The explanation from Zelrech, and Eris's tenth birthday.

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Well, another 10,000 words. These chapters are getting longer and longer.
I'm proud of myself!
Of course, please, I hope you have a pleasant experience reading my newest work.
Advice is always welcome, so tell me what you think in the comments.
Good luck.

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"Hmm. Master, if I remember correctly, you are a part of royalty. So why must we walk anywhere at all? Couldn't we have your servants carry us?"

I sighed, glaring at the Magician following behind me. What a jokester. I think I'm dying from laughing too hard.

"With all due respect, please don't joke around, Zelrech. You wield the Second Magic. I'm pretty sure you have been watching me since I was born. You know as well as I that I don't have such authority."

Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg. The Old Man of Jewels, wizard marshal of the Clocktower. Somehow, some way. The summoning spell I cast called him.

The Kaleidoscope laughed cheerfully, quick and light. "Yes, yes. I am well aware. But, young lord, why can't you humor this geezer's jokes?"

I sighed, fingers rubbing the bridge of my nose. Sure, I was happy and all that other crap to have someone who could literally break the laws of physics as an ally. I didn't even know summoning a Magician was possible. But his humor could use some work. Also, why do I feel like he's making his humor sense awful on purpose to mess with me?

"Perhaps it was a mistake using that summoning spell. I already have a bunch of students to teach. I do not need a senile Magician running around causing havoc because I quote, 'I was bored.'"

"Ah, so cold. Dear young lord, didn't your parents teach you to protect the elderly and weak?" He would have sounded hurt. If I couldn't sense the man's amused smile, that is. Though he clearly didn't bother hiding his joking tone. "And I'll have you know my reputation makes me seem more chaotic than I actually am."

"Sure, Wizard Marshall, sure. I'm sure you're so frail that you'll die simply by walking. And I'm sure all the rumors about you tossing unexpecting apprentices into unknown and potentially fatal parallel worlds are also just that. A rumor."

"Well... You gotta admit. I was bored, and those were like good reality TV shows! And besides, I made sure none of them died. I even healed any wounds they sustained when I brought them back. And, I'll have you know that they became much more prominent in the Moon-lit World."

I sighed, feeling a migraine coming along. Was it simply sleep deprivation? I did spend nights working on the summoning circle that summoned this senile and possibly dangerous Magician, so my brain is more stressed out than usual.

"Just... Just don't do that to my close acquaintances, alright? I don't want to explain why someone is missing because a thousand-year-old Magician was bored."

"Well," the Magician smirked, humming a light tune. "If that is the wish of my Master, then who am I to deny him?"

"Master, do you know this familiar spirit?"

Two other sets of footsteps alerted me that we were not alone. Zanoba and Roxy had come with me when I summoned Zelrech, and they hadn't left my side even when I assured him it would be fine. I looked back, past Zelrech and at the two people trailing behind him.

"Yes, Zanoba. I suppose you could say that. I have heard many legends about the man who stands before us," I shot said man a glare. "Evidently, if the legends are true, he is more troublesome than he's worth."

"Ah, so cold. Dearest young lord, wouldn't it be better to call me Headmaster? Or perhaps Principal? I was one of the few who helped establish the-"

"You will not speak of that here, Zelrech." I curtly responded before he could reveal my secret.

Zelrech huffed, sighing sadly. "Must you always ruin an old man's fun?"

"If you call revealing "that" fun, then yes."

"Come on, don't be such a stick in the mud, young lord. An unassuming character reincarnating into another world and gaining OP abilities because of their other-worldly knowledge is the common anime trend these days!"

"Ahahaha. Very funny, Zelrech," I quickly shot a look at Roxy and Zanoba. They were giving us weird looks. I began feverishly bowing and apologizing, trying to ease their suspicions. "I apologize. It seems this familiar spirit has gone more senile than he already was. I shall be taking him to the medical offi-Bwah?!"

Zelrech had picked me up by my collar. "Now, you two. Could I ask where this young lord's room is?"

"Hey! Let go of me! I'm a grown adult fully capable of walking all on my own! Thank you very much! Are you listening?! Wizard Marshal?!"

"Please don't mind him."

At Roxy and Zanoba's worried faces, Zelrech quickly calmed them with a few sentences. Judging from the sudden spike of Od, he was using magecraft. I'm guessing it was a Suggestion spell?

"Master's room is on the other side of the castle. However, our classroom is much nearer. Would that place do?" Zanoba asked.

"Yes. That would be brilliant." Zelrech nodded with a grateful smile. Yep. He was definitely tricky with me on purpose.

"Let me go! You senile Wizaaaaarrrrdddd!"

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Huff... Well, that was one of the most embarrassing moments of my life. Getting carried to my room by a seemingly crazy geezer while screaming and kicking was not something on my to-do list. I never even thought I'd have the unfortunate opportunity to do such an insane stunt.

Zelrech plopped me in a random seat at the sole table in the classroom, and I buried my face in shame. Seriously, what possessed me to do such immature acts? Was it this body's physical age affecting my mentality? If so, then I want a refund!

"Y-You two can just go. I don't want this insane Magician to embarrass me in front of the people I spent time with more."

"Are you certain, Master?" Zanoba voiced his concerns, worry evident in his voice. "He may be your familiar spirit, but is he truly willing to follow your commands? We don't have confirmation that he's peaceful."

"I agree with His Highness on this one, Lord Animusphere. I presume you know this man, but you don't seem that trustful of him."

"Yes, I'm sure." Invisible Mana mist emanated from my body, encircling the two who fussed about my mental condition. I have never been so glad I can manipulate emotions as effortlessly as breathing. "Please, trust me on this. This man may be troublesome, but he's not evil."

"Well..." Zanoba was conflicted. My mental interference fought with his worry and respect for me. Eventually, my manipulation won. Roxy was easier to convince. If I were Rudeus, she might have been as hesitant as Zanoba. But I'm Animus at this time. I'm not her precious student. Just a co-worker she happened to get close to. "Alright, Master. If that is what you wish. But I'll be nearby if you require my assistance defeating the enemy."

'Right, sorry to tell you this, Zanoba, but the person before you once killed the Moon.'

"Of course. I'll skip breakfast today, so don't bother saving me a seat. Oh! I almost forgot," I reached out to the two before the door closed. "Don't tell anyone else I have a familiar spirit. If the king asks, say it was just a magical experiment gone wrong."

"Yes, of course." Zanoba nodded. "I shall have Ginger assist in the clean-up."

