire, the heavy shackles of war and mission seem to have been temporarily melted away by the gentle waves of this azure paradise.

Titus and his Deathwatch squad faithfully fulfilled their guard duties.

They are like silent giant sculptures, scattered across strategic points throughout the island.

They were always wearing power armor, and their weapons were always within easy reach.

The scanner hummed continuously, monitoring the sea, sky, and the area around the island for any unusual activity.

Chen Xi did not invite them to join in the leisure activities from the outset. He respected their duties and the serious nature of Astartes.

It wasn't until the third day of the holiday, when everything was calm and the atmosphere was relaxed enough, that he took a few skewers of grilled fish and a special non-alcoholic high-energy drink and headed towards the high outpost of Titus during an evening barbecue.

"How's the duty going, Titans brothers?" Chen Xi handed over a drink.

Titus turned around, his helmet visor flashing slightly.

“Everything is normal, Your Honor. No threat has been detected.” He took the beverage with meticulous precision. “Thank you for the offer, but we prefer the standard nutritional paste.”

“Relax, Titus,” Chen Xi said with a smile, taking a bite of grilled fish. “This isn’t a battlefield, at least not now. Your vigilance is commendable, but don’t forget, you’re here to ‘rest.’ Proper relaxation helps maintain combat effectiveness for longer.” He pointed to Mai Mai, who was trying to teach the mechanical cat to dive, and Olegana, who was reading a book. “Look, even the sage is trying to ‘shut down and restart.’”

Titus paused for a moment, then turned his helmet toward the peaceful scene, lost in thought.

Extreme warriors are not ignorant of rest, but they usually see it as a necessary procedure to maintain efficiency rather than pure enjoyment.

“Understood, Your Honor. We will take turns resting as needed,” he finally replied, his tone serious but slightly gentler.

“Very good.” Chen Xi nodded. “For example, how about trying fishing? I’ve heard there’s a kind of ‘starfish’ in this area, which tastes delicious and has an interesting struggle when it’s hooked. Interested in a contest? Let me see if the second company commander of the Extreme Warriors has any other talents besides the chainsaw sword?”

Titus was stunned.

Fishing? This purely recreational and culinary activity was completely out of place in his military life.

He instinctively wanted to refuse, but Chen Xi's tone carried a sense of challenge between friends, and it was indeed part of the "rest" process.

“…As you wish, Your Honor.” Titus replied, his tone containing a very subtle hint of helplessness.

The following day, a strange sight appeared on the beach: Chen Xi and Titus sat side by side on folding stools, holding fishing rods.

Chen Xi's movements were skillful, and he often made a success.

Titus, the super soldier who can tear demons apart with his bare hands, is incredibly clumsy when it comes to delicate fishing hooks and lines.

He either snapped the fishing line with too much force, or flung the hooked fish almost into the sky, and nearly caught the curious mechanical cat watching from a distance, which drew a suppressed chuckle from Orpha, who was then warned by Darius with an elbow.

Titus's bronze face remained stern, but his slightly pursed lips and the occasional flash of confusion in his eyes betrayed his inner turmoil.

This slightly comical scene, however, added a rare and relaxed touch of everyday life to the tranquil holiday.

The setting sun once again bathed the sea in a golden-red hue.

When everyone reunited, there were several fish of different sizes that Tatus had "hard-won" (most of which were "sponsored" by Chen Xi) on the table.

The atmosphere was harmonious, and laughter filled the air.

The shadow of war seemed to be temporarily dispelled by the sea breeze, and at this moment, on this blue planet, they found a precious and genuine peace and joy.

Titus stared at the fish he had caught, skillfully grilled by Guterres, on the plate, and silently picked up his cutlery.

Perhaps this kind of "rest" does have its unique value.

(End of this chapter)