Shout That Shooting's the Best Too!
Rohan is in the meditation room of Sion's mansion.
It's called a meditation room, but the walls are sturdy, the soundproofing is perfect, and the space is spacious enough to move freely.
In this utterly silent space where not even the wind makes a sound, swinging the sword over and over tests the limits of your concentration.
"Hup!"
He swings the sword even as his palms ache. Calluses have formed as much as they possibly could.
There had been talk of resting after returning from the dungeon, but knowing the quest rewards had fully healed him, Rohan continued his training.
Besides, with his mind freshly cleared by Ichinose Jun's words, his instincts told him this was the perfect time for cultivation. He couldn't just sit still.
Again.
Having a mana-infused body doesn't mean special training takes up all the time.
Sure, someone might have some secret technique, but in the end, the basics come first.
Anyone who needs the importance of fundamentals explained is just wasting breath.
That's why Rohan swings and thrusts his sword today as always.
He doesn't fire the gun. Instead, he focuses on visualizing the pistol barrel's path while executing sword forms.
He constantly considers the ideal bullet trajectory.
Whoosh!
Flames compressed into the blade bloom, filling it with heat.
The temperature in the meditation room is rising.
When you desperately etch sword forms into your body and mind while channeling mana like this, fatigue reveals itself first in the weakest areas.
The tiring muscles scream for mercy the loudest.
"..."
He ignores them and repeats.
He's not chasing the sculpted symmetry of a bodybuilder, but balance is absolutely crucial.
You have to whip the lagging parts mercilessly.
More. More. More.
He squeezes every drop. He overworks them.
Even the sturdy parts start throbbing late, and when the depleted muscles hit their absolute limit, Rohan's basic training nears its end.
One more time.
Not just Rohan—Sion and Clara follow the same foundation for growth and the core of their training.
The two girls do this in light attire that's hard for Rohan to look at directly, wielding knives and exchanging flashy combos in silence.
Their focus in those moments leaves even Rohan in awe.
Last one!
Rohan's whole body moves with elastic power as the blade pierces the air.
—Screee! The blade sings sharply despite touching nothing.
The chronic issue with the Three Swords' Light Wing Piercer is gradually fading through steady effort.
"Hoo...!"
Sweat drips down Rohan's jawline as he resets his stance.
His white T-shirt is soaked, crumpled like it was dunked in water.
Rohan peels off the thin fabric clinging to his skin. Splosh! It lands in a soggy ball.
If I had points to spare, I'd chug potions during training.
Unfortunately, transcendence wiped out most of his spare change.
Sure, he has enough left for a few potions. But how to use them?
These days, running low on shop points feels more unsettling than a thin wallet...
After tackling Monolith dungeons twice on sudden quests, he gets anxious without a buffer of points.
He compulsively hoards leftovers for food and water.
"..."
He recovers the mana from the glowing, heated blade with a click! sliding it into the sheath.
Then he grabs the supplements from the corner to replenish fluids and nutrients.
His mind starts piecing together other thoughts.
No word on that exclusive quest reward, and the shop's quiet during updates.
It's an unwelcome silence. Feels like the calm before the storm.
This stillness seems like a hint to temper himself thoroughly while waiting for the big wave.
For now... focus on finals and training.
His current goal is simple: build strength.
Better to immerse in training than twist his mediocre brain around the forbidden info from Jun.
Enough to overcome any problems without reckless plays that risk his life, as Jun said.
That's Rohan's immediate purpose.
"Pwah!"
He drains the supplement Clara prepared.
Shower time?
Rohan packs his gear and heads to the small shower room next door.
"Password registration complete."
Sion operates the device at the front gate, granting Ichinose free access to the mansion.
Ichinose initially refused, saying it was too much, but gave in to Sion's suggestion: anything tied to Rohan, she should grab with both hands.
"Please, come in."
"Y-Yes, excuse me...!"
Ichinose steps inside, bowing politely.
She senses the mansion's layout without moving her head.
"What a splendid mansion."
"Thank you."
Rohan and Clara had gawked wide-eyed on their first visit.
But Ichinose just nods: nice place.
