Mushoku Tensei: The Sword, the Magic Hat, and the Love System

In the end, Roxy accepted the fact that she had somehow picked up another stray disciple.

Rudeus's talent clearly surpassed Roxy's, but when it came to teaching, she was undoubtedly the professional. All afternoon, she patiently explained various magic concepts to Sylphy in a way even a beginner could grasp.

As evening approached, the group discussed and agreed: since Roxy would be leaving soon, she would conduct an intensive crash course for Sylphy over the remaining days.

By the next day, with everyone's cooperation, they finalized a schedule:

Morning: The three of them would gather on the hill to practice magic, with Allen training with his sword nearby.

Afternoon: Magic theory lessons at home, with Allen still training nearby.

Evening: In what used to be Allen's room but was now Roxy's, she would share miscellaneous stories about world magic with Sylphy—essentially, a bedtime story session.

Naturally, Allen continued training nearby.

Because even evenings were occupied, Sylphy would often return home late at night. So, they all went to speak with Liorz, and eventually managed to convince him to let Sylphy stay at Rudeus's house until Roxy's departure.

It's worth noting that Liorz agreed almost instantly, and Sylphy's mother warmly encouraged her.

Their little girl, who had always been bullied in the village, had finally found real friends.

And so, amid Allen's repeated "One more cast, please~", time flew by, and the eve of Roxy's departure arrived.

"Come on, Sylphy, don't cry. Just a week ago you were all cheerful and brave, why the tears now?!"

Sylphy wiped her tears while Rudeus clumsily tried to comfort her. But she was still a child. Just two months ago, she had made her very first friend, and then, a week ago, gained a beautiful and kind teacher. Every day had been filled with novelty and joy. Each morning, she woke up excited for what was to come.

Then, all of a sudden—Roxy announced the end of lessons.

In the middle of rising expectations, Sylphy suddenly stumbled into emptiness.

She broke down crying.

Roxy, already a bit quiet today, flailed helplessly, unsure of how to comfort her.

As for Allen, he was practicing awkward slashes from his elbow, and just as his blade reached the bottom of its arc, the blade shivered slightly.

He wiped sweat from his face and frowned at Sylphy's sobbing.

"...Sylphy, one cast of Chiyuujutsu (Healing Magic), please."

Sniffling and wiping her tears, Sylphy extended her hand toward Allen and chanted between sobs:

"Merciful... goddess of healing... please mend this person's... wounds, and restore his health... Chiyuujutsu!"

Allen's complexion improved, and he immediately resumed his sword swings.

Rudeus watched, no longer joking. He spoke calmly as he observed Allen.

"Allen... You usually have a dozen smooth lines ready for any occasion. Now that Sensei's leaving tomorrow, why are you putting on that emotionless calm face? Can't you see Sylphy's been crying nonstop?"

Roxy moved to intervene, wanting to stop a possible argument. But after hesitating, she chose to remain silent.

Allen gripped his sword, not following his usual slow swings. Instead, he flicked it and brought it down sharply in the candlelight.

"...Rudeus, what kind of reaction do you think is appropriate? Sylphy's crying—so what? Are you saying people aren't allowed to cry? That sorrow should be rejected?"

Rudeus was taken aback. Roxy and Sylphy stared at Allen in surprise.

Allen gently traced his finger along the forging lines of his blade until he reached the tip.

"I've always believed that while joy should be cherished, pain shouldn't be avoided. No matter what emotions we experience—happiness or sorrow, excitement or grief—we shouldn't suppress them. Feeling those emotions proves that the experience meant something."

"B-but... even so—"

Allen flicked the blade, producing a clear chime.

"And because of that... we have the strength to look forward to the next time."

He sheathed his sword with a metallic shing, sending a gust through the room that tousled everyone's hair. The three of them stared at him, stunned.

"Right?"

Rudeus took a moment to respond.

"...Then what about you? By your logic, you don't cry or laugh—you're totally calm. Does that mean you don't feel anything about Sensei leaving? You were the one who asked her to stay longer."

Roxy flinched, instinctively looking away, but she couldn't unhear their conversation.

Allen's voice echoed, casual yet firm.

"I stay calm because I believe we'll meet again."

Rudeus turned to Roxy. She didn't respond. She simply stared at the candlelight on the table, blinking softly.

The flame danced, unaffected.

Rudeus suddenly felt deflated and lost the desire to continue arguing.

Then Allen suddenly slung his arm around Rudeus's neck, grinning cheekily. Rudeus scowled.

"...Back off. Trying to butter me up now is pointless, you smooth-talking jerk."

Allen grinned.

"Hey Rudeus, what if we celebrate tonight—with magic?"

"Huh? What do you mean, 'celebrate with magic'?"

"Like, use Karyuudan (Fireball) mixed with Shougekiha (Shockwave), and launch it into the sky to explode into a big flaming burst. Wouldn't that look amazing? I bet Roxy and Sylphy would love it."

Rudeus blinked and muttered instinctively:

"...Hanabi? (Fireworks?)"

Allen tilted his head with a mischievous smile.

"What's that?"

Rudeus looked at the curious faces of Roxy and Sylphy and scratched his head. He walked to the window and opened it. The cool night breeze of Buena Village swept through the room, ruffling the hair of Roxy, Sylphy, Allen—and himself.

Turning back, Rudeus saw Allen grinning with genuine joy and sighed.

Honestly, as someone mentally in his thirties, Rudeus wasn't actually upset over Roxy leaving. He wasn't childish enough to pick a fight over that.

His reaction was just an excuse. He wanted to lash out at Allen.

He had met Roxy first, after all.

So why did it feel like she saw Allen in a better light?

(End of Chapter)

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