Roxy's Past

Roa stopped looking at the fool from Sword Art Online. He'd lost faith in that version of himself. For now, he could only rely on himself.

He, Roa Greyrat, wanted to become a Shadow Broker.

So the question was: how could he become a Shadow Broker?

First, he needed to reach the pinnacle of strength. Unfortunately, this world was still one where swordsmanship reigned supreme. In a head-on fight, he had no chance against the Dragon God.

He was still growing and wasn't strong enough yet.

As the boy fell into thought, pondering his plans for the future, a delicate scent and a soft touch reached him from behind.

It was Roxy's scent.

Roa's eyes flew open. Roxy was hugging him, her soft hands rubbing his head.

"Would you like to hear my story?" Roxy's touch was gentle. Her hair brushed against his cheek, leaving a faint tingling sensation.

Roa nodded. Roxy had opened her heart to him; there was no reason not to listen.

"My life wasn't easy. I was born without the telepathy that's unique to my people. When my parents realized I couldn't use it, they told me to stay home and not go outside. They even started learning to read and write from scratch for my sake. But the first time I stepped outside and tried to talk to someone, I realized how different I was from the other children in the village, and I burst into tears." A trace of nostalgia flickered in Roxy's eyes as she began to recall the past.

"Then I met the magician Badigadi, who was traveling through our village. He showed me how vast the world was and taught me basic magic. But after I learned the beginner-level spells, my teacher left without a word."

"As a Migurd, a demon race people feared, my naturally blue hair caused me plenty of trouble. Under certain lighting, it looked green. In the legends of this world, four hundred years ago, there was a Spelud with green hair and a red jewel on his forehead who went mad and slaughtered everyone around him, men and women, young and old—even his own family. So the closer a race's hair came to green, the more people distrusted them. Parents even used the tale to scare their children at night."

"When I was fourteen, I secretly left home and registered as an adventurer. Since my people stopped changing in appearance at fourteen, I still looked like a child even though I was seventeen. Other adventurers treated me like one, so it took me quite a while to find a place where I belonged. Not long after, I found my first companions: the horse-headed Nokbara, the boar-headed Blaze, and our leader, Harkendil. Three years later, we became B-Rank adventurers."

"But it didn't last. The days we'd spent working hard together, playing around, and laughing came to an end. On one mission, we encountered a magical disaster. Our leader, Harkendil, was struck by a falling boulder and died on the spot. With no one to lead us, the party disbanded immediately. That was the first time I understood how fragile life was—and how harsh reality could be. When I reported what had happened to the local Guild, the person there answered me without a trace of emotion. I began to reconsider the value of life." Roxy sighed, her expression distant.

"Alone again, I stood dejectedly at the harbor, watching the sea. Then I boarded a ship to another continent—Milis. This world had seen three wars between humans and demons. Even though it was peacetime, the towns I visited were full of prejudice. I even had to pay soldiers a fee just to enter and leave town. Fortunately, the port town where I arrived wasn't too discriminatory. A Guild receptionist I met there helped me a lot. I was even invited to work at the Guild, but after thinking it over, I decided to remain an adventurer. I even took out a loan for a new Magic Wand."

"After reaching A-Rank, I met a group of adventurers who asked me to go undercover near a lolicon merchant and investigate his illegal dealings. There was a risk I might lose my virginity, so I'd planned to refuse, but when I heard the reward would be four times the usual amount, I agreed. I tied my hair into twin tails, and the merchant took an interest in me right away. But my companions teased me about the hairstyle, and I was often made to change outfits. Once the investigation was almost over, the merchant discovered me, knocked me unconscious, and locked me in a dungeon. There I met other victims. I broke a window and was rescued with help from my companions. The Guild then commissioned us to escort the victims back to Milishion."

"Even after reaching Milishion, I faced one setback after another because of my race and the local religion. A knight even ambushed me, mistakenly thinking I was trafficking a beast-girl. After learning about Milishion from the girl's parents, I kept away from people so as not to cause them trouble, even though I was the one being discriminated against. My travel funds gradually ran out because of the prejudice against demons and the unequal treatment that came with it. I couldn't afford to travel anywhere else. Later, I met Mei, who came from the same continent as me, and she invited me to work at a tavern."

"After saying goodbye to Mei and Gadaluf, the tavern's owner, I set out again, this time for the Asura Kingdom."

"In the King Dragon Kingdom, I met a demon bard. He wanted to use me as inspiration for his work. Once, while escorting a merchant caravan, I accidentally killed a bandit. Because of what happened to my former leader, I'd come to see life differently, and I felt guilty. I kept using Healing Magic on the bandit, even though half his body was gone. After we left the King Dragon Kingdom, we each went our separate ways."

"After reaching my teacher's homeland, the Asura Kingdom, I took a commission from the Guild to visit his house and ask him to write his manuscript, Journey Across the World. I encouraged him to keep writing, then set off again. I studied magic at the Magic University for four years. After learning the Water Saint-level spell Torrential Thunderstorm from my master, Jinas, I thought I'd mastered magic. I was young and arrogant, and I talked back to my master. We parted on bad terms. Later, when I went to the Fittoa Region to look for work, I was offered a position as the magic tutor for Roa's family."

"That's my story. Isn't it ridiculous? I was so childish, too." Roxy looked a little dejected.

Roa blinked and tried to think of a cheesy line. After a moment, he gave up on the impractical idea. His small hand brushed across Roxy's forehead, and he smiled. Even his serious, adorable little face could manage a smile that warmed the heart. "Not at all. On the contrary, I think you're very brave, Master Roxy. You always overcome whatever difficulties come your way. Even when you face setbacks, you still find the courage to face them."

"Is that so?" The slight sadness in Roxy's expression eased. She forced herself to perk up and gave him a bright smile. "In any case, thank you."

"So, Master, did you like my present?" Roa leaned close to the girl's ear.

Roxy gave Roa a karate chop and said expressionlessly, "You're too close." She sighed and gazed out at the dark night beyond the window, murmuring, "How could I not like it?"