mushoku tensei: unplanned reincarnation

Months passed, and my routine remained practically the same, but overall, everything continued as before. Now, there was only one month left until my fifth birthday.

In the end, even though things were slowly changing, the sense of stability was comforting.

However, I had to admit that some things had changed. Whenever I saw Roxy, I felt an inexplicable urge to start a conversation. I wanted to share my thoughts and learn from her. And when she practiced her silent magic, I always felt compelled to suggest new ideas.

Now, there I was, sitting in the yard with Roxy and Sylphie. The afternoon study session had ended, and the shadows of the evening were beginning to spread slowly. As I settled onto the grass, I looked at the two of them.

Sylphie had started growing out her hair. Now, her strands extended past her shoulders—a subtle detail, but one that marked a small change in her.

Roxy, on the other hand, had become a constant presence in my life. After almost two years together, it was hard to imagine my routine without her. Sylphie, however, held a special place in my heart. Taking care of her felt natural.

"Let's do something different today, Sylphie."

Roxy adjusted her hat and crossed her arms, looking at Sylphie with her usual calm expression.

"Different how, sensei?" Sylphie tilted her head, curious.

"Today, I want you to develop your own magic idea. Something that makes sense to you."

Sylphie blinked a few times, seeming not to fully understand.

"But... how do I do that?"

"Magic isn't just about repeating pre-made spells," Roxy explained patiently. "You need to understand the principles and adapt them to what you want. If you had to create a spell right now, what would it be?"

Sylphie fell silent, biting her lip as she thought.

"Maybe... a spell to dry my hair after a bath?"

Roxy raised her eyebrows slightly.

"Practical. But how would it work?"

"Hmm..." Sylphie looked at her hands, deep in thought. "If I used wind, I could blow my hair until it dried... But what if the wind is too strong? Or too cold?"

"Good observation." Roxy nodded. "Maybe you could mix in some heat?"

Sylphie's eyes widened. "Oh! So if I use a very gentle wind spell and mix in some heat, I can create a well-controlled warm air!"

"Exactly."

I simply watched as the two exchanged ideas. It was interesting to see Sylphie making an effort to think for herself, while Roxy guided her without giving away the answers.

Sylphie seemed more and more excited, and Roxy, even while maintaining her serious demeanor, let a small, satisfied smile slip.

"This is harder than just casting magic..." Sylphie commented, scratching her head.

"That's why truly talented mages aren't the ones who know many spells," Roxy said, closing her eyes briefly. "They're the ones who know how to think about magic."

Sylphie looked at her hands again, this time with a more determined expression.

And I... well, I just leaned back on the grass, observing. Maybe this was the right way to teach someone.

Now, Roxy was slowly loosening the restraints of her own views on magic. She wasn't stuck in her habits. Even without resorting to silent casting, she was guiding Sylphie to think more flexibly.

She talked about mixing magic, about combining two different properties to achieve a more refined effect. And I was sure this idea hadn't come out of nowhere.

She had seen me do it.

Maybe she hadn't consciously realized it, but the way she watched me during training and now guided Sylphie... It was a subtle but significant change.

She was learning too.

And deep down, I couldn't be prouder—not just of her, but of myself. In the end, I had shared something that made her reflect. Did that mean I had a talent for teaching?

"Hehehe."

"Why are you laughing, Rudy?" Sylphie raised an eyebrow.

"Ah, nothing, nothing." I waved a hand dismissively, still smiling.

She narrowed her eyes. "Doesn't look like nothing."

Roxy also cast me a sideways glance but remained silent, simply waiting.

"I was just thinking..." I shrugged. "Maybe I have a talent for being a teacher."

I had thought about it before. Being a teacher... maybe that could be my profession? But well, I couldn't decide that now. I still had many possibilities ahead of me. If I didn't change my mind in the future, then this would be the path I'd follow.

Roxy blinked, looking slightly surprised.

Sylphie tilted her head. "A teacher?"

"Well, in a way, I ended up teaching sensei something, didn't I?"

