Mushoku Tensei: Reincarnated as a Beast Race

Fendrel had departed from the tribe the day before, his absence leaving a quiet void in the village. Many had gathered to bid him farewell, their voices filled with encouragement and bittersweet pride. Alongside him was Erina, her determination matching his as they set off together. Their departure was a reminder of the paths that lay beyond the safety of the Great Forest, paths that not all could walk but which some were destined to follow.

The clearing was bathed in the morning sunlight filtering through the treetops. The crackling sound of flames echoed as Rygar swung his sword, now imbued with fire. The heat around him was intense, yet he remained focused, controlling each flicker of the flame as if it were an extension of his own body.

Verdia stood a few steps away, watching him intently. "Your control keeps improving. With your ability to summon flames at will, few opponents will be able to stand against you now."

Rygar reduced the intensity of the fire, adjusting it until it became a thin, steady layer along the blade. "I can maintain it throughout a battle, but I still need to fine-tune the timing."

"Good. Your talent has always leaned more toward fire and earth magic. It's a shame I only know advanced-level fire spells," his master commented.

Rygar gave a faint smile, a challenging gleam in his eyes. "My control over fire has already surpassed wind. Earth is close behind, too." He raised his hand, and a translucent barrier formed beside him, solid and well-structured. "I can now cast at least one intermediate barrier spell without chanting."

Verdia nodded. "Though your aptitude for barriers lags slightly, that's only in comparison to your other spells. Your progress is still remarkable."

Before he could reply, the sound of footsteps echoed in the distance. Warriors began emerging from the forest, armed and prepared for combat.

Among them, Hontar stepped forward. He looked directly at Rygar, his expression serious. "Are you ready?" he asked firmly.

Rygar didn't hesitate. He sheathed his sword, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Always."

Hontar's lips curved into a faint, proud smile. He raised an arm, signaling the warriors around him. "Let's see what you're capable of."

Her master moved away so as not to be caught in the crossfire.

Rygar took the first step... and vanished. The ground beneath him cracked as a shockwave rippled through the clearing. He reappeared in the midst of the warriors like a bolt of lightning, moving too quickly for the naked eye to follow.

Within seconds, four warriors bore deep cuts across their bodies. The remaining fighters quickly adjusted, converging on him from multiple angles. Rygar's speed, amplified by Flash Step, allowed him to dodge their attacks and strike before they could react.

One warrior swung a massive axe at him, but Rygar effortlessly evaded, delivering a sidekick that sent the opponent flying. He leapt back, conjuring a platform of earth and walls around him to shield against stray arrows.

"Hold the formation!" a veteran shouted.

The warriors advanced in groups, attempting to use their numbers to their advantage. Rygar, however, didn't give them the chance to organize. He summoned earth pillars beneath their feet, throwing them off balance or forcing them to dodge, then followed up with a Flame Slice, sending a wave of fire that burned everything in its path.

Three warriors attacked simultaneously, but Rygar met them head-on. Wielding the Longsword of Light, he dispatched them effortlessly.

As Rygar pressed forward, one of his strikes cut too deeply into a warrior. Even amidst the heat of battle, Rygar didn't hesitate. Extending his hand, a soft glow radiated from his palm, healing the warrior's wound.

"Rest easy," Rygar said as the healing spell took effect.

The man's eyes widened in astonishment as relief washed over him. Rygar offered a small smile before vanishing once more into the fray.

He wasn't sure if it was because he had reached the Saint rank or because the challenge felt trivial, but his instincts had become a formidable weapon. If he relied solely on magic, he believed he could overwhelm the entire tribe alone, let alone a single division. This allowed him the luxury of holding back.

The last ten warriors closed in together, forming a circle around Rygar. For a brief moment, he stood still, closing his eyes. When they launched their attack, his eyes snapped open, and he vanished again, moving with surgical precision.

Combining swift strikes and calculated spells, Rygar systematically brought down each opponent. He ended the bout with a gust of wind that sent the final two crashing to the ground, concluding the sparring session.

As the last warrior fell, Rygar stood at the center of the clearing. He began healing the more seriously injured fighters using magic.

The warriors rose gradually, exchanging glances filled with admiration. Hontar was the first to approach him. "You've surpassed everyone here, Rygar. But don't let that make you complacent. There are plenty out there who can match your skill. Never overestimate yourself."

Before Rygar could respond, another voice chimed in. "Even if that's true, I doubt many could rival him..." It was Eleonora, the instructor of the Water God style.

"Eidar will accompany you on your journey and deliver another of my grandchildren to your uncles after you purchase him," Eleonora declared. "I hope you'll consider keeping him with you afterward. He's talented, nearly at the Saint rank, and only fifteen."

Eidar grumbled, "Whether I go with him or not, I can travel to the Asura Kingdom on my own!"

Rygar nodded. "I'm still at the intermediate level in the Water God style, so having someone to train with will be beneficial. If our paths align, we'll journey together."

Eidar seemed far less arrogant than when he had first arrived. Though not unpleasant company, Rygar wouldn't mind traveling with him.

Moments later, Taes appeared in the clearing, bringing news. "Rygar, the selected warriors are ready to depart. They're waiting for your confirmation."

