Volume 1, Part 8: Early Years - Sylph

JULIAN GREYRAT POV

It has been quite a few days since Roxy left.

The house feels quite empty. So does my schedule. For convenience, here is my progress sheet.

NAME: Julian Greyrat

Sword-God Style: Advanced Stage.

Water-God Style: AdvancedStage.

North-God Style: Advanced Stage.

FIRE: Saint Stage.

WATER: Beginner Stage.

WIND: Intermediate Stage.

EARTH: Saint Stage.

I am not sure about Rudeus but here is my assessment of him.

NAME: Rudeus Greyrat

Sword-God Style: Intermediate Stage.

Water-God Style: Beginner Stage.

North-God Style: Beginner Stage.

FIRE: Intermediate Stage.

WATER: Saint Stage.

WIND: Intermediate Stage.

EARTH: Intermediate Stage.

I'd say the progress is quite good considering I just ate and loafed around most of the time. I was able to reach Saint Stage in two elements, thanks to Roxy guiding me. Although, she wasn't well versed in fire or earth, the insight she provided into the basics of unlocking higher level spells was quite crucial.

I performed the Saint Stage Fire Spell in the same place where Rudy performed his own Saint Stage Water spell. Meanwhile, for the earth element, Roxy took me to the nearest mountains where I was able to puncture a small mountain by shooting a big rock into it. I also erected an almost similar looking, albeit smaller in size hill as well. Roxy said this was enough for me to call myself Saint Stage magician in those two elements.

But in the end, a 5.5 year old being saint stage in 2 elements attracted way too much attention for my preference. Even Rudeus, who was 7 now, being a saint stage was uncalled for. This was why Roxy got depression. Kind of.

I sighed as I looked outside the window. There was no Roxy in the lawn today. It really does feel empty without her. No lecture, no teachings, no strolling into the village to help people. I often used to accompany her and used to earn some money for myself as well, but since she is gone, I don't need to go outside anymore. After all, I used to go with her purely because I enjoyed her company in the evening walks.

The little, petite girl was quite interesting.

I raised my finger in front of my eyes and focused on it. Focusing on the earth mana, I tried to reach out for one of its derivatives---Gravity. There was next to no research about this form of magic. Roxy herself said that in her 40 years of existence, she had never seen someone using Gravity magic. It was an interesting subject, yet there weren't many who used it.

I wonder why.

One theoretical concept suggests that the manipulation of Earth mana---one of the basic elements, could potentially influence gravitational forces. According to this hypothesis, Earth mana possesses an inherent connection to the fundamental forces that govern the physical world, including gravity.

In this theory, it is postulated that, given enough talent and authority over earth mana, who possess a deep understanding and control over Earth mana could channel and manipulate it in a way that interacts with the gravitational field. By harnessing and shaping Earth mana in specific ways, they could potentially generate localized gravitational anomalies, alter gravitational pull, or even create gravitational fields of their own.

Attraction and Repulsion. Or in better terms...

Convergence and Divergence.

The underlying principle behind this theory lies in the idea that Earth mana, as a powerful and fundamental energy, interacts with the fabric of spacetime. Through intricate manipulation and concentration of Earth mana, I speculate that I could disrupt or enhance the gravitational forces within a certain area or exert influence over gravitational fields.

Right now, this is based purely on hypothesis since the value of 'g' (gravitational force) could be different here and work in different ways. Same could be said for the magnetic pull and stuff. But this is what I have been able to hypothesize until now. To form attraction, I would have to infuse Earth mana with qualities that align with the concept of gravitationally drawing objects together. By carefully modulating the density, composition, and flow of Earth mana, they can generate a field that exerts a captivating force, pulling objects closer to one another.

Conversely, to create repulsion, I would manipulate Earth mana to resonate with the essence of gravitational repulsion. Through precise control and manipulation of Earth mana's vibrational patterns, they can generate a counteracting force, causing objects to repel one another. This theory posits that the key lies in the delicate balance and manipulation of Earth mana's intrinsic properties. By imbuing it with specific energetic signatures and harmonizing it with gravitational forces, pI can manifest controlled attractive and repulsive phenomena.

Of course, the only way to determine the validity of these words was to do practical experiments. However, there is a slight problem. One miscalculation, and this house would either explode or implode.

However, I have quite good hold over my mana output.

So, it will be fine.

Hopefully.

I wonder what Roxy is doing. She would've surely been ecstatic if she knew I was finally pursuing such a harsh and nigh impossible topic. But, then again, that would've hindered her own growth as she would've stayed here and helped me in the research. Good thing she went away.

