Mushoku Tensei: A different path

(Third POV)

Six months after the destruction that fell upon the Fittoa region.

Restorations have been going smoothly, and the region is looking forward to a path to its successful restoration.

The terrain and landscape have still changed, and most of the region has yet to rebuild any structures or establish any village or city outside the ruins of Roa.

Vitra flowers, the main ingredient in the perfume the region used to make, have already been grown on several fields, and harvest will commence in due time for production.

The Fittoa refugees have been grateful for the masked man, but they still hold his name out of fear of his influence.

"That's what they say about the guy. Or at least that's what I heard myself," the carriage driver added to the end, finishing what he could tell his passenger.

"…"

To the only passenger on said carriage, Water King class Magician Roxy Migurdia, all sounded too… sketchy. It all sounded like an outstretched and exaggerated tail told by a troubadour who wanted to bring something new to compose.

When she looked around the place, it subtly showed a difference to the region she once passed through.

The changes weren't that significant, but the terrain still seemed like it had reshaped.

'Some fields seemed different, but it has been a while since I've last been here.'

Roxy watched all around the plains. Random spots of the plains were filled with various plants, such as wheat and various flowers.

"Is that one of the contraptions you just meant?"

The objects she pointed out were what in the other world could be described as classic street lamps, like the ones from the 20th century. However, these lamps had a much wider umbrella on top and emitted no light inside the casing.

Around the base of the contraption, tiny green saplings sprouted, soon growing strong and healthy enough to become the Vitra flowers the region used as an ingredient for their perfume.

"Well, speak of the devil," the carriage driver said. "Indeed it is. It's made up of two parts. The bottom part softens and purifies the soil, and the top one sprays out moisture, which is great for the summertime that is about to approach. That's as far as the instruction left with these said, so there could be more to them than we know. But I cannot stretch it enough, but those things have greatly reduced the efforts to bring the fields back."

It made Roxy speechless. Hearing about the contraption that accelerated the field growth was different from seeing it.

She was not impressed by it but rather curious to see its mechanism, the Magic Circles that were most likely inside the casing beneath the umbrella. Her lack of astonishment was due to her time with Rudeus, during which she had to admit that what she had learned so far was not enough to call herself an expert in Magic. This led her not to think she knew what limits Magic could have.

Yet, the contraptions were not her reason for visiting the Fittoa region. She intended to travel to a recently desolate place to see if her pupil, Rudeus Greyrat, and his family had returned to the area.

She witnessed the strange sky on the day the disaster struck, back on the Shirone castle's balcony.

Worried about her pupil's safety and that of the family she received the warm welcome to, she headed out without a moment's hesitation. And on a side note, she was already looking for a reason to leave the kingdom, as the prince she was tutoring got on her nerves. 

Once they reached the camp, the young woman stepped out of the cart.

Before her, it was the first and only refuge camp for the Fittoa survivors.

Many tents and wooden shelters were built everywhere, a minimalistic but suitable accommodation considering the circumstances.

Passing through the camp made Roxy feel a twist in her stomach. Further away would be the substitute for an adventurers guild where they hang up the list of deceased and missing people of the region. Her fear was to see the names of any of the Greyrat family, even those of Rudues' younger sisters.

But her fears would be postponed as a random man called out to her.

"Excuse me, young Miss?"

Roxy turned toward the voice that called out to her. A man, likely in his mid-thirties, with short brown hair and a rugged yet tidy appearance, approached her with cautious steps. He was dressed in a simple yet well-maintained tunic, the kind worn by officials or messengers rather than common adventurers or laborers.

"Excuse me, young Miss," he repeated, his gaze scanning her features with scrutiny before a flicker of realization crossed his face. "You wouldn't happen to be Roxy Migurdia, would you?"

Roxy's brow furrowed slightly, instinctively on guard. "I am. And you are?"

