I Die to Rise: Resurrection System-Chapter 80: Vacation: Sun, Sand, and Spikes!

Two days after the certification ceremony, Rook called an emergency meeting.

Kurt arrived at the lounge to find everyone already gathered. Emma slouched in a chair with one leg propped on another. Cassandra sat with perfect posture, hands folded in her lap.

Lizzie was painting her nails at the worst possible time, while Zaza stood beside her holding multiple bottles of nail polish in different colors, handing them over whenever Lizzie called for them, and Sam waved at Kurt from the corner.

The tension was palpable. Emergency meetings meant crisis. Dungeon breaks, rival guilds, Reaper sightings. Kurt braced himself for whatever fresh hell was about to—

"We’re taking a vacation," Rook announced.

Everyone was immediately stunned silent.

Emma blinked. "...What?"

"A mandatory vacation," Rook continued, arms crossed. "One week. I booked us a spot at a beach resort I heard about. And before anyone starts thinking about weaseling out, it’s non-negotiable."

Kurt moved to the pool table in the corner, setting up the balls in the triangle rack while he processed this unexpected development. Maybe Rook had a point. They’d been through hell—dungeons, guild wars, a fucking Reaper. A break might actually be... sensible.

Rook continued his reasoning. "The guild’s been through a lot. Dungeons, betrayals, near-death experiences, fighting something otherworldly. We need bonding time in a low-pressure environment." He paused. "Also, the Dungeon Authority recommended it. B-rank guilds are expected to maintain member mental health."

Kurt struck the cue ball cleanly. It connected with a sharp crack, and the balls scattered across the table in chaotic arcs before sinking into their pockets, all of them, in one perfect shot.

"Well," Kurt said, grinning as he chalked his cue. "If the D.A. insists, we don’t have much of a choice, do we?"

The room erupted into planning immediately.

Lizzie shot to her feet, kissing Zaza on the cheeks. "We’re definitely going shopping! We’ll need swimsuits, sunscreen, belts, lots and lots of belts?!"

Emma groaned. "It had to be a beach..."

Cassandra crossed one long leg over the other, the movement elegant and deliberate. "Shopping sounds like a wonderful idea."

Meanwhile, Kurt lined up another shot, rubbing chalk on the tip of his cue. "Do I have to wear sunscreen? Seems like a lot of effort."

His gaze drifted to Sam, who’d gone pale and was gripping the edge of her chair like it might float away. She looked genuinely panicked.

"You alright, love?" Kurt asked.

"I’ve never been to a beach," Sam whispered.

But before Kurt could respond, Zaza’s flat voice cut through the chatter. "Someone has to stay behind to guard Morra."

Kurt set down his cue and fixed her with a look. "No. You’re coming. Morra will be fine for a week."

Lizzie bounced over, grabbing Zaza’s arm. "Yeah! She’ll be totally fine! What’s she gonna do, escape? She’s in a magic cage!"

Zaza adjusted her glasses, considering. "I... suppose."

"Settled then," Rook said. "Pack light. We leave tomorrow morning."

***

The transport took them to a different city within the B-rank district, though calling it a city felt wrong. It was more like an island, lush and tropical, with white sand beaches stretching as far as Kurt could see.

The shuttle dropped them at the main dock, and a woman in a crisp uniform approached, carrying a tray of colorful cocktails. Her smile was professionally warm.

"Welcome to Bangrock Island," she said, offering drinks. "We’ve been expecting you, Raven’s Crow."

She led them through winding paths lined with palm trees and flowering plants, explaining the resort’s features with practiced enthusiasm. "We maintain perfect weather year-round through essence climate control. The dormant volcano at the island’s center provides natural geothermal heat for our spa facilities. You’ll find the mineral baths particularly rejuvenating."

Kurt noticed other guilds as they walked, groups lounging by pools, couples strolling beaches, hunters who looked wealthy enough to afford week-long stays at luxury resorts. Networking opportunities, probably. Or potential drama. With his luck, both.

They reached the main building, and the woman handed Rook a stack of key cards. "If you need anything during your stay, simply press the button in your room. You can’t miss it. Enjoy Bangrock Island."