The door closed behind him, and Roxy shot me one final look of concern. Phew. That was a close one. Now that I'm alone with this Magician, I can finally get some answers. I placed my arms on the table, burying my head in them to gather my thoughts. Now, what to ask my familiar spirit.

Suddenly, the faint smell of fresh food entered my nose. Why did it seem so familiar? I lifted my head in a heartbeat and stared at the table before me.

There was a bowl of food in a black plastic container. It was covered in a white lid, so I couldn't see what was inside. It didn't belong in this world. This place was too primitive to produce plastic. A pair of chopsticks was placed beside the bowl of food. They were shorter and thinner, making holding them in this small form comfortable. But the smell. Definitely, this was!

I ripped the lid off, casting it aside. I don't know where it landed. And, frankly, I couldn't care less. My suspicions were confirmed when I looked at the contents.

A piece of fried pork cutlet sliced into strips, drizzled with a lemony-smelling sauce. There was even a helping of rare lettuce on the side, placed on a thin slice of lime. Without a doubt, this was Tonkatsu.

I stared at Japanese food that shouldn't have existed. I wondered if I was hallucinating. A bowl of soup suddenly appeared, along with the stereotypical sound a bubble popping is associated with.

'Is that Miso?!'

A wooden tray filled with an assortment of ingredients encased in vinegar-smelling rice and wrapped in seaweed was not far behind.

'Sushi!'

There was a sound like water dripping into a bucket, and another bowl formed from nothing. This time, it had noodles with a slight yellowish hue. They were in a brown broth. The toppings that floated on the surface were familiar, too.

'Even Udon?!'

As I was too busy gaping and rubbing my eyes, I heard the amused chuckles of the sole other person in the room. My eyes darted towards him, asking a silent question. Zelrech laughed in a grandfather-like fashion.

"Well, you are a growing boy. So it's unhealthy to skip the most important meal of the day, right?"

I didn't even bother correcting him that this body was just a homunculus that wouldn't mature further than this. "H-how?!"

"Well, I am the Kaleidoscope. I can easily reach into other worlds and grab some stuff. Don't worry, I already paid for everything on the table. It's been...what? Eight years since you last had a traditional meal from your homeland." Zelrech casually waved at the delicacies that didn't exist in this world. "Well, go on. Help yourself. Servants like me don't need nourishment, just magical energy, so you can have all this to yourself."

I gingerly took the offered chopsticks, picked up a piece of the Tonkatsu, and placed it into my mouth. Oh, god. This was heaven. How long has it been since I last ate a traditional Japanese meal? When I was in my bunker for god knows how many years, I had to conserve resorces, so I never had the luxury of eating fancy. After I was reincarnated, this world was so primitive it didn't even have decent-quality rice. So I guess that's one downside of this world.

I might cry from this. No, scratch that. I'm already crying. Damn it, I'll ruin a perfectly made bowl of Miso soup with these tears falling down my face.

Zelrech watched me scarf down the food in front of me, a smile on his face. It was a bit hard to read, like a mix between amusement and fondness.

I finished everything placed before me in a matter of minutes. I hadn't been a big eater since I reincarnated. This world's food was good. But it didn't suit my tastes. So I ate what was necessary and left the rest. But this? Now, this is what I'm talking about.

"You know? You might not be so bad, Wizard Marshal," I wiped my mouth with the paper towel Zelrech gave me. Where did he get that? Right, Second Magic.

"Well, as long as you understand that." The Magician chuckled, throwing the napkin to a corner. It vanished into some parallel universe. "Now that your stomach's filled. What do you wish to ask me, young lord?"

"Hmm..." I thought for a moment. My eyes wandered to the un-degradable containers on the table. "Wait, could you get rid of these plastics? I don't want to mess up the ecosystem of this world."

"Already done."

They vanished into nothing. I'm guessing they were sent to some random universe. Oh, well. It ain't my problem anymore.

"First off, what are you? I used something similar to the spirit-summoning spell I came across at the Clocktower, but I remember it said it could only summon dead people."

"Well, I am technically dead in this world."

"Huh?" He said it so matter-of-factly that it caught me off guard.

"There are an infinite number of 'me's. With so many, at least one would have died in my battle with the Crimson Moon. And, not to mention, I don't exist in this world, but my soul has been recorded by Akasha. So it could be said that I'm dead. Does that make sense?"

No, it most certainly does not. I understood that "one version of me died when fighting the Crimson Moon," but the rest went right over my head.

"Don't sweat the details. They're not that important, anyway." Zelrech shrugged nonchalantly, sipping a cup of tea he got from some other alternative world. "Oh, you want a cup?"

"S-sure. That would be nice." I muttered weakly. "So, what are you?"

"Now, that's the easy part." The Second Magician procured a porcelain cup with a fancy twirl of his hand and slid the tea towards me. "I am a Servant. A special Familiar of the highest rank. The Clocktower refers to us as 'Ghost Liners.' There are many categories to these 'Ghost Liners,' such as Heroic Spirits, Phantoms, and even deceased gods. Normally, it is impossible for a single human, even with a divine core such as yours, to summon a Heroic Spirit. However, someone else intervened during the summoning, completing the ritual and giving you those command spells. That's why I even know anything about this world. Since Gaia and Alaya don't exist here, I would have known nothing about this world if that mysterious someone hadn't intervened."

"Is that what these things are?" I stared down at the three marks on my hand. They were shaped like a butterfly with six wings. The thing about another person messing with my summoning ritual was stored in the back of my mind for the time being. "What do they do?"

"They are three claims of absolute obedience. You can use them to make me do anything in my power. Want me to destroy the world, but I won't do it? Order me with a command spell, and I'll have no choice but to do so." Zelrech thought for a while and suddenly perked up. As if he suddenly remembered something important. "Though you can't order me to do much since I'm incapable of battle in this form."

"'Incapable of battle?' What do you mean by that." I already had a sinking suspicion that this Magician couldn't solve my problems. Nothing in life is ever that easy, and pancakes don't just fall from the sky. Another clue was how he introduced himself. "Observer." That word held some meaning that I couldn't understand. "You took down the literal manifestation of the Will of the Moon. What do you mean you can't fight?"

"Wait, wait. I'll explain that in a bit." Zelrech hummed lightly, looking at my empty tea cup. "Want a refill?"

"Sure, whatever. Just hurry up with that explanation."

