Mushoku Tensei: A different path

{Rudeus POV}

Because of my meditation and the fact that there is no window here, I lost sense of time long ago.

But I do know that not more than a day has passed. Since there was nothing I could do but wait, I've been doing nothing but meditate.

It's not just to get my anger under control, but also to memorize the pattern of the Magic Circle beneath me.

I found out that with enough concentration, I can 'fell' the lines made for Magic Circles.

So, I was trying to find the right feeling to get myself a King class Barrier Magic done.

Anything above Beginner class in Barrier Magic needs to be drawn into a Magic Circle. But with my chantless spellcasting, I might be able to do it without it.

The only problem is that I can't test it inside here because of the Magic Nullification of the barrier.

But what I might get out of it is a shield that can block of physical and magical attacks. It will surely be useful once I figure it out.

So to get that done, I decided to memorize as much of this circle as possible.

*Growl*

I have been so induced in my meditation that I didn't notice my stomach being empty. Déjà vu.

When are they planning to give me some food? Or are they planning to starve me to death?

Good luck getting Roxy to you then, you incompetent prince.

*Click* *click*

Suddenly, the sound of a locker reach my ears from above. I didn't know who it was, but I hope it's Ginger.

By the way, my sensing abilities seem to only reach within this barrier. I guess it's one of the weak points of this skill.

Perhaps what I'm sensing is not the presence itself, but more the mana within an individual themselves.

"Who is there?"

"Hnn, quiet." The voice of a man answered. Arrogant if I may say.

I opened my eyes and saw a tall, expensive and fancy clothed man wearing with glasses. He had visible cheek bones, an oval face, and a bowl haircut.

Looking closer, his face looked similar to Pax.

"Shirone Kingdom's third prince, Zanoba Shirone."

Ah, I see. So, he's Pax's older brother.

I stood up and gave an Asuran-style bow. Since I didn't know the Shirone norm of bowing, this is the best I could do.

"Excuse me my late introduction, your highness. My name is Rudeus Greyrat. Pleasure to meet you."

"Hm."

He only exaggeratedly nodded. Maybe his royal education gave him the attitude of someone uninterested of others?

Instead of saying something else, he merely lifted the bag he was holding.

That's my bag. Didn't Ginger take that? I didn't bother with this because of the execution of my plan.

'If I remember correctly there should be.....oh no, it's-'

He took the object inside the bag and put it on the ground before me. It's the Ruijerd doll I made.

If he turns out being a Millis believer, I'm screwed.

"Where did you get this demon figurine?"

"I have never seen that doll in my life before."

If I tell him that it's my creation, he might demand an execution on me.

Damn it. Did Ginger secretly betray me? She will regret it for the rest of her live, angering the bringer of the [Bright Sky Wave].

And even if I die here, there will be a Superd warrior and mad dog sword lady hunting her to avenge my death.

"Lies. I know from Ginger that that is your bag."

Yup. Got backstabbed. I feel like a certain Rome dictator now. Only difference is, I'm not a ruler nor did I get actually stabbed.

His tone was so demanding that I don't know how to answer. Calm down and think of an answer.

".....I found it on my travel at the Demon-continent. It looked interesting, so I bought it."

"So it was made by a demon? Interesting. Which city are we talking about? Do you know who made it? The name of the merchant who sold you this?"

He bombarded me with a bunch of questions. I shouldn't tell him that the doll might make a Superd go friendly once Ruijerd's name is spoken.

But in his eyes I could see a sparkle of interest or even passion glowing. Then his glasses started glowing, like an iconic anime character wearing glasses and going into serious-mode.

"Then do you perhaps know something more about this figurine."

He pulled out another bag and got out something I haven't seen in quite some time. I was the Roxy doll.

"Look at this doll."

He then went on and talked about every detail of the figurine. From the liveliness, the removable robe and hat, the 2 in 1 feature with the third arm hidden under the robe, and the realistic facial expressions, even to the erotic sense put into it.

