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MT - 21 New Beginning
🕑 Added 2024-12-18 05:46:36 +0000 UTCRudeus was utterly stunned. If the magic unleashed by Roxy was akin to a natural disaster, then what Roy had just performed was nothing short of an apocalypse.
He couldn't fathom the destruction such magic could bring if cast in a densely populated area like the royal capital.
Sylphy's face had gone pale. She stumbled back a few steps, trembling. To her, magic had always been something fun, something enchanting. But now, this apocalyptic scene had shaken her to the core.
Roy stood motionless, staring at the barren plain, stripped of all life, and at the shattered magic crystal that lay in ruins. He was quiet for a moment before letting out a sigh and turning to Roxy with a smile.
For once, Roy's smile wasn't strained. His lips curled naturally, the expression warm and genuine.
Rudeus blinked, momentarily lost in thought. At that moment, he almost wished the boy in front of him was a charming little girl rather than his older brother.
Roy stepped forward and enveloped Roxy in a heartfelt embrace.
"Write to me, okay? You know my address." Roy said, holding onto her petite frame. This would likely be the last time they'd embrace like this.
"Mm." Roxy murmured, still dazed, staring at Roy in her arms.
"Take care of yourself..." He continued. "If you encounter something too difficult to handle, don't push yourself. Write to me, and I'll figure out a way to help."
"Tsk, I'm your teacher, remember? Why would I need a student's help?" Roxy teased with a smile, wrapping her arms around him.
But Roy ignored her remark, his voice firm as he added, "Promise me. Don't overdo it."
Roxy met his golden gaze, now more serious than she had ever seen. After a long sigh, she finally nodded in resignation.
Rudeus and Sylphy exchanged a glance and quietly retreated to a corner.
"Hey, don't you think Roxy feels differently about Roy?" Sylphy whispered, watching the two with a puzzled expression.
Rudeus couldn't help but smirk mischievously but quickly toned it down upon noticing Sylphy's presence. Putting on a feigned air of maturity, he replied, "You'll understand when you're older."
Sylphy tilted her head, muttering, "I get the feeling you're up to no good, Rudeus."
Holding Roxy's hand, the group continued their journey in rare silence. The dark clouds dispersed, and warm sunlight broke through, casting a golden glow over them.
Rudeus's gaze lingered on Roy and Roxy, the two walking quietly side by side.
The journey was short, and they soon arrived home. Zenith was in the garden, cheerfully humming an unfamiliar tune as she watered the flowers.
When she noticed them returning, she beamed at Roxy and greeted her warmly. "Welcome back, everyone! You've worked hard. What would you like to eat?"
But it didn't take long for her to notice the awkward atmosphere. Roy was holding Roxy's hand, while Rudeus and Sylphy followed at a distance.
"What's going on here?" Zenith asked, puzzled.
As they entered the house, Roxy let go of Roy's hand, exhaling deeply. "I'd like to talk about wrapping up my teaching."
Zenith froze, the watering can slipping from her hands and clattering to the floor.
In the living room, the family gathered. Paul looked at Roxy, his expression serious. "You mean… you're leaving?"
Roxy nodded, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. Her expression was calm but determined. "Roy is a genius. Rudeus is a genius. Even Sylphy's talent surpasses mine."
She smiled, though there was a trace of helplessness in it.
Paul and Zenith exchanged a look but said nothing.
"I've grown very fond of everyone here." Roxy continued. "Staying here has been a joy. This has been the warmest, most pleasant time in all my adventures."
She bowed deeply. Paul moved to stop her, but Roxy held up a hand to keep him at bay.
"Truly, I cherish all of you." She said earnestly. "But I've taught everything I can. It's time for me to move on, to continue my journey. After all, I'm their teacher. I wouldn't want the day to come when I can't even keep up with my own students."
Roy sighed quietly. Perhaps this was what Roxy had been feeling all along.
Roxy had her own pride.
Paul and Zenith remained silent for a moment, exchanging a glance. Finally, Zenith broke the quiet. "If this is your decision, I won't try to stop you. But…"
She stepped forward, gently helping Roxy to her feet and pulling her into a warm embrace. "You're already a part of our family. No matter what trouble you face, you can always come to us. Our doors will always be open for you."
Roxy was deeply moved. Paul, scratching his nose awkwardly, pulled out a heavy pouch of gold coins from his pocket and handed it to her.
"Thank you for your dedication over these past years. It's been a pleasure having you here. You've been an excellent teacher."
The atmosphere in the room turned emotional, the weight of the impending farewell heavy on everyone's hearts.
When the time came for their final goodbye, Paul gifted Roxy one of the family's chestnut horses. Though Roxy firmly declined at first, Paul insisted, leaving her no choice but to accept.
Roy stood silently, watching Roxy's figure as she rode away. She waved back at them one last time before her silhouette disappeared into the horizon. Only then did he avert his gaze.
"Well then, it's time to begin." Roy murmured to himself.
With mastery over Saint Water Magic under his belt, his next focus was swordsmanship.
That same afternoon, after Roxy's departure, Roy threw himself fully into honing his skills.
...
Sword Art Online world
Outside, the early morning sky was a muted gray. Roy Kirigaya rose from bed, dressed quickly, and brushed his teeth.
In his downtime, he had already mastered the languages of four different nations and passed TOEFL and IELTS exams in each. On paper, his qualifications alone were enough to surpass most people.
However, his Fool self wasn't particularly interested in academic achievements. His true passion lay in gaming.
But when you're as talented as Roy, excellence comes naturally. No matter the field, he effortlessly outshined the competition.
Roy was a man of ambition. If he was going to exist in this world, he would excel in every aspect. His goal was simple: level up through grinding and refine his sword skills to benefit his real-world self.
It was a bold and lofty plan, but, unfortunately, it didn't go quite as intended. His Fool self had no intention of adhering strictly to his original goals.
With little choice, Roy occasionally had to step in and handle things personally.
And so, aside from mastering foreign languages, he began to study programming as well. Why? To create exploits, of course.
After all, only amateurs play games by the rules. True pros orchestrate their own cheats.
Still, relying solely on exploits wasn't an option. His real intention was to sharpen his swordsmanship through the rigorous challenges of Sword Art Online, not to undermine the game's integrity by running rampant with hacks.
