Didn't expect to see me back so soon? Well guess again. After I get past the teleportation event though I intend for my chapters to be allot longer since I will be doing multiple character arcs with some new characters as well as old ones. My goal is to do 10k words every two weeks when I get to that point. To XaiGRS yes I intend for Sylphy to learn and grow more as a person, she will also have the ability of flight as Rudeus continues to train her. Showing her gravity as well as disturb magic. With that being said enjoy the chapter.
Today was the day. Rudeus ran back inside after his morning workout with his father. Sword practice was still important and he wanted a muscular body like his father in this life too. The boy took a cold shower outside and then got himself dressed after drying himself off. His heart was racing, soon he would see her. But first he had to get rid of the bullies that would be bothering her.
"Dad. May I go out to play?" Rudeus said looking at his father with eyes of excitement.
Children around this age would normally run off but it was appropriate to ask the leaders of a household where they would be going. And since Zeniths command to Rudeus he would take extra care in asking for permission from his parents.
"Alright Rudi, you can go out and play just be back in time for dinner. Pack a sandwich if you think you need it." Paul said smiling at him and giving the young boy a cartoonish thumbs up.
A moment later Paul frowned. "This is one of those rare moments you have acted like a child. We helped you with arbitrary things like magic and sword practice but you haven't really had any toys or friends to go up with and enjoy life."
"That's why I want to go out now, to make friends." Rudeus said nodding his head.
Paul just responded politely, nodding his head. However there was a layer of disappointment to his eyes. Rudeus knew what it was, Paul wanted a young baby son to raise and care for. Instead he got someone that was unnaturally mature and rational. It felt like the person in front of him stood taller than him, even though it was someone 1/2 his height.
Rudeus thought about trying to comfort his father but he knew if he tried to help Paul's feelings of envy would only be solidified more. So he chose not to say anything, acting like an naive child.
Waving goodbye with his book on plants in hand he began to explore. He knew where he should go but he didn't want to make it look like he had a clear sense of direction. Road after road, hill after hill, as he joyfully reminisced on his childhood. The reason for all this exploration was originally to know the landscape enough to not get lost but he knew this place well. Nostalgia at it's best.
After a few good minutes of enjoying the views he heard the sound of mud hitting an object in the distance. It was coming on the other side of the hilltop. He run to the top and saw three boys throwing mud at a white coated child. Her hood was covering her facial features but Rudeus already knew who was underneath that hooded jacket.
They shouted things at the child that any bully would shout out.
"Get lost!"
Or
"Eat this mud pie!"
And whenever one of them hit the child on the head or any part of the body the bullies cheered and congratulated each other.
Before one of the boys, their leader, could throw a rock or finish his sentence about the child going back to the demon continent Rudeus dropped his book and ran forward throwing a water ball. It hit the boy square and direct on the side of his face. He fell down clearly surprised by getting slapped in the face with a puddle of water, it stung a little.
One of the remaining bullies shouted at Rudeus. "Get lost punk! This doesn't involve you!"
But Rudeus didn't stop running at the bullies as he punched the kid that told him to get lost in the jaw. Rudeus did it softly though. If he did it at full strength it would be as devastating as an Eris sucker punch.
Still the boy tumbled to the ground. The last one standing tried to throw a rock at Rudeus but he caught the rock and threw it at the boys shin, it hurt like hell but it didn't break anything.
Rudeus grabbed the leader by the collar and pointed at the kid they were bullying "That's what that kid feels like!" Rudeus said staring the bully in the face.
"Kneel down and apologize!"
"Huh….. but that kid is a demon, they deserve to be punished." The bully said trying to make himself sound reasonable for assaulting an innocent child.
"The sins of their ancestors do not transfer over to newer generations. They are their own people and can choose their own life to lead. Apologize to the kid before I break your nose!" Rudeus growled lifting his clenched fist up in the air.
After a few moments of grumbling Rudeus got all three boys to lay down and bow on all fours. The gravel scraping their kneecaps.
"We are sorry for causing you trouble! We know what we did was wrong and we promise not to bully you!" They all said in unison.
"Good now run to your mothers." Rudeus said glaring at all of them, they got up and ran away at that point.
Rudeus went over to the person he knew was Sylphy.
"Hey, are you alright?" Rudeus said outstretching a hand in her field of view.