He was precise with his explanation. Just gives to show how much of an eye he has for such things.

"And such a masterpiece was only sold for 5 Asuran Gold coins. If it were me, it would have been deemed 100 Gold coins."

Okay, now he is exaggerating a bit. He got every aspect that I put into this doll figured out, but that's weird even for me.

While I was surprised that I could sell them this high, it requires significant effort to make them.

He sighed and dropped his shoulders and head a bit.

"Though I understand that they put into account that it is based on a demon. You probably would be killed by the Millis Temple Knights for heresy of being a Demon God follower."

Holy crap. I didn't put that into thought. I'm so glad I didn't try anything with Ruijerd doll back at Millishion.

Therese did warn me, but I thought she was just trying to stop me. Are they all such fanatics? I'm starting to dislike them already.

How could someone like Zenith come out of these racists? She didn't discriminate against Roxy in any way. Quite the opposite, actually. She welcomed her with open arms.

I then noticed something missing on the Roxy doll. The mole. It's gone.

Just like on the real Roxy, I put a mole right above her right chest where her hand couldn't hide both nipple and mole at the same time.

"Wasn't there a mole before?"

"Hm? Oh, the black spot. I removed it. It was ruining the elegance."

"..."

Seems like I got to educate someone.

"You really tricked me with all your talk just now."

"What is that suppose to mean?"

"Look at how the hand tries to reach both the nipples at the chest."

"...hmmm?"

"Her hand can't reach the mole while trying to hide both nipples. The embarrassed facial expression is not only meant for the exposure of her body, but also not being able to hide everything."

As the gravity of him ruining that little aspect of the doll got to him, he trembled.

"How...could I...miss...something...so....IMPORTANT!?"

While his voice was tremoring, he started to freak out.

"Your Majesty, calm down. It's not that of a deal. You can just put it back on later."

I may have underestimated his passion and ended up destroying his mental sanity.

His eyes went hollow, and his body started to convulse. But he recovered quickly and started bowing before me.

"Since you know about that secret feature...YOU are the creator of this figurine, aren't you? Please accept me as your student for these special creations."

While it made me glad that someone was praising my work so much with enthusiasm, I couldn't feel happy about my work at all. It was something made with a body I stole.

"Damn it, I told you they are not special at all!"

*Boom*

I punched the wall of the Barrier with my left fist, but not with the layer of mana this time. Since I can't control it, there was no recoil damage this time.

"They are something an Attack Magic specialist made. In other words, a destroyer."

"But..."

He seems confused, so I roll up my sleeves and took off my bandages, revealing my visible lavender-purple veins on my arms and hands, as well as my injured right hand.

"What...how..." Just as I anticipated, he was shocked.

"I used a high-class spell that damaged my entire body. I may have been healed thoroughly, but my arms and hands never went back to normal. I can't control my magic. To be precise, my spells end up being too big."

I then started to cover them with the same bandages again. Since I only had these, I didn't bother about sanitizing or cleaning them from my blood.

"And therefore, I can't do this 'detailed' and 'finesse' work on something small anymore. These dolls are made through Earth Magic. That warrior doll might be the last one I made in my life."

"With magic? Then you-"

"No."

I turned my back towards him and leaned against the invisible wall of the barrier as I slid down to sit.

"If there is nothing else you want, then leave me alone. I've got enough problems at my hands."

"..."

He was silent, and with good reason.

'Ruining the wishes of someone who asks for something simple.' Kagami was back again with his irritating comments.

'Don't you have something better to do than comment on my behavior? He is just a figurine obsessed otaku.' I was speaking to him mentally this time as I wasn't alone in this room.

'Then why are you denying him so much? He hasn't done anything to you, his younger brother did. He is just a fan of your work.'

'He is gonna get disappointed anyway. I still haven't figured out what the problem with my magic is. So, he's gotta be grateful for having these.'

