NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: Part 5
Full story at:
patreon.com/FanFictionPremium
***
Five years...
Before that, I had never even noticed that birthdays were not celebrated here, I just forgot about it. And I noticed the change of years as a change of seasons, because there were both summer and winter here. But now, it's my fifth birthday.
- Happy birthday Rudi! - A happy Zenith led me into the living room.
Where the table was waiting for us.
- You're five years old now.
Roxy and Lily clapping on the sidelines.
- Almost grown up already. - Paul grinned, ruffling my hair. - Ten more years, and then fifteen. And you'll be an adult. Ehhh, kids grow up so fast.
- But Rudy will always be my sweet, sweet son.
It was a little embarrassing, but I couldn't avoid my mother's tight embrace in front of everyone.
- Mum...
- Ha-ha-ha!
Looking at this, Roxy smiled a little wryly. She was taking shameful pleasure in seeing my embarrassment already.
- Sit at the table, Rudy.
Yeah, I don't remember us ever having such a rich table before. I can't believe we can even eat it all together. As I glanced towards the kitchen, I noticed a huge cake!
- Thank you..." I smiled uncertainly and sat down at the table.
- And you too, Rudy... - Zenith came over to me to lean down and kiss my forehead. - Thank you for being born.
That phrase was a bit overwhelming. Yes, Zenith can be very affectionate and gentle, so much so that you don't even know how to handle it and your eyes are already wet.
Other than that though, it was even like a normal dinner. We ate a lot, we chatted. But, today the conversations were more cheerful, we didn't just discuss everyday things, what to do tomorrow, we remembered the past years more. And then, of course, presents. It's a tradition here, too.
- And here... - Paul held out a sword to me.
No longer a training wooden sword, but a real sharpened weapon.
- You may be a little young for this. But you're getting the hang of it, and you're a responsible guy. And every man should have a sword in his heart! When you find that girl you love, you'll want to protect her, and to do that, you must be ready to bare that blade! And even though you have those magic tricks, you also have to train your swordsmanship skills as well, so you won't be weak in close combat. After all...
- Darling. - Zenith interrupted him. - You're taking too long. I want to give Rudy a present too!
- Oh, yeah... sorry... - The guy faltered.
I looked at the sword with considerable interest and pulled it out of its sheath a little, checking its sharpness. It was indeed sharpened, not at the hilt, but just above the hilt it was starting to cut.
- This is a gift from me. - Zenith smiled.
- A book! - I rejoiced.
Well, yes, there are only five of our books in the house, and almost a dozen more of Roxy's books. With that, I was already experiencing a book hunger that demanded more books, even more!
- Ho ho ho, I knew you'd love it.
- Yes, mum, it's a wonderful gift!
- Uhhhh...what a good boy you are!
And I'm getting another hug.
- The sword is nice, too. - I add, noticing that Paul's a little upset.
I've had such a strong reaction here, and I took the sword more calmly. Afterwards, Paul came to his senses and brought me another sword, a wooden one, bigger than my old training sword.
- Now it was my turn. - Roxy came up from the table and presented me with a small case.
- This is...
- A magic wand.
In the case was, well, a wand, more like a magic wand with a gemstone.
- Actually, it's tradition for a mentor to give a magical instrument to his pupil. But you've been doing your own magic since the beginning, and I forgot about it. I'm sorry...
- Ha ha, you don't need to apologise, Roxy, you're a great teacher!
- Well, there's not much left that I can teach you. - Smiled a little sadly at the girl.
It was really sad to think that soon the training would be over and then, Roxy would have to move on. Not that she's a wanderer by nature, but she wouldn't agree to stay as a freeloader. She's a proud girl. And she doesn't really want to leave, either. Roxy's taken a fancy to our family. She's made friends with Zenith, she's made friends with Lily, she doesn't really hang out with Paul. And in the end, I think we've become very good friends with her, too. After all, her reputation on the list was pretty good. Yeah, well, friends, my crush didn't go away, except that it got stronger.
Roxy Migurdia - thinks you're cute, and sometimes mean, but she likes it that way
Something like that. We have spent a lot of time together over the years she has been here and now, even socialising in a family way.
- Thanks anyway.