For her own as well as my good.

RUDEUS GREYRAT POV

I decided to try going out. It wasn't easy for Roxy and Julian to bring me out. This shouldn't be wasted. Well, Julian just kicked me in my ass for the most part, but the effort is welcomed. Julian has started staying inside his room more often ever since Roxy left. Guess he's missing her.

"Dad. Can I go out to play?" On a particular day, I asked Paul while carrying a botanical encyclopedia. Kids around this age will run off to unknown places in the blink of an eye. Even though I won't go very far away, not telling someone will make my parents worry.

"Outside? To play? Not in the courtyard?"

"Yes."

"O-ohh. Of course." He easily agreed.

"Come to think of it, there wasn't really any personal time given to you both. We made arbitrary decisions to let you learn magic and sword techniques at the same time, but playing is also important for a child."

"I'm grateful to have met a great teacher." I actually thought Paul was a very strict person in regard to education, but in reality, he has a tender side to his thinking. I even considered the possibility of being requested to train my sword techniques for the entire day. What a waste of my efforts. Even though he's a person who belongs to the instinctive side, he's not the "if there's a will, there's a way" type.

"Come to think of it, you actually want to go outside, hm. I always felt your body was weak in the past. Julian started going outside as soon as he was able to walk. So, I was really worried. Time passes by really quickly."

"Did you consider my body to be weak?" This is the first time I've heard of it. I haven't caught any illnesses.

"Well, we thought both you and Julian were sick kids. Because y'all didn't cry at all when you were young."

"Is that so. Well, isn't it good there's nothing wrong? You raised cute and robust kids, heh." I show a funny face to Paul, and he smiles wryly at me.

"You're actually making me worry when you're not acting like a kid."

"Which part are you unsatisfied with when your eldest son is reliable?"

"No, nothing really."

"It's okay if you educated me with an unsatisfied expression to become a worthy successor to the Greyrat family."

"I can say without pride that your dad is a wild child who only thinks of flipping girls' skirts all day long."

"Flipping skirts hmm?" This world also has it? This guy, actually saying that he's a wild child. I wonder if Julian took after him as well. But in secret. Hmmm, like a closet pervert or something?

Oh no. The image of Julian secretly doing something obscene while covered in sweat is unsettling enough for me to fall into depression. I slapped my cheeks. 'Don't think about it!'

"If you want to be worthy of the Greyrat's name, bring a girlfriend back." What? We're that type of family? Aren't we protecting the borders? Aren't we lower ranked nobility? There aren't any formalities or anything? No, in any case we're only lower ranked. Then let it be that way.

"I got it. Then, I'll go to the village to find a place where I can flip skirts."

"Ah, you must treat girls nicely. Also, don't be haughty because you're strong and capable of using magic. The strength of a male doesn't exist for the purpose of putting on airs." Oh, that was well said. Indeed, indeed, I really want to let my past brothers listen to that too.

That's right, just using brute force to do things is pointless. DID YOU HEAR THIS JULIAN? YOU FUCKING GORRILLA!!!!

Paul said it very well. I'm also a logical person. "I understand Dad. The purpose of being strong is to act cool in front of girls!"

"...... No, it's not like that."

Eh? The topic isn't going towards that direction? Oops. Hehe. "I'm just kidding. It exists to protect the weak right?"

"Mmmm, that's right."

As we finish talking about this, I place the botanical encyclopedia under my arm and stick the rod Roxy gave to me on my waist. As I prepare to depart, I suddenly remember something and turn my head. "Ahh, that's right. Dad, I will go out from time to time in the future, but I'll tell someone if I go out and I won't miss my daily sword and magic practice. I'll come back before dusk and I won't go to dangerous places."

"Ah... Hoh."

I'll make things clear just in case. Paul suddenly becomes speechless. Actually, these are supposed to be your lines right? "Well, I'm heading out."

".........Be careful on the road."

Just like that, I walk out of the gate.

(***)

After a few days.

JULIAN GREYRAT POV

Well, after a few days of pondering over it, I have something to say.

My body hurts.

Mostly due to the failed experiments that I had performed on myself while developing a technique using gravity. Manipulating gravity in itself was quite an arduous task, let alone manipulating it in a way that would let me attract and repel at will. It might take quite a lot of time.

I was sitting in the same window as always. This was a good spot as it would let me have a clear view of the moon most of the time at night. And I was able to concentrate in this area as well. A piece of crumpled paper rustled in my hold as I opened the envelope.

