Volume 4 Chapter 105: No Fighting Allowed

“Senpai, do you have a moment?”

“Hmm?”

While I was waiting and absentmindedly watching the manager and the Sextet Ensemble chatting in the distance, Fiona called out to me from behind. When I turned my head, curious about what she wanted, she stood there with a serious look in her eyes. Realizing it might be important, I got up, dusted off my pants, and faced her.

“What’s wrong?”

“Please enhance your body.”

“Huh?”

“Please.”

“Ah, okay.”

For some reason, Fiona asked me to enhance my body, so I did as she requested, channeling mana to strengthen myself. Power surged through me, far beyond my usual limits. My senses sharpened so much that even I found it surprising.

Everyone nearby shifted their attention to Fiona and me. What was she planning—?

“Here I come.”

“What?”

Before I could process her words, Fiona activated her Soaring Witch: Heaven’s Witch ability and fired several magic bullets directly at me without hesitation.

Wait, did I do something wrong?

“Whoa, that was close!”

Caught off guard, I leapt sideways, narrowly avoiding the incoming projectiles. Sliding across the ground, I quickly got back on my feet, my eyes darting to Fiona.

“Fiona, what are you—”

My words stopped mid-sentence.

She had one hand raised, aiming directly at me.

An ominous feeling struck me, and I jumped backward. In the next moment, several magic bullets passed through the spot where I’d been standing.

This… was the same homing technique she had used during her fight with the manager. Though the bullets themselves seemed normal, there was no way getting hit by them would be harmless.

Wait, did I do something wrong?

The bullets adjusted their trajectory and came speeding toward me again. I dodged sideways, keeping my balance this time, and quickly scanned my surroundings. Everyone else just stood there, silently watching.

Why isn’t anyone stopping this? This world is truly mysterious.

Even Elle, who’s usually the first to step in and mediate, stood there with her arms crossed, observing. Only Tesea looked a bit flustered, but none of them seemed willing to intervene.

Wait, did I do something wrong?

As I thought that, the bullets closed in on me again, this time scattering in all directions.

“Come on!”

Unlike before, the bullets came at me from various angles and with staggered timing. I twisted my body, ducked, dropped my waist, and jumped back, carefully analyzing each one and dodging. How did the manager manage to carry me through something like this? Is he even human?

But strangely, I felt more composed than I expected. Even without using Hunter’s Magic Gear Magis, my senses were unusually sharp. I could clearly track the movement of each bullet, my body responded fluidly, and despite the intense action, I didn’t feel tired.

At this rate, I felt like I could dodge forever.

But I couldn’t keep this up indefinitely. I focused mana into my fists and feet, strengthening them further. Physical combat wasn’t my forte, but with no access to magic gear, I had no choice. Fiona’s bullets triggered spells upon impact. If I could deflect them before they activated, I’d be safe. In my current state, it should be possible. Besides, unless she used the special bullets from her fight with the manager, they’d dissipate after activating once.

Focusing my mind, I started by punching upward at an incoming bullet, sending it flying into the sky. My fist stung slightly, but it wasn’t unbearable. The deflected bullet exploded in midair, releasing flames.

…Yeah, getting hit by one would’ve been bad.

Wait, did I do something wrong?

“Haah…!”

I couldn’t afford to let my mind wander. Exhaling sharply, I focused and deflected the remaining bullets one by one with punches and kicks.

I missed Guardian dearly.

“Take that! …Phew.”

After deflecting the last bullet with a roundhouse kick mimicking Mina’s style, I let out a deep breath and turned to Fiona. My slightly tingling hands and feet felt numb, so I shook them out.

“Fiona, what was that all about? That was dangerous.”

Seriously.

That was really dangerous. I doubt she was going all out, but did I upset her somehow?

“Just as I thought…”

Fiona, having dispelled her Soaring Witch ability, looked at me with teary eyes.

“I’m sorry, Senpai. I was completely serious about shooting you.”

She was serious?

Now I wanted to cry too.

Who gets their life genuinely targeted by their junior? What kind of series of events leads to this?

“Why would you—”

“Because I believed that with your current strength, you would absolutely be fine!”

“……”

Her earnest expression made her intentions clear.

“Senpai, I don’t ever want those people inside your body again.”