But, let's not indulge in melancholy on this day.
In the end, to dispel this tension, I put the presents on the table and went out into the courtyard.
- Rudy, where are you going?
And raising my hand, I create a sphere of bright plasma to launch it into the sky.
- Oh... not bad. - Roxy assessed.
High up in the almost night sky, the charge exploded, launching a multitude of bright multi-coloured sparks. But, I didn't stop there and created another charge. But now the formation lasted longer, I set the desired parameters and again launched fireworks. Only this time it didn't just explode, but drew an azure drawing of a smiling Roxy in the sky.
- Ha ha ha... that's great Rudy. - Zenith clapped her hands together.
- Thank you all for this day, and for the presents. I'm really... very pleased...
Even though my mana reserves weren't wasted, I didn't do any pumping today. I decided to just relax and take it easy.
And already at night, when I lay in my bed, I received another gift from someone I didn't expect it from.
Congratulations!
Your virginity level has been raised!
Yeah, how could I forget that?
Achievement "Babywalking"
You have reached the age of five.
Reward: Random item.
I blinked in surprise. It really did seem like a birthday present from the system. And as soon as that message went out, in a flash of light in front of me appeared... a book!
The Artefactor's Codex
A magical grimoire dedicated to the creation of amulets, talismans, and magical artefacts.
О!
That's when my eyes popped open. For the first time the system gave me a really valuable item as a gift, not some lip-rolling machine. And about creating magic items, I've already asked Roxy, but she doesn't use that kind of magic. There are separate organisations dedicated to creating artefacts, and they keep their secrets carefully.
And as if that wasn't enough.
Mission accomplished!
Loli the Enchantress
You have won the heart of the lovely Roxy.
Reward: Loli the Sorceress
Attention!
A group with Roxy Migurdia has been created!
I blinked incomprehensibly.
Suddenly, a dark void appeared above me.
- Ahh! - With a dazed squeak, Roxy fell on my head.
- Chhhhhh...
- What?
I thought I heard someone laughing on the edge of my consciousness.
And I thought I'd passed out when everything suddenly went dark. But for some reason, it felt so good.
- Rudy!
Shurh.
A rustle of fabric and a gentle touch. Roxy lifted herself up and pulled her dress away from my face.
- What was that... was... - She looked at the status window in surprise.
Such a familiar window, only not in front of me, but in front of her, and reflected in it were no longer my characteristics.
Roxy Migurdia
Loli the Sorceress level 24.
Health - a little groggy, but in good health.
Mana - fully charged and ready for battle
Characteristics:
Strength - like a loli
Dexterity - a little awkward, but it's nice.
Stamina - enough for a couple of times, no more.
Perception - plodding, but not attentive.
Intelligence - smarter than she thinks she is.
Luck - lucky or unlucky to meet Rudeus.
Bonus points - 24.
Talents:
Migurd
Skills:
Masturbation mastery 54
Water Magic level 39
Fire Magic level 21
Earth Magic level 10
Air Magic 15
Healing Magic level 25
Detoxification Magic level 26
Cooking level 7
Polyglot level 5
Bonus points - 48
Effects:
Innocent flower
I blinked incomprehensibly.
Just then, a special message appeared in front of Roxy.
Achievement "Shameful Love!"
You fell in love with a child, heart bursting with shame
Reward: feelings of love and inferiority.
The achievement "Banner of Chastity!" has been obtained.
You have maintained your innocence for over thirty years.
Reward: Random item
The sorceress ran her gaze over the inscriptions and her eyes widened. And, she definitely understood everything. Since her status was displayed in the common language. But other people hadn't seen my status before. And the next moment, a trough appeared in a bright glow in front of the sorceress and, collapsing to the floor, cracked. Here it is, injustice. Someone becomes a mage and someone else gets a broken trough. On the other hand, she doesn't have a class restriction, and quite a few bonus points of some sort had already appeared.
- Ah... well, welcome to the club. - I awkwardly wave my hands around. - Status.
And a similar window appears in front of me, only already with my stats.
Rudeus Greyrat.
virgin grade 36.
Health - not bad, for a shota.
Mana - ten thermonuclear Gandalfs.