The man exhaled, seemingly relieved. "Thank goodness. That saves me the trouble of searching further. We've been expecting you."

That made Roxy straighten her posture. "Expecting me?" she echoed, her tone laced with suspicion. "I don't recall sending word ahead of my arrival."

The man shook his head. "I understand your confusion, but the mayor has requested your presence. He has been anticipating your arrival."

Roxy narrowed her eyes slightly. "Why?"

The man hesitated, then shook his head again. "I'm afraid I don't have the details, Miss. Upon confirming your identity, I was only told to escort you to the mayor's residence."

That only made her more skeptical.

'Why would the mayor of a ruined region be expecting me of all people? I've only just arrived, and I made no formal announcements of my visit. How did they even know I was coming?'

Her first instinct was to decline and seek answers elsewhere, but something about the man's demeanor suggested he wasn't lying. He seemed genuinely relieved to have found her, and if there was some official reason she was being summoned, refusing might complicate her stay here.

Taking a deep breath, she made her decision. "Very well. Lead the way."

The man nodded and turned, guiding her toward the mayor's residence. Roxy followed, though she remained wary.

As they weaved through the settlement, passing by survivors who were either engaged in rebuilding efforts or simply trying to live through the aftermath, she couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was off.

Just who exactly was expecting her? And, more importantly… why?

Upon reaching the mayor's residence, a relatively well-preserved structure compared to the rest of the settlement, the messenger stepped forward and knocked firmly on the wooden door. A few moments later, the door creaked open, and a servant peeked out.

"The person known as Roxy Migurdia has arrived," the messenger announced.

A short pause followed before the servant nodded and stepped aside, granting them entry. Roxy stepped inside cautiously, her eyes adjusting to the dimly lit interior.

Inside, she was met with three figures. Phillip Boreas Greyrat, the mayor of Roa, his noble features worn with the weight of responsibility, was seated at the head of a large wooden table. Beside him sat his wife, Hilda, elegant and composed as ever. Standing off to the side, arms crossed and watching intently, was Sword King Ghislaine Dedoldia.

Phillip stood up, offering a polite nod as he spoke. "Welcome, Roxy Migurdia. I am Phillip Boreas Greyrat, mayor of Roa. This is my wife, Hilda." He gestured toward the refined woman at his side. "And our bodyguard, Ghislaine Dedoldia."

Roxy's eyes involuntarily landed on Ghislaine's exposed chest, where only a thin string covered the most vital areas. She quickly looked away, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks, but the imposing presence of the beastwoman did not diminish.

Phillip, seeming to notice her hesitation, smiled reassuringly and gestured toward an empty chair. "Please, take a seat."

After careful consideration, Roxy pulled out a chair and sat across from him. Phillip and Hilda settled into their own chairs while Ghislaine stood in the corner of the room, her sharp gaze never leaving Roxy. A constant shiver ran down Roxy's spine from the sheer intensity of Ghislaine's stare.

Something about this meeting felt heavier than expected. She braced herself for what was to come.

Phillip exhaled, offering Roxy an apologetic smile. "I understand that our approach may have been sudden, and I must apologize for that. But please know that it was necessary."

Roxy shook her head. "That's not important right now. What I need to know is why I was summoned here."

Phillip nodded, folding his hands atop the table. "Tell me, have you heard of the masked man?"

Roxy's brow furrowed slightly. "Only just a while ago, on my way here. The carriage driver spoke of him."

Phillip exchanged glances with Hilda before continuing. "The masked man saved Hilda and me from captivity in the conflict zone of the Central Continent. He reunited us with Ghislaine and ensured our safe return to Fittoa."

Roxy listened carefully, intrigued yet still wary.

"In return," Phillip said, "he entrusted me with this." He gestured toward his butler. "Alphonse, bring the item."

