Chapter 35:
A Promising Endeavor and Departure

The two of us locked eyes as my first words escaped my lips. Roxas's face, the one I could only ever remember being stoic, looked at a loss. After a few moments, his expression softened. He hasn't aged a day since I last saw him, I thought.

Then, he covered his mouth and started to chuckle. Before I knew it, it had spiraled into full-blown laughter, the corner of his eyes tearing up as he struggled to stifle his laughter.

"It's nice to see you too, Mister," I joked, giggling.

"I'm sorry," he said, in between a chuckle. "It's just… I'm realizing how this is so in character for you."

"What, me finding you?" I guessed, grinning at him.

"You finding me after I spent half a year looking for you!" Roxas exclaimed. "It's just like you to do this."

He spent half a year looking? I'll have to ask him about that later, for sure.

"I thought you were in Shirone all this time, you know? Imagine my surprise when I found you," I replied.

"Oh, no. It's been a whole year since I left that place," Roxas said.

A whole year? So that theory about Lilia contacting Roxas for a job or something is a bust.

"But seriously! Every day, I kept on thinking, 'Oh, she's probably halfway across the world, there's no way we'll find her here." It's been so long, I could hardly even recognize you. You grew up so fast, Lumi," Roxas said.

Ah, I really did miss this guy. It's like a piece of home is standing here right in front of me. I felt the corner of my eyes stinging as memories of spending time together with my family alongside him flashed through my mind. A piece of home, huh?

I dug into my robe and fished out a metallic pendant with a green luster that glimmered in the light. It was something I'd been taking good care of ever since the day we parted. I noticed something registering in Roxas's eyes once he caught sight of it.

"You still have it? I figured you'd already lost it, knowing ya," he said, smiling.

"I promised to keep it safe, didn't I?" I said, grabbing the sides of the leather cord and retrieving it from around my neck, offering it to Roxas. "Take it."

Roxas wordlessly closed my open palm and shook his head. "I didn't lend it to you, Lumi. It was a gift, remember?"

A gift…

My hand reached out, pulling him toward me. My hand rested on his back, patting it a few times.

"It's been such a long time, Mister. I could never repay you for what you've done for me," I said.

He'd never truly understand the depth of what he'd done. He pulled me out of a pathetic state, leftover trauma from my first life. He brought me years of being tormented with terrible thoughts, I thought I'd never face my fears, that I'd continue to put them off until it was too late to ever lead a life worth living. Without Roxas, my existence would have just repeated itself in some twisted turn of fate.

That's why, above everything else about Roxas, I respected him.

"I don't deserve such praise," Roxas replied softly.

"You really haven't changed a bit, haven't you?" I quipped, pulling away from the hug. Always with the humble bit with you.

"Guh..! I've changed plenty, ya know? You just can't tell!" Roxas exclaimed, laughing. I giggled in turn, remembering how he used to always defend his character like this.

Just like the good old days, I thought, smiling.

My eyes trailed to the rest of the room. That's when I noticed the two other people in the room who were sitting there idly, watching as if they were tuning into some prime entertainment. One was a picturesque elf lady with an absurd blonde hairstyle—the likes of which I've become used to—who was dressed up in some sort of tan and white corset and skin-tight short shorts covered by a loose sheer skirt. The other was a stout man armed to the teeth in dark green metal gear with a long, brown beard. If I had to guess, this guy was probably a dwarf.

"Hey, Roxas. Mind introducing me?" I said, jutting my head in the direction of the pair.

"Oh, right. Th—" Roxas began.

"We can handle that just fine ourselves," the dwarf interjected, waving Roxas off.

No need to cut him off like that. But I've got to say… this guy sure acts like how I thought dwarfs would. Not that stereotypes are particularly relevant here.

Roxas shot me an apologetic look and turned his attention to the dwarf and elf lady.

"Alright then, I'll let you introduce yourselves," Roxas said, a hint of amusement in his voice. What I found rude clearly didn't faze Roxas, for whatever reason. Although, it did make sense. Roxas, funnily enough, only ever got upset at trivial things like being called a child or being compared to one.