Rygar glanced around at Hontar and Verdia. Each of them watched him with a mix of pride and expectation. Taking a deep breath, he felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. After all, he had chosen this path, and he would see it through to the end.

---

Rygar walked toward his home, the weight of the approaching farewell settling over him. The path was familiar, yet it felt as if he were treading it as a stranger. Warriors and villagers from the tribe greeted him as he passed, their gazes respectful and their nods solemn.

The sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and red. When he reached his home, the familiar warmth welcomed him, yet something felt different in the air. His mother stood at the door, her expression a mixture of seriousness and tenderness, as if she were preparing to say something important.

"Rygar," she called, her voice low and calm. "We need to talk."

He frowned, a sense of unease creeping into his chest. Something in her tone quickened his heartbeat.

"Of course, Mother. What's wrong?"

She stepped aside, gesturing for him to enter. He followed her, noticing the unusual silence inside the house. She led him to the center of the home, where they sat on a simple wooden bench. She sighed deeply, as though gathering the courage to speak.

"I've never told you this before," she began, staring at her hands. "Because I didn't want to burden you with the weight of the past. But now, it's time for you to understand."

Rygar studied her closely, worry etched across his face. She seemed more tense than he'd ever seen her, a rare sight that unnerved him.

"What happened, Mother?"

She hesitated for a moment, as if searching for the right words. "When I was a slave, I gave birth to a child. But shortly after he was born, he was taken from me. I only saw him once as an infant, and I never learned what became of him. The warriors of the tribe, including Hontar, killed those responsible when they rescued me, but... my son never returned."

Her words fell like a silent bomb in Rygar's heart. He sat motionless, processing what he'd just heard. The pain in her face wasn't just sadness but a mixture of regret and acceptance. She didn't seem to harbor overt resentment, but Rygar knew the story weighed heavily on her, unspoken and unresolved.

"I'm telling you this," she continued, her voice softer now, "not so you'll seek him out, but so you'll understand. Slaves are often treated as less than trash by their masters—that's the norm, especially among humans." She paused for a moment. "I've never shared this with anyone, not even your father. It was such a distant part of my life… I had already given up on everything before I was saved. This life we have now, this wonderful life—I never expected it. Having friends to talk to, a husband to rely on, and watching a son as extraordinary as you grow up... It's almost like divine intervention. I even started to believe in the Saint of Milis for a while," she chuckled faintly before turning serious again. "But despite all of that, I don't want you to hate humans indiscriminately. Fendrel is an example that not all humans are bad. Your judgment will be your greatest guide on this journey."

Rygar felt a surge of emotions—shock, sadness, and compassion. He had no idea his mother had endured such hardship. She always seemed so joyful, so strong. But now, for the first time, he could see the cracks in her armor, the fragility beneath her strength. He realized how deeply this pain had been buried within her, hidden from everyone.

"I… I didn't know, Mother," he said softly, struggling to process her story. "I can't even imagine how you must feel…"

She nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, but she didn't let them fall. "It's something I've never spoken about, Rygar. And I didn't want it to overshadow the life you've built here. You've always been so dedicated to the tribe, to the Legion, to our future. It's only because of the path you've chosen that I felt it was time to share this with you."

He sat in thoughtful silence, reflecting on her words. He thought of his lost brother, who might still be out there, a slave since birth, robbed of any chance to grow and live freely. A deep sense of loss consumed him, along with a rising anger.

"I don't care if it's the norm," Rygar said firmly. "Norms are made by people. And if they can create them, others can change them."

His mother looked at him, a mix of pride and sorrow in her gaze. "You're right, Rygar. I know that. And I know you'll make a difference. All I hope is that you remember—you can always count on your family. You will always have a home to return to."

He took a deep breath, determination radiating from him. "I'll remember that, Mother. Always. That's a promise."

They sat in silence for a while, each lost in their thoughts. Then, Rygar rose, his resolve clear in his expression.

"I'll go to the Sanctuary of the Sword, and the Iron Legion will leave its mark wherever I go."

His mother smiled, a bittersweet smile full of pride. "I know you're ready, my son. Go and fulfill your destiny. And know that, no matter what happens, you have my blessing."

---

The next day, she saw him leave to learn King and Saint level magic, her heart full of pride and hope. Rygar was prepared to face the future, not just as the leader of the Iron Legion but as someone determined to reshape the world's rules. The path ahead wouldn't be easy, but with every step, he felt closer to achieving the change he envisioned.

Outside, Verdia waited. "Shall we go, young Rygar?"

"Yes," he replied, more to himself than to his master. "I'm ready."

Verdia Solarion

Age: +500 years

Mana Reserves: King Level

Magical Skills:

Fire Magic: Advanced

Earth Magic: King

Water Magic: Saint

Wind Magic: King

Healing Magic: Advanced

Detoxification Magic: Advanced

Barrier Magic: Advanced

Combat Skills:

North God Style: Elementar

Bow and arrow: Advanced

Battle Strength: Saint-Level Warrior (Depending on the distance, it can kill a King)

Intellectual Skills:

Reading and writing in Beast God, Demon God, Fighter God and Human languages

Mathematics (Basic Arithmetic)

Practical Skills:

Excellent hunter, Excellent teacher, Excellent cook, Excellent seamstress, Excellent alchemist, Excellent enchantress, Excellent singer, Excellent dancer and many other skills