"Ah, youngsters. Always so impatient." Zelrech laughed, an almost nostalgic smile on his face. "As I was saying. Each Servant is summoned in a Class Container. There are many Classes, but you don't need to know them as they're irrelevant to my condition. Let's focus on only my Class. I am an Observer Sevant, the 'Heroic Spirit of Incation.' As the name implies, I cannot intervene in many events and can only observe the situation from afar."

"So you're saying you can't interact with the material world? You're just a ghost people can see?"

"That's pretty much it."

I groaned, banging my head on the desk. Great. I spent so much time on this summoning spell, yet the only thing that came out was a visible ghost. And, as if to rub salt in my wounds, said ghost is one of, if not the most prominent Magician in history. "Why did the summoning spell summon you of all people?"

"Well, you specifically asked for this Class, young lord."

"What?"

"Did you add any lines to the summoning chant?"

Well, I did. Thinking back on it, why did I include those lines, anyway?

"And let thine limbs be bound with chains of inaction. Thou, whose soul be pacted with seals of old, whose mind weathers an eternity waiting for the final song!"

It felt like instinct. It felt like I was put under a suggestion spell when I included that aria.

"I...think I did...?" I hesitantly blurted out.

"Well, those lines you added were for summoning an Observer Servant specifically. So it's kinda your own fault you summoned me in this form," Looking at my dejected form, Zelrech patted me on the back. "If it's any consolation, only the Root can summon Observers. So you accomplished something only the Root can do."

Something Zelrech said when he was just summoned floated to the front of my mind. I had been too adrenaline-filled to remember what it was, but I think it was something about...

"Speaking of the Root. You said something when you were summoned, right? Something about the Root being in danger and..."

"That it would be destroyed? Yes, I did. Unfortunately, I wasn't joking." Zelrech's voice took on a solemn tone, his usual cheer and jokingness vanishing completely. "Observers only manifest when the Root is in danger. We are its protectors, in a way. The simple act of me being here is enough confirmation that the Root is in danger." He put his hand on his chin, thinking. "Though I wonder why only I was summoned."

"Wait. There's supposed to be more of you?"

"Well, when an Observer is summoned, it's never just one. There should at least be a few billion. I wonder if the person who intervened with the summoning spell has something to do with it."

"B-billion?!"

"When a threat is critical enough for Observers to be summoned, it's usually even beyond anti-star system level. I couldn't hope to defeat something like that alone."

"Okay." I rubbed my temples, sipping the tea that had already turned cold. A bit of fire magic warmed it right up, though. "It'll take a while for me to get used to all this new information. But let's get to the point. What can you do?"

"Oh, so that's what you want to know." Zelrech nodded. "I was a bit too overarching when I said I couldn't do anything. As long as it's not battle-related, I'll manage just fine."

"So you can be an errand boy just fine?"

"Ahahaha!" Zelreched clutched his face, doubling over in laughter. "To think this is why you summoned a Heroic Spirit of great power. To run your errands! Yes, it was the right decision to answer this summoning. I should get plenty of entertainment in this world."

"Just answer the damn question, you geezer."

"Yes, yes. I can 'run your errands,' so to speak." Zelrech flashed an unreadable grin. "But I'm not that great at bartering, you see. I might make you lose more money than I make, young lord."

Yeah, as if I'd believe that. That was obviously an attempt at snaking his way out of doing work. I glared at the Magician.

"Ouch. So cold, young lord. You're going to scare this old man to death." Zelrech laughed, slapping the table lightly. "But, in all seriousness. I'll be investigating the anomaly in this universe most of the time, so I don't think I can offer much assistance. For that, young lord, I am genuinely sorry. I must perform the duty I was summoned to do."

"I-It's fine." I sighed in defeat. I wasn't the best at judging characters, but I could at least tell that the last part was genuine. He had a mission, and I doubt I could stop him. "Just don't cause too much trouble. And is there any way to contact you if I require your presence?"

"Thank you for understanding. And yes. Just concentrate on your link with me. We can hear each other's thoughts if you wish for it."

"Huh. That's...pretty handy." I muttered.

Faint footsteps alerted me that someone was approaching. Using my Mana, I scouted out the corridors near my classroom. Roxy and Zanoba were still far away, so that could only mean...

"Zelrech, hide. Someone is coming."

"As you wish."

The Magician vanished into golden motes of light. Like when I dismissed my projections. "Is that another one of your abilities?"

'Kind of.' Zelrech's voice echoed through my mind. 'I'm using our mind link to communicate. It wouldn't do for my master to seem senile at such a young age.'

'Haha. Real Funny. Now, that ability?'

'It's a unique skill all Servants have. It's called dematerialization. Or going into Spirit Form.'

'I see. That is useful.'

The door burst open, and one of the king's guards walked into the room. "Lord Animusphere! The king would like to speak with you!"

'Well, shit.'

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'Well, that could have gone better, young lord.'

'Shut it. Zelrech. You're not the one who must help clean the horse stables.' This mind link was getting annoying. That pesky Magician could make a sassy remark any time he wished. And he didn't have to worry about ruining his image. 'Unless you'll offer your services to me like a good Servant?'

'Hohoho.' My Servant laughed in an uncannily Santa-clause-ish way. 'As I've said, I'll be investigating the threat to Akasha most of the time. So I won't be able to lend you my assistance.'

'You certainly seem free for someone summoned to save the Root.'

'It hasn't even been an hour since you summoned me, young lord. I need some time getting used to my surroundings!'

'Well, good for you. I guess. Now I have to spend two weeks' worth of my lunch break cleaning horse crap.'

I'll be frank. The king was not happy with me. I did try an experimental and potentially dangerous summoning spell on castle grounds. And I could have caused its destruction. But two weeks? Did it really warrant such a long punishment? Well, whatever. I'm an Earth and Water God. It'll be child's play for a mage of my caliber.

'I'll try to help where I can, young lord, but I won't promise much.'

'I appreciate the offer. I'll take you up on that.'

Huh, what do you know? This familiar may actually be worth something. He can't fight, but he can run my errands well enough. I may even get other-worldly treasures if I kept him around long enough. However, I wonder if there are any consequences to keeping him around.

'Zelrech. Is there anything you need to sustain your form? Like. Do you need to eat, sleep, and all that?'

'Not at all, young lord. My body is made from the magical energy you provide me. Have you noticed the constant drain on your reserves?'

'Oh. So that's what's causing it.'

'Yes. Servants require magical energy to form their bodies. We will vanish if there isn't enough to sustain us. There are many ways to transfer Mana to us. Consuming souls is one of the more inhumane but effective methods.'

