Interlude - Quagmire

Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction based on multiple existing anime/manga series. The characters and settings used in this story belong to their respective owners and creators, and no copyright infringement is intended. This story is purely for entertainment purposes and is not intended to infringe upon any existing intellectual property. I do not own any of the original works that inspired this fanfiction, and I fully support the original creators and their works.

-Story Start-

-Third Person POV-

Nestled within the Kingdom of Ranoa, the captivating Magic City of Sharia proudly claimed its status as the home to the world's grandest school of magic - The renowned Ranoa Magic Academy, also known as the Ranoa University of Magic.

Funded generously by the esteemed Magic Guilds of the Magic Triumvirate, this prestigious institution boasted an expansive campus that catered to the aspirations of over 10,000 enrolled students. The sheer magnitude of its student body set it apart.

The campus itself was a spectacle, its size and grandeur so imposing that even the main building surpassed the opulence of the most extravagant castles.

However, what truly distinguished the Ranoa Magic Academy was its reputation for tolerance and open-mindedness.

Regardless of tribe, species, or social standing, aspiring individuals were welcomed into its prestigious halls, provided they possessed the capacity for magic and a fervent desire to learn.

This inclusivity, however, came with a caveat - A cost of three Asura Gold Coins annually.

Yet, like most things in life, there were exceptions to the norm: the Special Students.

These individuals enjoyed unique privileges granted by the school in exchange for the institution's right to advertise their excellence post-graduation.

Some of these privileges included:

Exemption from any school expenses.

Freedom from mandatory classes except for a monthly homeroom.

Most importantly - For the more free-spirited or research-obsessed individuals, being a Special Student meant being essentially free to pursue whatever they liked within the school's walls.

Whether it involved asserting dominance by bullying the weak and proclaiming you and your mighty sister as the bosses of the school only to be beaten up by the silent elf bodyguard of the princess.

Becoming a summoning magic-obsessed shut-in.

Or even following a questionable deity's advice to cure your erectile dysfunction.

The choices were as diverse as the Magic Curriculum itself.

Thus, as part of a strategic move to enhance their standing, the Academy would send letters of invitation to renowned individuals, offering them admission free of charge.

An apparently shameless tactic that, nevertheless, continued to be effective, benefiting both the students and the institute.

A win-win situation, if you will.

And so, our focus shifts to one such Special Student - An intriguing first-year named Rudeus Greyrat of the Quagmire.

Renowned as a Water Saint Class Mage, an A-Rank Adventurer, a formidable Dragon Slayer, and most recently - The One who defeated Demon Lord Badigadi in a duel.

A duel that heavily favored him, Rudeus was certain that if Badigadi had fought him seriously, he would have been in big trouble.

'I'm grateful he held back with his punch.' Rudeus thanked his Goddess, Roxy-sama for the small mercy.

By the way, Rudeus is also a reincarnated individual who is currently suffering from wounds in the heart.

...And, well, his groinal region.

-Scene Change-

On the lowest floor of the grand dining hall of the campus, Rudeus, Zanoba, and Julie ate their lunch in relative peace.

By relative peace - That means they weren't bothered, but there sure was a noisy crowd and a lot of talking going around at the other tables.

As always, they decided to eat together in this place, as Julie wasn't allowed on the upper floors to eat with them.

Rudeus had to struggle to hold the superpowered Zanoba back from forcing his way through to allow poor Julie, the dwarf slave, and apprentice they bought a couple of months ago to eat the better food on the upper floors with them.

Thus, they found themselves as per usual here, with the more common folk.

Taking a bite of his stale bread, Rudeus found himself compelled to question the talks going around, "What's with all the excitement?" He inquired, directing his gaze at Zanoba.

Deadpanning internally at the odd social situation he has found himself in.

'Ever since I beat Badigadi, everyone's been avoiding me.' Rudeus sighed.

He found it troubling, that he couldn't properly greet anyone without them awkwardly talking about the weather and dodging him.

Besides Rinia, Pursena and...

'Fitts-senpai... It's been hard to meet up with him Ergh Her ever since I started helping out Nanahoshi.' Rudeus couldn't help but muse internally, his inner voice affectionate.

