Notes: Here's is Rudeus contingency plan for the mana disaster. It was mentioned and shown in chapter 14 Nightmare.
I added this in "notes" within chapter 16 because some of the fans might have forgotten this important detail.
Rudeus POV, contingency plan for the mana disaster…
1. I'll practice with my magic spells when I'm one and a half years old. This will grant me a slightly larger mana pool compared to my last life.
2. So solidifying a strong and loving family bond with Zenith, Paul, and Lilia. By socializing with them often and acting like an innocent, mature and smart child until I'm sent to the city of Roa to tutor Eris and Ghislaine.
3. When I become three years old I'll reunite with Sylphy and teach her magic early. To give her a larger mana pool compared to her previous life.
4. When Roxy finally arrives and becomes my magic tutor. I won't show off all my impressive magic skills and creativity in front of her. So she won't feel jealousy towards me.
5. Once I'm four years old I'll create a large basement right adjacent to the house at night.
So I can work discreetly without anyone noticing my activities.
Then I'll create a thin rectangle slab about the same size as the base of the house. This would be what I carved the magic circle into using earth magic. I plan on working on the magic circle little by little over the next couple of years.
6. When I walk Sylphiette back home or when we have a sleepover together. I'll walk out of sight of the house and wait until the lights go out.
When I make sure everyone is asleep I'll lift myself onto their roof with gravity magic and carve a simple teleportation circle onto their rooftop, using earth magic.
7. When Lilia tells the whole family that she's pregnant with Paul's child.
I'll play devil's advocate, just like in my past life, and guilt-trip Zenith into allowing her to stay. Also when Lilia feels obligated to repay her debt to me.
I'll tell her that I only accept her service as a maid when I start my own family. But I kindly and seriously ask her to promise me.
That she won't raise her child to be a servant as well. I want Aisha to live her own life with a loving and caring mother. And someday find her own happiness, and not put the priorities of others and myself before her own ambitions.
8. Once I'm six to seven years old I'll purchase a ride on a stagecoach to take me to the city of Roa and sell uncolored figurines of Perugius Dola, Sylvaril, Perugius's eleven summon spirits, Roxy, Sylphy, Zenith, Lilia, Laws, Rose, Paul, and Paul's horse Caravaggio, a Red Dragon, a Blue Dragon, a Earth Dragon, a Snow Dragon, a medieval ship, a cat, a dog, a wolf, an owl, a rabbit, a bunny, a bear and a snake.
So I can buy the necessary materials I need to create an automaton and I'll name it Willow. It will have the same designs as the fully functional moving doll Fourty the automaton from my previous life in the dark timeline.
Fourty the Automaton are all built to look just like Ginger York but with long hair. But the Automaton named Willow that I'll create; will look exactly like Ginger York but with long white hair and blue eye pupils and it will be officially designated as Automaton XD-01.
I named the automaton Willow, since the name Fourty doesn't sound like a realistic name. I will create the automaton Willow to protect Ariel Anemoi Asura and Derrick Redbat from the Terminate Boar that will appear in the White Lily Garden due to the mana disaster. Willow will take Sylphy's role as Silent Fitts.
9. Before I depart for the city of Roa. I'll give Sylphy a few sheets of paper explaining how to turn her hair white.
Through the use of mana exhaustion, a stressful event that forces an individual to use an immense amount of mana in a short period, causing their hair pigment to be bleached out.
Which can temporarily or permanently change their original hair color.
In exchange, I'll ask Sylphy to teach Aisha and Norn how to use magic and silent spell-casting while I'm tutoring Eris and Ghislaine in the City of Roa.
10. When I first met Eris. I'll win her approval by using magic to launch a firework explosion into the sky to impress her and allow me to teach her reading, writing, math, and some basic magic.
While I'm staying in the city of Roa. I'll do my best to make some extra money by handcrafting and selling uncolored figurines of Eris, Roxy, Sylphiette, Paul, Zenith, Lilia, Ghislaine, Perugius Dola, Sylvaril, Kaunis Freean Asura, The First North God, The First Sword God, The First Water God, Twin Emperor Migus, Feroze Star, Urupen, Gumis, a medieval ship, a Red Dragon, Paul's horse Caravaggio, the Chaos Breaker and Perugius's eleven ancient spirits.