'I'd rather not do that.' Speaking of eating souls. I've heard of a kind of monster called a "wraith." It's basically a ghost given form by Mana. I wonder if Zelrech can eat those to sustain his form? If that were possible, I could get rich exterminating wraiths.

The Magician chucked in my mind. 'You needn't worry, young lord. Your Divine Core produces more than enough magical energy to sustain me. You could easily sustain one or even two more Servants and still have enough Mana to cast your 'Anima Animusphere.' That's how dense your Mana is.'

'Oh, that's a relief.'

It's shocking how large my Mana Pool has become. It's gotten to the point where I couldn't drain it using Anima Animusphere. Hmm. I wonder if I should start moving the Red Wyrm Mountains as training? Yeah, that would be epic. Imagine the legends that would be told about me! "Rudeus, one who moved a thousand mountains." Huh. I guess it sounded better in my head.

'Young lord. Aren't you daydreaming a bit too much?'

'Shut up! I'm a kid. I'm allowed to have dreams!' I huffed defensively, glaring at where I hoped Zelrech was.

'I'm on your right, by the way.'

Well, I guessed completely wrong. I hung my head, pouting as I trudged along the castle's corridors.

"Damn it all. I'm already busy enough with my four students and that project the Celestials gave me. I'm not some servant you can hire to clean the stables! Do you know how much my Mystic Codes sell for?! I could amass a fortune greater than this kingdom! And this is how you treat me?!"

'Now, now. Young lord. Quiet down and stop pouting. The servants are staring.' Zelrech was quiet for a moment. I imagined he was scratching his long beard. 'You said you needed someone to run your errands, and I doubt you'd trust some poorly-made doll to do so. I think I have just the thing to help you with that.'

'Really?! What is it?'

'Hahaha. I'll teach it to you at the end of the day.'

'Why not now?'

'Oh? I thought you didn't want people to know you can perform Magecraft, young lord.'

I sighed, giving up. His point was solid. And I doubt I have much time before Zanoba's...crap. I started full-on sprinting towards the classroom.

"I'm going to be late!"

'You can just teleport, young lord.'

'Right. Forgot I could do that.'

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Perhaps I should say something about my red-haired student.

Eris's education was progressing smoothly. Her swordplay was so impressive that she became Intermediate-tier before her tenth birthday. I couldn't last very long against her anymore.

Ghislaine said that, even though she was only nine, she might rise to Advanced-tier in a few years. Our Young Mistress was quite the genius.

As for me... Hehehe. I'll refuse to meet your eyes.

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Eris's ability to read and write was...functional? How I wished she picked up my lessons as readily as Ghislaine's. Said beastwoman was a lot more hard-working. She had been sold as a slave once because she couldn't read, so she tried desperately to memorize everything.

Unfortunately, Eris lagged when it came to arithmetic. It was a complex subject back in my old world. And it still is in this one. So I didn't push her too much. But there would be no worry even if all she picked up were the basics. Advanced math wasn't necessary in this world. All she had to do was master the five principles in five years.

Magic lessons had been proceeding apace. Eris was Beginner in all four basic classes, but Ghislaine lagged in Wind spells. Unfortunately, neither of them picked up Silent Casting. So that was a bummer. I had some teaching experience from observing Lord El-Melloi II, but I was never a professional instructor. Both Sylphie and Zanoba soaked up what I taught like sponges, though. So, was it a lack of skill? Or were those two exceptionally talented?

I wanted to move to Intermediate-rank spells, but part of me wanted them to master all Beginner-rank spells first. The basics were essential, as people say. I also wanted to find a way to incorporate casting into their swordplay, but I was average when it came to the sword at best. Luckily, I could implement the styles Roxy came up with in Shirone.

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Sylphie was also doing well. I stopped by once a month to check in on her. Her training was also going smoothly. And if I happened to sneak peeks at how my family's doing... Well... No one knows, so there's no harm in doing that.

My three bodies were all finished, but I still hadn't started on the other four. I didn't even know another language besides the Human Tognue, so how was I supposed to convince someone to give me their blood if they couldn't understand me?

Well, whatever. I'll figure something out.

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Eris's tenth birthday was drawing close. A person's tenth birthday was a special one. So I prepared an extra special gift for her. It was customary for the nobility to host large parties for a child on their fifth, tenth, and fifteenth birthdays.

On Eris's birthday, the large reception hall and conjoining courtyard were opened to the party. Presents poured in from all over, and all the nobles of Roa were invited to attend. Since Sauros was the boorish military type, the initial plan was a self-service, standing buffet. That was until Philip intervened and turned it into a dance party to make it easier for the local, less wealthy nobles to attend. Unfortunately for the star of the show, that meant learning to dance.

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The manor was bustling with frantic movement. Maids with dog ears rushed to and fro in the hallways. They weren't supposed to be running, but this household let them when things got too busy. Some were even full-on sprinting.

I watched the hustle and bustle from a safe corner in my room, working on a dagger-looking thing. I had nothing to do with the frantic bustle. Eris was preparing for her leading role. So she had plenty of special etiquette lessons. Unfortunately, that meant my classes were canceled. Philip had requested that Eris "at least make sure she acts like a ten-year-old child without causing any shame to herself." She didn't meet that standard, so, lessons! Edna had requested a drastic increase in the number of classes with Eris.

I honored Edna's request, so I have some free time. I spent it on making Eris's birthday present. I didn't need to do much at the party, anyway. I was the house guest, so all I had to do was stuff my face with food in the corner of the room.

I hissed as I accidentally cut myself on the scale of a Manatite Hydra. These things were sharp: not as much as Red Dragon scales, but still enough to scratch me without effort. I had scales of both kinds on my desk, Runes and other magic symbols glowing on a sword's handle made of deep green crystal. Said crystal was the gem I obtained from the merchant a year ago, the one that came from a Manatite Hydra.

Getting tired, I stood up to grab something edible from the kitchen. Eating paper again was not something I enjoyed. I might even find some food samples for the party. I missed lunch because I forgot it existed, so I was starving.

"No more!"

Right then, the door in front of me banged open, and Eris flew out. Her shoulders were hunched as she dashed down the hall at an impressive speed and disappeared around the corner.

Edna came chasing after her. "Young Mistress!" She looked both ways and sighed when she saw no trace of Eris. She began yawning, only seeing me halfway through. She offered me a weak smile.

"Well, hello there, Lord Rudeus."