She saw it and gently reached for it, Rudeus got her to stand up so he could get a good look at her. He smiled but had to keep himself from crying at the beauty he saw. Her hair was a grass green color just falling down far enough to touch the nape of her neck. Ears were pointed and long, incredibly adorable. Her nose and chin were chiseled and her skin color was a porcelain marble white. She looked like the purest definition of innocence and beauty. Well Rudeus in his first time around said that Sylph looked like a tomboy but now all he could see was a cute girl.
The girls expression looked like a frightened rabbit which only added to the cuteness.
"Um….um…. I'm fine." Sylphy says shyly. She was surprised by an embrace by Rudeus.
"I'm so sorry that those kids bullied you." Rudeus said trying to comfort her. He quickly pulled away to not increase the awkwardness and he then moved onto the next subject on hand.
"Your hair is covered in dirt. I can use magic to clean it for you. Bend down please."
She looked caught off guard at the command like a deer in the headlights but she obliged his request.
"Close your eyes."
He made some hot water and pored it over her head. She was surprised at first and tried to run away but he held her down by the back of her jacket. After her head was clean he blew hot air onto her hair, cleaning every strand and then the rest of her face including her ears.
"Take off your jacket. I will clean that too." Rudeus again commanded.
He made the jacket float in the air and created a wall of water. Then passed the jacket back and forth between the wall of water until the water was dirty as the mud was coming off of the coat with each pass. He then repeated the process with several other water walls until the coat was spotless. Using fire and wind he dried off the coat until it was fresh and warm.
"Here you go." Rudeus said handing the coat to Sylphy.
She was just staring at it with awe.
"How did you do that?"
"Magic, or as I like to see it the direct manipulation threw one's own energy."
"I only know some of those words. I've heard of magic but I haven't really seen it used like that before." Sylphy said confused.
"Would you like me to show you?" Rudeus said.
Her eyes lit up as she nodded enthusiastically. Rudeus smiled at her and she smiled back at him.
"My name is Rudeus but you can call me Rudy." He outstretched his hand in a formal greeting and an attempt at friendship.
She reached out her hand and shook his.
"My name is Sylph…" But she was interrupted by a gust of wind.
'No turning back now, no more mistakes.' Rudeus thought to himself.
"I'm sorry Sylph sounded like a boy's name. But I couldn't here the rest of your name because of the wind. What was it?"
After a moment of hesitation, she responded.
"It's Sylphiette."
"That's a beautiful name! Can I call you Sylphy for short?"
She nodded.
"Well then, how about we be friends Sylphy."
"Friends? I've never had one of those before…." Sylphy said looking down sadly.
"Well there always has to be a first time for everything."
"Why would you want to be my friend, if you hang around me people would bully you too. People think I'm a Superd."
"If I had to choose between a world of bullies and someone like you, I would choose you any day." Rudeus said with a cheeky grin.
Sylphy was taken aback at that response. She never knew someone could be so nice to her and she started to tear up a little bit at the boys kindness. She smiled weakly at him and he smiled back at her. Thus their friendship began again.
They played together out in the fields, running, playing hide and seek, tag, all the sorts of things that children play when they are together. Rudeus was a bit nervous now that he knew Sylphy was girl from the get go. There always was a barrier between boys and girls no matter the age. And when adulthood came around anytime a man hung out with a girl of the same status people would start rumors. But Rudeus didn't care, for right now he would pace himself and let things happen naturally.
That night he had to deal with Paul and the fact that he beat up three boys, the leaders mother came to their house to scold Paul for teaching his son to hit other children. But Rudeus was prepared for the argument. Which baffled his father. He then apologized to his son for not taking his side to begin with and they had a heart to heart.
Days pasted, Sylphy and Rudeus looked and tried to find the different plants the book gave a description on, they took the seeds of some none poisonous ones and planted them, nurturing them. Rudeus didn't use magic to grow them, something was just so satisfying about seeing a flower bloom slowly day after day, like a baby growing up and stretching it's legs then learning to walk. They skipped stones, ran through the fields, and did all the games Rudeus wished he could play in his first life in school. These moments were replayed in his mind and his heart felt so warm. Something was plaguing his mind that dampened the moments of joy.
'How do I get Sylphy to the capital of Ars to protect Ariel? If she doesn't get there in time the future queen of the Asura kingdom will die. Should I kill Darius before that happens? No, If I do that Hitogami will find another apostle to try and kill Ariel, Darius is much easier to track. I will have to prepare something with Hollow in order to see events unfold the way I want….. shit. Is this how Orsted thinks all the time?' Rudeus scratched his head trying to clear his thoughts.