Afterwards, I'll use some of the money to buy a large amount of powerful sleeping powder, three aphrodisiacs when I'm shopping on my own.
Then right around Sylphy's 10th birthday, I'll buy a magic ring that helps the wearer to manipulate the wind and protect the ring bearer from wind-based attacks.
I'll also buy her a magical item in the city of Roa that lets the two wearers know each other's location within a limit of 100 meters.
11. I'll win Eris's complete affection by acting like a mature gentleman towards her. Unlike my previous life when I was acting silly and a pervert during our youth.
Along with giving her three gifts on her tenth birthday. I'll give Eris a colored figurine of herself, and a figurine of myself, a magic wand, and finally a Magic Ring called the Inferno Ring - I heard it's a ring that allows the wearer to sometimes heat-bladed weapons with a blazing fire; enough to burn enemies and ignite a flame on their foe. Whenever the sword starts to glow red during a battle. It also makes the wearer fireproof too.
By giving Eris these specific gifts and planning for her scheduled studies in the city of Roa perfectly. I'll win Eris's admiration and fondness. So she'll be less aggressive towards me in the future.
12. At nighttime during my tenth birthday when everyone is fast asleep, I'll use a strong sleep powder on Sylphy's family and my family.
To make sure they're in a deep sleep when I use teleportation magic to take them to the city of Sharia and rent two separate rooms for them.
13. The next morning I'll covertly set in motion a magic scroll to remotely activate a teleportation circle in Philip and Hilda's room.
If everything goes as planned, they will both be sent to the inn in the city of Sharia, in the third room I had rented the night before.
But there is no guarantee that Philip and Hilda were in their bedroom when the mana disaster struck, but at least they have a slight chance to survive if good fortune is on my side.
I couldn't use that strong sleeping powder and teleportation magic to transfer Hilda and Philip to the city of Sharia. Like he did for Sylphy's family.
Because there would be bodyguards stationed outside Philip and Hilda's bedroom.
Thus preventing me from entry. And even if I knocked out the guards and used the same plan I did for Sylphy's family and my family.
The city of Roa and Sauros would be on high alert looking for Philip and Hilda. Who suddenly disappeared without telling anyone.
Which would cause Ghislaine to search high and low around the city for them and cancel my day to show off my new magic staff. This will change the positions where Eris, Ghislaine, and I will be teleported when the mana disaster happens.
14. Lastly before the teleportation disaster occurs I'll bring my large satchel that has a bag full of smoked salted jerky, a bag of cashews, a sewing kit, three water flasks, some of my spare clothes, a dagger, my sword, a sack filled with teleportation scrolls, magic paint, Demon God Tongue dictionary that Master Roxy handcrafted for me and I'll put my wallet of money inside my underwear as always.
I'll also take my marble lockbox that contains three aphrodisiacs and my holy relic.
15. I'll think of my next contingency plan in Migurd Village. No matter what happens in this Second Rebirth…I will change the future and save all of them from a terrible fate.
I've been thinking really hard about this ever since I traveled back in time, but I can't think of any solutions to prevent the mana disaster. It's simply impossible. If that's the case, then what I have to do is simple. I have to make sure my family, friends and loved ones are safe from harms way.
If I can't prevent the mana disaster from happening, then I can at least make sure my family and everyone else I care about isn't caught in the crossfire.
With that purpose in mind, I have devised a genius plan. I'm going to carve a large teleportation circle into a huge stone slab that I'll place directly under the floorboards of our house.
Then, right before the mana disaster occurs, I'll pump magic into the magic circle remotely to activate it, sending my family to safety.
Sure, they'll still be confused and have no idea what happened, but at least they'll be together. I'm certain Paul can keep them all safe. I'll just have to make sure I send them somewhere relatively close to civilization.
First things first, I needed a discreet place to work on the teleportation circles and to build my automation, Willow. That night, after I was certain my parents, Lilia, and Roxy were fast asleep, I decided to get started.
This was going to be an all-night affair, so I created a hollow stone in the general size and shape of myself and covered it with my blanket, just in case anyone decided to check up on me.