Characteristics:
Strength - still not enough to open jars
Dexterity - can twine, but can't stand up.
Stamina - twice as much when thinking of Roxy.
Perception - automatically concentrates on Roxy's knickers if they're in sight.
Intelligence - hasn't figured out how to change class yet.
Luck - got Roxy's love
Talents:
Great Enchanter
Laplace Factor
Attractiveness
Skills:
Water Magic level 29
Fire Magic level 25
Earth Magic level 32
Air Magic level 19
Healing Magic level 30
Detoxification Magic level 16
Martial Arts 14
Fencing level 10
Battle Spirit level 9
Effects:
Marshal of Solitude
Magical Progression
What's interesting is that the stats suddenly blinked and the caption changed to the local language, the system clearly wanted the girl to be able to read it. I'm guessing it's particularly expecting a reaction to comments on my characterisations that mention Roxy herself. It's a shame, but in a way, fair enough.
- What is this? And why is it...
- Well, I call it a system. It's been with me since I was born. - I'm explaining it to the sorceress. - And I'm sure she's quite caustic in her nature. But she's also really useful.
Plus, I've noticed that Roxy has some sort of bonus points in skills and characteristics.
- I'm not sure exactly, but it's very likely that you can improve your stats with this status. Characteristics of strength, dexterity, well the rest, as well as increase your skill level. You should try it.
Yeah, well, I don't really know how to feel about all this. Well, I'm already accustomed to consider the system as my personal peculiarity, a kind of hidden secret. But, on the other hand, I felt some relief that now not only I will be subjected to its abuse. Also, it brings me and Roxy together somewhat.
- Increase skill level... - With a frown on her eyebrows, Roxy glanced at her status.
- Yeah, try tapping the skill you want to improve. Or a characteristic.
- I... wait, what's here...
Roxy started to blush.
- Just try it, I'm not making fun of your... skills right now.
The sorceress lowered her head bashfully.
And then she touched the water magic skill with her finger, and a plus sign appeared next to it. The interface was intuitive, and the girl did not even bother to clarify, but simply clicked on the plus sign, increasing the level of the skill. And then a few more times!
Water Magic level 50
Bonus points - 37
The girl gave a surprised sigh.
- I... feel it...
She raises her trembling hand and a small sphere of water begins to form in it. And she doesn't say the words of the spell.
- Not bad... - I assessed.
So, the skills can be pumped up in this way. Although, it should be borne in mind that the first steps are always easier. And so, when I also have these bonus points, it's better to save them until the moment when I hit the wall.
- So that's why you're so talented at magic! - Roxy pointed an accusing finger at me.
- I don't get those points and I can't upgrade my skills.
- Huh? What? Why?
- Class restriction. But I have a talent in magic, I guess, and a Laplace factor.
- Hmm.
- So, yeah, it's kind of an innate trait, and it's somewhat unfair, but I intend to use it to develop my magic ability as best as possible.
- But, what kind of system is it?
- I don't know. - I shook my head. - Probably some sort of complex spell or ritual. Maybe a spirit, I suppose it has a mind of its own.
- Hmm... and your parents don't know about this?
- Oh, you don't get it yet, do you? Okay... hmm, listen, let's go out, let's take a walk.
- What?
I was already out of bed and hurried to start packing. Roxy, on the other hand, hadn't had time to get ready for bed yet, so she wasn't in her nightgown, but in her regular clothes. And she quietly followed me, while studying her status window. And, some of its items were clearly causing the girl to have strong flushes of emotion. Mostly embarrassment, shame, and indignation.
Soon enough, the two of us walked quietly out of the manor and towards the field.
I didn't want to have this conversation in a house where we might be overheard. In fact, I should have left the house with Roxy right away, to explain everything to her. But...
- Look, I'm still stunned myself. I've had this system for five years, and I didn't expect anyone else to have it.
- Um, excuse me?
- Haha, no, no, no, don't apologise, I just mean that it was a surprise to me too.
Roxy nodded awkwardly.
- So, what was I supposed to realise?
- Oh, well... okay, this is a little harder than I thought... anyway, did you know that some creatures can be reborn?
The girl nodded uncertainly.
- They say that Laplace is not completely dead and can be reborn in the future, but it's been a long time.