"What's wrong Rudi?" Sylphy said, a look of concern was written over her face. She looked so loving that way.
Rudeus shook his head and sat up from where he was laying down. They sat at their favorite tree. It would be nice if this tree stayed here, where Rudeus and Sylphy could lay down together when they became adults, they would be huddling together hands intertwined as they sipped wine and ate food on a picnic blanket, kissing every now and again. The thought alone gave Rudeus butterflies. With that happy fantasy in his mind he looked at Sylphy and smiled.
"No, everything's alright Sylphy. Say why don't I teach you those spells I used when I fought off those bullies."
Sylphy nodded her head vigorously. Since she also had the Laplace factor incantations and then later on silent spells would be easy for her. Maybe Rudeus could teach her allot of things and help to grow her magic, maybe even more than his previous life. For now they would start small and summon a water ball.
She beamed when she summoned a water ball after multiple attempts with her hand but felt a little faint afterward.
"Why was I faint but when you did all those amazing things you didn't seem to struggle?" She asked tilting her head.
"Well magic and mana are allot like a muscle, you can grow it by constantly working it out until you're exhausted. Your magic can double if you get yourself to go unconscious by using too much magic, if you keep doing that imagine how big it will be!" Rudeus said stretching his arms out to the sides as far as they would go.
"Wow! That's amazing! But I'm a little nervous to fall unconscious. What if the bullies come back, or wolves or something like that come after us?"
"Don't worry, I will protect you." Rudeus said looking at her, giving her a childish thumbs up.
She hesitated for a moment. After all they had only met a few days ago. After a moment of silence she excepted. It only took six water balls that she threw in the air to make her fall asleep. Rudeus was only a 1 year old or less when he felt like that. Time had moved by slow at first but when he managed to get a huge supply of mana the days were packed one after another.
He didn't do anything perverted to Sylphy while she rested peacefully. He kissed her forehead lightly as he stroked her hair and that was it. They lay there underneath the shade of the tree on the cliffside as Rudeus looked over the valleys and hills. Everything was peaceful and perfect.
They lay there for hours as Rudeus read through the book of magic that Zenith kept in the Attic. Rudeus and Sylphy used the book to study and grow more. However Rudeus had edited some parts with red ink either highlighting or scratching out segments that needed to be corrected or were outright false. This would help Sylphy grow when Rudeus went away to teach Eris. He still had another two years before that happened when he turned seven.
'Two years huh. What should I do before that time comes?' Rudeus thought looking up into the sky.
He had many options, so many options. But for now they could wait. To be honest this was his first real day off in his third life. Life itself was precious and deserved to have itself appreciated from time to time. Moments like these with Sylphy leaning against his shoulder. He looked over at her while she slept, and instead of putting on his normal perverted smile all he could do was feel his heart about to burst from love and innocent joy as he looked at the person he needed to protect. She was a gem, no, more than that, a pure goddess. And he would worship her.
"I bet this would be the perfect time to play a piano song from Studio Ghibli." Rudeus whispered.
A few hours later Sylphy woke up and she felt exhausted.
"Your mana will replenish the next day. For now let's take you home Sylphy it will be getting dark soon." Rudeus said.
She nodded and they left for her house where her parents would be waiting. They waved at Rudeus wishing him a safe trip home. When he got passed the hilltop Rudeus flew back home enjoying the peaceful breeze of the approaching night.
But something was going to be tested tonight. Hollow and Rudeus after months of work were ready to test the dimensional teleportation spell.
Rudeus went up into his bedroom and used the teleportation circle under his bed to teleport him to his second home underneath the mountain. The hallways were lit by crystals, inside those crystals were beams of energy that were reflected, bouncing around similar to how a staff or wand worked. But Rudeus used these to refract light. The lights were a lot like lightbulbs but not quite like them.
Rudeus walked into his lab and looked at his masterpiece. The lab itself was circular and it was two stories tall. Shelves of petrified wood stored hundreds of teleportation and disruption circles as well as diaries and lab notes detailing past failures and possible successes. Several vials of blood were also stored in cabinets that were encased in ice and insolation mimicking a fridge so it could keep the blood preserved.
In the center of the room was a stack of circles. This one was composed of 200 pages instead of the 100 that Rudeus and Nanahoshi used to summon a seedless watermelon. The pages themselves were composed of circles containing both blood and crushed ingredients that the book on plants had described would have magical properties. Each page Rudeus had tested and used, each one gave it's own failure until he reached success. The bundle itself was bound with a metal cage, intricate magical circles were engraved into the metal, this work would be decades ahead of its time.
