Allen Boreas Greyrat

Chapter 5: Allen Boreas Greyrat

For a first meeting with a 'stranger,' his actions were a bit rude.

But Allen did it on purpose. On one hand, he had indeed been a bit of a hooligan just now.

On the other hand.

If things continued this way, it would truly turn into a guide for the "Blond Guy" trope in romance anime. Although he had been very fond of Roxy before transmigrating, always calling her "Blue Mama," the reality now was clear: Allen had to rely on his foreknowledge from having read the novel to safely participate in the major events of Mushoku Tensei.

Allen needed to be close to Roxy, but maintaining an appropriate distance was equally necessary.

In the world of Mushoku Tensei, due to stagnant information, human communication was limited to letters or face-to-face meetings, making relationships relatively simple. That's why Rudy could easily get strong and significant positive feedback from the opposite sex by saying some corny, outdated pickup lines and small tricks from the internet.

It was absurd, but it was true.

As these thoughts flashed through his mind, Allen's actions were decisive. He scowled like Roxy, raising his sharp, upturned eyebrows and staring intently at her forehead.

"Of course, if there really was a red demonic eye here, before you could eat me, I might just cut off your head. After all, the distance between us... is too close."

"Just a swing of the blade, don't you think?"

He then tilted his head to glance at the headless bodies of the four demons nearby.

Roxy instinctively followed his gaze and shivered.

Right, as a Magician, I actually threatened a Swordsman up close.

Ultimately, it was because she had just parted ways with Rudy. Upon encountering another child who appeared young, her subconscious reverted to the communication patterns she used with Rudy.

But this person wasn't Rudy, nor was he a harmless child.

Instead, he was an adventurer wandering in the demon-infested woods late at night. He had drawn his sword and slain four demons in an instant, all while deftly splitting his Water Ball Spell, which could amplify magic output, right in front of his face. His control over distance was incredibly precise.

This casual display... is even stronger than most A-rank adventurers I've seen.

Intermediate Swordsman? No, not enough. He's very likely a high-level Swordsman.

Realizing this, Roxy immediately calmed down. She lifted her leg, about to stand up and create distance from Allen, but when her gaze swept over him, she curbed her impulse.

In just a moment, Allen had composed himself, extending his right hand forward in a noble bow, lowering his head to Roxy.

Roxy could even see the fine hairs on the back of his neck.

Allen's actions conveyed the opposite of his words: he bore no ill will.

"My apologies, no more jokes. I truly thank you. Honestly, even if I had cut through your Water Ball, I would still owe you my life."

He even used honorifics.

Roxy blinked, then sat back down, placing her hands on her knees.

After Allen's push and pull, a complete 'tug-of-war,' the atmosphere between them became formal once more.

The conversation returned to its proper course.

"What does this mean... and how do you know about the Migurd Race?"

Allen reached down to unfasten the sheathed blade from his waist, laying it horizontally in front of them both, indicating he had no intention of attacking. At the same time, he pointed at the scabbard and looked up at Roxy, fabricating a story.

"As you can see, the Swordsmanship technique I just used put a great strain on my body. If you hadn't been there, I would have been injured, and with demons attracted by the fire, my life would have been in danger.

As for the Migurd Race, you should know that all Swordsmen yearn for a powerful divine blade."

"Although I am young, I've read the Northern God Heroic Saga. Those demon swords with various effects were crafted by the renowned Demon Race sword smith, Julian Harris.

To learn about this master, I read many books about the Demon Continent, so I know many of the Demon Race."

Roxy was silent for a moment.

"...But if I hadn't cast magic, you wouldn't have needed to wield your sword with such a strenuous technique. Compared to the demons, I imagine my Water Ball Spell felt more threatening to you, because you couldn't determine whether the sudden source of magic in this forest at night was friend or foe. That's why you desperately tried to eliminate the crisis in the shortest time possible, while also demonstrating your strength to deter the newcomer. Am I right?"

Allen looked at Roxy in surprise. She had returned to her cool, half-lidded expression, but without any wariness or aloofness. In response to Allen's goodwill, she reciprocated, sitting demurely on the ground, her Magician's robe stretched taut and round by her sitting posture, with her hands on her knees, looking completely objective.