I quietly opened my window and lowered myself softly to the ground with gravity magic. I then slowly closed the window, also with gravity magic. I started by opening up a square-shaped hole in the ground, right adjacent to the house.
I made sure to start my work on the opposite side of the house from the bedrooms, and also tried to be as quiet as possible.
The hole was about ten feet deep and six feet wide on each side. I made sure to strengthen the side walls to ensure there were no cave-ins. At the bottom of the hole, I slowly started opening a path forward under the house.
Once again, I made certain to strengthen the ground above me to my utmost ability. So that the floor above me doesn't cave in on me.
I also made vents using earth magic, so I won't suffocate due to the lack of air and oxygen inside the cave.
After I had carved out enough earth to make a small room under the house, I walked back to the original square hole I had created and sealed the top with a thin layer so nobody could see inside.
I made sure to create a couple of holes for ventilation and placed a small overhang above them so they could not be seen from above.
I summoned a light spirit afterwards so I could see what I was doing, and then continued slowly carving the room out larger and larger until it covered the entire base of the house.
There were four stone pillars made especially dense, one on each corner, to help support the weight of the house.
Once our new basement was finished, I decided to call it a night. I was exhausted; it had to be nearly morning by now, and I hadn't slept a wink.
I made my way back to the other side of the house below my window, opened it with magic, and lifted myself back up into my room for some much-needed sleep.
The next thing I know, Lilia was trying to wake me, telling me it was time to get up. I told her I didn't feel well and just covered my head back up with my blanket. Shortly afterward, Zenith rushed up to my bedroom to cast detoxification magic on me, hoping that it would make me feel better.
I had never faked an illness before, so they had no reason to doubt me; it kind of made me feel bad about lying about it.
I told her I felt better, but was really tired, so they let me skip my morning lessons so I could get some sleep.
I didn't continue building the basement for about a week afterward. I was still very young, and pulling that all-nighter really took its toll on me.
Next, I started creating a thin, rectangular slab about the size of the base of our house.
This would be what I carved the magic circle into using earth magic. I would only spend about an hour a night working on this, one or two days a week.
I could work on the magic circle little by little over the next couple of years; there was no need to finish it all in one day.
My fifth birthday was finally right around the corner. It has been about a year and six months since Roxy started tutoring me, and we've really been enjoying ourselves. Roxy has really become a member of our family during this time, just like Lilia.
When Roxy wasn't training me in magic, she would help Zenith in the garden, assist Lilia with the cooking, or Sylphy, Roxy, and I would help around Buena Village by using our magic to water the crops, flowers, and the Asura wheat fields. Plus the extra money will come in handy in the distant future.
I should also mention that I've finished the teleportation circle during this time. And fully carved out in a multi-layered thin stone slab which I placed right up against the floorboards under our house.
There was another small magic circle adjoined to it which was a receptor of sorts to allow me to activate the teleportation circle remotely below them. Lastly, I filled the room with earth magic and closed off the entrance to it.
Now I just need to carve a simple teleportation circle onto Sylphy's rooftop, using earth magic and I should be good with the preparations for now.
Rudeus POV
Year K412, Buena Village—inside the Greyrat Household~
I'm finally five years old. My family and Sylphy's family threw me a big party to celebrate my birthday. There were very few chairs in the dining room. So I used magic to create a marble chair for everyone to fit down when eating the feast, Zenith, Lilia, and Roxy had prepared for everyone.
Mmm, I wonder what presents Sylphy and her parents will give me on my birthday? I remember on Sylphy's fifth birthday I gave her a pink ribbon and a rose quartz necklace, Roxy gifted her a magic textbook, Zenith handed her a healing magic book, Paul gave her a wooden sword and Lilia gave her a hand-knit scarf.
Meanwhile, Laws and Rose gave their daughter a few braided leather bracelets and a leaf-shaped amber necklace.
"I hope you like it, Rudy. Laws hunted and killed assault dogs, and wolves so I can sew the pelts into a hoodie." Ms.Rose explained and handed me the white hoodie. I'm definitely gonna try it on after the party is over.
"Wow, thank you very much, Mrs.Rose and Mr.Laws. Hehehehe, check it out Sylphy, now you and I are hoodie buddies." I replied and laughed cheerfully. While showing off my new hoodie to Sylphy. Who responded back with a smile and nodded.