Roxy crossed her arms and looked away. "I only considered new possibilities. That doesn't mean I learned from you."

"Averting your eyes doesn't hide the embarrassment, sensei."

She immediately turned back to me, her expression serious, but the slight blush on her cheeks gave her away.

"I'm not embarrassed."

Sylphie watched our exchange, blinking a few times.

"But sensei, if even you learn from me, doesn't that mean I'm on the right path to becoming a master too?"

Roxy sighed, massaging her temple. "Being a master requires more than just occasionally teaching something. It takes knowledge, patience, and experience."

"Then I just need those three things."

"You talk as if it were simple..."

"Isn't it?"

"No."

Sylphie giggled softly beside me. "I think Rudy would be a funny teacher."

"See? I already have a student," I declared, satisfied.

Roxy shook her head. "Please, don't go around saying you taught me something..."

"Why not? Are you embarrassed to admit you learned from me?"

She glared at me. "Rudeus."

Maybe I should stop teasing her, but still, I couldn't help but smile.

"So, I guess we're wrapping up for today," Roxy said, stretching and adjusting her hat.

"Yeah... seems like it," I replied.

Sylphie, beside me, smiled and nodded toward her.

But as she stood up, my eyes fell on Roxy's staff, and a question that had been lingering in my mind since that night surfaced again.

"Sensei, how are staffs made, and what are they for?" I asked, unable to hold back my curiosity.

She glanced at her staff, then back at me, a thoughtful expression crossing her face.

"Why the curiosity? Planning to destroy the house instead of just the room now?"

"W-what? That was an accident, okay!" I quickly defended myself.

"Oh, right... That was when Rudy made a hole in the wall because of a cockroach, wasn't it?" Sylphie chimed in, trying to hide a smile behind her hand.

"H-hey, Sylphie..." I looked at her, a little embarrassed. "I didn't know it was going to jump like that!"

Roxy let out a low chuckle but quickly disguised it with a cough.

"Well..." She adjusted her hat and lifted her staff, looking at it for a moment before continuing. "Staffs help channel mana more efficiently. They also improve precision and power in spells."

She spun the staff lightly in her hands, thoughtful. "The material matters a lot... but, hmm... it depends on what you want from a staff. Wood and magic stones are the basics, but there are many different types."

"And yours? What does it do?" I asked.

"Oh, my staff?" She seemed surprised for a second before a small smile appeared. "Hmm... it's special. I got it at the Ranoa Magic Academy, with the help of some friends."

She ran her hand over the wood, looking nostalgic. "Its material comes from a tree called Elder Torrent... It only grows in a forest far away, on the Mills Continent."

"And the crystal at the tip?" Sylphie asked, tilting her head.

"Oh, right. That came from a slime I found in a labyrinth near the Ranoa border." Roxy lightly touched the glowing stone. "Because of that, it enhances my water magic... hmm, maybe almost double the normal strength? Something like that."

She made a vague gesture with her hand. "It also ends up weakening fire magic. But overall, it's a great staff."

A small smile remained on her face as she spoke, as if each detail brought back fond memories.

"Without my friends' help, I wouldn't have gotten it…" she murmured, more to herself than to us.

Sylphie, standing beside me, watched the staff intently. Then, she slowly stood up, her eyes still fixed on it.

Roxy noticed and raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

"Hmm..." Sylphie tilted her head. "Will we also have a staff someday?"

Roxy blinked a few times, surprised, until her eyes suddenly widened.

"Oh! I completely forgot about that!"

She looked between us, bringing a hand to her chin.

"I forgot to give you two a magic wand."

"A wand?" Sylphie tilted her head.

"Yes, it's common for apprentices to use a wand or a staff to help control magic." Roxy sighed, looking a bit frustrated with herself. "But since you can already use magic, I ended up letting it slip my mind..."

She fell into thought for a moment, then shook her head.

"Well, it doesn't change much now, but… I should have thought of this earlier."