Especially considering, that even for a moment - Fitts managed to fix his... Issue.

Breaking out of his absentmindedness, Rudeus is brought back into reality by Zanoba's matter-of-fact tone, "Ah, have you not heard, Shishou? One of the Great Powers is on his way to enroll here, or so I've heard. It's a fairly recent rumor."

Zanoba's words felt like a drop in cold water as Rudeus froze.

Gulping, Rudeus asked with a sweatdrop, "W-Which one exactly?"

In truth, Rudeus was only concerned when it came to two individuals among the Great Powers.

The others? He didn't really care as long as they weren't out for blood.

The first, Dragon God Orsted - A man who'd etched himself into Rudeus's heart and psyche with brutal effectiveness.

To this day, Rudeus occasionally wrestles with recurring nightmares, haunted by the image of his heart being pierced by that unbeatable monster.

The second - A much less concerning individual in terms of Rudeus's personal experience.

A man who concerns Rudeus's more... Personal and relationship side of things.

Considering how Orsted is renownedly elusive and hard to track.

The second option was more than likely.

Much to both Rudeus's relief and concern.

Nevertheless, he'd have to hear from Zanoba to confirm if it was the 2nd option or hopefully a different Great Power.

Rudeus's nervousness wasn't lost on the observant Zanoba, yet Zanoba was loyal to his Shishou and responded with the hard facts, "The Anomaly, 6th of the Great Powers - Gojo Satoru."

At that, Rudeus lowered his face in despair, a grimace etched on his face as he sighed, "Gojo Satoru... Huh."

A name Rudeus was involuntarily and intimately aware of - Even all the way from the Holy Land Of Swords up to Asura, the rumors regarding the newest member of the Great Powers spread like wildfire.

You'd have to be living under a rock, or in the far-off continents to not be aware of the man named Gojo Satoru - And even then, the monuments have done their job in announcing the existence of the [6th Great Power - The Anomaly].

Locally, Gojo Satoru seemed to possess a charismatic presence. Even when secluded for months in training in The Holy Land Of Swords, he managed to captivate with his mystery and leave a lasting impact, influencing those who had never even seen him firsthand.

Such a man had caused Rudeus's more complicated emotions to surface.

The reason?

Rudeus hadn't always held complicated and depressive thoughts regarding Gojo Satoru - Hell, he'd never even met the man and was considering setting out to meet him in his spare time in the name of assisting Nanahoshi. The only thing that held him back, however, was the sinking suspicion that his heartbreaker was more than likely located in the Holy Land Of Swords - Exactly where Gojo Satoru was prior to his apparent departure.

Yet, it all changed on the day he learned of a specific rather minor rumor regarding the Great Power that holds a name that was oddly Japanese.

Then, all thoughts of ever coming close to the Holy Land Of Swords died a cruel and painful death.

-Flashback Start-

-A few months ago-

As Rudeus was making his way back from the library with Fitts, he was proud of himself that he made Fitts giggle.

The warm and friendly atmosphere enveloped the 1st and 4th-year students as they slowly and leisurely walked by a gossiping group of girls.

"Say, say, Clarice - Has your Uncle in the Holy Land Of Swords told you any more rumors on Gojo?" One girl asked with fervor, another gleeful girl.

The mentioning of Gojo had caught Rudeus's attention, causing him to stop in his tracks and to eavesdrop on the conversation at a decent distance, hiding behind a pillar - Much to Fitts's confusion.

Fitts with his keen social awareness followed Rudeus's moves, hiding as well as he whispered, "Rudeus, what are we doing?"

Without missing a beat, Rudeus whispered back, "Nanahoshi might be connected to Gojo Satoru, so I'm helping her by gathering information when I can."

'He might be connected to me as well, with that Japanese name of his - But I can't say that.' Rudeus thought with internal struggle, having to lie to the respectable Fitts-senpai.

Fitts's expression suddenly turned cold, "Nanahoshi, is it? Well, good luck." He pouted as he left the hiding spot, leaving Rudeus alone in his eavesdropping - As he extended his hand towards the distancing figure of Fitts in an attempt to grab him.