“Fiona…”

“They’re nothing but parasites feeding on your incredible talent!”

Fiona… That’s too harsh.

It’s too harsh, but I couldn’t get angry. She said it because she cared about me.

“And besides… I can’t stand the thought of them being inside you even when we’re having sex!”

…Alright, maybe I should get angry after all.

“You’re right. I agree with Fiona,” Elle said, stepping forward after silently observing everything. As usual, Sophie stood beside her.

Though her timing felt slightly off, I understood Elle’s point. To be honest, the Sextet Ensemble no longer needed to be inside me. If Alice could craft physical vessels for them—and if they agreed—it was entirely possible to have them remain here until their bodies were ready.

Though the area was currently barren, My Garden: Personal Paradise was a divine artifact capable of creating custom environments. I could make it a comfortable place for everyone.

While I didn’t see the Sextet Ensemble as a burden, there was no denying that my abilities had significantly improved without them. Compared to the diverse magical gear they allowed me to wield, it was hard to say which was better. But at least I wouldn’t need to constantly chug mana bottles anymore.

Regardless, if I planned to eventually set them free, the timing didn’t matter much. It was simply a matter of sooner or later.

Still—though I knew we’d part ways someday, and though I wanted that for their sake—I wanted to spend a little more time with them. At least until their bodies were ready, I wanted to stay together, as we always had.

’ve been saved countless times by everyone. We’ve shared so many hardships together. Because of the Sextet Ensemble, I met so many wonderful people. Even someone like me was able to save others.

But this is selfishness—this is undoubtedly my selfishness.

Still, I decided to convey my feelings without any pretense.

“Yeah, Elle’s right. But—I still want to stay with all of you for a little longer.”

I stated it clearly, leaving no room for doubt.

No matter what anyone says, this feeling of mine won’t change.

“Master, forgive my intrusion, but it might be best to respect Noil-sama’s wishes here.”

“…… You’re right.”

“It’ll be fine. That is…”

“I know, Sophie. I understand.”

Elle, wearing a wistful smile, gently patted Sophie’s head as she looked at him with concern. He let out a calming breath, perhaps to settle his own emotions.

But… this guilt is overwhelming.

“Sen…pai… Do they mean more to you than I do?”

Fiona took a shaky step backward, her expression akin to the end of the world.

My guilt intensified.

“No, that’s not… It’s not like that…”

It’s not a matter of who’s more important.

“Then! Please hold me right here, right now!”

“That’s just unreasonable.”

Yeah, that’s not happening. No matter how much Fiona means to me, that’s not happening.

“If that’s no good, then give me a passionate kiss!”

“That’s also unreasonable.”

“Then! Hug me tightly!”

“Is this some sort of negotiation tactic?”

Psychological manipulation, huh?

I mean, if it’s just that much… no, wait, that’s still not happening.

“What about patting my head…?”

“Well, if it’s just that much…”

“No, Noil.”

Suddenly, Noel stepped in with a smile, firmly inserting herself between me and Fiona.

I froze.

I should’ve known better, but Fiona’s puppy-dog look nearly pulled me into her pace. Honestly, just patting her head didn’t seem like a big deal.

“…You’re such an annoying woman.”

Fiona, where did your docile attitude from earlier go?

I glanced at Fiona, who now glared at Noel as if she were her mortal enemy.

“It’s Fiona’s fault. Noil is too easily deceived, so I have to step in and stop you.”

Noel, I’m sturdier than you give me credit for, you know?

Watching Noel face off against Fiona, that’s all I could think.

At that moment, a sudden gust of wind enveloped me.

“…Tch.”

Startled, I turned my head to see Sierra, who had somehow appeared behind me, clicking her tongue in frustration.

Huh? Wasn’t she farther away just a moment ago? Can she teleport or something? Is there a carriage spirit helping her?

Elle, who had stopped Sierra’s (let’s call it) ambush with an outstretched hand, spoke up.

“Sierra, no mischief now.”

“…Hugging is a common form of sibling affection.”

“Hugging someone below the waist isn’t what I’d call common.”

“…Tch.”

Yeah… Sierra, maybe stop fixating on my lower half? Seriously, what happened to make her this way?

More importantly, you all sure love to start fights, huh? And pretty intense ones at that.