- He needs a suitable body for rebirth. But, that's not the point right now. I just think it's fair to tell you about it. I haven't even told my parents that...hell.....
- Hmm?
- Reincarnation. It's my second life.
The girl opened her eyes in surprise and opened her mouth. She wanted to say something, but I held up my hand, as if to show her that I hadn't said enough.
- No, I wasn't a skilled mage before, or rather, I wasn't a mage at all, just an ordinary person. It was the system that somehow offered me a rebirth, and moved me here. Though I have the body of a child now, but in reality you're not much older, maybe a couple of years, no more.
Roxy's jaw nearly dropped to the ground. And looking at her dumbfounded face, I felt a certain rush of amusement, which resulted in a carefree grin. Turning to her, I continued walking with my back to her and put my hands behind my head, pretending to be unconcerned.
- I didn't think I'd ever tell anyone about this. But I suppose it's fairer to you. Also, I don't want you to keep looking at me like I'm just another kid. After all, I really like you too.
Roxy covered her mouth and seemed to blush. Though, because of the darkness, it was hard to pinpoint that more accurately.
- It's... all weird and unexpected....
- I understand.
- And I'll keep your secret.
- Thank you. I don't want to upset these parents, well, I mean Paul and Zenith. They took care of me in this world.
- Of course, even though it turns out you're still their son.
- Yeah. - I shrug.
- Haha... and I really thought you were just a kid all this time.
- Well, it was kind of funny. Though there's something disappointing when the girl you like thinks you're a toddler.
- Ha ha... right... - Roxy laughed.
And she even seemed to feel better somehow.
- But wait, are you really in love with me? - I'm trying to keep a satisfied smile on my face, but I'm not doing a very good job.
- No! I-I mean, I guess.
- I'm very flattered. Though I didn't think you'd treat me anything other than a little brother at best.
- Well... I... just..." Roxy babbled embarrassedly. - Those fireworks were beautiful... and you said those embarrassing things a lot....
- Huh, I'm sorry for making you feel uncomfortable.
- I'm not mad. - Sighed the sorceress.
- Yeah, by the way, can you lean over?
- Why? - She blinked incomprehensibly.
- Just bend over.
Not very confidently the girl fulfilled the request and leaned towards me so that our faces were very close to each other. I reached out my hands, placing my palms on the girl's cheeks. I was in no hurry, and Roxy would have to be stupid not to realise that I was going to kiss her. And Roxy's not a stupid girl at all. And from the way her eyes glistened, she understood. But she didn't pull away.
In a moment.
Congratulations!
You are no longer the Marshal of Solitude!
Reward: Access to a change of class
Our lips touched in a tender kiss. But it almost made my heart jump out of my chest. And even though it was a beautiful moment.
- What?" Roxy pulled away, staring at the message.
- Yeah, well, I've never had a girlfriend before. You're the first.
- О...
- But don't think I did it to change classes. I just wanted to kiss you, that's all.
Trying to hold back a smile, the sorceress pulled her hat over her face.
And yet, embarrassed Roxy, it's one of the best pictures of the new world.
- P-I'm sorry... I... I need to think this through.
- Of course you do.
We went home in silence.
But honestly, telling my secret to Roxy actually made me feel a lot better. She and I were, like, equals now. On the way back, the sorceress suddenly asked a strange question. And Roxy herself took it quite calmly. Well, it's in her nature. I wouldn't be surprised if she fell fast asleep when she got back to her room. I've been in bed half the night, attacked by random thoughts. I couldn't sleep, and my heart was pounding with the feeling of being in love.
Except that I was a little distracted by choosing a class.
Available classes:
Lolicon Man
You gain an increase in each characteristic for every lolie in your group
You get one characteristic point and two skill points per level increase.
Extra experience for seducing loli
Harem King
You get an increase in each characteristic for each wife in your harem.
You get one characteristic point and three skill points for leveling up!
Extra experience for seducing girls
Exbezionist
Each of your characteristics increases by five points when you are not wearing clothes
Two characteristic points and one skill point are given for leveling up.
Extra experience for embarrassment
Lingerie Fetishist
You gain a boost to all characteristics for each item of used lingerie you put on yourself.