Alphonse, a composed and well-groomed older man, nodded and disappeared into another room. As they waited, Phillip added, "It's a black box covered in inscriptions. The masked man claimed it contained information about my daughter's and Rudeus' whereabouts. He left me with strict instructions—to wait for a blue-haired demon girl with a pointy hat named Roxy Migurdia before opening it."

Roxy's heart skipped a beat. 'Rudeus…'

Alphonse returned, carefully placing a small, ominous black box on the table. Strange, glowing inscriptions ran along its surface, shifting subtly as Roxy's eyes traced them.

Phillip sighed. "We tried opening it ourselves, but not even Ghislaine's strength could break it."

Roxy's eyes widened slightly before she leaned in for a closer look. She immediately recognized the text covering the box.

"This is written in the Demon God tongue," she muttered.

Phillip nodded, unsurprised. "I thought as much. Unfortunately, neither I nor anyone here could read it. That's why we had to wait for you. What does it say?"

"It seems like an incantation. Let me try something."

Roxy held the box in her hand, reading the words written on it.

"O ancient seal of knowledge and fate, Reveal your truth, unlock the gate."

As the words in her native tongue left her lips, the box suddenly trembled before emitting a faint glow. Then, with a soft click, the lid flipped open on its own.

Inside, there were only two items—a letter and a ring.

Ghislaine, who had been silently watching from her corner, tensed at the sight of the ring. "That… That's the ring I gave Eris on her tenth birthday."

Hilda gasped, eyes widening before she abruptly snatched the letter from the box. She scanned it desperately, only to freeze in frustration.

"It's also written in the Demon God tongue…"

Phillip's expression darkened, and he scolded her sharply. "Hilda, that was incredibly rude."

Realizing her mistake, Hilda flushed before quickly returning the letter to Roxy. "Forgive me… Please, tell us what it says."

Roxy accepted the letter, her fingers trembling slightly as she unfolded it. She took a deep breath, steadying herself, before she began translating the words that might finally hold answers.

---

Dearest and most beloved Roxy Migurdia,

You don't know me, but I know you. You were Rudeus' master—the one who taught him magic and much more, for which I am ever so grateful for reasons I can't reveal in this letter but may do so in the future.

I also know that you left the Shirone Kingdom after witnessing the anomaly where Fittoa once stood. If you haven't already heard, I've taken steps to restore the region Rudeus once called home. But that's not why I'm writing to you.

I have already contacted Paul and am training him as we speak. Why? Because we need to rescue little Rudy from his trap. Believe me, even as you read this letter, he remains imprisoned. He needs someone—or rather, a group of people—who specialize in dealing with such places.

Incidentally, Eris Boreas Greyrat is currently under the protection and training of a new ally of mine. He's a veteran of the Laplace campaign 400 years ago and has even faced the Demon God himself once. When you meet him, you'll find him a valuable and strong companion. How strong? In ranking terms, he would be an Emperor-level warrior.

As for Sword King Ghislaine, whether she joins you will be up to her. However, it may be wiser for her to remain and protect the rightful feudal lord, Sauros Boreas Greyrat. There are those who would gladly see his head severed from his shoulders, and he will need her protection.

Now, onto your task.

Travel to Millishion, the capital of the Milis Kingdom on the Milis Continent, and meet up with Paul. He will accompany you, and once you arrive there, I will tell you where and how to rescue Rudeus.

PS: On your way, stop by Shirone Kingdom. Lilia and Aisha are being held there as prisoners. Pax is using them as bait to lure you in. Proceed with caution.

Until we meet face-to-face,

The masked man with the three colored feathers on his hat.

---

Roxy was speechless at what she had just read. Not only was it creepy that this supposed masked man knew too much, but she also felt utterly disgusted and disappointed that Pax was using Lilia and Aisha as bait.

Meanwhile, Phillip let out a slow breath, his fingers interlacing atop the table. "So, Paul is already moving… and this masked man has been planning everything from the shadows." His voice carried a mix of intrigue and concern.

