Chapter 6: Graduation

The next day my magic training continued as per usual. The biggest change was dad's sword training. He started with a poor mood, probably because of yesterday but his mood quickly changed when he found out his son's "genius" extended to swordsmanship. I spent years trying to find the best fighting style for mechamaru. During that process I studied and practiced several different martial arts. Basic things like footwork and stances were nothing to me.

So during these days while dad was trying to find out how far my "genius" went I had plenty of time to ask him questions. For example in my previous world historically swords were a holdout weapon and spears and bows were commonplace. In this world bows seem to have been supplanted by magic and spears were seen as weapons of evil. Due to the tridents of the vile Superd race, spears were viewed as the weapons of villains. As opposed to swords which are viewed as normal and even noble. We have a book that sort of covers why "The Three Swordsmen and the Labyrinth ''. These three swordsmen would go on to be known as the Sword God, North God, and Water God who are the founders of modern swordsmanship.

Apparently dad is advanced ranked in all three of these fighting styles. I learned this while he was showing off to me. He sliced a boulder clean in half. That's the first time I've had it confirmed that people in this world can wield superhuman strength. Presumably mana is used for this but it doesn't reinforce the body like cursed energy so I can't get it to work. Everytime I ask him how he does it, he gives a shitty explanation. Unlike my glorious master, Roxy dad is a really bad teacher. Hopefully if I just practice the forms for long enough it will come naturally to me like it does to him.

Dad wanted to focus my training on the Sword God style for offense and the Water God style for defense. He said he was advanced ranked in both when he became an adventurer and it had propelled him up the ranks in record time. Apparently the Water God style had techniques to repel spells. No matter what, I needed to know how to counter that.

Dad was dismissive of the North God style. It was less about forms and more about a combat mindset. He told me once I reached advanced rank in the other two he would teach me but not a second sooner. One day mid spar Paul decided to broach an unexpected topic. "Rudi, which do you like more, Swordsmanship or Magic?" I could see a twinge of anxiety on his face, so I chose to comfort him.

"Well I love our sword practice but I'm clearly better at magic so I'm torn." It was an honest answer but one that he would like.

"Well you have plenty of time to choose but… I think a middle path might be best for you."

"Like a magic swordsman?"

"Yeah, I heard from Lilia's father that the First Water God was a magic swordsman."

"Do you and Lilia go that far back?" At my question he jumped a little and signaled for the spar to end.

"Her family ran a Water God Style training hall."

"Really, that must be why she watches your sword training so often." After I said that the color started to drain from his face. Hopefully this little scare would get him to stop being so shameless.

"Haha… yeah… It must remind her of her childhood." There was a long awkward pause before we got back to sparring.

Recently to complement my sword training I have mastered all of the advanced elemental spells. Roxy has now moved on to something that wasn't in the book [Melded Magic]. Melded magic is when you cast multiple spells in sequence to get a different effect. This could be something like casting a water spell followed by a fire spell to produce steam. These spells worked based on basic scientific principles. Ones that were not widely understood in this world but were common knowledge in my old world. For some reason it didn't hit me until now but I had limitless magical options. I could create moisture, heat, and matter. I could manipulate them with casual ease. I should praise Roxy-Sensei for learning all of this on her own.

"Roxy you're so amazing I never thought about any of this!"

"It's nothing special Rudi I learned about this in school"

"Magic school?"

"Yes far to the north in the magic kingdoms there are many schools that teach magic." It made sense that places like that existed. From what the book and Roxy say everyone in the world could wield magic even if only a little bit.

"What was your school like?" I decided on a simple question rather than asking about while kingdoms.

"The Ranoa Magic University accepts students from any race or background. When I went there I was an adventurer and a demon but I was readily accepted." After she spoke she gazed wistfully past me as if recalling a fond memory. "In fact Rudi, your family's magic textbook, was made by the university."

"Why would they do that?" It didn't make much sense. If you want people to attend your university, why teach them everything they need to know?

"You see Rudi students like you are the reason they do it. If your family didn't have that book your father would have simply taught you swordsmanship."

"But instead we hired you…"

"And after I teach you everything I know I'll recommend you attend the university to learn the rest." When she says it like that it sounds like a pyramid scheme.

"Well not like that will come anytime soon haha" Roxy didn't laugh with me.

"Rudi I know you're enjoying your sword training but please consider continuing your magical education there."

"All of that is years off, why are you worrying about it now?"

"Rudi, melded magic is the last thing I have to teach you. At the rate you are going now your final exam and graduation will be early next month."

