Crimson Overlord-Chapter 337: Before heading to the Demon Realm 2

Nemesis, a glint of playful defiance in her heterochromia eyes, surprised her companions with a suggestion that sent a wave of unexpected nostalgia crashing over them.

"Bowling?" she declared, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "How about we end the day with a little friendly competition?"

Kaguya, ever the diplomat, chuckled softly.

"Bowling? It has been quite some time since I last graced a bowling lane."

Luna, her eyes sparkling with mischievous delight, bounced on the balls of her feet.

"Bowling! Now that’s an idea I can get behind! But can we ditch the boring old shoes this time?"

Their laughter echoed through the quiet street, drawing the attention of a passing couple. Nemesis’s unexpected suggestion, far from being outlandish, felt perfect. It was a chance to unwind after a day of shopping and pampering, a way to reconnect with a simpler time before their lives became entangled with gods, demons, and the fate of the world.

Guided by Luna’s enthusiasm, they found themselves outside a bowling alley named "Cosmic Lanes." Gone were the sterile, corporate vibes of modern bowling establishments. Cosmic Lanes embraced a retro aesthetic, its facade a vibrant explosion of neon signs and cartoon bowling pins. A giant, grinning bowling pin mascot, sporting a jaunty purple hat and oversized shoes, beckoned them closer.

Pushing open the heavy glass doors, they were greeted by a wave of sound – the rhythmic thud of bowling balls colliding with pins, punctuated by cheers and groans from a diverse clientele. Dimly lit lanes glowed with an otherworldly blue light, casting an eerie yet strangely inviting aura.

The air hummed with energy, a mix of friendly competition and lighthearted fun. A gaggle of teenagers, their faces illuminated by the glow of their smartphones, celebrated a strike with high-fives. A group of middle-aged colleagues, their suits temporarily abandoned, laughed as one of them sent his ball careening wildly down the lane. In a secluded corner, an elderly couple, their hands intertwined, enjoyed a game at a leisurely pace.

The bowling alley itself was a delightful blend of retro charm and modern technology. The lanes, polished to a high shine, gleamed under the blue lights. Funky murals depicting planets and galaxies adorned the walls, creating a cosmic atmosphere that matched the name. Comfortable seating areas, upholstered in a checkered pattern of red and white, offered a place to rest between throws and socialize with friends. Large screens displayed scores and player profiles, adding a touch of modern flair.

A friendly young woman behind the counter greeted them with a warm smile. As they rented shoes, the familiar scent of buffed leather and polished wood brought back a flood of childhood memories. Luna, unable to contain her excitement, opted for a pair adorned with flashing lights, much to Nemesis’s amusement and Kaguya’s gentle smile.

With their shoes in hand, they found an empty lane bathed in an ethereal blue light.

The rhythmic clatter of bowling balls echoed through Cosmic Lanes as Luna, Nemesis, and Kaguya took their positions on the lane. Luna, a whirlwind of energy, practically vibrated with excitement. Her neon-lit shoes flashed haphazardly as she bounced on the balls of her feet, eager to unleash her inner champion.

Nemesis, ever the strategist, surveyed the lane with a calculating gaze. Her fiery red eyes narrowed as she weighed the oil patterns and the distance to the pins. A competitive glint flickered within them, a stark contrast to her usual fierce demeanor.

Kaguya, the embodiment of serene grace, stood poised and calm. Her eyes, the color of a moonlit sky, held a hint of amusement as she watched her companions. While not outwardly competitive, there was a quiet determination in her posture, a promise of surprising skills waiting to be revealed.

As the first round began, Luna, true to form, launched the ball down the lane with a flamboyant flourish. It careened wildly, barely catching the edge of the gutter before knocking down a single pin. Her exuberant whoop echoed through the bowling alley, punctuated by Nemesis’s amused snort.

Nemesis, ever the perfectionist, took her turn. Her approach was a study of controlled power. The ball glided smoothly down the lane, its trajectory a perfect arc. With a satisfying crash, it slammed into the pins, sending all ten scattering in a glorious display. A triumphant smirk played on her lips as the crowd erupted in cheers, impressed by her strike.

Kaguya, ever the observer, studied the lane for a moment before her throw. Her movements were elegant and effortless, as if the ball were an extension of herself. The ball rolled down the lane with a gentle grace, picking up speed as it neared the pins. It connected with a soft thud, sending seven pins flying in a satisfying cascade.

The game unfolded in a flurry of laughter, playful taunts, and unexpected strikes. Luna, despite her flamboyant throws, managed to pull off a few impressive spares, her enthusiasm infectious. Nemesis, a force to be reckoned with on the lane, maintained a steady lead, her competitive spirit burning bright. Kaguya, the quiet dark horse, consistently knocked down pins with an effortless grace that belied her true skill.

As the final frame approached, the score was remarkably close. Luna, despite her early struggles, was hot on Nemesis’s heels, while Kaguya remained a silent threat, consistently knocking down a respectable number of pins. The air crackled with anticipation as each woman stepped up to take their final throws.

Luna, determined to end the game with a bang, channeled her chaotic energy into a surprisingly focused throw. The ball rocketed down the lane, a streak of neon light, before connecting with the pins in a resounding crash. A perfect strike! She erupted in a jubilant yell, her neon shoes flashing in celebration.

Nemesis, her competitive spirit ignited, wasn’t about to be outdone. Taking a deep breath, she launched the ball with unwavering precision. It arced across the lane, a crimson blur, before slamming into the pins with a satisfying impact. Ten pins scattered in all directions. Another strike!

The pressure was now on Kaguya. With a calm smile, she stepped up to the lane. Her throw was as graceful as a dancer’s pirouette. The ball glided down the lane, its trajectory calculated to a tee. A collective gasp rose from the crowd as the ball connected with the remaining three pins, sending them flying in a strategic display. A spare!

The game ended in a dramatic tie. Laughter filled the air as the three women embraced, their initial competitiveness dissolving into a warm camaraderie. They had spent the afternoon bowling, sharing stories, and forging a bond that transcended their differences. As they walked out of Cosmic Lanes, the weight of their upcoming journey felt a little lighter.