"So that means we can have a wand!? Just like yours!?" Sylphie leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Then we'll be able to cast super-powerful spells!? A-and maybe even have a giant staff someday!?"

Roxy blinked, surprised by her reaction. "Well, someone's excited about the idea, huh?"

I looked at Sylphie and saw her face flush slightly as she lowered her head, embarrassed. Her fingers played with strands of her hair.

"I-I… I just thought it… would be cool..." she murmured, eyes downcast, but with a small smile still visible on her face.

Hmm. She was really excited about having a staff. Maybe imagining holding a wand was something any child would think was cool?

I imagined myself with a wand, pointing at a monster while protecting Roxy, who trembled behind me. And when I finally defeated the creature, she would approach to thank me… with a kiss on the cheek.

"Heh... maybe having a wand wouldn't be so bad," I murmured to myself, trying to picture that scene.

Roxy raised an eyebrow. "Hm? Did you say something?"

"Oh, no, nothing." I quickly replied, shaking my head.

Roxy gave me a suspicious look but didn't press further. Instead, she turned her attention back to Sylphie, who was still idly playing with a lock of her own hair.

"Anyway, staffs and wands are useful tools, but you two can already use magic without them. So, for now, you don't need to worry about it."

Sylphie nodded slowly, but she still seemed deep in thought.

"…But it would be cool, right?" she murmured after a while.

Roxy let out a small laugh. "Maybe. But more important than the tool is mana control. If you want to have a staff in the future, you'll have to train a lot."

Sylphie lifted her face, her eyes shining. "So… does that mean you're going to give us a wand?"

Roxy crossed her arms, thoughtful. "Hmmm... Well, yes. I should have given you one before, but since you already use magic without needing it, I let it slide."

Sylphie seemed to hold her breath for a moment before a small smile appeared on her lips.

I watched her fiddling with her hair, a distracted gesture. It was rare to see her express interest so openly.

"Well, when the time is right, I'll arrange one for you," Roxy said, shrugging.

Then, she turned to me, observing my face for a few moments.

"…I'll prepare a wand for both of you."

With that, she walked back inside the house.

I stood there, blinking. 'What was that look?'

Well, leaving that aside…

'A wand, huh?'

My mind drifted back to that imaginary scene from before.

Heh… maybe this really wasn't a bad idea.

---

Time passed quickly. Weeks blended into days of training, reading, and occasional conversations.

And now, there was only one week left until my fifth birthday.

I wasn't exactly excited, but I knew the date had some significance. Maybe it was just a number, but… five years marked the end of early childhood.

As I thought about that, I was standing, swinging my sword as Paul had instructed. As I swung, I watched the leaves in the yard. That was when I heard footsteps approaching.

I looked toward the sound and saw Roxy coming closer.

She stopped beside me, watched for a moment, and, without saying anything, pulled out a chair and sat down in front of me.

"You've improved a lot," she commented after a while.

I stopped swinging the sword and sat on the grass, taking a deep breath. "You really think so?"

"Yes." She nodded. "I've never seen a child your age so dedicated to both swordsmanship and magic."

Hearing that from her made me look down. Something inside me warmed up, and an involuntary smile appeared on my face.

"But you still have a lot to learn," she added with a shrug.

I smirked. "Of course, of course. You'd never let me relax, would you?"

She raised an eyebrow but soon shifted her gaze to the sky. We sat in silence for a moment, just enjoying the afternoon breeze.

Then, out of nowhere, she spoke:

"Your birthday is coming up."

"Oh... yeah."

"Do you want anything?"

I blinked, surprised. I hadn't expected her to ask that.

"Hmm..." I tilted my head, thinking. "I don't know. I was never really into birthdays."

She furrowed her brows slightly. "I see."

Another silence settled between us, but this time, it felt different.

"Rudy."

"Hm?"

"Have you been having fun?"

The question caught me off guard. I looked at her and found her gaze fixed on me, as if she was trying to read my answer before I even said it.

I could have just given a random reply. But for some reason, I felt like I should be honest.