The elf lady turned to me and offered a polite smile. "I'm Elinalise Dragonroad, and this grumpy shortie is Talhand," she said, gesturing toward the dwarf.

Talhand barely acknowledged it, simply grunting and not bothering to contribute anything to the introduction. Yep. He doesn't sit right with me. I had a feeling that was because of his crabby attitude, but I didn't voice my complaints. He was probably decades older than me anyway.

I forced down my thoughts and managed out an acceptable introduction—one that would make Lilia proud, I hoped. "My name is Lumina Greyrat. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance," I said, curtsying with my robe.

"Oh, there's no need for all of that stiffness. This isn't Asura, after all," Elinalise said, amused. "I've heard lots about you, Lumina."

"You have?" I asked.

"Well, I'd be hard-pressed not to! The prodigy daughter of that damned rascal who earned the title of Wind Saint at five years old! You know, at first, I couldn't believe it. But then Roxas came along and told us all about you," Elinalise explained.

Roxas told them about me? I peered over at Roxas, who was fiddling with his hat.

Talhand finally chimed in. "It was a pain to get him to stop ranting about your ability, so there's not much we don't know."

I shifted uncomfortably under their gazes. I prayed that Roxas hadn't gone and spilled some of my more embarrassing moments to them. For example, when I used to tell him to show more of his skin off. I'm a changed woman! I'm not that depraved anymore! Hopefully!

"I hope you've heard good things," I said sheepishly.

Elinalise chuckled at my words. "Oh, plenty! And that robe, too. They call you the Sorceress around here, don't they?" she noted.

It was a bit embarrassing to find that my reputation had preceded me. I'd known very well that other adventurers talked about the Dragon King's Odyssey, but to have someone like Elinalise say that is a different thing entirely. I didn't know whether to be disappointed or flattered.

"That's right," I replied.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lumina. Could I call you Mina?" Elinalise asked.

That came out of left field. A nickname, huh? There aren't a lot of people who call me anything other than my name, but I guess it's not the end of the world.

"Go right ahead, Miss Elinalise. I don't mind," I spoke, giving her a reassuring smile.

I felt a bit flustered at being regarded like this by such a person, especially someone as beautiful as her. Her hair was long yet orderly, her clothes were protective yet revealing… she was certainly a sight to behold. I had a feeling I'd get along with her. But I needed to ask something first.

"Could you explain how you all met each other in the first place?" I asked, trying to steer the conversation in a different direction. Roxas had never mentioned either of the two, so I figured that they'd only recently met. Probably after he left Shirone, but I had nothing to go off of.

"Sure!" Elinalise replied, bending her knees to my eye level. "Come to think of it, we met sort of coincidentally. Talhand and I had visited Fittoa after hearing news of the Mass Teleportation and were met with a written request from your father begging us to look for his family since he was already off creating a search party for the residents of Fittoa."

Mass Teleportation is what they're calling it? It wouldn't surprise me if all corners of the world knew the event by now. Though, I'm glad Paul took the initiative. Even if he was a sucky father, he sure knows how to make up for it.

"So two of us were torn between searching through the Begaritt Continent or the Demon Continent. I was personally advocating for the Demon Continent, but Talhand here told me that it would be way too reckless to go to such a dangerous place without a proper guide. And then, like an angel answering our prayers, Roxas came looking for us. We formed a party, and that's just about it," Elinalise rattled off, occasionally glancing over to Roxas.

"But in the end, we're still looking for the rest of your family," Roxas added. "I wanted to ask if you would join us in the search. You could bring along your friends if you like."

Right. They've modeled their entire plans around looking for my family, just like we did. Well, there's no point in wasting any time. I guess I'll just drop the bomb on them…

"Hehe. About that, I have to tell you about something you'll find hard to believe," I began, a self-indulgent smirk growing on my face.


"I would say that I'm not surprised, but that'd be lying to you," Ares said, sighing with visible entertainment.

"You sure know how to keep me on my toes. Not that I'm complaining," Alek commented.

I was back at the inn, having just filled in Ares and Alek about my reunion with Roxas and his party. The three of them were currently waiting for us at the Adventurers' Guild since I told them that I'd bring along my party. I was hoping to persuade them to merge parties, mostly because there was no need to search for my family.