As expected of an adventurer who has endured hardships in both the Demon Continent and the Millish Continent for many years. Besides the deliberately emphasized "moe" points in the anime for market appeal, Roxy's judgment is incredibly sharp. Her relaxation of vigilance towards me is probably due to being in the peaceful Asura Kingdom, having been too comfortable for too long and thus letting her guard down.

This is a formidable person who, with the frail body of a Magician, can solo level in dungeons. To treat her as a fragile, delicate flower would be an insult to the gods.

Allen smiled.

"That's true, but the fact remains that your Water Ball Spell was indeed meant to save me, not for any other purpose. Wasn't it? I only realized that and stopped pretending. As for after I fainted, you cast a Healing Spell to save me. That kindness is undeniable. I owe you."

Roxy looked at Allen, leaning forward slightly, gazing at him with a somewhat aggressive posture.

This time, she was silent for a long moment, then pointed at the boar's corpse nearby.

She said faintly, "Sure enough, your fainting was also intentional, wasn't it? To verify whether I harbored ill will...

You maintained a supine posture after fainting, so it wouldn't hinder drawing your sword. If I had done anything bad while you were unprepared, my head would probably be like theirs right now, wouldn't it?"

Allen froze. Damn, she saw through it! He quickly tried to cover it up.

"That... that was subconscious—"

Before he could explain, Roxy cut him off.

"It's fine, really. I could tell you weren't on guard against me after you sat up, and your gratitude just now was truly sincere. When you venture out alone, you have to be prepared for anything. It's rare for someone your age to have such vigilance. As for me, I've been too comfortable these past few years, and you've actually taught me a lesson."

Lokkishi tugged at her bangs, a hint of distress on her face, and turned her head to look at the staff beside her. Her voice gradually grew softer.

"…But, being glib and not speaking the truth makes you a competent adventurer."

Allen gazed intently at Lokkishi. In that moment, he truly felt the unconscious charisma she exuded.

It wasn't about superficial beauty.

She genuinely possessed a kind heart.

Thinking this, Allen looked at Lokkishi very earnestly.

She seemed to sense Allen's intense gaze and turned to look at him, a little bewildered.

Then, she heard a young but resolute voice beside her ear.

"Thank you, but I can't agree with you about being glib. Perhaps what I said when I 'woke up' sounded like deceptive nonsense to you, but every word came from my heart."

Lokkishi stared blankly at the earnest Allen.

[A reminder to the host: Repeatedly increasing Lokkishi's favorability will not earn more rewards, but it must be said…]

Allen quickly waved his hand, dispersing the system message that hadn't fully solidified before his eyes.

'Even gratitude isn't allowed now? Genuine emotion is just "farming" now? Give me a break.'

Lokkishi paused for a moment. Seeing Allen's strange behavior, a faint smile bloomed at the corner of her lips.

"Then was calling me 'Mom' also genuine emotion? You were clearly mocking my short stature… Though, no one in the Asura Kingdom would expect a Demon Race member to be here. Short stature, mature tone—it's certainly suspicious."

Allen: Wake up, Blue Mom… Where is your tone mature? The Migurd Race lives for two hundred years. By that calculation, you're still a young girl. Even your brain development is at the stage of a young girl, not to mention the inherent low intelligence of the Demon Race itself.

Lost in thought, he heard Lokkishi clear her throat.

"Don't call me 'Mom.' I have a name."

Allen nodded, following Lokkishi's words, and asked, "Then, may I ask your name?"

"Roxy Migurdia. And you?"

"Allen…"

Allen paused, looking at Lokkishi. In the faint blue light of her eyes in the dark, there was only sincerity.

Forget it. I've told enough lies tonight. I won't lie to Lokkishi anymore.

He'd give her a small reminder later. Given Lokkishi's personality, even if she went to the capital and heard some rumors, she'd still be willing to help keep his whereabouts secret.

After a slight pause, Allen stated his full name.

"Allen Boreas Greyrat."