"Phi and I went to the city of Roa and bought a leather satchel bag and a diary that has seven hundred blank pages inside." Laws said as he and Sylphy handed me the satchel bag and diary."
"Thank you, I promise to use them properly," I answered and expressed my appreciation.
"I made you a kitted red scarf Master Rudeus. I hope it will keep you warm in the fall and winter months." Lilia said, as she handed me the red scarf. This was really thoughtful of her. She didn't give me a gift on my fifth birthday; in my last life.
"Thank you, Auntie Lilia. I promise to treasure the first gift you have ever given me." I replied with a thankful tone in my voice.
Next, Paul gifted me with a pair of swords for my fifth birthday. One was a real sword, too long and heavy for a five-year-old to wield; the other was a short practice sword.
The real sword was well-tempered and bore a sharp edge. It was no doubt forged by a good blacksmith. The weapon was clearly not suitable for a small child like me.
Then father gave me a long speech about the importance of swordsmanship, defending the weak, and protecting my family. I listened attentively while smiling and nodding.
"Son, a man must always carry a sword within his heart. Even though you may have a blade at your side, never mistake owning a weapon for strength and courage. Also, you shouldn't rely too heavily on magic and those fancy spells of yours…"
Eventually, Zenith chided him for rambling too long. Admonished, he smiled and wrapped up with, "Just remember to keep it put away when you don't need it."
Zenith gave me a botanical encyclopedia book. "Because you love books so much sweetheart, I bought this." she said, as she handed it to me.
"Oh, wow; thank you, Mommy. This is exactly what I wanted." I replied gratefully and she embraced me in a tight hug and sweet kiss on the cheek.
Roxy gifted me with a wand. It was a stick, roughly thirty centimeters long, set with a small red stone at the tip.
"I crafted it yesterday," Roxy said. "It completely slipped my mind, since you've been using silent spell-casting this whole time. A master is supposed to create a staff or wand for a pupil who can use elementary magic. I'm sorry I forgot Rudy."
"Thank you, Master Roxy," said. "I promise to cherish all of your gifts," I announced to everyone, out of kindness and sincere gratitude.
"I also made one for you too, Sylphy. I'm sure it will come in handy when the village children start tormenting you again because of your green hair." Roxy said, handing Sylphy an identical magic wand just like mine.
"Wow, it's so beautiful, thank you, Ms.Roxy I love it," Sylphy replied with starlit eyes. As she smiled happily, filled with joy.
To be completely honest, I knew what gifts I was going to receive from my parents and Roxy. But I wasn't expecting Lilia to give me a present as well. Every thoughtful gift caused me to break down into tears. This really meant so much to me, more than they will ever know. I truly loved each person here from the bottom of my heart.
"Wait right here, I'll be right back" I told them and ran up the stairs to my bedroom. I returned shortly afterwards with a small marble lockbox that I had sealed with a carved magic circle. I opened it and handed each of them a small colored figurine.
"I know it's my birthday, but I've been working on these for a very long time, and I can't wait to give them to all of you any longer," I responded and gave each of them a figurine lookalike of themselves. I also gave Sylphy and Roxy each a colored figurine of myself. So they'll always remember me fondly, when we part ways in the distant future.
"This is just my way of saying that I love and appreciate all of you," I said affectionately.
Paul's figurine struck a Sword God Style pose, both of his hands were holding his signature sword with a serious look on his face. He is wearing a black high-collar short-sleeve shirt, white pants with dark straps, and brown leather knee guard boots. Lastly, a forest green cloak with white inner lining, fastened across the chest had three horizontal black straps.
Lilia's figurine was standing in a pose with both of her hands interlocked together in front of her chest with a gentle smile. She is wearing her iconic maid outfit and oval-shaped glasses.
Zenith's figurine was shown doing the Millis prayer. Standing with a lovely smile on her face and her eyes closed. She is wearing a dark red long-sleeve shirt, a white corset with matching colored slenders on the shoulders that hold the corset in place. Also a light green skirt, a dark brown belt, and black thigh boots.