Hello Julian. I hope this letter reaches you in the best of your health. How is your magic research going along?

I gazed at the paper intently.

Like it was Roxy herself. Well, it wasn't like I was trying to hide my intentions. Still, she has an observant eye.

I have observed your interest towards the gravity side. I will make sure to give it my all in finding a book related to it. I am en-route as I write this letter. I will send more once I reach my destination. My prospective client is quite a big fish, hehe. Can you guess who it is? Well, I know you value your time a lot so I won't take much of your time. Take care and keep growing. Listen to your heart. And don't confine yourself purely to your room and magic. You're still young. Go out and enjoy yourself.

I will miss you, my little friend. Heh.

P.S Thanks for returning the panty Rudeus stole.

I closed the letter and looked outside, watching Rudeus leave the house. Well, I should listen to her for once. With that, I leapt off the edge of the window and prepared to follow Rudeus.

RUDEUS GREYRAT POV

The outside isn't scary. It's smooth. I even manage to cheerfully greet the people who pass by. Everyone knows me too. Paul and Zenith's kid. Roxy's disciple. Julian's Oni-Chan or so to say, Older brother. I should make him say it one day, kekekeke.

I'll introduce myself to the people I meet for the first time. I'll say hello to the people I meet the second time. Everyone replies to me with a smile on their face too. It has been such a long time since I felt so relaxed. More than half of the reason for this is due to Paul and Zenith's fame. The rest is thanks to Roxy and Julian. Especially Julian, since after a while he took over most of Roxy's work. I never paid much heed to it but he might be filthy rich from how much he worked here.

It was all due to Roxy as well.

I'll take good care of the divine artifact (panties). Once I find them. I forgot where I put them. I MUST find those holy artefacts in the earliest.

Well now,.

The goal of going out is to rely on my own feet (including my foot between my legs) and memorize the surroundings' geography. If I memorize it, I won't be lost even if I suddenly get chased out from home to chase after skirts. At the same time, I wanted to investigate the plants. Incidentally, I have the botanical encyclopedia and I can identify what's edible and what's not, as well as differentiate between medicinal and poisonous plants... It's good to identify them when you're hungry.

That way, even if I'm chased out from home, I won't get hungry. Roxy just gave me a rough idea about the village plants, wheat, vegetables, and ingredients for creating perfume. The ingredient for creating the perfume are flowers from the plant named Bardius, which resembles lavender. A faint purplish color, and also edible. With emphasis on eye-catching plants, I compare the plants I see with the botanical encyclopedia. But the village isn't very big, so there aren't many varieties of plants.

After a few days, my routes have become broader, and I started moving in the direction to the forest. There are many types of plants in the forest. "Based on rumors, it is more dangerous inside the forest because mana tends to gather there easily." The areas where mana tends to gather easily will have a higher chance of creating monsters.

This is because creatures will undergo sudden changes due to the mana. Though I don't know why mana gathers inside the forest easily. But this area has very few monsters here since the village will hunt them periodically, making it safer.

Monster Hunting is exactly as the words mean. Every month, knights, hunters, and the self-patrolling team of men will go out in full force to enter the forest and clear them out. But it is said that deep inside the forest, there might be the possibility of a fearsome monster. Even though I know magic and have some form of fighting strength, I'm still a NEET who has never fought before.

I can't be arrogant. I don't have actual combat experience. It would be terrible if I made a mistake because of complacency. I have seen a lot of people dying like that......... in manga. Also, I'm not a hot-blooded person. I feel that avoiding fights is the best. If I see any creature, I'll run to Paul and report it. I'll do just that.

I climbed up a small hill as I thought. There's a huge solitary tree that stands high above. It's the biggest tree around here. I am planning to check out what sort of trees here are the biggest. And at this moment.

"Demons shouldn't stay here!" The wind served as a carrier for the voice---harsh and violent. It reminded me of a hated memory. The kind that made stay home as a NEET. As well as the nightmarish time when I had the nickname, "Uncircumcised Dong". And this voice greatly resembles the voice that used to call me that. Clearly distinct voices belonging to bullies.

"Get lost!!"

"Eat this!"

"I managed to hit!"

I take a look over and find the field that turned into a marsh-like area from the recent rainy days. In the field, I saw 3 mud-covered kids throwing mud at a small boy.

"You get 10 points if you hit the head!"

"Okay!"

"I got it! I got it!"

