Chapter 475

In the Kingdom of Xyperia, where public displays of affection were as common as breathing, kissing on the streets was nothing unusual. During Valentine’s Day, being single meant people would rather stay home than venture out.

Maybe it was because Joshua and Shermaine were so breathtakingly beautiful together, but the few onlookers couldn’t help wanting to squeal at the sight of them.

Joshua kissed her hard and deep. When he finally pulled back, he pecked her lips gently. “Did you taste it?”

Shermaine’s whole body felt weak from his kiss. Her lipstick was gone, her lips slightly swollen and red. She looked at him with sultry eyes. “Delicious.”

Joshua laughed, holding his drink in one hand while pulling her inside with the other.

The interior had perfect spots for admiring the moonlit view outside. Though there were no stars, the moon hung full and bright in the sky.

Couples sat at tables on the balcony, drinking and whispering sweet nothings to each other. The sea breeze swept through, candles flickered, and the atmosphere was pure romance.

In their corner, Joshua sipped his drink contentedly.

The taste of that wine lingered in Shermaine’s memory, making her crave more. She licked her lips and lifted his chin with her finger. “I want another taste. Let me kiss you.”

“Sure,” Joshua smiled. “You can kiss me however you want.”

His invitation was all she needed. Sitting on his lap, she leaned down and captured those tempting lips with hers. Instantly, she tasted the sweet intensity of the wine. It was intoxicating.

Shermaine boldly invaded Joshua’s space, all for the taste of that wine.

Joshua had been patiently waiting for her to succumb to his seduction.

Earlier in their room, he hadn’t had nearly enough time with her. Now, with the beautiful moon above them, fine wine in hand, and his woman in his arms, the emptiness from their year apart was slowly being filled.

His life without Shermaine had been incomplete. She was the missing piece he’d been searching for all along.

Inside, romantic music filled the air as more couples flooded onto the dance floor.

Simon had followed Shermaine like a shadow. He’d been stalking her all night, tracking her every move like some kind of creep. Their intimate moments hadn’t escaped his watchful eyes.

Both Shermaine and Joshua knew Simon was tailing them. They just chose to ignore him. Out of sight, out of mind.

Still, Joshua was protective. When they kissed, he made sure to shield Shermaine completely from view. No one would see her face or catch that intoxicating look in her eyes when she kissed him.

After finishing their drinks, they left their corner table. The venue had more than just the casino. There were plenty of other entertainments to explore, but the dance floor called to them most.

The dance floor was stunning. As soon as they stepped onto it, the scenery transformed through all four seasons. Spring blossoms gave way to summer sunshine, then autumn leaves, and finally winter snow. It was breathtakingly beautiful.

The two were playing an immersive mech warfare game.

Shermaine settled into the gaming chair. When she opened her eyes again, a cold, robotic voice greeted her. “Initiate combat mode?”

She selected yes.

“Please choose your warplane.”

The options ranged from the S–level Cobalt One, notoriously difficult to master, to C–level fighter jets that were easier to handle. Shermaine had no interest in the ordinary fighters. She went straight for the Cobalt One.

This game was hugely popular in the Kingdom of Xyperia, with the highest download rate in the country.

That was why the cruise ship had dedicated gaming pods for it. The whole point was to let regular people experience the thrill and danger of combat or facing mutants.

The game had five difficulty levels–Simple, Medium, Advanced, Difficult, and Epic. Word was that Epic level required an entire army to enter, and no team had ever beaten it yet. It was just too hard.

Instead of choosing a mission, Shermaine sent Joshua a challenge. Fighter jets could battle each other in PvP mode.

When Joshua got her challenge request, he raised an eyebrow. “You sure you want to fight me, Sheary?”

“Yeah.”

Joshua accepted the challenge. “You should check out the controls first, Sheary.”

This game was all about piloting fighter jets in combat. It demanded sharp flying skills and quick reflexes.

Before retiring, Joshua had flown warplanes in his original world. Since coming to this world, he’d also gotten his hands on real fighter jets. For him, these warplanes weren’t particularly challenging.

The best part about Kingdom of Xyperia’s S–level fighter jets was their ability to transform into mechas. Once transformed, the mecha became an extension of your body, responding to your every movement.

In mecha form, the fighter jet’s capabilities increased dramatically.

If Shermaine had to name one thing that fascinated her most about Kingdom of Xyperia, it was the mecha–type fighter jets. She had been eager to actually pilot one.

Since she couldn’t get her hands on an actual jet, the virtual experience would have to do.

That was why she’d chosen the S–level Cobalt One. After carefully studying the manual, she initiated the startup sequence.

The game demanded lightning–fast reflexes and hand speed.

Her cockpit filled with buttons and blue screens. Good thing she’d memorized the manual and knew what each button did. Otherwise, she would be prone to making numerous mistakes.

In the virtual world, the Cobalt One shot up from the runway and transformed mid–air into a towering ice–blue mecha, over two meters tall.

Across from the blue mecha stood Joshua’s black Cobalt One. It was the same model, but it had a different color.

Outside the gaming pods, Simon checked his watch. ‘Boa and that man had been playing for over half an hour. They’d have to come—

Operating virtual mechas drained mental energy fast, and they’d need aura water to recover.

A waiter stood before him, trembling slightly with his head down, holding a tray.

“Make sure that man drinks this aura water,” Simon instructed. He was determined not to let that man dance with Boa Hanks tonight, and definitely not let them spend the night together.

This was Shermaine’s first time playing with a virtual fighter jet, and she’d chosen the S–level Cobalt One. Lasting forty minutes on her first attempt was something few people in the Kingdom of Xyperia could manage, regardless of gender.

When the defeat screen flashed, the virtual combat environment dissolved around Shermaine. She felt mentally drained and was covered in sweat. The intensity had taken its toll.

Joshua disconnected from the game and climbed out of his pod. He walked over to Shermaine and asked, “You okay, Sheary?”

Shermaine pressed her lips together and leaned against him. “I’ll beat you next time.”

Joshua laughed and ruffled her hair. “If my baby wants to win, I’ll let you win.”

“No, you can’t go easy on me.”

“Then you might not reach that goal, Sheary.” Joshua had always excelled in combat situations. Back in the military, they’d called him the War God. Even though Shermaine was all–talented, this was one area where she couldn’t quite match him.