Chapter 3: A Growing Connection

**First Person (Ruijerd's POV)**

Roxy had seen through me. She didn't know the full extent of my abilities yet, but she knew something was off. I had expected her to catch on eventually—after all, she wasn't just any tutor. But the way she approached me that night, gentle but direct, made me realize something important: Roxy was different from the others around me. She wasn't just here to teach; she genuinely cared.

But caring could be a double-edged sword. It meant she might pry deeper, look for answers I wasn't ready to give. Still, I couldn't help but admire her. She was strong, determined, and most importantly, she didn't back down. There was a quiet strength in her, the kind I respected.

And as much as I hated to admit it, I was drawn to her—not just as a mentor but as something more. I needed to be careful, though. My past life had taught me that emotions could cloud judgment. Yet here I was, already thinking of Roxy in ways I shouldn't.

---

**Third Person (Narrator)**

Roxy's lessons continued, but with each passing day, her attention shifted. While Rudeus's rapid growth in magic was undeniable, she found herself more and more intrigued by Ruijerd. His controlled demeanor, his calm approach to magic, and the way he interacted with the world around him—it was as if he wasn't a child at all.

One afternoon, as the sun cast long shadows across the courtyard, Roxy decided it was time to push Ruijerd a little further.

"Ruijerd," she called, standing near the practice area where he and Rudeus often trained. "I'd like to try something with you today."

Rudeus, who had been practicing his wind magic nearby, glanced over, curious but not concerned. He was used to being the center of attention when it came to magic, so Roxy's sudden focus on his brother caught him by surprise.

Ruijerd turned to her, his expression as calm as ever. "What do you want to try?"

Roxy approached him, her eyes serious. "You've been holding back. I don't know why, but it's clear that you're not showing me everything you can do. I want to see your real strength."

Ruijerd paused, his mind racing. He had been careful, meticulous in hiding his true abilities. But now Roxy was asking him to drop the facade. Was this the right time?

**First Person (Ruijerd's POV)**

I knew she'd call me out eventually. Roxy wasn't the type to let things slide. Still, it felt a little soon. I'd been planning to reveal more of myself, but on my own terms. Now, I had a choice—continue to hide, or give her a glimpse of what I could really do.

I studied her for a moment. Her eyes were steady, unwavering. She wanted to see me as I was, not the version of myself I'd been pretending to be. I could respect that. And, to be honest, part of me wanted to impress her. Maybe it was a foolish desire, but I didn't care.

"Alright," I said, stepping forward. "I'll show you."

---

**Third Person (Narrator)**

Roxy nodded, stepping back to give him space. Rudeus, now fully intrigued, stopped his own practice and watched, his green eyes wide with curiosity. He had always known his brother was different, but he hadn't realized how much Ruijerd had been holding back.

"Let's start with a simple spell," Roxy instructed. "Water Ball. But this time, I want you to focus on control, on shaping the magic to your will."

Ruijerd nodded, extending his hand. He had done this spell dozens of times before, always limiting its power to avoid suspicion. But now, he allowed himself to relax, to let the magic flow more freely.

"<Water Ball>," he muttered, the incantation barely leaving his lips.

The result was immediate. A ball of water, far larger than anything Rudeus had ever produced, appeared before him. It hovered in the air, shimmering in the afternoon light, perfectly spherical and stable. There was no wild surge of energy, no signs of instability. It was controlled, precise, and far beyond what Roxy had expected.

Roxy's eyes widened slightly, though she quickly regained her composure. "Impressive," she said, her voice steady. "Now, can you shape it?"

Ruijerd gave a slight nod, focusing on the water. Slowly, the ball began to morph, elongating and flattening until it resembled a blade. The edges were sharp, the surface smooth and unbroken. It was a perfect execution of a spell that most adults would struggle to perform, yet Ruijerd handled it with ease.

Rudeus stared in disbelief, his mouth hanging open. "How... how did you do that?"

Ruijerd shrugged, as if it were no big deal. "Just takes practice."

But Roxy wasn't so easily satisfied. She stepped closer, her eyes narrowing as she studied him. "That wasn't just practice. You've been hiding your true potential."

Ruijerd didn't deny it. "I have my reasons."

For a moment, the air between them was tense. Roxy wasn't the type to let things go so easily, but she also knew better than to push too hard. Finally, she sighed and stepped back. "I see. Well, whatever your reasons are, just know that you don't have to hold back with me."

There was a sincerity in her voice that caught Ruijerd off guard. She wasn't angry, nor was she trying to force him to reveal more than he was willing to. She was simply offering her understanding, and that was something he hadn't expected.

---

**First Person (Ruijerd's POV)**

I hadn't expected her to take it so well. I thought she might push harder, demand more answers. But instead, Roxy gave me space, letting me decide when to reveal what I was capable of. That made me respect her even more.

As the weeks passed, I found myself drawn to her in ways I hadn't anticipated. It wasn't just about her teaching or her strength. There was something about her presence that made me feel at ease, like I didn't have to hide who I really was.

Rudeus was thriving under her guidance, but for me, things were different. I wasn't just learning magic. I was learning to trust someone. And that... that was far more valuable than any spell.

---

**Third Person (Narrator)**

As the days turned into weeks, Ruijerd and Roxy's bond deepened. While Rudeus was the more vocal and eager student, Ruijerd found himself spending more time alone with Roxy, discussing magic, strategy, and the world beyond their small village.

Roxy, for her part, was fascinated by Ruijerd. He was unlike any child she had ever taught—far too mature, far too composed. She didn't know what to make of him, but she knew there was more to his story than he let on.

One evening, after a particularly intense training session, the two of them found themselves sitting outside, the stars twinkling overhead. Rudeus had long since gone to bed, exhausted from his own lessons, leaving Ruijerd and Roxy alone in the quiet of the night.

"You're not like other children," Roxy said softly, her gaze fixed on the sky.

Ruijerd glanced at her, considering his response. "No, I suppose I'm not."

Roxy sighed, her expression thoughtful. "I don't know what it is, but there's something about you. Something... different."

Ruijerd stayed silent, unsure of how much to reveal. He trusted Roxy more than anyone else in this world, but even so, there were things he wasn't ready to share. Not yet.

But Roxy didn't push. She simply smiled, her usual serious expression softening for a moment. "Whatever it is, I'm glad to be your teacher."

---

**First Person (Ruijerd's POV)**

Her words caught me off guard. I wasn't used to people caring about me like this—not in my previous life, and not in this one. But Roxy... she was different. She saw me, not just as a student, but as a person.

For the first time in a long time, I felt something stir within me. It wasn't just admiration or respect. It was something more.

And I knew then that I wasn't going to let her slip away.

---

### **Author's Note**:

**Chapter 3** deepens the relationship between Ruijerd and Roxy. As they begin to understand each other more, Ruijerd's trust in her grows, and the subtle beginnings of their romantic connection start to form. He's drawn to her not just as a teacher, but as someone he respects and wants to protect. Meanwhile, Roxy becomes more curious about the mysterious child she's teaching, though she remains patient in uncovering his secrets.

Stay tuned for **Chapter 4**, where Ruijerd's feelings for Roxy begin to surface more clearly, and a new challenge forces them to work together!