Woah. This is really irritating. Bullies spotted. These delinquents feel that it's fine to do anything to the lower ranked people in society. Buying air guns and shooting at them. It's clearly stated that you can't shoot at humans. They don't even treat them as humans. You can't treat them as humans. And talking about that small boy, it would be fine if he runs away quickly, but I don't understand why he's taking his sweet time.

I take another look at him, and finally realize that he's carrying something like a basket in front of his chest, hugging it to protect it from the mud. Thus, he's unable to avoid the attacks from the bullies.

"He's carrying something!!"

"The demon's treasure!!"

"He must have stolen it from somewhere!!"

"Hitting it gets 100 points!!"

"Steal the treasure!!"

As I ran towards the bullying boys, I create a mud ball using magic. The instant I'm within firing distance, I threw it with all my strength.

"Wah!"

"What's wrong!?"

I hit the face of the one who looks like the leader.

"Ouch, it went into my eyes."

"What are you doing!!"

"Get lost if it doesn't concern you!!"

"Are you trying to become the ally of the demon races!!"

The target changed to me in an instant. This is the same no matter what world it is. "I'm not the ally of the demon races. I'm the ally of the weak." I said with pride, but the young boys feel they are standing on justice's side. Not gonna lie that was kinda edgy as well.

"What the heck are you acting cool for!!"

"You're the kid from that knight, right!!"

"The nobles' 'young master,' hah!!"

Arara, this is bad. My identity has been divulged.

"Do you really think it's good for a knight's kid to do this!!"

"I'll tell other people the knights have become allies with the demon races!!"

"Tell our brothers to come now!!"

"Brother!! There's a strange person here!!"

The kids use Call For Allies! But it isn't effective at all. However, my legs are trembling! Gosh, even though it's 3 people on the other side, the fact that my legs went weak because of the kids' shouting is really too embarrassing. Is this the result of being bullied into a NEET...

"S-shut up! You're the worst for bullying 1 person when you have 3!"

They showed a Huh~? expression.

A-annoying.

"You're the one who's annoying, what are you shouting for, idiot!!" Because I'm angry, I throw a ball at them. It misses.

"Idiot!!"

"Where did this guy pick up mud from!!"

"Who cares, just throw back at him!!"

I'm treated with thrice the retaliation. I rely on what Paul had taught and use my magic to avoid them all elegantly.

"I c-can't hit him!!"

"Why are you evading!!"

Hahaha, it's nothing special if you can't hit me! They keep throwing for a while, but after realizing they can't hit me.

"Ah~ahh! This is boring!!"

"Let's go!!"

"I'll tell others that the knight's kid has become an ally of the demon races!!"

We didn't lose. We only got tired of playing. Leaving this line of argument behind, the 3 brats walk to the other side of the wheat field. Success! I won against bullies for the first time in my life! W-well, it's nothing much to be proud of.

Just as I was thinking all of this, I felt a cold chill run down my spine. It was as if a demon was standing behind me. My senses felt like they were being overwhelmed. I am sure the kids felt it too as they petrified in their place.

"Where do you think you're going?" A voice asked, a razor-sharp edge to it. It was a familiar voice. Julian. My brother. Did the young master finally come out of recluse to wreak havoc on the puny pests? Yes, he has! Why was I afraid of more boys when I had a brother of my own? Let's go Julian. Use flamethrower!

"I-It's that guy."

"J-Julian!"

"What was it about calling your brothers? Call them now." Julian said in a composed tone, his hands sliding into his pockets.

"Now you're teaming up on us. You better not forget this." They said and started running off. I felt Julian's muscle twitch and another chill crept up my spine. For the slightest fraction of a second, I felt blood in his eyes. Like he was ready to cut their heads down. However, the look faded in a near instant as he turned around.

"Aren't you going to help him?" I asked, pointing at the boy.

He looked down at him, "I have nothing to do with him. All I saw was 3 kids against you."

"Hey, at least stay until you see he's fine."

"Rudeus." He spoke, his voice suddenly frigid, "You're the one who's my brother. I couldn't care less about anyone else." With that he leapt off, leaving me alone.

Come to think of it, I'm still not good at fighting. It's great that it didn't turn into a fight. Well, it would've been better if I knew how to fight. Julian doesn't hold back and would've straight up knocked them out. Can't be too certain as well as he can kill as well. The look in his eyes is straight-up murderous. Well, never mind all that.

"Hey, are you alright? Are your things fine?" In any case, I turn my head back to look at the young boy who was thrown at...