"...I think so."

She kept looking at me for a moment, then turned her gaze away, seeming satisfied.

"That's good."

And then, as if nothing had happened, she stood up and stretched.

"It's getting late. Let's go inside."

I stood up too, still thinking about that question.

I looked at Roxy and said, without thinking too much, "And I think it's because of you."

She blinked, surprised, and stared at me for a moment. Her face remained neutral, but something in her expression seemed to soften.

"Really?"

"Yeah." I shrugged. "I think I've been having more fun since you arrived."

Roxy looked away, crossing her arms. "Well... I'm glad to hear that."

"Heh… Are you blushing?"

She frowned and looked back at me. "Of course not."

But for a brief moment, I thought I saw a faint red hue on her face.

"Hm... sure." I smirked but decided not to push it.

Roxy sighed, shaking her head. "Let's go inside."

I nodded and followed her back to the house.

Yeah... I was having fun.

And part of it was because of her.

---.-

That night, I was in Roxy's room.

She was sitting at her desk, writing something on a parchment. The lamplight cast soft shadows over her concentrated face.

"Sensei."

She looked up at me, still holding the quill. "Hm?"

I stepped closer. "What are you writing?"

"Notes on your progress." She set the quill down and stretched her arms. "You've improved a lot, so I need to record it."

I stayed quiet for a moment, watching her.

"...Do you like teaching?"

She blinked, surprised by the question, but then gave a small smile. "Yes. Teaching you has been… interesting."

"Interesting?"

She rested her chin on her hand. "You're a curious and determined student. That makes everything more exciting."

I felt a small warmth in my chest at her words.

"...I'm glad."

Roxy watched me for a moment, then turned her gaze back to the desk.

I took the pause as a chance to continue.

"You're amazing, you know that?"

She blinked. "What?"

"Seriously. You're the best teacher anyone could have." I crossed my arms, trying to find the right words. "Besides being smart, strong, and... well, also very beautiful."

Roxy frowned. "That sounds like an exaggeration."

"It's not! You have a unique way of teaching, you care about your students, and your magic is incredible." I stepped a little closer. "Not to mention, you're super cool. I always have fun with you."

She looked away, absentmindedly playing with the quill on the desk. Her face was more serious than usual, but the way her fingers tapped against the wood betrayed a hint of unease.

"You say the strangest things..."

"I'm just telling the truth." I grinned, feeling satisfied that I had flustered her.

She sighed and closed her eyes for a moment.

"It's late. You should go to bed."

"You too."

I took a few steps toward the door, but before leaving, I turned to look at her one last time.

---

"Roxy."

She lifted her eyes from the parchment, raising an eyebrow slightly. "What is it now?"

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice steady. Then, I smiled.

"I like you."

She blinked.

"...Huh?"

"I like you," I repeated, still smiling. "You're amazing. I like spending time with you, listening to you talk, seeing you smile. It's different from anything I've ever felt."

For a moment, Roxy just stared at me, blinking slowly, as if trying to process my words. Then, suddenly, she let out a small chuckle.

"Heh… Rudy, you really say the strangest things."

"What? I'm being serious."

She smiled, resting her face on her hand. "You should save that kind of thing for someone who really likes you… like Sylphie, for example."

I raised an eyebrow. "Huh?"

"She adores you, you know? You two get along so well."

I frowned. "Sylphie? I don't see her that way."

Roxy arched an eyebrow but just smirked slightly, as if she was amused by the conversation.

"Well, if you say so."

I sighed, looking away. At least I tried.

"...Good night, Roxy."

"Good night, Rudy."

I closed the door behind me and headed to my room.

Lying in bed, I kept thinking about the scene. "I like you…" I had actually said that! And she… laughed. Of course, Roxy laughed.

"You should save that for someone who really likes you… like Sylphie."

I frowned. Sylphie? Did she see me that way? I had never even considered it, but now that Roxy mentioned it… nah. There was no way it was romantic.