"Master?" Zanoba's voice called for me.

"What?" I was hungry and without any power left, so I responded uninterested.

"There is something that I got from Lilia that she intended to send you on your 10th birthday."

"What's inside?" I could hear rustling of a bag and then a box opening.

"It's a wooden pendant and panties."

Panties....panties...panties...

"...Huh?"

No, it couldn't be.

I nervously turned my head around and saw him holding a pair of panties with his hands.

They were the Holy Relic.

"Wh-why?" the embarrassment is so much, I think my soul wants to flee in shame.

"Could you perhaps...put them back in the box, please?"

And careful as possible, they are important. The only other thing I have from her is the pendant I gave Ruijerd.

"Yes, of course, master." He then carefully put them in the box again and turned his attention back to me.

"Actually, you can give me the box once I get out of this trap."

"Once you get out of here? Who put you down here any-"

He was walking towards me, but his hand was touching the wall of the barrier.

"What is this? Who put that in here? Are you trapped?"

I stood up right and sighed.

"It was your younger brother Pax. He lured me in here so that he could lure Roxy over here. But don't wo-"

"HE DID WHAT?" Zanoba started screaming. But thanks to my experience with the loud Boreas people, I wasn't that startled.

"HOW COULD HE DO THAT?"

He seemed genuinely angry. Maybe I could use that as my advantage. An evil thought started to form in my head.

"He did. And he apparently used the soldiers families as hostages to get their loyalty. Even Ginger's."

"But I traded her for the figurine with him!"

"You traded her? For what reason could he go for that deal?"

He calmed down a bit and adjusted his glasses.

"In the royal family of the Shirone Kingdom, it is a tradition to announce the one with the most soldiers at his side as king."

"I see. How many do you have?"

"None. Like I said, I traded Ginger for the figurine he had."

He did that for a stupid figurine? I'm dealing with a doll craving mad-man here.

I hope he doesn't practice some voodoo thing. Like stabbing needles into some doll, resembling the person he wants to die.

"So...if I manage to free you, will you be excepting me as your student?" Zanoba said begging.

I think a chance to get back at Pax just opened, and it will be priceless.

"I gladly would do that. But, you're gonna have to give him a proper scare as well."

I had a mischievous thought, and I didn't care. That chubby little bastard can go to hell for all I care.

He harassed Roxy, captured Paul's family and even dared to slap Lilia. He deserves what he gets anyway, once Ginger and Ruijerd are done.

"Is that all. Then please wait here."

"Good luck."

Zanoba then went up the stairs and closed the door, not locking it.

All I could do right now is wait and go back into my meditation as the corners of my mouth went up to a smile.

"This will be fun."

***

It's been a while since Zanoba left. While I do wonder what he plans, he seemed confident in his tone, so I just could wait.

Even if he doesn't do anything, Ginger will surely to arrive soon.

I do find it interesting what he said about the nomination of the throne candidates.

So, the one with the most soldiers at his side will be king. Maybe to see who earned the most loyalty from his people.

But then there are those like Pax, who force their loyalty through different means. They can't do anything if their loved one are being taking as bait.

I can relate to that, since I got involved into their problems through my own family.

He seems to have left the dolls, bags and box here. I better get the box and the objects inside it before anyone else finds them. The embarrassment from earlier was already too much to handle.

*Growl*

"Alright, I get it. You're empty. Just wait a bit longer."

It's funny how I'm feeling alright despite my food-demanding stomach.

Was this what Hitogami planned?

Meeting Aisha, pulling up this plan to put down Pax, gaining a disciple I never wanted (and tremendously disappoint afterwords) and finally getting Lilia out.

That wannabe-God better not plan something fishy. The more he talks to me, the more I want to never see him again.

"Ouchowowowow! Stop! Please stop, older brother!"

I heard someone screaming, but I didn't care and kept on meditating.

The sound of the door opening could be heard, as well as the louder screams of someone.