Roxy's figurine struck the same pose as the one I had made for Zanoba. Only this one didn't have a removable robe, as I thought that would be very inappropriate if I were to give it to Roxy herself. The Roxy figurine stood there with her arm outstretched holding her staff, wearing her brown cloak and pointed hat.
Sylphy's figurine was standing on one leg with a jolly smile on her face. Wearing a white hoodie jacket, beneath a white shirt, black shorts, and brown sandals.
Mr.Laws's figurine was shown aiming his bow and arrow with a serious look on his face. Lastly Mrs.Rose was doing the same pose as Lilia. Standing with both hands clung together near her chest while she smiled happily.
"Rudy, how did you make these!?", Roxy exclaimed with a surprised look on her face.
"Oh my goodness, it's incredible sweetheart," Zenith said with sparkling starlit eyes.
"Wow Rudy, it's so pretty and lifelike," Sylphy responded, complementing her own figurine lookalike.
"Where did you get the paint for them? They don't sell it in the village," Paul remarked, as he closely inspected his colored figurine lookalike.
"I must say, these figurines are amazing Rudy." Mrs.Rose said, praising the figurine lookalike I made for her.
"I agree honey, these figurines are quite impressive." Laws said, showing admiration for the figurines.
Lilia just stared at hers with admiration. It almost looked like tears of joy were beginning to well up in her eyes. After she briefly removed her glasses and rubbed her eyes a little.
I gave them a big smile and answered their question. "I made them using earth magic. It was a really fun way to practice."
This made Roxy's eyes go wide. "How is that even possible? The precision of this should be theoretically impossible, even with magic."
"No, not really. It just took a lot of practice and patience. Here I'll show you." I quickly conjured up a small rock to work with and modeled it into a vague shape. I then spent a little time on some small details. In about 5 minutes I'd made a quick figurine of myself. It was nowhere near as detailed as the figurines I'd gifted them, but I explained that it takes a lot more time to get all the fine details perfectly.
"But these are actual colors. They look too perfect to have been painted. How did you manage to do that?" Roxy said and I explained to her that I separated the components to make different minerals of different colors. She just listened attentively and looked completely dumbfounded.
"There truly is nothing more for me to teach you. You've already far surpassed me as a mage." Roxy admitted, while showing a sincere smile on her face.
"It's only thanks to your teachings that I've come this far, Master!" I replied, offering my utmost gratitude to my beloved Goddess of Wisdom.
Roxy looked a little sad, but then smiled proudly and responded. "I'll hold your graduation exam in three days. Then take my leave and say farewell to all of you."
"Nooo, please don't go Ms.Roxy I'll miss you, can't you stay for one more year at least. So you can hold my graduation exam." Sylphy said, begging and pleading for Roxy to stay a little longer. While hugging her with care and admiration. "You are like the big sister I never had."
"I understand why you need to leave Master Roxy; but deep down, I want you to stay too. Not just to teach me magic or help me further my education. I want you to stay because you're like family to me and you're so much more than just a tutor in my eyes." I said honestly, as I hugged Roxy with a warm embrace. Alongside Sylphy who was crying tears on Roxy's shoulder.
Roxy kneeled in front of Sylphy and me. She looked at us face-to-face and patted our heads. Then she logically explained like a wise sage. "I'm sorry but I can't stay for long, little Rudy and Sylphy. I have my own life to live. Besides Sylphy, Rudy is your magic teacher. I merely offered my assistant to you. He will be the one to administer your graduation exam when you are ready."
I'd better spend a lot of time with Roxy. For the next few days. Since she'll be parting ways with all of us very soon.
"Uhh, by the way everyone, in the distant future would it be okay if I sell figurine lookalikes of you guys. So I can make extra money when it's necessary." I said, asking for their permission first and foremost.
"Of course Rudy, so long as you don't create a figurine version of me that looks ugly, naked, or bald and sell it to a merchant or stranger," Roxy said, warning me with a somewhat scary face, asking not to sell bad or lewd figurines of her.
"Yeah, that goes for me too, young man. It would be very inappropriate and disrespectful to make figurines of us looking like that." Zenith said with a stern motherly tone in her voice.
"Uh, yes Mommy and Master Roxy. I promise not to make figurines of you looking like that and selling them." I replied, while panicking a little, when they warned me like that.