I turned over in bed, tossing the covers aside. I really should've just kept quiet, huh? I thought, chuckling at myself. Roxy had probably already forgotten, but I would remember… and maybe avoid repeating the experience anytime soon.

I sighed and closed my eyes. "Well, at least I tried. What else could I have done?"

---

A week had passed, and today would be the day I finally took a small step toward adulthood. My fifth birthday.

Five years old. Before reincarnating, I didn't care much about birthdays. After turning fourteen, I started seeing them as just another ordinary day. But here… in my case… it felt different. Special. Maybe it was the first time something like this truly made sense. And I wanted it to be a good day.

I woke up earlier than usual, still feeling sleepy. I mentally scolded myself. I couldn't stay up late training magic. I needed to grow up healthily.

After bathing and getting dressed, I went downstairs, curious to see what the women of the house were preparing for my birthday. I wouldn't even mention Paul, since I knew he would be useless in the kitchen.

As I descended, I looked at the table and saw bread and fruit, signaling breakfast. I glanced toward the kitchen, where the warm aroma of porridge mixed with the scent of burning firewood. Lilia, in front of the fireplace, was stirring a thick porridge.

At the table, Paul and Zenith were already seated, talking about something I couldn't quite catch. The atmosphere was calm, as it always was in the mornings.

"Good morning, Dad. Mom."

Paul grinned widely. "Rudy!" He stood up and ruffled my hair with a pat.

Ugh. I couldn't let a man touch my head. What if Roxy saw this?

Before I could step away, he effortlessly picked me up. I tried to struggle, but I didn't have the strength to fight against an adult.

"What is it?" I asked, suspicious.

"Happy birthday!" He laughed.

I wasn't sure how to respond. Being held like that made me feel ridiculous, like a helpless child, but I didn't want to ruin the moment.

So, I just forced a smile.

Paul watched me for a few moments before making a face and finally setting me down. Maybe he just wanted to congratulate me. Now, I felt awful for reacting so indifferently to his attempt.

Maybe during the party, I could try harder to return the gesture. I couldn't deny that he was trying to act like a father.

Was I maturing? Reflecting on family now, huh… Maybe not. But it was something to think about.

"Hm…" I looked between the two of them. Zenith and Paul stopped their conversation and turned their attention to me. My mumbling must have caught their attention.

"Can I invite Sylphie?"

For a moment, they both stared at me in silence. I felt a little embarrassed but waited for their answer.

"Why are you asking?" Paul chuckled. "I thought you had already invited her."

"Ah… No… I forgot? Or maybe…"

Paul leaned forward, a playful smile on his face. "Oh, so you were so excited about the party that you forgot to invite your… girlfriend?"

The tease caught me off guard. I raised an eyebrow, but realizing his joking tone, I decided not to argue.

"Maybe," I muttered, a bit embarrassed.

Zenith smiled, and with a gentle look, commented, "You're growing up fast, Rudy."

"But I've always considered myself a grown man," I replied.

"What are you talking about, dear?" She laughed softly. "You're not my baby anymore; now you're my little boy."

"I was never a baby!"

Paul burst into laughter while Zenith shook her head, still smiling.

"Well, if you want to invite Sylphie, go before she makes other plans."

"She doesn't have other plans." The answer came automatically.

Paul raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And how can you be so sure?"

I opened my mouth to respond but hesitated. I knew because… well, Sylphie never made many plans besides meeting me to play or train. But admitting that would just give Paul more ammunition for his teasing.

"I just know," I grumbled, grabbing a piece of bread from the table and putting it in my mouth. "I'll go later."

Paul chuckled, and Zenith gave him an affectionate look. They shared a brief kiss, like the loving couple they were.

I rolled my eyes and looked away, determined not to witness any more of that overly sweet display of affection.

That's when I saw Roxy coming down the stairs.

Her blue hair was already braided, a sign that she had been awake for a while.

Her eyes scanned the room for a moment before settling on me.

"Good morning," she greeted.