Roxas's party was baffled as to how I managed to locate the locations of my shattered family, considering they'd spent months looking and Paul had spent even more without any luck. But, strangely enough, all I had to do was mention Kishirika to Roxas, and it all clicked for them. Maybe I really was uneducated about the history of this world, since apparently I was the only one who had no idea who she was.

When this is all done and settled, I'll ask Paul to buy me a history book.

"So you did already master your eye!" Ares accused.

No matter how much I tried to help, my advice for his Demon Eye always backfired. But that wasn't to discount his effort. He was progressing, after all. So, he kept his eyepatch on at all times. I didn't need to wear it any longer so I just stuffed it in my pocket for the time being.

"Ah, well, I thought that was obvious…" I said, scratching my neck.

"Sure," Ares rolled his eyes. "You're still going to be helping me, though. Right?" he asked, quickly changing his tune.

"Of course. I can't let my student down!" I replied, pumping my fist.

"But I'm not your student," he mumbled. Before I had a chance to reply, he spoke up. "That's right, your teacher is here!"

I'd already mentioned how I divulged a lot of information about my life in Buena Village, so I naturally had to mention Roxas. It was a bit of a small thing, but I was glad he remembered. On that topic, I noticed I was appreciating the small things he did more and more as of late. Maybe that short-lived heart-to-heart we shared was weighing on me, positively.

Or perhaps something was telling me that I looked at him differently.

"Y-yeah," I said, turning away from him as I collected my thoughts. I clapped my hands together and peered back.

"We've got to get to the Adventurer's Guild. There are few things I want less in this world than to keep my teacher waiting for me," I urged them.

"You sure think of him highly. Roxas, was it? I want to see what makes him so respected by you, Lumina," Alek said, getting up from his seat.

"He'd better not be some pushover. I've never met a magic instructor before," Ares added.

"You're in for a surprise, then. He's just as great as I say he is, you'll see," I assured them. Ares gave me a suspicious look.

"Mhm. We'll see, huh?" he murmured.

"Yes, yes, you'll see. Now c'mon, you two! We're leaving tomorrow, remember?" I said, gesturing toward the door.

"Jeez, alright," Ares said, getting up. Alek did the same, rushing past me and out of the room swiftly. I promptly followed behind him, leaving Ares alone in the room.

That's the spirit, Alek! Take notes, Ares.


The three of us walked through the streets of Wind Port, wading our way through the crowd of humans and demons. Eventually, we made it to the Adventurers' Guild.

"Hey. Where are those guys you were talking about?" Ares whispered in my ear as we scanned the room for them. The tavern was as crowded as ever, so it was hard to single someone out immediately.

"Umm…" I squinted my eyes. "Found 'em!" I exclaimed, pointing at the back of the room where they were seated at a round table. A few adventurers turned to look at us because of my outburst, but we ignored them and made for the table.

The first thing out of Ares's mouth when he laid eyes on Roxas was: "Woah, he looks like a court magician."

I shushed him and turned to look at Roxas and his party. From the looks of it, they didn't seem too upset that I'd kept them waiting. No, they weren't upset at all. They all had a… frightened look on their face. It took me a total of 5 seconds to figure out why.

Alek was standing right behind me, with some cross between a glare and a curious look on his face. I could feel the tension building, so I scrambled to try to diffuse it.

"I'd like to introduce you to Aleksander Ryback, the North God! I've already told you this, but he's escorted us through the continent all the way from Rikarisu city," I said, a smile on my face.

"I-It's nice to meet you, Mister North God," Roxas stammered out. I looked at Alek expectantly, hoping that he'd give them some reassurance that he wasn't some killing machine that'd butcher them at the slightest provocation.

Things sure have changed, huh? I laughed inwardly. One year ago, I'd be the one calling him the unfeeling killing machine.

Alek walked over to Alek and, to the surprise of everyone else, avoided his gaze and scratched the back of his neck.

"I'd like to apologize for my rudeness the other day. I was just trying to scare off any people who could potentially hunt down Lumina and Ares. I think I took it too far, though, seeing as how you bolted. I'm sorry," Alek apologized.

Eh? They have a history? I didn't hear about this!