"MHM, Good boy," Roxy said while gently rubbing my hair with her hand.
The following day, Paul began training me how to use a sword, focusing on practice swings and fundamental forms. We had a wooden practice dummy in our yard that I used to practice my forms and my strikes.
He helped me with my footwork, my balance, and sword stance. Also pretended to be a novice in swordsmanship so he had the opportunity to teach me the sword styles in this world. Just like in the previous timeline.
Still, no matter how many times he showed me the trick, I still couldn't tell how he did it. Due to Paul being an instinctive swordsman.
An instinctive swordsman relies on feeling and instinct rather than consciously understanding the techniques—essentially, someone who can do things without being able to explain how they learned to do them.
Instinctive-type swordsmen also tend to struggle with teaching others, I bet he didn't fully understand what he was doing. Also, his teaching method wasn't very effective. Basically, he was great at demonstrating the technique, but terrible at explaining.
Paul on the other hand, only mastered three sword styles: North God Style, Water God Style, and Sword God Style. But he stagnated with all of them once he reached the advanced rank.
Despite his natural talent, he never reached the Saint Rank, Sword King, Emperor, or even God. Because he is an instinctive swordsman and couldn't advance further. He needed to start thinking more logically to improve.
I remember Ghislaine mentioning that she used to be an instinctive swordsman too, but once she started thinking logically, she was able to advance further and eventually become a Sword King in the Sword God Style.
By the way, Paul decided that I would learn both the Sword God Style and Water God Style first. He wants me to learn actual sword techniques, so I know how to fight in a real sword duel. Then learn the North God Style last.
"You've got a knack for magic, Rudy, but it doesn't hurt to learn the sword as well. You want to be a magician who can fend off an attack from someone who can use Sword God Style."
"Uh-huh, I wanna be able to defend myself against the average swordsman in a one-on-one duel. Since I'm not a natural at swordsmanship."
For a moment, Paul was lost in thought when I said all that. He had an uneasy expression on his face and finally responded to me. "You don't like swordplay, do you?"
Paul said that because I had an aptitude for magic compared to swordplay and he's worried I might have no interest in swordsmanship at all.
No doubt, Paul dreamed that if his firstborn son were a boy, he would follow in his footsteps and become a swordsman. But when I showed exceptional talent in magic and was not inherently skilled with the sword, Paul started to feel uneasy and thought I had zero interest in swordsmanship.
I understand my father's feelings, but he's completely misunderstanding how I feel about swordsmanship and magic.
I absolutely love magic, ever since I started practicing when I was two years old in the previous timeline.
But don't get the wrong idea here: I had no problem practicing swordsmanship. I simply preferred spending time with Roxy and Sylphy. It's fun learning magic with the ladies.
Compared to getting sweaty and dirty with my father swinging practice swords in the yard for an entire afternoon.
On top of that, Paul's teaching style wasn't very effective; he was great at demonstrating but terrible at explaining. If Paul doesn't get killed in this new timeline of mine.
No doubt Norn and Aisha will have a hard time learning swordsmanship from him in the distant future. I'd better offer my assistance when the time comes.
Besides, I already decided to put my best effort into magic and sword. Within this medieval fantasy world. In the meantime, I'd better reassure my father. "No, Daddy" I said, "I want to be as good at swordplay as I am at magic."
Paul flushed with pride and nodded happily as he brought his wooden practice sword to bear. "All right, then. Let's get to it. Come at me!"
"All right, Daddy!" I called out.
It's pretty obvious that I ultimately decided to rely on sorcery and only use swordplay in a one-on-one duel against the average swordsmen like Luke for example.
Paul is a simple man, who loves his family above all else; despite his many flaws. But who am I to judge…In my past life on Earth, I was a burden to my parents till the day they died and didn't give them the respect they deserved.
Perhaps if I treated them better, my siblings wouldn't have kicked my ass and thrown me out of the house on that rainy day; with nothing but the clothes on my back.
Just another good reason why I want to establish a nice bond and spend quality time with my parents while I am still young. I needed to be even better to my parents this time around.
During my first steps in sword training with my father. Currently, Sylphy and I are testing our new wands. While the magical studies with Master Roxy were taking on a more technical and practical bent.