'I'll apologize to him for whatever I did later.' Rudeus bowed sadly in Fitts's direction.

Clarice hummed as she gained a wicked grin, "Oh, I have a pretty juicy rumor."

"Even more than the Hotspring pervert rumor?!" The curious girl exclaimed.

Clarice gained a Cheshire grin as she nodded, "He has a lover that apparently ravages him all day, her name is Eris Greyrat."

Even after two years had passed since that event.

It would be a blatant lie to say Rudeus had to hold himself back greatly to not puke on the spot.

His heart ached as he grabbed at his chest, struggling to breathe.

Truth be told, he was surprised at the reaction himself once he reflected back in his room.

He chuckled in self-deprecation as he lowered his head, staring at his reflection in the bowl of water he filled, "Haha... it... Still hurts. Even after two years..."

Rudeus had gotten over Eris - When he had tossed the remnants of her hair in the fire, solidifying his resolve to continue moving forward.

Yet, the wounds have not yet healed, it seemed.

Any mention of hers seemed to open it up.

-Flashback End-

From then on, Rudeus apologized to Nanahoshi - He couldn't help her in going out to try and make contact with Gojo Satoru.

He decided to, once again, try and move forward.

He had Fitts-senpai.

Fitts-senpai was his cure.

'It's a work in progress, though.' He added internally.

"Are you alright, Shishou?" Zanoba questioned with a hint of concern.

Rudeus, lifted his head up slowly, flashing an awkward yet thankful smile, "Y-Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry."

Zanoba narrowed his eyes, as he exclaimed passionately, "No need for an apology. Shishou, if you have any qualms with a Great Power, I doubt I would be of much assistance. But should you require my assistance? I, Zanoba Shirone, will charge into battle with you! Shishou!"

His passionate roar stopped all surrounding conversations as the other tables gazed at him in bewilderment.

At that, Rudeus gave a genuine smile, ignoring the surrounding gazes, "Sure. Thank you Zanoba... We should get going, have you finished eating, Julie?" Rudeus turned towards Julie.

Julie nodded, "Yes, Grandmaster." Her face was dirty, so Zanoba lowered himself to rub her face clean with a napkin.

Nodding, the three of them got up and they split up - Julie went with Zanoba whilst Rudeus headed for his routine experimentation with Nanahoshi.

'I should inform her, at the very least.' Rudeus contemplated.

Knowing the reclusive, anti-social, shut-in, Nanahoshi - She'd probably only discover the fact that Gojo Satoru was on his way to the University only a few months after he'd already settled and enrolled here.

...That's basically what happened to him.

As Rudeus made his way through the hallways, he noticed Badigadi, his posture more excited and boisterous than usual.

'What's got him so fired up?' Rudeus couldn't help but wonder about the good-natured Demon Lord.

Badigadi turned around, calling out to Rudeus with good cheer, "Hahahaha! Rudeus! Great news! Gojo Satoru is promised to arrive here! Now I don't have to travel Northwest! We'll have a wonderful bout! Hahahahaha!"

'...That answers that.' Rudeus deadpanned as Badigadi shared the news about Gojo Satoru's arrival.

Rudeus sniffed, "Where's Fitts-senpai when you need him?"

To Be Continued!

-Author Note Start-

Heyo people!

Hope you enjoyed the chapter! Did you like it?

As you can see, to those who hadn't guessed the current timeline is basically confirmed.

After beating Badigadi, meeting Nanahoshi, and discovering Fitts is a girl - But before Fitts is revealed to be Sylphy to Rudeus. Or their marriage for that matter.

Hopefully, this was to your satisfaction and it all made sense and stuff :P

The next Chapter would be Nanahoshi's interlude and then we'll finally have Gojo arriving.

But as you guys can see, Gojo's super famous - And everything he does just boosts that status.

As for Gojo's obviously Japanese Name, Nanahoshi's connection, and the deeper contemplations/speculations regarding Satoru from both Rudeus and Nanahoshi will arrive in her interlude which is the next chapter.

There is no Gojo right now - So I'll need your opinions on the Canon Characters' portrayal so far - Rudeus, Zanoba, etc...

Have a nice day!

-Author Note End-