I swallowed the piece of bread I was chewing and raised a hand in a casual wave. "Good morning."

She finished descending the stairs and glanced toward Zenith and Paul, who seemed engrossed in their conversation. Then, she turned back to me.

"Are you already discussing the party?"

"Yeah…" I wiped the crumbs from my mouth. "I was thinking of inviting Sylphie."

"Makes sense." Roxy nodded slightly, then tilted her head. "But why didn't you invite her earlier?"

Good question.

"I… kind of forgot," I admitted, looking away. "Or maybe I thought she'd just come anyway."

Roxy blinked, pondering my response. "You seem a bit hesitant… Why didn't you invite her before?"

I opened my mouth to answer but stopped. That was a good question. Did I really need permission to invite my friend?

"It's complicated," I muttered, shrugging.

"I see." She sighed and massaged her temple with her finger, looking slightly exasperated.

"Well," she continued, regaining her composure, "if you're going to invite her, how about we go together?"

I nodded, grabbing another piece of bread from the table. Not that I needed company to go there, but I also didn't have a reason to refuse.

"Alright," I replied, chewing. "We'll go after we eat."

The atmosphere remained quiet for a while, with only the sound of cutlery and chewing filling the space. Roxy maintained her reserved posture, eating calmly, while I finished my bread.

After a moment, I wiped my hands and stood up.

"Well, shall we?"

Roxy finished chewing and nodded, rising without haste.

We said our goodbyes and left the house together, walking side by side along the dirt path leading to Sylphie's house.

We walked in silence for a while, with only the soft sound of the wind and our footsteps filling the air. The weather was pleasant, and I was beginning to relax when Roxy broke the silence with an unexpected question.

"Hmm… Rudy, have you ever thought about going to Ranoa Magic Academy?"

I turned to her, surprised by the question.

"Ranoa Magic Academy?" I repeated, thoughtful. "I've never really considered it. Why?"

Roxy looked ahead, her expression calm but with a hint of seriousness. "It's a good place to learn magic in a more structured way. Besides, you could meet other young mages."

"But I already have you as my teacher," I replied with a shrug. "And I don't need other people, I have Sylphie."

Roxy let out a soft sigh. "I'm not saying you should replace anyone. But learning in a different environment could bring benefits you haven't even imagined."

I frowned, thinking about it. School, huh?

"I don't get why you're bringing up school now," I said, feeling a bit off balance. "We're going to get Sylphie, aren't we? Why talk about this all of a sudden?"

Roxy sighed again, this time more lightly, as if choosing her words carefully before responding. "Because I'm thinking about your future, Rudy. I know you have a lot of potential and can go beyond what you imagine, but for that, you'll need more structure. A school could be a good step."

"Structure, huh…" I murmured, looking at the ground as we walked.

"But why are we talking about my future?"

She looked at me and, with a soft smile, placed her hand on my head.

"Look, Rudy… soon, I won't have anything left to teach you. Your graduation is approaching, and that's why this conversation isn't premature."

I furrowed my brows and lowered my head.

'Graduation?'

--.-

Before long, we arrived at the house, and Sylphie was at the door.

As I approached, I saw Leila and Laws there too. But my focus wasn't on them—it was on Roxy's words. She was leaving? When had she decided this?

I shook my head. I couldn't think about that now.

When I got closer, Sylphie smiled.

"Ah, Sylphie," I said, stepping beside her. "I wanted to invite you to something. My birthday is later this afternoon, and if you can, I'd love for you to be there. And of course, Leila and Laws are more than welcome too."

But I wasn't prepared for a green-haired rocket flying toward me and hugging me.

"Of course! I'd love to be there! I'll get ready!"

It was great to see her so excited. I smiled in response. "Great, then. See you later."

Now, all I had to do was get everything ready and enjoy what was to come.

But… graduation? What did that mean? Was Roxy really going to leave?

I pushed the thought aside for now. I didn't want to ruin the mood.

Tomorrow, I'd think about it.

Tomorrow, I'd talk to her.