The smile she had on begged me to listen. Such an expression was rare for Edna."

"You must be exhausted, Miss Edna."

"I'm sorry you had to see that."

I raised a hand as I approached her, and Edna bowed gracefully. I put my hand to my chest and returned the bow.

"What's wrong?"

"This is a bit embarrassing, but the Young Mistress ran off."

Well, I know. I watched it happen. That speed was nothing to be sneezed at. She was gone in mere seconds. Edna looked troubled as she put a hand to her cheek.

"I have been teaching her dancing lately, but she just can't quite get it right. Now, when I try to teach her, she runs off."

"That is troubling. I understand how you feel." Mostly because she used to run from me, too. Edna was gonna have it rough. Catching Eris was no easy feat.

"There's less than a month until her birthday. If things continue like this, she'll shame herself in front of her guests."

Edna said it like that was such a terrible thing. But wasn't it a bit late for that? Eris already had a reputation for being a violent little gremlin. Being unable to dance seemed pretty standard when compared to that.

"This is her tenth birthday. It's special. Becoming a laughingstock that day seems far too cruel, don't you think, Lord Rudeus?"

Edna kept glancing over at me while she spoke. It was pretty evident that she wanted something from me.

"So, what do you want me to do?"

"Could...I mean-if you wouldn't mind, Lord Rudeus, couldn't you persuade her for me? To come back for her dance lessons."

Yep. There was it.

...

Why did I agree to her request? I honestly don't know. Maybe because I was fed up with being stuck in a room all day. Or perhaps I've developed something like a soft spot for the red-haired Eris.

In this world, only three birthdays were commonly celebrated. The fifth, tenth, and fifteenth. Becoming a laughingstock on one of those three days seemed far too cruel. It was as Edna said, I guess.

I didn't need to look for her. My Mana mist that covered the entirety of Fittoa located her instantly.

Behind the stables, in a pile of hay.

"Hmph." She exhaled with a foul look when she saw me.

I climbed up and sat beside her.

"I heard you can't dance very wel-whoa!"

She shoved me off the haystack with a kick. I flipped myself upright using Wind Magic and turned to guard myself. Eris was the type to launch a follow-up attack. I'll get punched in the face or kicked in the stomach if I don't do anything.

Or so I thought. Eris just remained sprawled on the hay, staring up at the sky.

"..."

I jumped back up and sat beside her, gusts of wind boosting my jump's height. It didn't really matter if she kicked me off again. I could remain levitating in the air for quite some time. I felt an impact on the top of my head.

"Ouch!"

Her heel was perched on the crown of my head. There wasn't enough power behind it to be an axe kick, so it seemed she was only resting it there. Her mood was foul, but I guess her energy had been used up by those dance lessons.

"Won't you go back to practice?"

"I don't need to know how to dance."

"But..."

"I won't dance on my birthday, either." She proclaimed frankly.

Unfortunately, there was no way the "star of the show" could forego dancing.

"Why do I have to do something I'm not good at?" She whined, her lips pushing into a pout.

'Don't we all?'

I got how she felt, of course. I've been doing the impossible since my first gathering with the Celestials. I don't want to save the world. I'm a lazy bastard, and quite frankly, I'm super annoyed the Celestials chose me for the task. I'm doing it because...well, if I don't, then who will?

"When you put it like that, it's hard to answer."

She wasn't forced into doing it like me. She had a choice, while I did not. I couldn't just not save the world, could I? People'll be cursing my name in heaven if I refused. Still, she'll regret it if she doesn't learn.

"You don't get it. You can do anything." She said.

"Hmm... To an outsider, that's how I seem, yes. But there are many things I can't do."

"There are?"

"Of course. No one is perfect. Besides, if I could do anything I wanted, life would get boring real quickly."

It would have saved me lots of trouble if I could do anything. I'd know how to save the world in an instant, and I'd know how to kill that Man-God. But then...what's the point of living if you know everything?

"Hmm." Eris looked at me with an expression that screamed that she didn't believe me at all.

"When you finally achieve something you put maximum effort towards, you'll feel that much more accomplished. At least, that's how I see it."

"You think so?" She stared at the sky, not looking the least bit convinced.

"I'll help out, too. How about this. If you learn to dance, I'll show you something real special."

"I don't wanna."

Well, that killed the conversation. I couldn't find any words to say. Maybe I should have asked Ghislaine for help. But she wouldn't have thought learning to dance was needed, either. So Philip or Edna, then?

As I wondered that, Eris removed her foot from my head. Then she kicked her leg hard, using the recoil to propel herself off the hay and onto the ground.

"Rudeus."

"Yes?"

"I'm going back to my dance lessons. Come with me."

When'd she have a change of heart? Oh, well. I'm not gonna question it. Saves me a bunch of trouble.

"Very well, Young Mistress."

I followed her back to the dance hall.

...

To help with her dance, I had to first learn it myself. For things like this, you improved faster if you had a partner. I've never danced before in both my lives, so I was a bit worried on that front.

"Wonderful. You are truly skilled at this."

Dancing wasn't that much different from spell-casting, in my limited opinion. There were a series of steps you had to follow and a set rhythm you must pace yourself with. "Greater Rituals" were also comparable, but I digress. Dancing and swordplay were similar, so I don't understand why Eris would have trouble.

"Hmph." Eris sulked when Edna complimented me.

She had spent months working on this only to fail, so it was to be expected she felt bitter watching me master it so effortlessly. I wasn't just dancing, however. I was also seeing why Eris was struggling to do so.

There were two reasons for that. The first was that Edna was a terrible teacher. Well, not "terrible," per se. She was probably average. It was her method of saying, "Do it this way," "Do it that way," and "Just memorize what I'm telling you" that was the problem. She never touched on why they were necessary.

The second reason was that her steps were too fast and sharp. Her personality and movements were well suited to the Sword God Style but were a drawback in dancing. She should have been lightly moving her feet to the rhythm of the music, but she rigidly maneuvered her body at top speed instead. Eris had her own rhythm and instinctively disliked being interrupted. She maintained it protectively no matter the circumstance so no one could disrupt her flow. It was an incredible ability on the battlefield, but it only held her back in dance.

That was why her teaching style wasn't working. Blaming Edna wouldn't fix anything, though. But still, there was something that I could do. I decided to try something as I watched Eris clumsily move through her dance steps.

"Eris, please close your eyes and try swinging your body to your own rhythm."

She looked doubtfully at me. "What are you planning, making me close your eyes?!"