Sylphiette POV
Year K412, Buena Village—outside the Greyrat Household~
BLOOSH—WHOOSH!
"WATER BALL!"
Rudy and I held our wands upward and cast the Water Ball spell. Two large spheres of water hover in the air and burst apart in front of us.
"Staves and wands are amazing, aren't they!? It's way easier to cast magic with one!" I said cheerfully.
"I know right, it's so much easier and effective to control my mana when I use a magic wand," Rudy said, agreeing with me.
"Those magic wands are made with pretty rubbish-quality stone. So it's only a bit better than nothing." Roxy explained.
Then I asked Roxy a question. "Hey, uh… Ms.Roxy. If someone wanted to learn magic and had a staff or wand from the very beginning. Wouldn't it be easier for them to learn?"
"A staff's power can make up for poor control. So if you use the crutch of a magic wand or staff when you're learning the fundamentals, you're sure to pay for it down the line." Roxy answered.
"I see…"
Huh, so that's how it works, I guess when it comes to using magic staffs and wands. A beginner magic user should learn the basics without relying on a tool.
"Though there's no getting around the fact that a magician will eventually need a staff. Power alone won't do for all spells." Roxy said in her teacher's voice.
So eventually you need a wand or staff anyway…
Then Rudy responded. "The reason why beginner magicians don't use magic wands or staffs from the start is that. Because it will make the user weaker if he or she relies too heavily on their tool on the battlefield. Or say for example this specific magic user lost their staff or wand. Or perhaps the individual was captured and had their wand stolen by kidnappers."
"Rudy is correct, it's important to learn as many of the basics as you can with your own ability."
"Yes, Ms.Roxy." We both said. At the same time.
"Here's a question for both of you. What will happen if you cast Waterfall, Heat Island, and Icicle Field in that order?" Roxy asked.
"You'd create mist," Rudy answered quickly.
"Correct. And how would you go about clearing up that mist? Sylphy, I want you to answer this question this time." Roxy requested.
"Umm...cast Heat Island again and heat up the ground?" I answered, feeling a little unsure.
"Exactly. Now both of you, please try to do it." Roxy asked.
(These two silent spell casters are even capable of using three spells for Combine Magic as well…Will ever able achieve that type of power as well and finally reach my full potential. Roxy thought as large mist blowed her skirt and exposed her cute white panties.)
I simply followed Rudy's movements. Carefully remembering my magic training from the past.
"Way to go, Rudy," Zenith said, cheering for Rudy inside her garden, alongside Lilia.
"Great job, both of you," Roxy said, praising us for performing the spell perfectly.
"Thank you, Ms.Roxy," Rudy and I said at the same time, showing our gratitude to her.
"I gotta say, Ms.Roxy, magic really can do anything huh?" I asked Roxy.
"Magic has plenty of limits," Roxy said firmly. "Use magic rationally and sparingly for things you can't do, don't rely on it too much, just keep calm, stay cool, and hone your abilities to do what you're able, and what you should." Despite her words, my head was filled with images. Like using wind magic to fly in the air or making those cool figurines Rudy made.
"Furthermore," Roxy continued, "If both of you go around proclaiming how you can do anything, people will think you're very strong and smart. Then they'll start pushing both of you, until you're hit with something you can't create."
"Did this happen to you before, Ms.Roxy?"
"Yes, it did unfortunately."
"Do magicians get hit with a lot of problems in their line of work?" Rudy asked.
"Oh, yes. But there aren't that many users of Advanced magic around, after all."
"Only one in a hundred magicians can properly learn the art and graduate from the magic academy, becoming Advanced-tier magicians. Roxy said. "People who've graduated from a magic academy with a strong foundation. It can require a good job and earn a large payment."
"Magic schools exist too?" I asked.
"Of course, magic schools are all over the place. Especially in the major kingdoms."
Huh, I guess there's a lot of magic schools around the world…But I don't think any of them would welcome someone like me, because of my green hair. People will easily mistake me for a Superd and deny me from becoming a student.
"Though the largest and best one," Roxy continued, "is the Ranoa University of Magic."
"Is this university different from the other magic schools?" Rudy asked.
"They have great teachers, and excellent facilities. You'd have access to more modern and advanced courses there than at other schools, I'd imagine."