Roxas's eyes widened. "Oh, no, no, it's fine! I completely understand what ya were trying to do, so don't worry," Roxas scratched at his cheek. "You could sit here if you'd like."

"Thanks. Roxas, was it? I've heard many praises of you from Lumina here. You seem like a good man," Alek said casually, sitting down next to Roxas.

I flashed Roxas a smile when he glanced at me. "I'm flattered, Mister North God."

"Just call me Aleksander, if you would," Alek said cheerfully.

"Of course, Aleksander. But Lumina tends to exaggerate, so do take her words with a grain of salt," Roxas said sheepishly.

"Not at all, Mister! I wouldn't lie about you if my life depended on it!" I interjected.

Everyone around the table chuckled—except Talhand, I didn't have a clue as to what his deal was.

I guess it wasn't too serious. I bet Alek got too caught up in his hero act and accidentally scared off Roxas when he saw him near us. Wait, that means I would've met Roxas early if it weren't for him! I grimaced when I realized how likely the scenario was. But it wasn't like it mattered anymore. It is what it is.

Ares walked over to the opposite end of the table and took a seat next to Talhand. Ares, being slim and short but noticeably muscular thanks to his training, looked comedically out of place right next to the bulky Talhand.

"Aleksander, that sword of yours makes you look a lot more intimidating than you are," Talhand observed.

"Well, I suppose I can't help that. The Dragon Sword Kajakuto is something of a family heirloom, so I can't exactly leave it behind," Alek said.

"In any case, It's an honor to meet someone as talented as you," Elinalise said. Roxas readily agreed, with the fear he had previously now completely gone.

"I appreciate your comments, but save them for when I become a full-fledged hero," Alek replied.

"A hero, you say? But it wouldn't be a stretch to call you one already, Aleksander," Elinalise cut in.

"Not just yet. I've got someone I've been aiming to surpass for decades now," Alek said.

Alek sure knows how to turn a situation on its head. If you told someone that everyone at the table was terrified just two minutes ago, they wouldn't believe you. If that isn't charisma, I don't know what is. I let the four continue to chat until the conversation died down.

"Ahem. Now I'll introduce my other party member, who happens to be a good friend of mine," I said, walking over to Ares. He looked up from his food—that he was taking from Talhand's plate, which he didn't seem to mind—and flashed a smile.

"I'm Ares, just Ares. I've been training with the sword since I was seven years old, and right now I'm a disciple of this guy," Ares said, gesturing to Alek. "I've known Lumina for about a year now, and we met for the first time at her 10th birthday. So, that's it!"

"Training with the sword, eh?" Elinalise said, batting her eyelashes. "No wonder you look so toned." My eye twitched at that, for some reason.

"Don't even start, Elinalise. I didn't think that you'd stoop to that level, but I guess I thought wrong," Talhand snapped.

"Oh come on! It was just a compliment. Settle down, would you?" Elinalise said.

Hm? Is there something I'm missing here, or…?

"We can discuss this later," Roxas muttered. "Well, Lumina. You mentioned that you were going to ask something when ya came back, didn't you?

"Thank you, Roxas," I said. "I do have something of a proposal that could help us move forward."

"Can't be more surprising than the last few days. Go ahead," Alek said. Ares nodded as well, curiosity written all over his face.

"Well?" Elinalise urged.

"I think we should merge parties. You know, like all six of us as the new Dragon King's Odyssey. This party would be solely to travel to each location that Kishirika gave us and rescue my family. How does that sound?" I asked.

This is the best way to go about this. For one, Roxas's party was formed specifically to find me and my family. Now that Kishirika's gone and thrown a… godsent wrench in their plans, it's pointless. If we merged the parties, we could retrieve the rest of my family much easier than otherwise. We were already fast with Alek on our side, but with Roxas, we'll be even more efficient.

The five people before me—excluding Ares, I figured he was just going to 'go with the flow' as usual—considered it. After a few moments passed, someone spoke up.

"I'm completely on board with this. Without mentioning the ease of gaining funds to move around with your collective reputation, I think being in a bigger group means we can scour a larger area. Of course, we'll be much more organized once we touch base with Paul again, so we can figure out where to go from there. But I do agree that we should do this," Elinalise said.