"Lord Rudeus...?" Edna's gentle smile wavered.

Excuse me! I'm a gentleman! How dare you think I wanted to steal this maiden's first kiss?!

"I'm going to use magic to help you dance."

"What! A spell for that exists?!"

"No. It's like a miraculous phenomenon. But a spell exists as well."

I could control her body using magecraft, but I doubt she'll like that.

"I'm going to clap my hands now. Try matching that rhythm with your steps like dodging an incoming attack."

As I said that, I began smacking my hands with a regular beat. Eris matched the rhythm in quick, precise movements. I repeated that for a bit, calling out to her at intervals. It was always right before I clapped. Eris would wait for a moment, then react as soon as she heard my hands come together.

"Th-this is!" Edna raised her voice in amazement.

Eris had danced the steps correctly. She was still a bit too fast, but at least she matched the rhythm. Edna balled her hands into fists and, with an unusually excited smile, yelled. "You did it! You did it, Young Mistress!"

Eris opened her eyes, all smiles and joy, and asked. "Really?!"

I continued my instruction, essentially raining on their parade. "Okay, okay. Keep your eyes closed. You need to remember what you did just now."

"Remember it? I'm just watching for an opponent's feints and dodging them!"

That's right. This was the same thing we did during our sword lessons when we dodged Ghislaine's attacks. Each time she made a feint, she would call out 'yes' so we would learn to avoid only the actual attacks.

Even Ghislaine's feints were full of murderous intent. In comparison, it was easy to tell by my voice when I was feinting or not. Incidentally, I had better results during that lesson than Eris did. She was too gullible, so she fell for the feints.

"Eris. You can use things you learn in one lesson in others. When you struggle with something, try to think whether you have done anything similar in your other classes."

"O-okay."

In contrast to her usual demeanor, Eris didn't say anything else and just nodded, eyes still wide open. Good. The problem was solved.

"I shouldn't be surprised. You have given the Young Mistress arithmetic lessons for a year already." Edna said. She seemed thoroughly impressed, her eyes full of emotion as she looked at me.

"Shouldn't be surprised," huh? So, that was the level of hopelessness associated with teaching Eris arithmetic. Well, I did struggle quite a bit. I owed half of the credit to Ghislain. I couldn't let it go to my head.

"This was an incredible learning experience for me. It seems swordplay and dance have something in common, after all." Edna looked like she had seen something unbelievable. It was totally over the top.

"Well, there are dances that use swords, after all. Dance and swordplay are strongly related."

"A dance that uses swords? Does something like that really exist?" She asked in wonder.

Kagura that used swords were common in Japan, but maybe they didn't exist in this world.

"Uh, yeah, but I've only read about it in books."

"Well then, in the literature you read...where did it say that dance comes from?"

"U-uh...well, it seemed like it was from somewhere in the east. An island country, I think."

"Really? Did it specify which continent?"

'I don't know. As unlikely as it sounds, it could be that demon races in the Demon Continent dance that way. I hear they have lots of small clans, so maybe someone from there dances using swords."

"I see, so it's that collection of knowledge of various things that gives you such wisdom, Lord Rudeus."

"That's right, Rudeus is amazing!" Eris interjected proudly, for some odd reason.

That's right! Praise me more! Bwahahahaha!

...

...

The day of the dance party came.

Eris was all dolled up and seated like a princess when Sauros roared for the festivities to begin. I hunkered down in a corner with a plate full of food-like I expected from myself-and observed everything from there.

During the opening ceremony, Philip and his wife deftly handled the poorer and lesser nobles that swarmed around the family. Those two conducted themselves so impressively that no one could find an opening to slip through them. And even if they did, they would come face to face with Sauron. They would quickly try to find an escape route when faced with his booming voice and irrationally one-sided speech.

If they managed to conquer both obstacles, they would be where they desired: in front of the star herself, Eris. Eris had no authority whatsoever and didn't understand anything about politics. She turned into a robot that parroted, "Please tell my father." Contrary to popular belief, I watched Eris intently, ready to step in case anything got out of hand.

Some nobles brought their sons along to introduce to her: young and middle-aged men with good upbringings. Some were our age, but almost all were loud and obnoxious. They had probably lived their entire lives at home without a care in the world.

Right before the dancing started, the noble-looking people all put their hands on their chests and bowed. I didn't know what the heck they were paying respects to. Only the nobility were doing it. Ghislaine stood near me, so I silently walked up to her.

"Hey. What's all this?"

"Hmm. I don't really remember." Ghislaine thought for a moment. "I think Lord Philip once said this was their way of paying respects to the founder of Asura."

"Oh?"

"A god or someone gave Asura's first king a crown."

"I see." A god? Weren't the seven gods killed? Wait. From what I've read, only five of the seven had been killed. The God of Void and God of Man could still be alive as there wasn't anything detailing their deaths. "Does your race have a custom like this, Ghislaine?"

"On our birthdays, we go into the cavern of the tallest tree in the Great Forest and offer our respects to our god."

"Oh. Okay." She must be talking about the God of Beasts, then.

As I began to get lost in my thoughts, it was time to dance.

I took up my role as Eris's first dance partner as planned. It was the most childish dance. But because Eris was the star, we took to the center of the room. We just needed to do as we practiced.

"Wh-wh-wh-what are you doing!?"

As the music began playing, Eris turned rigid with nervousness. There was no way we could dance like this. Forget that! She might actually knock me on my ass and take off running.

I used my gaze and my steps to add feints to our routine. When I did, Eris immediately set her lips into a pout.

"What was that for?" Eris mumbled again, but this time, she sounded less nervous and more like her usual self. After that, she stepped on my foot a few times, but we managed to end the dance without falling.

"You did well, Lord Rudeus."

Edna called out as it finished. She could tell I had calmed the Young Mistress's nerves even from afar. When she asked me how I did it, I replied that I did the same thing we did in practice. Edna wore a look of amazement. But when I told her it was the same as swordplay, she let a giggle slip.

My duties were done, and I returned to stuffing my face with food. As I pushed a fistful of cake into my mouth, I caught sight of Ghislaine, who was standing guard. Her eyes weren't exactly begging for food, but she had some drool dripping off her chin. Luckily for her, I was someone who could read the room. I wrapped some food in a napkin and instructed a maid to take it to my quarters.

As I was almost done having the food carried off, my eyes fell upon a cute little girl before me.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance." She said before offering me her name. She was the daughter of a minor noble, it seemed. Her name was so long I couldn't remember the thing. "Won't you shard a dance with me?"