Rook nodded as the woman gave a warm smile and walked away. Then he started distributing cards. "For team bonding purposes, everyone gets a roommate."

Kurt immediately sensed trouble.

Rook started handing out key cards to different members of the guild then got to Kurt. "Kurt, you’re with me," Rook said, handing him a card.

"Lovely," Kurt muttered.

Rook held up two more cards. "Emma and Cassandra, you’re roommates."

Kurt’s gaze shifted toward Rook. "You sure that’s a good idea, mate?"

Emma’s voice immediately came in flat. "No fucking way. I’d rather blow my brains out."

Cassandra’s smile was ice-cold. "I’d be more than happy to help you pull the trigger."

"Calm down!" Rook interjected. "Lizzie will be with you. She’ll act as a buffer."

Lizzie squeezed between them, snatching the key card from Emma’s hand. "That’s right! Your very own buffer! I’m excellent at buffering! I once buffered a bar fight."

She looked up like she was trying to remember a good memory. "Set the bar on fire, everyone stopped fighting."

Kurt forced a grin, already imagining the chaos. This was going to probably end in property damage.

"Sam and Zaza," Rook continued, handing out the last cards. "You’re paired up."

Sam looked relieved. Zaza looked... the same as always.

***

Kurt changed in the room he shared with Rook, pulling on swim trunks and a loose shirt he didn’t bother buttoning. When he stepped out onto the beach, the sight that greeted him almost made him swallow his cigarette.

Emma emerged from the resort in a purple bikini that left very little to the imagination. The fabric clung to her athletic frame, straining against her chest and showing off toned abs, strong legs, and curves that made his throat dry.

Her tattoos were on full display, the intricate design running down her arm, the spider on her thigh. She moved with confidence, like she didn’t give a damn who was looking.

Kurt tried not to stare, but he failed miserably.

Other resort guests were staring too, and something protective and irrational bubbled up in his chest.

Emma wasn’t the only one attracting attention. Rook emerged in simple black swim trunks, his massive frame drawing a few appreciative glances from women at the resort.

He seemed to not be interested, focused rather on scanning the beach for his team.

Cassandra appeared next, and Kurt couldn’t help but appreciate the view. She wore an ice-blue two-piece that contrasted beautifully with her pale skin.

The top was elegant but precarious, like any sudden movement might cause a wardrobe malfunction. Her long blue hair fell loose, cascading down her back like a waterfall, and she walked like she was royalty.

Cassandra drew stares immediately. Kurt noticed at least three men nearly walk into each other. Another man, completely distracted, slammed straight into Rook’s huge frame.

Rook didn’t even budge as the man bounced off, stammered an apology, and fled. Good thing Rook was in a good mood.

Lizzie bounced out wearing a neon green bikini with a skirt-like bottom that stretched over her wide hips. She had a bloody utility belt on, and her strawberry blonde hair was braided into one long plait.

She started talking to a random stranger within seconds while building a sand castle, and Kurt watched in amazement as men gravitated toward her like moths to flame.

Three men. Then six. Then twelve. Somehow, she had transformed them into her own personal labour force for her castle building. Each of them carrying buckets filled with water and sand.

Kurt shook his head with a grin on his face as his gaze searched for Sam. He found her hovering near the resort entrance, wearing a modest navy blue two-piece that hugged her curves, accentuating her chest and hips.

She looked nervous, arms wrapped around herself like she was trying to hide. She fidgeted, trying to catch Kurt’s eye, and he noticed. God, did he notice.

Kurt walked over. "You look lovely."

Sam’s head snapped up, cheeks flushing immediately. "I—really?"

"Really," Kurt said, offering his hand. "Come on. Beach won’t bite."

She took his hand, then looped her arm through his, pressing close. He felt her chest against his arm as they walked, and also noticed her eyes kept darting to the water like it might attack.

"Never been to a beach, you said?" Kurt asked.

"Never had a reason to," Sam admitted. "Never had anyone to go with."

"Well, now you do."

