Chapter 3 - Plea

Magus wasn't one to waste his abilities, despite their... Less than morally superior nature. So he scored with all of our companions whenever we had the slightest free time.I was frustrated but eventually accepted it. Least I could do as thanks for taking me along and freeing me.I pretty much resigned myself to never get laid as long as I'm with this guy. Easier said than done, but it was what it was. I promised to myself never make the same mistake twice after being tortured, which included taking my situation for granted.But still; after spending so much time in a party where beauties fawned over my best friend, it became hard not to stare.Most of the time when we were together, they acted almost as if I were invisible, pampering him, cuddling, feeding, cleaning, and even bathing with him. I tried to be happy for him despite it all, but every day was a struggle to show even the slightest bit of support.That's when I started wearing my helmet all the time. It made me feel more comfortable, not having to worry about where my gaze might wander, and who catches it.One time, one of the girls, feeling sorry for me, invited me to join them. Considering they were mind-controlled to favor him, I was flattered.However, she quickly regretted it—as did the rest of the group—when they realized what that entailed.Including me could disrupt their dynamic, especially since it might mean less attention for their darling Magus. Worse still, for me at least, there was the potential for accidental physical contact between me and my best friend. Oddly enough, that didn't seem to bother him when I brought it up. Back in our world, he would have screamed, "Ew, how gay!" at the mere suggestion. It was as if he was almost open to the idea this time... I wouldn't call his current behavior gay, but it really is unlike him. He almost invited me himself.That aside, despite that girl's initial reluctance, her pity for my solitary state pushed her to insist. If you think about it, me and Magus touching while surrounded by girls wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.But I still refused, much to Magus's surprise.Why?It wasn't about avoiding physical contact with my best friend during an orgy, or trying to act morally superior by not messing around with enchanted women. What I truly despised was being pitied. More than that, I didn't want my first experience to come from sympathy. Call me old-fashioned, but I was holding out for something real.Deep down, I wanted someone to choose me because they genuinely wanted me—not out of obligation or mind control. That desire only grew stronger the more I watched him and his party interact.The awkwardness that followed was tangible and mutual. I opted to retreat to a quiet place while they continued without me, without voicing any complaints.It was 4 years into the journey that I saved Amoria, a healing-based magician; a priestess, from a death trap, and she gratefully joined our party. That marked 7 years since me and Magus got transmigrated.She openly criticized the harem dynamics and preferred monogamous relationships. Things took a significant turn when she confessed her feelings for me.Then again, thinking back - all the girls did the same at first. Not the 'confessing to me' part, that never happened; but not wanting to be a part of a harem of a dude they just met; before falling to it eventually.But maybe I noticed that criticism more in Amoria because she showed she was into me, despite my passive Untrusted, and despite how I was near Magus. It was more than flattering... I was moved.At that point we were already 4 years and 3 months into the journey.The other girls were surprisingly supportive, as was my best friend. I suppose it was due to how now, they didn't have to worry about sharing him anymore, at least more than they already need to-a relief for them... Somehow, he also seemed relieved. I suppose he was just that happy for me.Yet, being part of a party with him and witnessing the effect of his passive skills, I couldn't shake the feeling that it was only a matter of time before Amoria would fall under his Passives as well.I won't lie-I really liked her.Concerned, I discussed the situation with my friend, suggesting maybe it was best if we traveled separately. With his charm, he'd never be lonely, and it seemed like a win-win. I wouldn't have to worry about who he was with or what might happen with Amoria, and he could continue as he pleased.I told him that it wasn't as if we'd never see each other again. We'd just travel independently and meet up from time to time, ensuring his passive skills wouldn't sway Amoria."Listen, man, Amoria has... feelings for me, as you know," I started, my voice heavy with concern."I think we need to split up the party, at least until we get to the Demon Lord. I'll take her and-""What!? Dude, no—I can't fight bosses without you!" he interrupted, eyes wide with panic. He nearly screamed, and I could see sweat trickling down his face again. I still didn't understand why he looked so frantic, why he was so adamant about me staying. He even reached out and cupped my hand. If he weren't constantly surrounded by women, I might have started questioning his orientation. It was really unlike him to react this way, especially with a harem of beauties at his side.I glanced down at his hand, raising an eyebrow beneath my helmet."S-sorry..." he mumbled, quickly letting go and leaning back awkwardly in his seat."L-look... Don't worry, I would never steal your girlfriend. I would never do that to you," he added, his tone a strange mix of sincerity and urgency."Dude... Look at your passives. It's bound to happen sooner or later if we stay in the same party," I said bluntly, not sugarcoating the truth.But then, something shifted in him. He looked desperate."Look, I've been with a lot of girls, so I know," he said, reaching out again—this time, placing a hand on my shoulder."Amoria truly loves you. For real. That's something I'll never have, and something I can never take away. It's not about passives or skills; you won her over without any of that. You're better than I'll ever be in that regard," he admitted, his voice heavy with honesty. "So... stay, alright? Please... Please." He paused, then added, almost pleading, "I... I really do need you with me... m-man."He was never someone particularly persuasive, especially in this world when it came to same-sex matters. Over time, he became more dull, always met with approval when dealing with the girls—which was most of what he did.But I could tell the difference between him just trying to convince me and when he was genuinely pouring his heart out.This was one of those rare moments where he wasn't just trying to convince me to stay—he was admitting something deep within himself. I could see it in his eyes.He truly, sincerely believed that he needed me around. And, in a way, I still felt indebted to him.So, I couldn't leave.After staying, I started to enjoy my time with Amoria in our party, whenever we could. We never became intimate—there was never the right time or place, at least according to her.She mentioned wanting intimacy in a more 'hygienic' location, where we'd have all the time in the world... Frankly, it sounded like a lame excuse to me, and I couldn't shake the feeling she was pulling away.Still, not wanting to abandon Magus after his plea, I stayed with Amoria in the party.