I explained that I only knew the basics before we headed onto the dance floor. I thought I did pretty well. When it was over, another girl came, and again, I was asked to dance. It was tiring! Why the hell was this happening? I thought I signed up for an all-you-can-eat cake buffet, not some dance practice!

Once my popularity waned enough, Phillip approached me and explained. "That was my father's doing." Apparently, when people asked Sauros who the boy was who danced with Eris at the beginning, he boastfully told them I was a member of the Greyrat family. In simpler terms, it was all Sauros's fault. Hah... If this is what will happen with someone whose last name is "Greyrat," I think I'll take up another name. "Animusphere," perhaps? No. That name became arguably more famous over the last few years because of my greed for cash. What was Zenith's maiden name again?

"Wouldn't it have made more sense to approach me right after the first dance?" 'That way, I would have had an opportunity to hide in a corner.'

He said he noticed me wrapping sweets up in napkins and found it so endearing that he decided to wait until it was all finished.

When I asked what I should do about the woman who approached me, he told me to do whatever I wanted. But he warned me not to be like Paul, if you understand. He didn't want to stain the reputation of the Greyrat house.

Eris was the last girl to approach me. Her usual vivid and energetic aesthetic was replaced with a blue dress. Red suited her much better, in my opinion, but hey. Her hair was arranged in an updo with a floral ornament tucked into it. She looked lovely.

She was exhausted after attending her first-ever dance party and being approached by unfamiliar adults. Yet she was still excited. Perhaps because she was the star of the show.

"Won't you have a dance with me?"

Gone was the usual loud voice, wide-legged stance, and untamed expression of the ill-mannered Eris I knew. She held herself as gracefully as any other girl who had approached me.

"Gladly."

I took her hand, and we headed into the hall. As we moved to the center of the dance floor, Eris looked around and giggled lightly, all prim and proper.

Suddenly, a song with an irregular, fast-paced rhythm began playing, one we had never practiced before. Maybe the musician was trying to be mindful of the guests.

"Uh, what..."

That one metaphorical punch was enough to throw Eris off. All because she was putting on her weird act. She looked pleadingly at me, and I began inserting feints into the rhythm of the music. It had an irregular beat, but that fit Eris's style better. Although her steps were rather disorganized. If Edna saw, she would get exasperated.

I held her hand and moved in and out as we did during sword practice. We matched our movements to the music, but they were still erratic. We probably looked quite peculiar to the onlookers.

Eris was enjoying herself. She was finally laughing like a girl her age should, rather than being sullen and pouty. Seeing that was enough to make me feel like it was worth it to attend this party.

Applause erupted when the dance finished. Sauros came running over, lifted the both of us onto his shoulders, and ran around the courtyard laughing the whole way.

...

...

The birthday party was finally over, but that was only one party. Since Eris had finally mastered Elementrey-rank magic, I wanted to hold a small ceremony. I kept it simple since everyone would be butt tired after her birthday party.

I had asked the servants to move a table to the courtyard after all the guests had left. There, I plated out all the food I snuck out of the party. I've requested a few chairs. Torches made by yours truly were stuck in the dirt. They'd provide some light as I was too lazy to use magecraft.

Everyone had things to do after the party, so it was considerably late when Eris and Ghislaine arrived in the courtyard. Compared to the fancy dresses and suits they wore at the party, what they had on could be considered casual.

"You two can sit wherever you like."

The two obediently sat down in the chairs I appointed them. Alright, everything was in place. Now, graduation can begin!

'Sol, you can hide this place for some time, right?'

I wanted to make sure the Man-God couldn't see me. What I was about to do would be considered "outlandish" in his eyes, so...

'Yes, brother. With our siblings' assistance, we should be able to conceal you for one hour.'

Good. That was more than enough time. I snapped my fingers, and the torches roared to life with a spark. The two torches on both sides of me made it so I was standing in the brightest spot in the courtyard. A makeshift spotlight, I guess you could call it.

"Well, I don't want this to seem too formal, so I'll say this first. You two did well as my students. I fully expected to be fired even before being appointed! So, give yourselves a round of applause."

Applause erupted throughout the courtyard. Only three people were clapping because there were only three people here, but it still sounded pretty loud to my ears.

"Now, come up here for a second."

I gave subtle gestures for them to come up to the "stage," but they didn't seem to get it. I had to state it out loud, which totally ruined the atmosphere I was going for! When they stood before me, I continued my made-up-on-the-spot speech.

"I won't mince words. When I first came here, I thought you two were hopeless."

Eris shot me a glare mixed with a pout. Ghislaine only nodded in understanding. These two before me had talent but said talent was not placed heavily in classroom-style lessons.

"But that only makes your achievements that much more impressive. So it is with great pride as your teacher that I present you with your gifts."

I reached into my bag and pulled out a bracelet. It looked like a dragon eating its tail, my own take on an Ouroboros dragon. There was a green gem on the dragon's head. It took the rough shape of a crown of thorns. It constantly let off a pale glow. Although made of wood, it had a dull green sheen. Its wood was made from the branches of an Elder Treant, twisted and bent into a usable formation. Its outside was coated in a layer of hardened crystal infused with Manatite scales.

"This is a bracelet made from the scales of the extinct Manatite Hydra and the branches of an Elder Treant. It absorbs all magical attacks below Emperor rank and adds the Mana to your own Mana Pool. And if you flick it like this." I spun the bracelet around my index finger. It turned into a short wand. The dragon's tail was the bottom, while its head was the tip. The green gem was more extensive, and its spikes were higher to better conduct and amplify a spell's strength. "It turns into a wand."

I gave the bracelet to Ghislaine with both hands. She took a respectful knee before me. Ah, I recognize this. This was the pose used by a disciple of the Sword God Style to pay respect to their teacher.

"Yes, Master Rudeus. I gladly accept this."

"Indeed."

She gazed at it happily. "Now I can call myself a magician, right?"

"Well, that's what this ceremony is for, after all."

I gave a silent laugh, nodding in approval. Leaving Ghislaine to marvel at her new gift, I looked at Eris. Reaching into my pouch again, I pulled out a peculiar-looking wand. It looked more like a sheathed dagger than a wand. There was a distinct handle made of green crystal. Above it was a flat section made of wood. It had a nine-headed dragon carved onto its surface. The crystal was red this time, embedded into the wand like the chape on a sword's scabbard.