Our final exam was to be held a few kilometers outside of the village. Frankly I neither wanted to have a final exam nor did I want to go out there. With all my lessons I hadn't had time to finish my birthday book and alongside the unknown plants there were monsters and wild animals. I was ready for that so I hid. Closets wouldn't do nor the bottom of beds so I hid under the dirty laundry. I could hear mom, dad and Roxy shouting searching for me but they had started to move away from the house. It was uncomfortable but a familiar piece of fabric was right in sight so I grabbed it. Once everyone's voice got distant I crawled out to get some fresh air. Sitting Seiza style next to me was Lilia.

"Hello Master Rudeus"

"Could you keep this a secret Lilia?" Her face stayed neutral but she answered dutifully.

"I cannot Master Rudeus"

"Please"

"Master Rudeus, you have always been a smart boy, you had to know this would happen one day." She spoke matter of factly and left me no room to reply. "If you wish I can tell your parents that I hid you at your request but you mustn't run from this."

Hearing her say it like that was kinda annoying. "Lilia, I don't want Roxy to leave." Hearing that her neutral face broke into a smile as she stroked my head.

"So Master Rudeus can act like a brat sometimes too." She continued for a minute before she spoke up again.

"Your parents both feel the same way, I'm sure Ms. Roxy does as well. But that isn't the reason you hid." She was looking at me like she knew my every secret. "Master Rudeus, children your age want nothing more than to leave their home to play with wild abandon."

"I'm not like kids my age."

"But you are, nobody else can tell because they are too dazzled by your talent. I've seen you standing at the threshold with your legs shaking."

"Are you saying I'm scared?!" I couldn't help but yell, where the hell did she get off watching and psychoanalyzing me. Oh wait, I used to do that all the time. She moved hand from atop my head to my back, to pull me into her bosom.

"It's normal to be afraid of new things Master Rudeus, but you will need to face your fears eventually. Would you rather do it later on your own or now with your trusted Master." I could hear rapid footsteps approaching. I didn't make an attempt to escape from Lilia.

"Master Paul, Master Rudeus was getting prepared for his exam and he asked me to inform you but I failed to do so, please forgive me." She lied as naturally as she breathed and for no reason. I couldn't see Paul but he wouldn't buy that. It was pointless but she protected me regardless, what a noble woman. Paul brought me to the edge of our yard. Coming up the hill were Mom and Roxy. Paul spoke up.

"We were worried sick about you."

"I..I was with Lilia."

"No you weren't but you can't act out like this."

"I'm sorry dad." By the time I finished Mom had spotted us and was running up the hill.

"Rudi what do you think…" Mom started but Dad raised his hand

"Rudi was with Lilia, I've already told him why he needs to tell us where he goes." With that she looked at him suspiciously but dropped it. With a hug and a kiss she passed by. Last up was Roxy, she was out of breath. As she got to the top she and Paul had a silent conversation with the gazes before she straightened her hat.

"Are you ready for your exam Rudi"

"Yes Roxy." Dad left and quickly returned with Caravaggio, our horse. Roxy got on quickly and pulled me up in front of her. With her hands on the reins I was locked in. If something happened I wouldn't be able to escape. As Caravaggio started to move I threw a pleading look at Paul but he said nothing, he hadn't shown it in a while but he truly was an oni. I squirmed around before speaking up to Roxy. "Roxy can't we do the exam at the house please."

"Mrs. Zenith mentioned to me, you've never left the house before, are you worried about monsters?"

"N…no you could deal with any monsters…"

"Could it be… are you afraid of horses?" As she said that she leaned forward to give me a smug sort of grin.

"I…I… I'm not scared of horses!" I stuttered it out but that clearly seemed to confirm it for her. As we traveled into the fields the workers were all staring. Stitches marking their bodies. Their faces warped into sickening grins. My voice caught in my throat, I needed to warn Roxy. He was here and as amazing as Roxy is she couldn't fight a special grade curse. One of his body doubles approached, his pallid skin ill fit the farmer he was impersonating. We came to stop as he reached his hand out, Roxy boxed me in, I couldn't run, I needed to get out, but I couldn't move. I'm going to die. I wanted to live a good life but I'm going to die.

Roxy's hand caught his as he spoke. "Miss Roxy thank you for helping with our fields the other day you're a real life saver." Mahito's voice didn't come out, instead a kindly old man spoke. Now that I looked at him his skin really wasn't pale it was quite tanned, stitches weren't there either. Had I been carrying trauma this whole time? Few people get to experience dying surely that would have an effect on you. He couldn't be here; this was a different world.

Roxy shook his hand and said "It was nothing sir, your vegetables have been a main part of Zenith's cooking since I first came here. This went on. Dozens of people came up to Roxy while paying me no mind. I wasn't in any danger, this town was full of good people. People who would put away their past prejudice to accept a demon from across the world. I never gave them enough credit.