"Wooah..." There's a bishounen who makes people think he's not of the same age. Hair slightly too long for a child, sculpted-like nose, small, cute lips, pointed chin. His porcelain-like skin ----- along with an expression like a frightened rabbit, creates an indescribable aesthetic beauty to him.

Damn. If Paul was more of a bishounen, then maybe I would also......

No, Paul isn't bad. Zenith is also very good-looking. This face has no problems. Compared to the previous face that was full of fat cellulose, there's absolutely no problem. Definitely, yup.

"Um... Um... I'm f-fine..." The young boy shows me a weak expression. He's almost like a small animal, making people feel like there's a need to protect it. This is an instant hook to any shotacon onee-san if they saw him. But he's dirtied by mud everywhere now. Mud is everywhere on his clothes. Half of his face is covered with mud, and his hair has been turned into the color of mud too. It is a miracle that he managed to protect the basket.

There's no choice.

"Put the things down and kneel beside the drain over there for a while."

"Eh...? Eh...?" Even though he is bewildered, I don't know why he still followed the order. As if he is unable to go against any orders. Well, if he was able to go against orders, he would have retaliated just now. The young boy goes down on all fours and faces toward the drain. If any shotacon onii-chan saw that, he would have definitely done something that is illegal...

"Close your eyes." I adjusted the temperature of the water to appropriate level with fire magic. I created warm water at around 40 degrees. And poured it over the young boy.

"Waah!!" Grabbing the panicking young boy's neck and wash clean the mud from his hair. Even though he resisted at the start, after he got used to the temperature, he quietened down. His clothes... Well, it's better to wash it at home.

"Alright, this should be enough."

After washing the mud off, I used fire magic to create a hot wind like a hair-dryer as I used a handkerchief to carefully wipe the young boy's face. Along with Elf-like long ears, his emerald-colored hair also appeared before me. The moment I saw the color, I remember Roxy's words.

"Absolutely do not approach the race with emerald-colored hair."

Erm?

No, there's something slightly different.

I remember it's...

"To those with emerald colored hair with a ruby-colored stone on their forehead, do not approach them."

Yup, that's right. The race that has a ruby-colored stone on their forehead. The young boy has a big forehead with a beautiful white color. OK, it's safe. He's not from the dangerous Superd race.

"T... Thanks..." I came back to my senses after he thanked me. Hey, hey, that made me jump a little. I give conceited advice to him with the slight intent of venting my embarrassment.

"Hey you. If you don't fight back they will always come after you."

"I can't win..."

"The most important thing is to have the will to fight back."

"But they are always bigger kids... I'm scared of pain..."

I see. If he resists, they will call other people to completely force him into submission? This is certainly the same in any world. Because of Roxy's efforts, the adults accept the demon races, but children are different. Sometimes they are incredibly cruel. If anyone is slightly different, they will reject them.

"It must be hard on you. Because your hair color resembles that of the Superd race, you got bullied."

"Are y-you fine with it...?"

"It's because my teacher is also from a demon race. What race are you from?"

Roxy said the Migurd race is close to the Superd race. Perhaps he is also something like that. I asked him with this line of thought, but the young boy shooj his head. "...I don't know."

Hmm, you don't know? Perhaps it's because of his age? "What's your father's race?"

"... He's half-human, half-elf."

"How about your mother?"

"Human, but she has a little of a beast race lineage..." Half elf and 1/4 of a beast race lineage That is why he has this kind of hair...? When I am thinking it through, the young boy's eyes fill with tears.

"...So, even though my father says... I'm not from a demon race... but, my hair color, is different from my father and mother's..." I comforted him by stroking his head, just like how Julian once did. But it's also a big problem if the hair color is different. There's the possibility of his mother committing adultery with another guy.

"The only difference is the hair color?"

"... My ears, are longer than father's..."

"I see..."

Green haired, long-ear magical races... it could be possible that anywhere has that. Hmm, even though I don't want to ask too much about another person's home, I'm also a bullied child, so it's best to help him. It's too sad if he gets bullied just because of his hair color. The fact I got bullied is partly my fault. But this young boy is different. Reincarnating and then relying on himself is impossible. He has been pelted with mud because his hair color is slightly green since birth.

Uuuu... just thinking of that makes me frightened enough to pee.

"Is your father nice to you?"

"...... Yes. Even though he's scary when he's angry, he won't get angry if I listen to him."

"Is that so. How about your mother?"

"She's very gentle." Hoh. From his voice, his parents are very loving toward him. No, you can't really be clear about these things.

"Alright, let's go."

"...Go, go where?"

