Facing the past

Time flew by, and before long, Radeus and Rudeus's fifth birthday arrived.

According to local custom, parents held a grand birthday party for their children every five years. Holding three of them from birth marked the child's coming of age, which was convenient enough.

Oh, right, people in this world apparently came of age at fifteen. In other words, marrying a fifteen-year-old wasn't illegal!

What a wonderful thing! Back in their old world, that would have earned them electric shocks at the very least!

Zenith, Lilia, and Roxy were preparing a birthday feast for Radeus and Rudeus. Fortunately, the two were twins, so there was no need to hold a separate celebration. That saved some money, too.

Though the Greyrat family didn't seem short of money. Oh well, those were minor details.

Before long, a lavish dinner was laid out before everyone. Honestly, it was even more lavish than the meal when Roxy arrived. Neither Radeus nor Rudeus had experienced such a feast in either of their two lives.

"Happy birthday, Rad and Rudeus!" "Happy birthday, Master Rad and Master Rudeus!"

Everyone happily offered the pair their blessings!

"Thank you, everyone!"

Radeus and Rudeus were delighted, too. This was the first birthday celebration this grand that either of them could remember.

"All right, next, your father will perform a sword dance!"

Paul had drunk a little and spoke with enthusiasm.

Ah! Given the choice, I'd rather watch a beautiful older girl perform a sword dance! Rudeus said.

Yes, yes, yes, I agree with you there! Radeus chimed in.

On the surface, however, both still looked interested as they applauded Paul.

"Ooh!!!"

To their surprise, Paul's performance was very entertaining, somewhat like a circus act. They watched without looking away. When Paul reached the sword-swallowing part in particular, everyone applauded and cheered!

After dinner came the gifts. Paul stepped forward first and gave Radeus and Rudeus an iron sword each.

"Happy birthday, Rad, Rudeus! These are birthday presents from your father. Treasure them!"

Radeus and Rudeus drew their swords a little to inspect their quality. Neither knew anything about judging swords, but one glance told them these were probably good ones!

"Thank you, Dad!"

Although both wondered whether giving five-year-olds real swords meant for adults was a bit questionable, they thanked Paul anyway.

"I'm giving you each a sword to tell you this: as men, you must always hold a sword in your hearts. That sword is what you stand by, the line you will not cross. It is your strongest weapon for protecting what matters to you, and your strongest shield!"

Hearing Paul say something serious for once, the two nodded earnestly.

"We understand, Dad!"

Next, Zenith gave each of them a different magic book containing all sorts of spells, much to their delight.

"Thank you, Mom!"

Seeing how happy her children were, Zenith couldn't help hugging them both.

"My good boys. You're so adorable!"

Last came Roxy. She gave each of them a Staff, a blue one for Radeus and a red one for Rudeus.

"These are Staffs. The things on them are Magic Stones, which can amplify your magical power. They'll definitely help you."

"They're so pretty!"

It was Radeus and Rudeus's first time seeing fantastical objects like Staffs. Though they differed from what they had imagined, these were quite nice, too. Both had originally pictured the sort of Staffs in Harry Potter.

"Normally, teachers should give these to their students when they learn beginner magic, but you two started with Intermediate Rank Magic right away, so it slipped my mind."

"You've learned every advanced spell I know at your age. Now I really have nothing left to teach you..."

There was a trace of loneliness in Roxy's voice.

"Master Roxy..."

Both understood something, but whether they could accept it was another matter...

The others were also reluctant to see Roxy leave. To them, she had long since become like family.

"Rad, Rudeus! Tomorrow, we begin preparing for your graduation exam!"

"Graduation?"

Radeus and Rudeus hadn't expected this day to come so soon. The time had arrived to say goodbye to Roxy, this lovely young girl.

That night, Radeus and Rudeus lay in bed.

"Hey, is Master Roxy really going to leave?" Rudeus asked reluctantly.

"Looks like it. It'll be so lonely!"

"Can we keep Master Roxy from leaving?" Rudeus's voice was a little low.

"You know it, too. Master Roxy isn't that kind of person. She'll definitely leave..."

Radeus shattered Rudeus's fantasy.

"You're right..."

Both hoped tomorrow wouldn't come, but it came all the same.

Early the next morning, Paul got the horses ready. The graduation exam needed to be held somewhere open where it wouldn't affect the village, and that place was a little far away, hence the need for horses.

At the sight of the horses, Rudeus's heart tightened, and he asked Paul a question.

"Dad, are we going outside for the exam?"

"Yes, outside the village, so we won't affect it," Roxy told Rudeus with a smile.

"..."

Roxy and Paul led the horses to the entrance to wait for the pair.

Even now, I still remember what happened that day. Tied up stark naked outside the school gates, surrounded by countless students laughing openly and taking pictures, with no one speaking up for me. That day's anger and resentment could only turn into deep despair in the end...

Afterward, alone in my room, how many times did I imagine suddenly awakening superpowers, or a beautiful girl suddenly descending from the sky? If that happened, I could definitely keep on living.

But no miracle happened. Every time I opened the window and looked outside, there were always those same contemptuous looks and mocking words.

And now a miracle has happened. I've gained great power, too, yet I'm still standing still. Is that really okay? Haven't I already resolved in my heart to face all of this?

Rudeus patted his cheeks and prepared to step toward the entrance, but he couldn't move a single step. It felt as though heavy chains had bound his feet.

"Huh?"

What's going on?

He looked down at his feet. The ground turned into darkness, piercing words came from all around him, and despair assailed him again.

Every time I muster my courage and make up my mind, am I still unable to take that first step?

Just as Rudeus was about to give up, Radeus's words reached him.

Are you afraid of the light? Are you ready to give up? I don't know what happened in your past life or what bad things you went through, but I know you're full of courage and determination right now, like a soldier prepared to sacrifice himself.

I know very well that what you need right now isn't words of encouragement, but someone to lead you through that first step. I admire people who've steeled their resolve. If no one else will give you a hand, then let me!

But in exchange, when I need it, you have to give me a hand, too!

Radeus suddenly took Rudeus's hand and ran toward the world beyond the door. Rudeus began to move, his steps quickening one after another. Faintly, he seemed to hear something shatter.

What a beautiful sound it was!

But the darkness before him still enveloped him, and he instinctively closed his eyes.

"Hey, open your eyes. We're already outside!"

A reassuring voice rang out beside his ear. It was Radeus!

Rudeus opened his eyes little by little. Light fell upon him, and the world unfolded before his eyes!

Sweet air, fields stretching as far as the eye could see, birdsong pleasing to the ears, and people's joyful laughter.

Ah! Was the world really this beautiful?

Looking at Radeus's smiling face beside him, Rudeus felt something he couldn't put into words.

Ah, this person has saved me once again!