"I'm also in favor," Roxas added. "Anything to see your family sitting together at the dinner table that you once invited me to."

"I don't see any reason not to go through with that. I thought this was the natural plan of action, in all honesty," Alek said, shrugging.

Talhand grunted, but I wasn't skilled enough at reading his expression to see if he was content or upset at the change of plans. Well, he's not voicing any complaints, so I'll take it as a sign to go ahead.

"Well then, if y'all don't mind, we should go and register that change. I don't think I mentioned this, but the ship that'll bring us to Milis is arriving tomorrow. So we've got little time left on the clock in a literal sense," I mentioned.
"Huh?! How're we s'posed to board a ship without booking?!" Talhand sputtered.

He made a point that I hadn't considered. In this city, you generally had to make a reservation before getting on a boat, preferably several days or weeks prior. This was to give people enough time to go and find a boat that worked for them and not be in urgent need to board a boat only to find out the last spot was filled only hours prior.

We'd need to either cancel our reservation and wait until the next boat to Milis arrived—which was god knows when—or pray for a miracle. As it turned out, said miracle just so happened to be pale-skinned and adorned with orange-gold protective gear, and was smack-dab in the middle of the party.

Alek stepped up heroically and proclaimed, "I'll make it work."
That's our Alek for you, using his title to fix anything that his sword can't. To no one's surprise, of course.

Apparently, no one wanted to question it. I knew that Alek being the North God was a massive deal, but I still didn't know the exact significance of the title and why it gave him so much leeway to do what he wished. Maybe it was because of his presence in the Demon Continent for years and how the community grew to respect and fear his power. I felt like that was the most likely answer, but I still felt like I was missing something.

We registered our party change.

The Dragon King's Odyssey (A)

-Members-

Lumina Greyrat (Current Leader), Human

Aleksander Ryback, Demon Tribe Immortal Demon

Ares, Human

Elinalise Dragonroad, Pure Elf

Roxas Migurdia, Demon Tribe Migurd

Talhand, Dwarf

That was the current listing of our party. I was surprised to see Leader next to my name, but I figured that was only because I was the one who originally registered the party all that time ago with Alek. Additionally, I noticed that Elinalise was listed as a 'Pure Elf,' whatever that meant. What differentiated a Pure Elf and a regular one? Blood, maybe?

In any case, the new and improved Dragon King's Odyssey was now officially established. I considered renaming the party for the occasion, but I felt like our reputation was too important to our cause, so I decided against it.

Watching Roxas and his party depart, I felt the chorus of "Please Stay With Me" playing in the back of my mind. No, wait! What am I so worked up over? I'd see them tomorrow, anyway.

I guess this was that sort of thing that happens after meeting someone for the first time in years and then having to say bye again. Can't help that.


The next day, we decided to sell the lizard that we'd used as a carriage for the past year. It was a reliable old thing, having brought us singlehandedly through the entirety of the Demon Continent, so I was sad to see it go. But it was probably our best bet to leave it behind here for a variety of reasons; like, it not being accustomed to the Milis climate, the extra fee it would cost to bring it onboard, and the benefits a horse would provide over it.

Ares gave it a sad little pat to give it some reassurance before we parted. It was far from a tearful parting, but it was emotional anyway. At least to me.

"This thing sure is obedient. You must've been trained this one real well," the merchant who handled the lizards commented.

"Oh, no. That honor goes all to him," I said, pointing to Alek. He beamed with pride on his face.

Alek didn't do anything too special, in all honesty. The way he handled the lizard was almost endearing. I suppose that the lizard took a liking to that sort of treatment as opposed to being treated as a live wagon.

Okay, I should stop calling the lizard, 'the lizard.' Shouldn't I at least give it a name before it goes? Not that it would matter much, since it was the last we'd see of it. But I decided on "Aisha" quickly. I'm pretty sure that's Arabic or something. Aisha, the lizard who wanted nothing more than a caring owner to serve.