"Did you go to the University of Magic, too, Ms.Roxy?" I asked.
"I did. Magic schools have very strict rules and regulations that only admit humans. But in Ranoa they accept all races and it doesn't lean on any strange regulations or misplaced pride. As long as you adhere to proper theory, they won't kick you out for being on the eccentric side, The different races even carry out individual research on their own particular kind of spellcraft. If both of you are interested in taking your magical education further, I can highly recommend entering the University of Magic."
I'm glad to hear that the Ranoa University of Magic. Doesn't deny entry based on someone not being human. Rudy and Roxy told me that discrimination against demons has lessened in modern days, but strong prejudices still linger today.
If Rudy and I had enrolled in university at five years old, we would be like a cute young romantic couple. But there are probably super-strong students in that school too. They might bully us, just like the children in Buena Village, but ten times worse.
"Uhh, it might be a little too early for us to start school" I murmured nervously.
"Don't worry my lovely Sylphy, I promise to protect you from all the naughty students who will try to bully you. When we attend the Ranoa University of Magic." Rudy said confidently. His sweet and kind words always made my heart skip a beat.
"Aww how adorable, I can definitely see the two of you becoming a pair of sweethearts at school, heehee," Roxy said, while showing a wide grin on her face and giggling.
Suddenly I felt my long pointy ears starting to heat up, and my face turned bright red the moment Roxy began teasing us.
"H-Huh!? N-No, w-we're not boyfriend and girlfriend!" I panicked and stuttered with my words. While waving my hands around near my face.
Roxy giggled behind her hand, clearly amused by my reaction. Rudy on the other hand doesn't look embarrassed at all. Instead, he placed his hand on mine and smiled confidently.
"Of course, we'll be a couple someday," he said boldly. "Sylphy's super cute, kindhearted, talented in magic and she has lovely green hair too. Only pathetic and heartless people would reject her natural beauty?"
My whole face started to burn up when he complimented me like that. Jeez Rudy, aren't you afraid of sharing your personal feelings in front of Roxy and me?
"R-Rudy…!" I squeaked, nearly dropping my wand. "Y-You can't just say things like that so suddenly…"
"Why not?" He replied with a shrug. "It's the truth. I'm not afraid of telling both of you how I feel."
He said so manly—that it made my heart flutter.
"Oh my. You're quite straightforward with the girls you like, Rudy." Roxy said, clearly amused.
"That's just the way I was born, Ms.Roxy," He said, sounding proud of himself. "If Sylphy and I end up going to the Ranoa University of Magic together as lovers, I'll make sure nobody is cruel to her."
"W-Wait—R-Rudy! Y-You shouldn't say things like that so easily…I-I'm not that special…"
"Sure you are," he said honestly. "Anyone who thinks otherwise has poor judgment and terrible eyesight too."
Roxy hummed with pleasure. "Heh, you lovebirds are a perfect match alright…Should I ask your parents when the wedding is gonna happen?"
My cheeks burned even hotter. "Ww-ww-WEDDING!!"
Rudy smirked lightly and answered. "Well, that depends on Sylphy. But I'm not against getting married to her in the future."
"R-Rudy!" I squeaked and my cheeks blushed, turning rosy-pink.
Roxy laughed and applauded him. "Wow Rudy, I think you're the boldest child I've ever met."
"Thanks Ms.Roxy, I got it from my Daddy," Rudy replied with a cheerful smile on his face.
"Anyway Rudy, you could also fulfil Sir Paul's hopes of you becoming a swordsman or a knight. And some people who have attained the title of knight have also attended the University of Magic. Don't think your choice is an exclusive one between swords or sorcery. You could always become a mage knight or something, after all."
"Thanks for the advice Ms.Roxy but I already decided to become a full-fledged magician while being proficient in one-on-one sword duels when I'm using the Sword God Style or Water God Style. Maybe when I'm a little older I'll work on learning the North God Style too."
"Very well then, besides you have plenty of time to think about that in the future…speaking of which; pretty soon, however, I'll run out of things to teach the both of you. Rudy, your graduation ceremony is coming up very soon, so this sort of conversation isn't too premature."
That's right—Rudy's graduation exam is tomorrow…