"Pft." a little laugh slipped out of my mouth, since I knew the owner of it.

"Master, I have done what you asked me for."

"Ahhhgahhhh!"

"Quiet, Pax."

I slowly opened my and-

"What in the..."

I couldn't believe what I'm just seeing. There were multiple things to say here.

First would be Zanoba holding Pax by the head right before the barrier.

Second, Zanoba was covered in blood, and it doesn't seem to be his.

Third, he was smiling. Yes, smiling. Thoughtlessly as I can tell.

What have I unleashed here? And how could he lift him like this without struggle? He doesn't look like he has many muscles, capable of lifting that chubby kid.

"Stop it Zanoba! Release your hand!"

"That…that's right, Zanoba, get a hold of yourself!"

More people came into this small and close to getting cramped room.

Some of them soldiers, some people in royal attires like Zanoba, and Ginger.

"Older brother's. Were you aware of Pax using the soldier's family as hostages to gain their loyalty?"

"N-no...we didn't."

"It wasn't just an imperial guard, but the soldiers who belong to father, and therefore this country."

"Ginger is that true."

"Yes. Even my own family was taken hostage."

"Older brothers, and do you remember Roxy?"

"Pax's tutor. Of course."

"She trained our soldiers in fighting against magician attacks, which made father offer her into the Royal Palace. However, thanks to Pax's constant sexual assaults towards her, that opportunity was destroyed."

"I guess...Pax can be seen in the wrong."

"The boy right here is none other than her first and most talented disciple, Rudeus Greyrat. He is being put through such disgraceful hospitality. Through Pax's hands. Even though he has such great talent's."

"Why are you getting so interested into all of this? You always made such a bored face when listening during special meetings."

"Older Brother, do not misunderstand. I have nothing but figurines to think about."

His grip seems to tighten each second.

"Aaaaaooowww, its breaking."

"Someone like Master Rudeus, who creates dolls like none other in this world, is being used by Pax's idiotic plans."

"Breaking. Breaking. Breaking. My head."

"If both of you decide taking Pax's side, then I will act violent."

He started to take more force on Pax's neck, as if trying to pull his head off. I couldn't take this anymore and stood up before the invisible wall.

*Boom*

Everyone went silent and looked at me, who was punching at the wall of the barrier.

Zanoba stopped his attempt to rip his brother head in the middle and Pax just looked at me distorted.

"Ginger, is it done?"

She was still a bit confused and didn't say anything, so I gave her a bit of my killing-intent, which made her stiffen up a bit. Everyone else felt it as well, but I kept my eyes on Ginger.

"Argh, not these glowing eyes again. Owwwaww, please kill this monster, ahhhh." Pax exclaimed, trying to escape Zanoba's skull-crushing grip.

"Who are you calling a monster?" Zanoba reprimanded.

'Alright I've had enough.'

"Both of you, shut up!"

""..."" They went silent again, and I looked back at Ginger again.

"Answer already. Did you save your family or not?"

"Yes. We were able to execute your plan, Sir Rudeus. Every soldier family got released that prince Pax kept hostage. We all thank you very much."

"Don't thank me, thank Ruijerd, he did the actual rescuing."

"What? When did that happen?"

I looked back at Pax, who was still being held by Zanoba.

"You have no power anymore. So, I will take Lilia out of here."

Taking a deep breath, I thought what to say next. Then I looked at Zanoba.

"Prince Zanoba, you did perfect. As promised, I will take you as my disciple once I reunited my whole family again. But you may release your grip on your brother after another 5 minutes."

"Wait, what?"

I ignored Pax and looked at the two people who with a high probability are the second and first prince.

"I hope you all won't shame your country any more than it already did, and release Lilia immediately. I also wish to speak with your king about how he plans to compensate his foolish son's actions. Also, may someone please release me from the trap I deliberately fell into."

"...of course. W-we will do that right away."

