I Became the Must-Have Character of the Academy City-Chapter 145: Shout that You Are the Best at Shooting!

He doesn’t shoot guns. While practicing swordsmanship, he focuses on being aware of where the muzzle of his pistol passes.

He continuously considers the ideal trajectory of the bullets.

Whoosh!

The flames compressed into the sword blade flare up, filling the space with heat.

The temperature in the meditation room is rising.

As he uses magic and tries to engrain swordsmanship into his body and mind, fatigue tends to show up in areas where his skills are lacking more than elsewhere.

First, the muscles that are tired begin to scream for help.

"..."

He ignores it and repeats the movements.

Rohan doesn’t seek a bodybuilder’s perfect symmetry, but balance is absolutely essential.

He must harshly push the areas where he's falling behind.

More. More. More.

He squeezes and overexerts himself.

Even the areas that had been holding up well start to ache, and when his muscles reach the point of exhaustion where they can no longer replace the worn-out ones, Rohan’s basic training is nearing its end.

"Just one more time."

This isn’t just for Rohan, but also for Shion and Clara, as this is the foundation for their growth and the core of their training.

When they train, Shion and Clara, who hold knives, practice together in a quiet, graceful dance, and Rohan is truly impressed by their concentration during such moments.

"Last one!"

Rohan’s entire body moves with elasticity, and the blade cuts through the air.

—Swiing! The blade sings sharply, even though it didn’t hit anything.

The persistent issue of his Three Swordsmanship technique, "Lightwing Piercer," is gradually being improved through consistent effort.

"Haah..."

After returning to his stance, beads of sweat drip down Rohan’s jawline.

His white t-shirt is soaked with sweat, looking as though he had fallen into water.

Rohan tossed the thin cloth clinging to his skin aside with a slap! The sound of water splashing as the shirt rolled up.

‘If only the point would rot away, I’d just train while drinking potions.’

Unfortunately, after transcending, his spare change had dwindled significantly.

Of course, he could still afford to buy a few potions. But how would he use them?

‘Now, it’s not the thin wallet that worries me, but the fact that I don’t have any store points...’

After experiencing two surprise quests in the Monolith Dungeon, Rohan had become uneasy without a certain amount of points.

If you are reading this translation anywhere other than Novelight.net, it has been stolen.

He felt compelled to leave some remaining points for food and water, almost obsessively.

"..."

He drew magic back from the glowing light and returned the sword to its sheath with a clink.

He took the supplements he had placed in the corner and replenished his hydration and nutrients.

His mind began recalling things beyond training.

‘There’s been no news about the reward-exclusive quests, and the store is quiet, being updated...’

This uncomfortable silence. It felt like the calm before a storm.

This quiet atmosphere seemed like a hint to thoroughly prepare while waiting for the big wave to come.

‘For now... I should focus on the final exams and training.’

His current goal was simple. To gain strength.

Rather than trying to interpret the restricted information with his not-so-great head, it was better to focus on training.

Just as Ichinose Jun said, if problems arise, he shouldn't use rash tactics that risk his life, but overcome them with the strength he can build.

Rohan’s immediate goal is just that.

"Phew!"

Clara had neatly finished the supplement she prepared.

‘Should I shower?’

Rohan packed up his things and headed for the small shower room next to the meditation room.

***

"The password registration is now complete."

Shion operated the device at the front gate and granted Ichinose free access to the mansion.

At first, Ichinose had refused, feeling uncomfortable, but after hearing Shion's words—encouraging her not to reject the opportunity that was connected to Rohan and to take advantage of it—Ichinose eventually extended her hand.

"Please come in."

"Ah, thank you..."

Ichinose hesitated, then stepped inside the mansion.

Without moving her head, she mentally absorbed the layout of the mansion.

"It's a beautiful mansion."

"Thank you."

When Rohan and Clara first entered this mansion, they were stunned, but Ichinose merely nodded, acknowledging that it was a nice home.

"Rohan... It seems like his training isn't finished yet."

As Shion had said, Rohan's shoes were in the entrance.

However, the mansion was quiet. It seemed he had gone into the meditation room and hadn't come out yet.

"I can't interrupt his training. Is it okay if I wait?"

"Of course," Shion replied, then went to the fridge to get drinks.

Clara guided Ichinose to the sofa.

"Please, have a seat..."

"Thank you. I’m sorry for the trouble."

Ichinose took the cushion Clara handed her and slowly lifted her eyelids.

She glanced around the house, and her curiosity started to grow.

She asked as she saw Shion coming with the drinks.

"By the way... there aren’t any 'Waterdrop Friends' decorations here?"