"Rohan... hasn't finished training yet, I suppose."
As Sion said, his shoes are by the entrance.
But the mansion is quiet. He's still in the meditation room.
"We can't disturb his training. Mind if we wait?"
Of course, Sion heads to the fridge for drinks.
Clara guides Ichinose to the sofa.
"H-Here, have a seat...!"
"Thank you. Pardon the intrusion."
She even accepts a cushion. Ichinose slowly lifts her eyelids.
She rolls her eyes around the room, curiosity budding.
Spotting Sion with the fruit juice, she asks:
"But... no Waterdrop Friends decorations anywhere?"
A shared interest with Sion.
She loves those characters—how no merch? Utterly baffling from her view.
"Ah! They're in my room. I'll fetch them."
Sion smiles, sets down the drinks, and heads to her room.
Perfect conversation starter.
Waterdrop Friends symbolize where she first met Ichinose.
They weren't close then, but Ichinose nodded first.
A fond memory. Sion feels their bond is fated, even if unspoken.
Creeeak.
The door opens. Sion returns to the living room cradling a teary-eyed pink dragon and a chubby shark.
"My absolute favorites."
Rohan's gift to Sion: classic Woolwool and Bluebee Waterdrop Friends plushies.
Ichinose's eyes widen instantly.
Curiosity verging on certainty.
"Rohan got them for you?"
"...How did you know?"
"He asked me once what I liked."
Ichinose giggles soundlessly, everything clicking.
It might've stung before, but after teaming up, envy for Rohan's gift overwhelms any bitterness.
"Next time, shall we go to the shop together? I know some great ones to recommend."
"I'd love that."
Ichinose glances at quietly seated Clara.
"Clara too. The shop near the academy has a collab cafe inside—tons of special desserts."
"Ah! Y-Yes...!"
The warm vibe builds.
Then Rohan, fresh from showering, climbs the stairs from the basement.
"Oh? We have a guest?"
"R-Rohan... sorry for intruding...!"
"Make yourself at home. Funny coming from a guest myself."
Ichinose quickly snapshots Rohan's casual daily life.
Damp hair tips.
Sleeveless tee flaunting developed muscles—stimulating to a girl like fancy clothes.
"You two done with errands?"
"Just got back."
"Y-Yeah, sis and I hit a cafe...!"
Rohan pats Clara's head—good girl—then heads to the water purifier.
Ichinose envies Clara's melting smile she can't hide.
...You two savor moments like this every day.
Ichinose swallows, reins in her emotions, and speaks.
"Somehow... I've gotten really close to both of you."
"That's great. Looks good on you."
Rohan grins brightly, purely happy.
Seeing it, Ichinose knows allying with them was right.
In a flash, Sion decides:
Show Ichinose the joy of teamwork and support.
Sion finalizes her plan and speaks.
"Ichinose, this mansion has a shooting range too."
"Never tried guns. Don't know how beyond swords, and keeping eyes closed is comfier."
"Shooting's purely hobby territory—just a taste is fine. If it suits you, nothing beats it for stress relief."
"I see. I'll try someday."
"Since it came up, want to give it a shot now?"
"Hm..."
Polite deflection—she's not eager. As Ichinose hesitates gracefully,
Sion glances at Rohan.
"Rohan teaches better than I do. Rohan, mind showing her basic shooting stance?"
"Sure. You interested?"
Now it's different.
Baby Yui nods eagerly.
Everyone heads to the range.
Ichinose stands on the firing lane for the first time, grips the pistol. Rohan positions behind her.
Sion and Clara watch from afar.
"Shooting has grip styles and stances like swordplay."
"H-Hm... I see...?"
"But there's a standard stance. Like this—feet shoulder-width."
"..."
Rohan supports her arms from behind. Adjusts her grip, even finger form.
Thick fingers, forearms, chest broad enough to swallow her petite frame.
His voice and warmth from behind make her heart pound.
Loud enough to leak out?
...Is this heaven?
Ichinose can't shake the thought: great choice to cooperate.
Shooting's the best!
In that sweet time, as Ichinose empties a magazine,