The One where Roxy Left

Roxy, her hair dripping with rainwater, couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Even though she was reluctant to be called Rudy's teacher anymore, witnessing the birth of a legend was exhilarating.

At least all the nights spent preparing lessons hadn't been in vain.

As they headed back to the village, Roxy couldn't stop chatting with Rudy.

"Rudy, you must continue your studies at the Magic University. One day, every mage in this world will thank you."

"Thank you, Teacher. I will see this through."

"And don't neglect your swordsmanship. Even though I taught you magic, in real combat, swordsmanship is still more powerful."

"Yes, Teacher Roxy."

Roxy gazed at the sky, a sense of loneliness washing over her as they approached the village. "I've done all I can to teach you, but I know my strength wasn't enough."

Rudy didn't say anything. Instead, he leaned into Roxy's embrace. She was right—there was no need to show off or reassure her. Roxy had given him everything she could.

The next morning, Roxy appeared at their door, ready to leave.

"Roxy, are you sure you don't want to stay with us a bit longer? There are still so many dishes I haven't taught you," Zenith said, trying to persuade her to stay.

"Yes, and you've been such a great help to the village. Everyone here appreciates you," Paul added.

But Roxy shook her head. "Thank you, but this recent experience has made me realize I still have much to learn. I'll be traveling the world for a while to hone my magic."

She tipped her hat low to cover her face, hiding her emotion

"Well, how should I put it, I'm sorry, it seems that our son has made you lose confidence," Paul's blunt words immediately caused the atmosphere to stagnate.

But Roxy was not angry. Instead, she lifted her face and smiled warmly, saying, "No, on the contrary, it's made me more humble. I'm actually very grateful."

"Who could remain humble when they're able to cast Water Saint-level magic instantly?"

Roxy smiled and then reached into her pocket, pulling out a pendant tied to a leather cord.

"Congratulations on your graduation. I didn't have time to prepare anything special, so I hope this will do. This is an amulet from the Migurdia tribe. If you ever encounter a demon that's hard to negotiate with, show this and mention my name. It might help… or maybe not."

Rudy, thinking it might just lead to trouble, cautiously accepted the amulet nonetheless.

Before Roxy turned to leave, Rudy suddenly asked, "Miss Roxy, can I give you a hug?"

"Ah… of course."

Roxy opened her arms slightly and hugged Rudy, who still wasn't very tall.

As Rudy stood on tiptoe, he discreetly touched the back of Roxy's neck, silently inscribing the Flying Thunder God technique onto her skin. The mark would remain invisible, only detectable by his chakra and could not be removed unless erased by someone with equal or greater chakra.

Roxy felt a slight chill down her spine but thought little of it. She let go of Rudy and continued her journey without looking back.

Time passed quickly after Roxy left. The morning magic practice sessions were now with Sylphy, and sword training continued in the afternoons. Sylphy would often watch from the sidelines.

A dull thud echoed in the yard.

"Watch your footwork!" Paul called out, clearly frustrated.

He had noticed that Rudy's swordsmanship hadn't improved in the past six months. Instead, his talent for magic had only grown more apparent. Ever since Roxy had praised Rudy's magical abilities before leaving, Paul, as a father, had felt increasing pressure.

Without the need to hide his true abilities anymore, Rudy had been experimenting with all sorts of magical techniques. For example, he had once created wind wings using wind magic, flying more than ten meters into the air.

The family now spent most of their conversations revolving around Rudy's feats, like the glowing blue orb of energy that he could now generate in his hands.

Paul, however, had always hoped his son would become a swordsman, someone who could wield a great sword to protect those he loved.

"Honey, Rudy really is a magic genius," Zenith would say, her voice filled with pride.

"Yes, yes, I know..." Paul would mutter, having heard this so many times that his ears had grown numb to it. But Paul hadn't realized something crucial — Rudy never used magic when sparring with him. He was simply relying on the physical strength of a six-year-old boy to battle a fully grown adult like Paul.

Rudy's movements, blending the styles of both the Sword God and Water God schools, were fluid and precise. From Paul's perspective, aside from some minor issues with his footwork, Rudy's technique was nearly flawless.

"That's enough practice for today," Paul said, frustrated, lowering his wooden sword. He wasn't even sure why he felt so irritated. Was it because he had failed to assert his authority as a father? Or maybe it was the worry gnawing at him about Zenith's potential feelings toward his indiscretions?

Paul went back into the house, leaving Rudy to reflect on the situation. Despite the age difference, Rudy understood Paul's struggles. The so-called "father's crisis" — the fear of being overshadowed by one's child — was something every father might experience when they saw their children surpassing them.

'But Paul, your crisis is about to explode soon' Rudy thought, smiling bitterly to himself.

Paul, in his youth, had been a ladies' man, always chasing after cute girls. He had accumulated many romantic debts. Yet, after making a vow of loyalty to Zenith, he had calmed down. That was his first mistake.

Rudy, in contrast, had never made such a promise. He had carefully cultivated relationships and ensured balance, unlike Paul, who had been reckless and irresponsible in his affairs.

Time continued to move forward, and soon, Zenith's pregnancy brought the family the joy of expecting another child. But fortune and misfortune often come hand in hand. Within half a month, Lilia also confessed that she, too, was pregnant.

Zenith's face turned pale with shock. Though she had suspected something, she hadn't anticipated how quickly things would escalate.

Rudy sighed inwardly and picked up two wooden swords from the corner of the room, his expression hardening.

"Here, take it, Father. Come outside with me. No one else needs to follow."

Paul admitted that he was the father of Lilia's unborn child. He didn't lie, even though it would have been easy to. He couldn't bring himself to deceive his family, especially not in front of his children.

He also reluctantly accepted the wooden sword Rudy tossed him. The tense atmosphere of the house, charged with Zenith's silent fury and Lilia's shame, momentarily froze as Rudy stepped forward.

Both Zenith and Lilia had expected Rudy to plead for forgiveness on Paul's behalf, considering how mature and level-headed he always seemed. Zenith's eyes brimmed with tears. Rudy had never caused her trouble. He was thoughtful and responsible, more like an adult than a child.

But now, standing there with a wooden sword in his hand, Rudy's intentions were unmistakable.

Could it be that Rudy wanted to challenge Paul to a duel, to vent his anger?

Zenith didn't blame Lilia, nor did she say anything to Rudy, but she couldn't bring herself to look at Paul. All of her attention was focused on Rudy now.

The small courtyard, normally peaceful and quiet, suddenly became the stage for an unprecedented confrontation.

The sound of Rudy's sword slicing through the air echoed loudly as he swung it at Paul.

Paul instinctively raised his wooden sword to block, but the force of Rudy's attack shattered it instantly. Paul had been distracted by the emotions swirling around him, and as a result, his usual focus and strength were nowhere to be found.

Even so, Rudy's sword only grazed Paul's arm, and the sword's wind broke several jars and bottles in the process.

Paul felt the burning pain from the cut and was immediately jolted awake by it.

"Rudy, what are you doing…?" Paul asked, his voice laced with confusion.

"I won't allow anyone to hurt my mother," Rudy said, his expression cold as he raised the wooden sword in his right hand. A faint blue light began to envelop the blade.

"Not even you, Father."

Rudy knew he was no match for Paul in terms of physical strength, stamina, or even raw magical power. But this wasn't a battle where he planned to use his chakra or any magical techniques. This was strictly a contest of swordsmanship.