Look at Sophie and Tesea—see? They’ve quietly stepped away and are just watching from a distance. Tesea’s smile looks a bit stiff, though.

But honestly… At this point, I have to say something. I’ll say it, I promise. With Mina not here, it’s up to me to speak up.

I took a deep breath.

“Everyone, Stop!!”

I shouted at the top of my lungs, and everyone froze, turning to look at me.

“Hm? What’s going on here?”

Perfect timing—just as the manager and the Sextet Ensemble returned. It seemed their discussion had concluded. As the six-colored lights darted around me, I decided it was the right moment to speak up.

Crossing my arms coolly, I glanced at the slightly surprised group and the manager, who tilted her head curiously, then slowly began to speak.

“Everyone, you’ve been fighting too much.”

“Noil? What’s going on here?”

“That’s why you’ll all spend the night in My Garden to reflect on your behavior.”

“Noil…”

“It’ll be a group activity, but make sure not to fight.”

I grabbed the manager’s shoulder as she approached and positioned her in front of me.

“The manager and the Sextet Ensemble will act as supervisors.”

“A new game, perhaps?”

The manager’s eyes sparkled with excitement, while the lights around me darted wildly as if protesting. The red one, in particular, flitted about furiously, as if to say, “Don’t you dare leave me here!”

I’m sorry, Magis-chan. I can’t leave just one of you behind, so this is the only option. Forgive me; this is hard for me too.

“I’m not saying you all have to become best friends, but if anyone breaks the rules… uh… that… thing will happen. You know, that thing. It’ll be… bad.”

“Thing? Is it something I’ll enjoy?”

“Yes.”

“Ohoho!”

“Anyway, to avoid that happening, everyone, please get along. Manager, I’m counting on you.”

“Leave it to me!”

I gave the manager’s shoulder a light pat. Though she clearly didn’t fully understand, she nodded enthusiastically.

“I hope this helps everyone bond.”

With those words directed at the six-colored lights still swirling around me, I left My Garden, leaving behind the stunned group.

A faint sensation of floating passed through me, and when I opened my eyes, I was back in the familiar interior of the White Road. Sitting on the sofa in the same position as when I entered, I let out a deep breath.

“Phew… for now… they’re contained.”

Focusing my consciousness again on My Garden, I saw Tesea and Sophie emerge into the shop from the garden.

Tesea sat beside me, staring at me with half-lidded eyes.

“Noil…”

“I know what you want to say. It’s hard for me too. I really didn’t want to do this.”

“Then don’t do it.”

Sophie tilted her head curiously as she approached the sofa.

I flashed a cool smile.

“It’s because of love, Sophie.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t understand.”

“Me neither.”

Okay, I just said something random. Anyway.

“You two don’t fight. So, what will you do? Stay outside for a while?”

“I’ll go back in. I want to stay by Master’s side.”

“Hmm… I’m worried about Sierra, so I’ll stay inside too.”

“Got it. Wait a moment.”

After confirming their intentions, I stood up and walked to the back of the shop. Grabbing an unused emergency bag, I stuffed it with drinking water, some food, and a few things that might help pass the time. The manager probably packed plenty of supplies in her Storage Box, but just in case, I wanted to make sure they had enough for the night.

With the packed bag in hand, I returned to the two of them.

“Here, take this. It’s got a bit of everything. Can you bring it to everyone?”

“Understood.”

Sophie bowed politely and took the bag from me.

“Be careful—it’s heavy.”

“It’s not a problem.”

“You’re really planning to keep them in there for the whole night…”

Tesea chuckled wryly.

Of course. This time, I’m serious.

I want them to reflect properly and get along with the Sextet Ensemble. This isn’t about running away.

“Alright, I’ll send you back in now.”

“Okay, we’re off.”

“Thank you.”

“Alright, re-enter.”

With that, the two of them were pulled back into My Garden. The cork moved on its own, sealing the bottle once more.

Left alone, I considered what to do next. Maybe take a shower and go to sleep—wait.

I was alone.

Truly alone, for the first time in ages.

“This is…”

It was clear.

I had to go fishing.

An opportunity like this doesn’t come often. Just sleeping would be a waste. Night fishing was the obvious choice.

With newfound freedom, I skipped up the stairs to fetch Mar-chan, practically giddy with excitement.