It was something that both Ichinose and Shion were interested in.

She was sure Shion liked the characters, so it was strange that there were no goods around. Ichinose couldn’t help but feel puzzled by this.

"Ah! They’re in my room. I’ll go get them."

With a smile, Shion placed the drinks down and headed to her room.

‘What a perfect topic to bring up.’

Waterdrop Friends were also symbols of the first time Shion and Ichinose had met.

At that time, they weren't close at all, but Ichinose had made the first move with a bow.

It was a fond memory. Though Shion hadn't said it out loud, she felt that her connection with Ichinose was destined.

Screech.

The door opened, and Shion came out into the living room, carrying a pink dragon and a comically designed shark, both of which were Waterdrop Friends plush toys.

"They are my most cherished toys."

The Waterdrop Friends dolls that Rohan had bought for Shion.

It was the "Uruuru" and "Bluebee Classic" versions.

Ichinose’s eyes widened «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» the moment she saw them.

She felt a certain certainty about her question.

"Did Rohan buy these for you?"

"...How did you know?"

"I remember Rohan asking me once what would be good to get."

Ichinose understood everything and quietly smiled.

Normally, she might have felt a bitter taste, but considering that they had worked together, her overwhelming feeling was envy over the gift Rohan had given.

"Next time, should we go to the store together? There are some toys I’d recommend."

"I’d love that."

Ichinose then looked over at Clara, who had been quietly sitting beside her.

"Clara, you should come too. There’s a store near the academy with a collab cafe inside, and they have special desserts."

"Ah! Yes...!"

Just as the atmosphere became warm and pleasant,

Rohan, having just finished his shower, came upstairs from the basement.

"Oh? We have a guest?"

"Ro, Rohan... I'm sorry for intruding..."

"Come on in. It’s funny that I’m saying this, but I’m a guest too."

Ichinose hurriedly stored away the details of Rohan’s daily life that had caught her attention.

The water still clinging to the ends of his hair.

The short-sleeved t-shirt revealing his well-developed muscles—an outfit that, for a girl, was just as stimulating as a carefully prepared suit.

"Are you two done with your outing?"

"We just got back."

"Oh, I went to a cafe with my sister..."

Rohan patted Clara’s head and then headed for the water dispenser.

Ichinose couldn’t help but feel a little envious as she watched Clara, unable to hide the melting smile on her face.

‘...These two must experience moments like this every day.’

Ichinose swallowed nervously, then controlled her emotions and spoke.

"Somehow... I’ve become very close with the two of you."

"That’s a good thing. It looks nice."

Rohan smiled brightly, genuinely happy.

Seeing that, Ichinose felt that joining hands with them had been the right decision.

In that fleeting moment, Shion had a thought.

She had decided to firmly show Ichinose the value of cooperation and support.

Shion quickly made her move and spoke.

"Ichinose, this mansion also has a shooting range."

"I’ve never used a gun. I don’t know how to handle anything other than swords, and honestly, it feels more comfortable with my eyes closed."

"Shooting is more of a hobby, but even just trying it can be a great stress reliever if it matches your taste."

"I see. I should try it someday."

"Since we're on the topic, how about trying it now?"

"Mm..."

Ichinose hesitated, thinking it was a polite suggestion, but she wasn’t particularly eager to try.

Just as she was about to politely decline, Shion’s gaze turned to Rohan.

"Rohan would be better at teaching than I am. Rohan, would you mind showing Ichinose the basic shooting stance?"

"Sure. Are you interested?"

Now the conversation had taken a different turn.

Ichinose eagerly nodded.

They all went down to the shooting range.

For the first time, Ichinose stood in front of the shooting range and grabbed the handgun, while Rohan stood behind her.

Shion and Clara kept their distance and watched the two of them.

"Shooting techniques, like swordsmanship, have various grips and stances."

"H-huh... I see...?"

"But there’s a common stance. Let’s try that first. Place your feet shoulder-width apart."

"..."

Rohan stood behind Ichinose, supporting her arms and adjusting her fingers to correct her grip.

His thick fingers and forearms, along with his broad chest, seemed almost overwhelming for Ichinose’s small frame.

Her heart raced from the heat and Rohan’s presence behind her.

She was worried that the sound of her heartbeat might be heard.

‘...Is this heaven?’

Ichinose couldn’t shake the thought that cooperating with them had been the right choice.

Best at shooting!

New novel 𝓬hapters are published on ƒreewebɳovel.com.

In the midst of such a sweet moment, Ichinose emptied one magazine.

Then, her smartphone rang.

[Noah]