I was finally released from my prison. It seems that the magic crystal was in the ceiling all along.

If I had known that, maybe I could have used that arm-extension spell and break it.

Although I don't know how to use it, nor if it worked within the barrier long enough for me to grab it.

Once the circle stopped working, I stepped towards Pax who was still being held up by Zanoba, and looked him deep in his eyes.

"Remember when you slapped Lilia, and told me that you planned to rape Roxy?"

The corners of my mouth curled upwards, which made Pax even more frightened.

"This is my revenge on you."

"Aaaaaaaaah."

Then, as I said, Zanoba proceeded to grip Pax's head for the next five minutes.

***

The next few things got a bit hectic.

Zanoba was actually killing Pax's Imperial Guards, hence the blood he was covered with.

It seems that he is a Miko with superhuman strength. One of few people who were born with abnormal abilities.

His nickname was [The neck breaking Prince], after breaking many people's necks, including his baby brother.

Both him and Pax were going to be sent away in exile, in the pretends of studying abroad.

Clearly they just wanted Pax out of this country to not dishonor them anymore, and Zanoba because he is an uncontrolled beast.

Ginger and the rest of the soldiers got their families back, and I got Lilia reunited with me and Aisha.

After a bit of talking (or more like threatening) I persuaded the king to compensate for Pax's actions and his inability of seeing them, to give me documents on Saint to King class spell of the four types of Attack Magic.

He had a tired face, since he knew that he needed to keep his face as the king and father for his son's actions.

He complied under the circumstance that Lilia is to be sent back to Paul and not the Asuran Kingdom. She is still being suspected to be some sort of spy, especially since she attempted many times to sent Paul letters while she was being held by Pax.

But even if she were to be sent back there, nobody knew her.

Ginger has the duty to send both Aisha and Lilia safely back to Paul.

I feel like Hitogami was just planning me to go that route. Although I'm playing in his palm right now, he still helped me to get both Aisha and Lilia saved.

Next time I've got to thank him....nah, he will just use that to make fun of me anyway.

I can practically see the grin on his face while he's saying:"You see? You can trust me." No, thank you. Not in this life or the next one.

Getting my hands on two books, which contain the instructions and incantations of Saint and King class Attack Magic, was just something I wanted for future occasions.

I still have to prepare for the future vision of Paul's death.

But if I learn large-scale spells and the place he ends up dying is enclosed, they will be useless.

Nobody can tell what happens in the future, since it can be unpredictable.

But I will make sure that the picture of Paul's half missing body be burned into my current sight. Even if fate wants it like this.

In the end, I got three very important things back.

My younger sister, my stepmother, and the Holy Relic.

***

"Master nooooooo."

I was about to leave the Royal Palace, when Zanoba came to me crying, begging towards me.

"Are you going to leave me? Leaving behind your disciple?"

"I'm sorry. But there is one last person I needed to find to get my family fully back together."

"Can you perhaps make me a new figurine?"

"Like I said before, I can't because of my condition."

"Noooooo!"

He doesn't calm down, so I had to think of something quick. He isn't known as the [Neck Breaking Prince] for nothing.

It's like a little superhuman kid throwing a tantrum over not getting sweets.

"Tell you what. Once I get my magic back under control, and we meet again, I will show you the method of creating these dolls."

"Really? Is that really fine? What kindness."

He grabbed me and threw me up against the ceiling. And of all times, the mysterious layered mana didn't appear, and my head hit the solid ceiling with all the impact.

"Oh shit! Ginger. Healing Magic, quick!"

"Yes my prince."

"N-no need."

I put my hand on my hand and healed myself. Once I stood up again, Zanoba's face turned from pale to relieve.

I may be thankful to him for helping me, but he needs to get a grip on himself and work on his communication skills AND his strength.

After that, we said our goodbyes, in which I saw him crying as I saw him off. Ginger even shed some tears.

And that's how I got my doll obsessed disciple.

///