We reach our destination. A desolate field with a single tree to tie up Caravaggio. My final exam was to cast the last spell Roxy could teach me [Cumulonimbus]. A spell that creates a violent thunderstorm. The reason we had to be out here is because the flooding and lightning could destroy Bueno Village. Teaching me this at all was a great degree of trust especially after my tantrum.

"Rudy, I will demonstrate the spell once and maintain it for one minute. When I'm done you will do the same but you must maintain it for one hour." With that she began the incantation. "Oh great water spirit, the son of the lightning emperor who ascended to the skies! Fulfill my wishes, rain down your ferocious blessings, and show me your strength to this tiny existence! Let your godly hammer strike the anvil, and demonstrate your authority, and devour the earth with water! Ah, the rain! Destroy and wash everything away! [Cumulonimbus]."

As soon as the chant ends, dark clouds blot out the sun. Shortly after heavy rain started, I was drenched in an instant. Trying to look up to see the lightning arcing in the clouds only got me eyes full of water. Looking at Roxy raising her staff to the sky I got worried, lightning normally struck the tallest thing in the area. Before I could speak there was a blinding flash and a deafening crash. Not in front of me but behind me. Roxy and I whirled around to see a charred and twitching Caravaggio. Dad loved that horse. I couldn't hear myself speak but I rushed forward as I chanted the words for [EXHealing]. To my relief as I touched him and he took the spell well. He didn't get up from where he was lying on the ground but he was alive.

The rain stopped shortly after, but a wet mass slammed into me. It was Roxy, I couldn't hear what she was saying but I could feel that the cold rain had made her nipples hard. I threw her a thumbs up, which I think she took differently from what I meant. At least I don't think me getting a nice feel would make her smile.

After another minute I could hear again and it was my turn. Roxy had formed an earth fortress to protect herself and Caravaggio. This was a rare and cute Roxy blunder, considering no permanent harm was done I would cherish the memory. With that on the mind I started my spell. I wanted to go big so as I spoke the incantation, I was casting four other spells.

Heating and cooling air. Creating and evaporating water. This wasn't going to be a magic storm, this was going to be a real storm created with magic. A minute of constant casting with my wand waving in the air, produced those same dark clouds. Alongside them were howling winds and small bits of hail. After I was done I placed my hands on my hips and called to Roxy louder than the storm.

"For you my Master Roxy I won't maintain a storm that lasts one hour but a storm that will maintain itself for an entire day," I was practically screaming to be in any way audible but seeing her react from under the fortress I continued. "Water-Saint class magician Roxy Migurdia from now until the day I die no matter what you say or how high I go you will always be my precious master." I wanted to say more but once again something cold and wet hit my face unfortunately it wasn't Roxy's chest but rather a chunk of ice. After that the world went black.

When I woke again it was on Caravaggio's back. Slowly rocking back and forth leaned against Roxy. When she saw me stirring she spoke. "Rudy, it took me 3 hours to stop that storm." even with the grogginess I knew I was being admonished.

"I'm sorry Master Roxy."

"You shouldn't show off like that, it often ends with getting embarrassed."

"Has that been your experience master?"

"Yes, many times." She wasn't cringing as I called her master but rather it seemed to be making her smile. Dispensing wisdom with a smile I wanted to see her do it forever.

"Master, do you really need to leave?"

"Yes Rudi, teaching you has given me a reason to continue my education." I leaned back more to look up at her, she seemed to have the same idea. While staring into eachothers eyes I spoke up again.

"Master Roxy, when will you leave?"

"Today."

"When will I get to see you again"

"If I don't find a job I'll be back for your tenth birthday, if I do I'll send letters,"

"But will I see you"

"Then how about a promise, send me a letter from Ranoa Magic University and even if I'm serving a king or demon lord I will be at your graduation. In fact, take this to secure our promise." It was a small amulet with a spiral and arrowhead like design. "It's a symbol of my home tribe." I clutched it strongly.

We returned home before noon where Roxy gave everyone my final grade. Lilia had prepared a hot bath for her when we arrived. After that we ate one last meal together and an hour past midday Roxy left on her journey. Just as she had arrived with her staff and a small suitcase in hand she left. The whole family watched her back as she left. One hand with white knuckles gripped the amulet around my neck and the other was in my pocket that still contained a pair of dirty panties. I'm sorry master I was hoping I'd have time to sneak it back into your stuff.

With that Roxy is gone and our boy has entered a new phase in his life. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter as well as getting two chapters this week. Next time get ready to meet the wonderful Miss Sylphiette stay tuned for great things in the future!