You gain two characteristic points and one skill point per level increase.
Extra experience for stealing women's underwear.
Milfhunter
You gain an increase in each characteristic for each milf in your group.
You get one characteristic point and two skill points for leveling up
Extra experience for seducing a milf.
Master Maid
You gain an increase in each characteristic for each maid in your group.
You get one characteristic point and one skill point per level increase.
Extra experience for using maids
Yaoi Stick
You get an increase in each characteristic for each guy in your group.
You get a point per level increase.
After studying all the options offered, I slapped my face with the palm of my hand.
But, I already had a pretty good understanding of how my system worked. It clearly offered the yaoi option just for fun, and clearly indicates this with the bonuses offered. And as for the rest of the classes, most of them imply that our group might increase in the future. And in any case, each of these options were embarrassing and embarrassing to no small degree.
Although... harem king....
I quickly shook my head, driving out the overly tempting thoughts.
- Hey, can I have some sort of wizard or warlock class?
The selection window shook, and a new class appeared.
Shota the Wizard
Your magical potential increases, as does your speed of learning any magical disciplines
For each level, you gain an increase in your luck trait and three skill points.
You will never grow up to be a man.
Extra experience for pleasing your big sisters.
Oh, for crying out loud!
That night, I still hadn't decided on a class. But I thought about it a lot.
I fell asleep sometime in the morning.
And even Roxy wouldn't wake me up, even though we were supposed to have morning classes. My parents didn't bother me either, thinking that I was tired from the celebration yesterday, and decided to give me the day off. So even Paul didn't drag me to practice. When I woke up, I immediately rushed to find the sorceress. Our conversation last night had me worried about her again.
- Roxie? I think she's out in the field.
So I quickly packed up and headed out to see her.
The girl had gone to the place where we'd talked yesterday. I found her as Roxy was pensively admiring the mountain scenery in the distance. She'd told me once before that her homeland was a rocky desert, and she found the views almost dreamlike. In that I could even understand her a little. I had lived my previous life in the city, and when I went somewhere outdoors, I didn't pay much attention to it. But here it was as if time flowed differently, slower, and life was more measured. It seemed normal to just stop and look at the horizon line to admire the beauty of nature.
- Are you okay? - I asked calmly, approaching the sorceress.
- Huh? Yes, Rudy, I'm fine. - She smiled softly.
It's still a little awkward.
We were silent for a while, and I was a little confused myself about what I even wanted to say.
- So you like me. - Roxy looked at me.
- You already know that, don't you?
- Come on...
She took me to a tall tree and sat down beside it, motioning for me to sit next to her.
- So, what do you think of this?
- Well... this system is pretty....
- It's messing with me.
- Yeah. Roxy backed me up.
Our eyes met, and I couldn't help the grin that the sorceress reflected with her smile.
- But she's useful, like you said. I boosted my stats this morning and I do feel stronger.
She waved her hand and a status window appeared in front of the girl. It was pretty much the same as yesterday, but the descriptions of some of the characteristics had changed.
Strength - still like a loli, but a little stronger
Dexterity - the usual dexterity, even boring.
Stamina - enough for three times in a row.
Perception - still inattentive, but with good reactions.
Intelligence - now she's the smartest in the group.
Luck - definitely lucky to meet Rudeus.
Admittedly, these clarifications make it a little unclear exactly how much the characteristics have changed. It would be easier if the system showed them in numbers, like skill levels.
- Okay, what about us?
- Umm...
Roxy turned slightly pink, but no longer blushing as much as she did yesterday.
- I'm still not used to it... and I'm still your teacher!
- Of course you are.
- Let's talk about it when you reach saint rank.
- This is disappointing...
- Oh, you're right... - Roxy sighed.
We understood each other perfectly. After all, it turned out that we'd both been single for over thirty years, well in terms of romantic relationships, of course. And now that the cards were laid on the table, procrastination only added to the frustration.
And with a deep sigh, she looked around suspiciously.
Then she leaned in and kissed me.
- Whoa...
Roxy was embarrassed again and pulled away a little.
- And in fact, to hell with all this flirting! - I jumped to my feet.
- Hmm?
- Marry me!
The girl's eyes widened and her mouth dropped open.