The Beginning

Rudeus was completely stunned. If the magic Roxy had unleashed was a disaster, then Roa's magic had been the apocalypse. 💋♩  💣👍

He couldn't imagine how many people would be injured or killed if magic like that were unleashed somewhere like the Royal Capital.

Sylphiette's face was pale. She staggered back a few steps. She had always been timid, and in her mind, magic had always been associated with fun and games. But the apocalyptic scene before her was truly terrifying.

Roa stared blankly at the barren plain and the shattered Magic Stone, frozen for a moment.

He sighed, then turned and smiled at Roxy.

For once, Roa's smile wasn't so forced. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, and his smile was natural and handsome.

Rudeus was momentarily dazed. At that moment, he wished more than anything that the little boy before him were a real little girl, and not his big brother.

Roa stepped forward and gave Roxy a big hug.

"Remember to write. You know my address." Roa felt the girl's petite frame in his arms. This was probably the last time he'd get to hug her.

"Mm." Roxy seemed at a loss, staring blankly at Roa in her arms.

"Remember to take good care of yourself. If you run into a problem you can't solve, don't force it. You can write to me, and I'll find a way to help."

"Honestly, I'm your teacher. Why would I ask my student for help?" Roxy smiled and wrapped her arms around Roa.

But Roa paid no attention to her and continued, "Promise me. Don't push yourself."

Roxy met those golden eyes. The boy's gaze was more serious than she'd ever seen it.

She sighed and could only nod helplessly.

Rudeus and Sylphiette exchanged a look, then moved to stand in a quiet corner.

"Um, I can't help feeling that Master Roxy's feelings for Roa are a little different," Sylphiette said uncertainly as she watched the two embracing.

Rudeus instinctively gave a lecherous grin, but noticing Sylphiette beside him, he quickly reined it in.

Putting on an air of maturity, he smiled at Sylphiette. "You'll understand when you're older."

Sylphiette tilted her head and muttered under her breath, "I have a feeling you're up to no good, Rudy."

Holding Roxy's hand, they walked along in uncharacteristic silence.

The clouds parted, and sunlight poured down, warm against everyone's skin.

Rudeus kept glancing between the two.

They walked on in silence.

The journey wasn't long, and they soon returned home.

Zenith was happily humming an unfamiliar tune as she watered the flowers.

When she saw everyone returning in the distance,

she cheerfully greeted Roxy. Smiling, Zenith said, "Everyone, you've worked hard. What would you like to eat?"

Zenith soon sensed the awkward mood among them. Roa was holding Roxy's hand, while Rudeus and Sylphiette trailed far behind.

Puzzled, she asked, "What's going on?"

Once inside, Roxy let go of Roa's hand and exhaled. "I want to talk about the end of my magic lessons."

Zenith's expression froze. The watering can clattered to the floor.

The whole family gathered in the living room.

Paul looked at Roxy solemnly. "You mean you're leaving?"

Roxy nodded. She unconsciously brushed the hair by her ear, her expression serious. "Roa is a genius, and so is Rudeus. Even Sylphiette has more talent than I do."

[ ]

At that, Roxy gave a rueful smile.

Paul and Zenith exchanged a glance but said nothing.

Roxy continued, "I'm very fond of everyone. I've been so comfortable here, and you're all such wonderful people. These lessons have been the warmest part of my adventures."

As she spoke, Roxy bowed deeply. Paul tried to stop her, but she raised a hand to hold him back.

"Honestly, I'm very fond of you all. But I've taught them everything I can, and it's time for me to set out on a new journey. After all, I'm their teacher. I don't want to reach a day when my own students leave me so far behind that I can't even see their backs." Roxy spoke slowly.

Roa sighed. This was probably what Roxy really thought.

Roxy had her pride, too.

Paul and Zenith fell silent. After a moment, Zenith spoke. "If this is your decision, there's nothing I can say. It's just..."

She stepped forward, helped Roxy up, and pulled her into an embrace. "You're already part of our family. Whatever trouble you run into, you can come to us. Our door will always be open to you."

Roxy was touched. Paul rubbed his nose, then took a heavy pouch of gold coins from his coat and handed it to her.

Looking at Roxy, he said, "Thank you for all your careful guidance over the past few years. We've enjoyed having you here. You're a wonderful teacher."

The mood in the room turned emotional. Partings were always sad.

At last, they said goodbye to Roxy.

Paul gave her one of the family's chestnut horses. Roxy firmly refused, but they insisted and made her take it.

Roa watched Roxy ride away in silence. She waved goodbye to everyone, and when her figure disappeared into the distance, he looked away.

"Well, it's time to begin," Roa murmured.

He'd mastered Water Saint-level magic. All that remained was swordsmanship.

That afternoon, the day Roxy left, Roa devoted his full attention to the version of himself in Sword Art Online.

The world of Sword Art Online.

It was barely light outside when Kazuto Kirigaya got up to get dressed and brush his teeth.

In his spare time, he'd already learned four languages and passed the TOEFL and IELTS exams in various countries. By now, most people couldn't compete with him in terms of credentials alone.

The intelligent autopilot wasn't interested in studying. It was far more interested in gaming.

But that was what it meant to have talent: whatever he tried came easily, and he could effortlessly surpass most people.

Roa was a proud person. Since he'd been reincarnated, he was determined to be the best.

He wanted to level up by grinding monsters and improve his sword skills, then use those skills to benefit his self in the original world.

It was a fine idea, but unfortunately, things hadn't gone as planned. The autopilot couldn't be expected to put in the effort the original owner had intended.

With no other choice, he had to take control himself every now and then.

So he wasn't just studying foreign languages. He'd also learned programming. What for? To make bugs, of course.

Only honest people played games by the rules. The real pros had already started setting up their own cheats.

Of course, he couldn't rely on bugs alone. The original owner had meant to hone his swordsmanship through SAO, not to wreak havoc in the game world with cheats.