"Here. This is a wand made from the branches of an Elder Treant. The Magic Gem comes from a Red Dragon from the Red Wyrm Mountains."

I had forgotten about those Red Wyrms I killed all those years ago. Recently, I returned to that village and dug up their corpses. That's where I got the Red Wyrm scales and magic stones to make Eris's gift.

I pulled on the handle, and a blade came out. It was red with an undertone of green. Scale-like patterns ran along the length of the blade. "And inside is a dagger with effects similar to Ghislaine's bracelet. It can absorb spells shot at you and add them to your Mana Pool. But it can also repair itself when broken. If broken through any means, it repairs itself when it absorbs Mana. The steel has been infused with Manatite scales, and the handle was carved from a Magic Gem from a genuine Manatite Hydra. It's been covered with Red Dragon scales, making it extra tough and sharp."

I offered it to Eris, and she snatched it from my hands. Then, as if remembering how humbling Ghislaine had presented herself, she corrected herself and respectfully took it with both hands.

"Th-thank you, Master Rudeus."

"Yes, be sure to take care of it."

Eris glanced meaningfully at Ghislaine. She froze for a moment before looking away.

"I'm sorry, but there's no such custom in my race. I don't have anything."

Eris looked down, disappointed.

"Ghislaine. You don't have to give her anything special. Just something you usually wear on your person, something she could think of as a charm. Anything like that would do."

"Hmm..."

She thought a bit, then slipped off one of the rings on her finger. It was wooden, quite worn and old, with scratches all over. I'm not sure if it was the light, but an odd green sheen reflected on it.

"This ring is a talisman passed down in my clan. They say it protects the bearer from being attacked by bad wolves at night."

"C-can I really have it?"

"Yes. It's only a superstition."

Erus nervously took it from her. After slipping it onto her right middle finger, she squeezed both hands to her chest.

"I-I'll take good care of it."

Something nagged at me, so I voiced my suspicion.

"Superstition? So does that mean you've been attacked by wolves?"

Ghislaine wore a troubled expression.

"Yes. It was so hot I couldn't sleep that night. Paul invited me for a swim and-"

"Changed my mind. That enough. I already know what happens next."

"Alright. I don't want to ask for details about you and your father."

Well, that was a crisis averted. If I heard that story, I'm pretty sure my impression of my dear dad would plummet to uncurable levels.

"Alright, you two can stand up now."

I took the white cloaks from them and hung them over their chairs. I could see them eyeing the food on the table hungrily. 'Not yet. Just wait a little longer.'

"Now, do you two know why I held this ceremony outside?"

The two thought for a moment before shaking their heads. I'm not sure if they actually heard me or not. With that look on their faces directed at the food, I wouldn't be surprised if everything I said went over their heads.

"Well, then. Let me ask you two something. Where did all the water in this world come from?"

"Hmm... The God of Creation made it with the rest of the world, didn't he?" Ghislaine wondered.

"That is only partly correct. Most of the water in this world came from shooting stars."

"Oh! I know! Did the God of Creation wish water into existence?!" Eris asked proudly. She was sure she was correct.

"Umm...no. First, what do you think shooting stars are, Eris?'

"Well, they're stars who fell, right?" She said as if it were the most obvious thing.

"No, that's actually far from the truth. Shooting stars are giant hunks of rocks and ice. They can be as big as a mountain or small as a grain of sand."

"Huh?! But the mountain is so big! Shooting stars are like specks, right?"

"Things seem smaller when they're further away, right? A shooting star is so far from you that it's like sand."

"Okay..." From the look on her face, Eris didn't totally understand.

"When shooting stars land on this world, the ice on them melts into water. That's how most of the water came to this world."

"I have no idea what you just said, but I'll believe you!" Eris loudly proclaimed.

"Yes, Rudeus. It is an interesting theory you have come up with." Ghislaine muttered.

"Ehehehe. Anyway, you both know living beings require water to survive, yes? So it could be interpreted that the stars gave life to this world." I paused. "Eris, remember that promise I made you?'

"What?" She tilted her head. Hah... It seems she completely forgot.

"If you learn to dance, I'll show you something special. Remember?"

"Oh, yeah! That! So, what is it?!"

I smiled, pointing to the sky with my right index finger. I've done this tens of times, so the process has become second nature. Mana condensed around my fingertips as I readied myself to cast my most powerful spell.

"Watch."

Reality began to shiver and quake. The sky turned as stars became white streaks. A soft wind blew through the courtyard, bringing fresh, cool air.

"Oh, stars up high. Show the world your majesty."

The sky stopped blurring, and the stars stopped shifting. A pair of magic circles glowed faintly in the night sky. Golden and ethereal.

"Anima Animusphere."

The magic circles shattered in a fashion I had seen many times before. The stars returned to their usual positions in the sky, reforming the many constellations I'm familiar with. Two sets of meteor showers headed toward each other, revealing eye-dazzling colors as they burned up in the sky. It took a few minutes to happen, but when they met, it was a truly breathtaking sight. Shooting stars collided with each other, resulting in a majestic display similar to a fireworks show.

I turned towards Eris and Ghislaine, grinning all the while. The two seemed enraptured by the light show, staring up into the sky as intently as possible. I had made sure to only summon the small meteors. It wouldn't do to destroy the Manor on such a joyous day.

"Well, what do you two think? Was it worth learning to dance, Eris?"

"So pretty..."

"I've never seen so many shooting stars before," Ghislaine muttered.

"Well, it's God-rank magic. Pretty impressive, right?"

Ghislaine turned to me, a rare look of genuine surprise plastered on her face. "God-rank?"

"Yeah. I mean... This spell could destroy this world if cast at full power."

Ghislaine fell silent, looking at me with an expression I couldn't read. I was getting uncomfortable, so I decided to break the silence.

"What?"

"Nothing. I'm just happy you're the one who can do this, Rudeus."

"Oh? Why is that?"

"You wouldn't destroy the world on a whim. I can tell with experience."

She's right. I'm trying to save the world, not destroy it.

"I guess you're right about that." I looked at the untouched food on the table. "On another note, let's eat. The food's getting cold."

With a backdrop of shooting stars exploding in the sky, Eris's tenth birthday came and went.

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Well, any thoughts?
I know it wasn't my greatest work, but it should still be readable.
By the way, I'm thinking of expanding on the concept of the six gods of Mushoku Tensei and the time before the first Dragon God's temper tantrum. Should I do it?
Anyways, Please like, share, follow, and comment.
As always, good luck with your game of life.