"Haha. All I'd expect from the North God himself. I'll throw in a little extra, just for the convenience. Normally, adventurers go around roughing these guys up. That makes it all the harder to retrain them," the merchant said. From what my Demon Eye was telling me, he was a member of the Rugonia tribe, which I'd heard of before. They were a tribe of lizardmen who specialized in raising and training these pack lizards.

"I can't imagine doing something like that to this creature," I said. "Isn't it common sense to treat your companions well?" I asked.

"You oughta tell that to the swordsmen. Here ya go," the merchant said.

Again, the song "Please Stay With Me" played in my head. I took the money we'd earned from selling off our companion. When I put it like that, it kind of made me not want to take this money. Weird.

I'm never naming a temporary support creature again. Farewell and sayonara to you, Aisha. May you find… lizard treats and happiness wherever you go.

After we sold the lizard, we arrived at the harbor. There were many people, like always, but there was a clear increase of people converging before one boat in particular. There, we caught sight of Roxas, Elinalise, and Talhand together, talking to the checkpoint official.

"Do you have any proof of your association with the North God?"

"I'm telling ya, I do! Give me a sec, would ya…?" Roxas dug through his robes, only to end up empty-handed. He gingerly stared up at the official before noticing us approaching.

"Is there a problem, sir?" Alek asked the officiant.

"O-oh! It's you! Do you happen to be acquainted with these three adventurers?" he squeaked out.

"Of course I am. What's the hold-up?" Alek questioned.

"Ah, I'm terribly sorry, Lord North God. I-It's just the procedures and everything. Please understand," the officiant stammered out.

"Well, if everything's as it should be, do you mind letting us through?" Alek asked.

"Y-yes!" the officiant exclaimed, letting us through.

We boarded the ship, drawing a 'woooah!" from Ares. It was probably the first time he'd seen something like it, so the reaction was more than warranted. The ship was massive and had grand sales that were unlike anything I'd experienced personally. I admit, I was impressed too. The sheer scale of the boat was incredible.

So much had happened here in the Demon Continent. From being teleported here after my party in Roa to being nearly stranded in a desolate forest with Ares and Alek, there was no end to the events. So that's why, with all of my grievances with it, with the horrible-tasting food and even worse bathrooms, I felt a sense of moving forward as we departed from the harbor.

The past week and a half in Wind Port was even crazier. Meeting the Demon Empress, receiving an eye on her, and reuniting with the person I respected more than anyone else in the world all in ten days. There was an undeniable sense of progress there, more so than the entirety of the year prior. But that wasn't to discount the steps I'd taken beforehand.

If I hadn't met Ares or Alek, who knows where I'd be right now? Now, more than ever, I've got a clear goal in mind: to repair the broken shards of my shattered family and bring the Greyrat name back to its former glory. And, above all else, finally make sure I apologize to my mother, the only mother who has ever loved me, and tell her that I loved her.

Those were the thoughts going through my head as I peered out over the edge of the ship and stared out into the hazy sky.


Author's Notes:

It's been done to death by now, but I'd like to advocate for the Ao3 (Archive of Our Own) version of Mushoku Tensei: Lumina Greyrat, as when the story eventually has mature content inside of the chapters, I will have to cut them out of this website due to the Terms of Service. You don't have to migrate now but do consider it.

I'd like to apologize for the delayed chapter. As much as I hate to admit it, schoolwork is undeniably my priority above this fanfiction. Though, I did just finish midterms, and school lets out tomorrow. So, without promising anything, I may be able to release more chapters at a much faster rate given my increased free time. On another note, I've noticed an uptick in reviews and comments, and let me say this: thank you. I can't stress enough how much they mean to me from both a writing perspective and a motivational perspective. I will try my damnedest to deliver the story that I've been wanting to tell from chapter one, even if it takes me until June of next year. Thank you so much for reading up to this point. Yes, you. I wouldn't be up to this point without you, and the several others who've read Lumina Greyrat up to this point.

I really hope you enjoyed this chapter, especially since I put a lot of effort into making the scenes with Roxas hit harder. Let me know in the comments below if you find something off about it, and I'll see what I can improve.

The next chapter should be released by December 20th, titled... Chapter 36: Following Through

I truly, truly appreciate everyone who leaves a comment/review, you make my day even if you leave a single sentence. Thank you.