Rudeus had already been storing as much energy as he could into the pages, making himself go unconscious with transfer of energy. Now all that was left was to complete the final page. He hoped to summon a textbook on chemistry. The search itself to summon an item was rage inducing enough, it was like trying to make a search on the internet while everything was blurry and gave terrible search results, like when you try to search for funny cat videos but instead get a compilation of a AI potato saying how evil birds are. Vague things like that.
A magical circle could disintegrate after a single usage however Rudeus had found away around it, if the circuit was properly built and it had a larger storage of energy than required it wouldn't be destroyed. Normally this would not be possible if the circle was completed but using an activation rune would allow this.
As a counter measure Rudeus carved a large disturb magic circle in the center of the room that could activate if the magic was too strong. He didn't want another teleportation event to happen. He made a silent prayer, not speaking to anyone but hoping that the world itself was listening to his plea for success. And then he activated it.
A loud hum could be heard as if building up momentum in a motor. Then a bright light came from the circle. Once the light faded a single book on chemistry was floating in the air. It was a success.
Rudeus opened the book. "It's in Japanese!" Rudeus jumped for joy as he yelled into the air screaming about his success.
Without pausing he activated it again, it produced the same book. It made sense that this circle would produce the same result, after all it was making a very specific search and it would be a bad sign if Rudeus didn't get the same book.
Rudeus's plan was to be able to change out any page he wished in the bundle of pages to change the search results, the first one hundred pages just singled out the search result to Japan and then after that it narrowed the results down which were specified to his desire.
This book could help Rudeus fuse science with magic, offering the ultimate combination of the two. The young boy teleported back to his home and began reading.
The first actual page after the introduction was a broad description of the elements. Then it showed a display of the periodic table. The table also listed an index into where to find each element listed on the numerous pages in the book. It was appropriately listed into 19 chapters representing the 18 groups of elements, the 19th chapter was for the F block group of elements. Each element in these groups had similar properties to the ones in same group but the reaction changed with the increase or decrease of the three things that composed an atom.
Rudeus would be able to use this book as a basis for helping with a large quantity of inventions such as light bulbs and electronics. As the saying went, give a man a fish feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and he will never go hungry again.
'Should I share the technology of my world with the people of this one?' Rudeus thought. It was true that he could accumulate a massive amount of wealth with the knowledge that he could summon but at what cost. This could dramatically shape the landscape if he did this incorrectly.
Rudeus decided he could try to start simple, such as with the printing press. This would greatly expand on people's knowledge and allow education to flourish allot faster, effectively kickstarting the world into an age of invention by producing more gifted men and women.
After that point Rudeus would introduce things like lightbulbs, refrigerators, more effective sewer systems, medicine, irrigation, and methods of industrialization but that would take decades upon decades to create. If he did this millions would flourish. But once again he was getting ahead of himself. For now he could continue his experiments.
He would begin fueling mana into each element so see their reaction wither it was stable or unstable. Some of the metals listed on periodic table Rudeus already assumed would work well when paired with magic such as tungsten but he couldn't exclude any element from his experiments for that reason.
The reason for this was to make more and more effective magic circles such as disruption magic, or a magic circle that could absorb mana like a sponge and then redirect it. These two magics paired together against the teleportation event would be an incredibly useful tool.
The teleportation event seemed to be centered around a dark red orb which had two rotating belts that continuously grew overtime ever since Rudeus started his job working with and teaching Eris along with Ghislaine. For three years the floating Orb in the sky would grow until it released all it's mana that it had built up, removing everyone and everything from a good portion of the continent. But before those three years were up Rudeus would be able to study the orb and understand it's properties. Potentially reversing them.
As the night continued to progress and turn into day Rudeus had already produced helium, which was composed of two nucleus', two protons and two electrons. After forming a large quantity of those atoms his voice started to change. He couldn't breath in the gas for long, doing so would cause side effects and if he did it for too long then he was at risk of depleting his lungs of oxygen. Still it was utterly hilarious at how high pitched his voice was. It gave him a little bit of a headache so he stopped. It would be funny if he showed Sylphy his new talent.
Give me feedback and I will respond to all your questions and demands in the next chapter. I will not spoil my intentions for the biggest plot points though.