Her smile was genuine this time, and she squeezed his arm tighter.

Kurt spotted Zaza heading toward an umbrella. He knew she was hot, but seeing her in a swimsuit really took him by surprise.

She wore a black overall bikini, one of those sporty ones that hugged every curve, and somehow made it look like it was painted on.

She settled under an umbrella with a book, and Kurt watched a brave... or foolish man approach her.

"Hey," the guy said, grinning. "What’re you reading?"

Zaza adjusted her glasses, looked up, and showed him the cover. "It’s about the optimal methods for soul binding. This Chapter discusses how the dead retain consciousness during the reanimation process, fascinating because it implies—"

The man’s face went pale. Sweat beaded on his forehead. "I, uh... I just remembered I need to... anywhere else."

He fled.

"That was odd." Zaza said with finger pressed against her lips then returned to her book.

Kurt grinned at the exchange while he and Sam kept walking towards Rook’s location when a voice called out from behind them.

"If it isn’t Raven’s Crow!"

Kurt turned to find a man approaching, mid-twenties, smooth brown hair, red swim trunks, and an expression that screamed "I peaked in high school." Two other men flanked him, both wearing matching smirks.

Rook stepped forward. "Can I help you?"

The man grinned. "Drink Water. The name’s Drink Water. Guild leader of Tsunami Current." He gestured at his companions. "Heard you lot just got certified as a B-rank guild."

Kurt raised an eyebrow. "Your name is Drink Water?"

Drink Water’s smile faltered. "It’s a title. Earned through—"

"Drinking water?" Kurt interrupted. "Impressive. And you lead a guild called Tsunami Current?"

Emma, who was close by, snorted. Cassandra’s lips twitched as she drifted over. One by one, the rest of Raven’s Crow gathered around Rook, forming a loose semi-circle facing Drink Water’s crew.

Drink Water’s face reddened. "We’ve got ourselves a funny guy."

"And we’ve got ourselves a man who loves drinking water," Kurt said, lighting a cigarette. "But that’s beside the point. What do you want?"

"A challenge," Drink Water said, crossing his arms. "Volleyball. Your guild versus mine. Loser buys drinks."

Kurt glanced at Emma, who looked uninterested. "They’re serving Tchaigolian Ecstasy at the bar."

Emma turned to face him. "The ’knock out a Wyvern’ Tchaigolian Ecstasy?"

"The one and only."

Emma cracked her knuckles. "We’re in."

Two more Tsunami Current members sauntered over, eyeing Raven’s Crow with obvious disdain. "Who are these losers?" one asked.

Drink Water smirked. "Just people we’ll be mopping the ground with soon."

Another member sneered. "They look weak."

In an instant, Cassandra’s expression shifted. A devilish grin spread across her face, and Kurt felt the temperature drop.

Lizzie bounced between them, clapping her hands. "Okay, rules! Standard six-on-six, essence techniques allowed, first to twenty-one points wins!" She paused. "Oh, and we’re using this!"

Drink Water lifted a volleyball, tossing it casually. "Reinforced ball. Could collide with a nuke and come out without a scratch. We can go wild."

Cassandra’s smile widened, and Kurt saw frost forming on her fingertips as cool air radiated off her in waves.

He grabbed her shoulder. "Hey. Remember, it’s just a game."

She reached for his arm, leaning close enough that he could see her blue lashes, her ice-blue eyes sharp and focused. "A game," she whispered, "that I aim to win."

Rook stepped forward, assembling the team. "Kurt, Emma, Cassandra, Lizzie, Sam, and me. Let’s show them what Raven’s Crow can do."

Zaza remained under her umbrella, book in hand, seemingly unbothered by the commotion. Kurt suspected she’d volunteered to sit out.

They moved to opposite sides of the net. Tsunami Current lined up, Drink Water rolling the ball on one finger with practiced arrogance.

"Let’s begin," he said, and threw the ball high into the air.

Kurt crouched slightly, muscles tensing.

The ball hung in the air for one perfect moment.

Then Drink Water’s fist slammed into it, and the game exploded into motion.