"I'll follow you. And so will he." I pointed back at Julian who was hiding behind a tree. I knew as soon as he hears about something interesting, he will be back. Or maybe... my brother is into guys, keke. Following the kid will allow me to see his parents. It's super logical.

"...W-why do you want to follow me?"

"Well you see, those guys might come back. Let me escort you. Are you going back? Or do you want to send this basket somewhere?"

"I'm sending food... to father..." he then looked up at Julian, "...is the scary boy coming as well....?

Woah, he sure is scared of Julian. Well, the way he is just towering over him with his wide shoulders, pretty much anyone would be.

"Don't worry, he is my brother. He looks scary but is a good guy."

Julian just nodded in his direction, and he held the hem of my shirt.

Wow. He is bad at something after all.

Back to the main topic. His father is half-elf? When it comes to elves in story books, they are long-lived, solitary, and arrogant to other races. They are well-versed in archery and magic, especially water and wind magic. With bona fide long ears. According to Roxy, "Basically the description fits, but they aren't really a race that's closed off." Just as expected, are the elves beautiful in appearance? No, elves being beautiful is merely Japanese imagination. In Western games, they are frail-looking and don't really look that pretty. There are some cultural differences in our countries.

Although, from looking at this boy, one would know that his parents must be a striking combination of charm.

"May I ask... why are you protecting me?" The young boy stutters, with his actions seemingly raising a desire to protect him.

"Because my father says it's a must to be an ally of the weak."I said proudly, and I could feel Julian's eyeroll almost tangibly manifest.

"But... you will get shunned by others." That's true. If I help bullied people, I'll get bullied too----A common thing.

"Then how about you play with me. From today onward, we're friends."

"Eh!?" So let's form a tag-team, yeah.

Chain bullying usually happens after the helped party betrays its benefactor. The person who got help should take up responsibility and be grateful to the person who helped. Although the circumstances around this boy are different, there's a more deep-rooted reason to his bullying. I doubt he will betray me and join in the bullying. In addition, he already saw how the boys were pissing themselves in front of Julian. I doubt he would do it.

"Ah, do you need to help with housework?"

"N-no."

I also need to listen to his opinions, but he shakes his head with a weak expression. His expression is just too amazing. He will absolutely hook onee-chans with shotacon tendencies. Well this idea is pretty good. He will definitely be very popular among the girls with his face. Then, if I'm with him, anyone who's left over might take notice of me. Even though my face isn't anything special, if we two guys stand together, we will look like a quality catch. Any girls who are not so confident will change their target to me. I prefer them over the girls brimming with confidence.

It should work. Girls will move together with uglier ones to accentuate their beauty. I'm the opposite.

"Syl...ph-----" He quietly whispers, but I didn't really hear the latter half of it. Sylph, huh.

"It's a great name. Just like the spirit of the wind." As I said it, Sylph blushed and nodded rapidly.

(***)

JULIAN GREYRAT POV

I would've minded my own business and immediately went away after helping Rudeus but there was something that caught my eyes.

My mana detecting eyes. I was now able to use them at will. They had their own uses other than just helping me to detect mana. I could use the extensive information from the composition of mana to their volume and use it to efficiently use my spells, without wasting a single drop of mana. After all, mana for me wasn't endless. Unlike Rudeus, who's magic reserves were increasing everyday. I had to eventually find a way to utilise my much smaller pool in a better way.

Regardless of that, I came back because of a reason. The boy... or rather the boy looking girl or currently from Rudeus' perspective, the girl looking boy had a similar composition if compared to Rudeus. She was blessed in a unique way. Her mana reserves were also quite hefty. Maybe I should use her as a subject in my gravity spells.

But looking at Rudeus, trying to save her, I changed my mind. I don't really want to soil his efforts. I can always find another appropriate subject...hmm, someone like the bullies from before?

Well, what I see right now was like an endless pit of mana. I should stick around her. Maybe I will come across something interesting.

RUDEUS GREYRAT POV

Sylph's dad is also a bishounen. Long pointed ears, shining golden hair, and a little body without muscles. He doesn't stain the reputation of a "Half-elf" in the slightest, and as a male he inherited the good points of the elves and the human race. He's standing on the top of the watch tower, his hand holding a bow while overseeing the forest.

"Dad, this, bento..."

"Ah, I'm always troubling you, Luffy. You didn't get bullied today?"

"No, someone helped me."

He told his dad as he looked at me and then at Julian. His eyes went wide.

"You're Julian, right?"

"Yes, I am. Nice to meet you again, Mr. Rawls." Julian dipped his head.

(***)

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