Ghislaine's arms remained crossed, her sharp golden eyes locked onto the letter as if analyzing every word. "An Emperor-level warrior from the Laplace campaign… If that's true, then Eris is in good hands." She exhaled sharply through her nose. "But that's not enough. I should be the one ensuring her safety."

"Wait!" Hilda exclaimed, her fingers tightening around the fabric of her gown, her knuckles turning pale. She had been silent, listening, processing—but now, her emotions surged forward like a dam breaking.

"You're all too quick to trust this masked man," she said, her voice trembling, though whether from fear or frustration, even she wasn't sure. "He says Eris is safe, that she's being trained, but how can we take his word for it? We don't even know who he is."

She lifted her gaze, eyes filled with a mother's worry. "What if she isn't truly safe? What if this is all some elaborate deception, and we're just believing whatever story he feeds us because we're desperate for good news?"

Phillip's expression remained composed, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—hesitation, perhaps. "I understand, Hilda. Believe me, I do." He squeezed her hand gently. "But if this masked man wanted to harm Eris, why would he go through all this trouble? Why ensure our survival? Why leave us a message guiding us to our missing family?"

Hilda shook her head, her lips pressing into a thin line. "I don't know. And that's what terrifies me. I can't just sit here and trust the word of a stranger while our daughter is somewhere out there." She turned to Ghislaine, desperation slipping into her tone. "You say somehing, Ghislaine… do you believe she would be fine without you?"

Ghislaine was silent for a moment, her sharp golden eyes narrowing in contemplation. Then, she exhaled through her nose, arms crossing. "Eris is strong, but strength alone won't keep her safe forever. I trust that she's improving under this warrior's guidance, but… I'd rather see it for myself."

Phillip sighed, rubbing his temple. "Then go to her. If you believe she needs you, don't hesitate."

Hilda's shoulders sagged with relief, but the unease in her chest remained. Even if Ghislaine was going, even if they had led, she wouldn't be at peace until she saw her daughter with her own eyes.

Roxy, who had been quietly observing the conversation, finally spoke. "Then it's decided. Ghislaine and I will head to Millishion to meet up with Paul… after stopping in Shirone."

Phillip met her gaze and gave a single nod. "I'll have a route and supplies arranged for you. You can leave at dawn."

Roxy exhaled slowly as she exited the mayor's residence into the cool night air. The road ahead was uncertain, but there was no turning back. The search for Rudeus, Eris, and the others had begun earnestly.

If there was one thing that added to the list that bothered Roxy, then it was that she would see Ghislaine's exposed chest daily for a while, giving her constant reminders of how little feminine appeal the Migurd girl has.

***

Three months after Ghislaine Dedoldia and Roxy Migurdia left the Fittoa region, Phillip Boreas Greyrat was summoned to the capital, Ars.

There, he was confronted with the grim aftermath of a massacre—the noble houses lay in ruin, their halls drenched in blood. Among the dead was his own brother, James Boreas Greyrat.

In the weeks that followed, the kingdom's higher-ups launched an exhaustive investigation, subjecting Phillip to relentless interrogation over any ties to the masked man suspected to be responsible for the slaughter. Yet despite their efforts, no evidence surfaced. With no clear culprit and the noble ranks in disarray, the case was ultimately deemed unsolvable and formally closed.

Amid the chaos, Phillip was named head of the Boreas household, granting him and his wife custody of their two sons.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Darius Silva Ganius remains in hiding, while Philemon Notos Greyrat is still under heavy surveillance. Fearful of becoming the next victims, former allies have severed ties with them, unwilling to risk their own downfall.

Even the mercenaries and assassins who once served the Prime Minister have abandoned him. Those who once took his contracts now report that he no longer issues any work—his credibility, it seems, has crumbled beyond repair.

With power shifting unpredictably and the noble hierarchy in turmoil, Asura stands on the brink of an uncertain new era, leaving even the likes of the royal family at a loss.

///