Peak Between Two: Mushoku Tensei

-Luciel Greyrat (Kazuya Hiroaki)-

I can't exactly say that my life in this world is normal.

But compared to the absurd events I experienced in my previous life, I'd say this is better than expected.

I was born as Luciel Greyrat, the second son of Paul Greyrat and Zenith Greyrat.

My father? A strong swordsman… but also an idiot. My mother? A kind-hearted healing mage. My older brother? A talented magic user… but a pervert.

What a unique family.

But I have to admit… I don't hate this life.

As someone who once lived under the pressure of work, surrounded by conspiracies and intrigues, being in a peaceful village like Buena Village is refreshing.

No corrupt corporations. No dirty politics. No looming threat of world war.

Just a warm little home, the sound of birds in the morning, and vast green fields stretching beyond the horizon.

However, that doesn't mean I can afford to relax.

Since the moment I could comprehend conversations around me, I began observing and studying this world more seriously.

I listened to how the villagers spoke about monsters, adventurer guilds, and kingdoms far beyond.

I realized that this world was completely different from Earth.

Technology? Nonexistent. Laws of physics? Easily broken with magic. Language? I had to start from scratch.

But there was one thing that truly fascinated me:

Magic.

I often saw my mother using healing magic to treat my father's injuries or the wounds of villagers.

I saw my brother, Rudeus, practicing magic before he could even walk properly.

And I knew… I could do it too.

As a former scientist, I couldn't just accept the existence of magic without understanding it.

A Scientist's Approach to Magic

I began experimenting in secret.

At night, when everyone was asleep, I would sit on my bed, close my eyes, and try to feel the mana inside me.

I noticed how my body felt warmer whenever I concentrated.

I tried to shape an image of energy in my mind—and in an instant, a drop of water appeared on my fingertip.

I nearly cheered out loud.

Not just because I could use magic, but because I could do it without an incantation.

I tried again. This time, I imagined a small flame.

And… a tiny flicker of fire appeared in my palm.

It only lasted for a few seconds before vanishing, but that was enough to prove my theory.

Magic isn't just about spells or techniques—it's about understanding and visualization.

From that moment on, I started delving deeper into magic:

✔ I experimented with different elements: water, fire, wind, earth.

✔ I measured how quickly my mana was depleted.

✔ I searched for ways to optimize mana usage for efficiency.

The Results?

By the time I turned three years old, I could already use Intermediate-Level Magic without incantations.

I don't know if this is considered normal in this world.

But one thing I do know… I don't want to attract attention too soon.

So I kept my abilities to myself.

My days passed as usual in this small village.

In the mornings, I would wake up and have breakfast with my family.

Paul, my father, would boast about his greatness as a swordsman. Zenith would just smile while reminding him not to teach us anything weird.

And Rudeus?

Well… my brother is a bit strange.

I often catch him staring at Lilia, our maid, with a suspicious expression. I once saw him touching my mother's clothes with an unsettling amount of enthusiasm. And one day… I caught him peeking at the underwear drying in the yard.

…Dear God.

-Luciel Greyrat (Kazuya Hiroaki)-

I still can't believe I have to grow up with a brother like this.

But as much of a pervert as he is, I can't deny his talent.

I've been secretly observing how he trains his magic, and I have to admit… my brother is a genius.

But unlike him, I don't just want to master magic.

I want to understand this world completely.

I want to uncover how it truly works, how the laws of magic maintain balance, and more importantly… how to survive here.

Because ever since I was reborn, one thought has haunted me—

I have no idea what the future holds.

And I can't ignore the possibility that this world may be far more dangerous than I can imagine.

I need to be prepared.

I need to become stronger.

But even as I try to adapt to this world… I can't forget one thing.

Ryusei.

My best friend.

The person who was always by my side, always fighting alongside me, always supporting me.

Is he here too?

If so… where is he now?

I want to find him.

But for now, I must grow stronger first.

Because when Ryusei and I finally reunite…

I want to make sure I'm still ahead of him!

-Ryu Dedoldia (Ryusei Takeda)-

In the three years I've been in this world, I've realized one undeniable truth—

This world has no concept of modern warfare.

Sure, the people in this village know how to fight. They hunt, battle monsters, and defend the village from external threats. But when it comes to tactics, strategy, and combat efficiency… they are primitive.

They rely solely on physical strength and natural instincts.

Me? I'm different.

I was an elite soldier, a special forces operative who fought in battlefields across the world.

I mastered nearly every form of modern martial arts—Krav Maga, Judo, Muay Thai, CQC (Close Quarters Combat)—you name it.

I specialized in military tactics, guerrilla warfare, and hand-to-hand combat.

Because of my skills, I had a reputation back on Earth.

D.O.B – The Devil of Battlefield.

Now, I may be in the body of a child, but my soul remains the same.

I am not someone who will just accept my circumstances and resign myself to fate.

I know that this world is full of danger.

So for the past three years, I haven't wasted a single day.

I've trained my body relentlessly.

From the outside, people probably think I'm just some weird kid who likes playing alone.

Even my cousins mock me for my strange training methods.

"Ryu is so weird! Why are you rolling in the mud like a pig?"

"What are you doing standing on one leg on that log for hours? Are you stupid?!"

"I swear he's cursed! Look at how he runs! Hahaha!"

I wanted to beat them all up, but I had more important priorities.

I needed to become stronger.

So I ignored their insults and continued my training, developing my own unique regimen.

✔ Endurance Training: Running nonstop through the forest to increase stamina and speed.

✔ Strength Training: Push-ups and sit-ups until my muscles burned.

✔ Agility Training: Climbing trees and leaping between branches to improve balance and flexibility.

✔ Breath Control Training: Regulating my heartbeat and managing my energy output.

✔ Shadow Fighting: Practicing combat techniques and reflex training every single day.

I repeated these drills daily without fail.

The Results?

After three years, my small body had already surpassed normal children in development.

I could run faster, jump higher, and react quicker than anyone in the village.

Even though my body was still young, I could already defeat other children in physical combat.

Even some adults had started to take notice of me.

But there was still one major flaw in my growth…

I Can't Use Magic

As a beastman, mana is not my strength.

I've tried countless times to tap into spirit energy or use magic like the village elders… but I never succeeded.

I can't sense mana within me.

I can't activate magic through chants or techniques.

I trained tirelessly… but the results remained the same.

At first, I was frustrated.

But then I realized something.

I don't need magic.

If this world is full of people who rely on spells and mana to fight, then all I have to do is become something more than that.

I don't need magic if I can cut down a mage before they can finish their incantation.

I don't need magic if I can move faster than any opponent can react.

I don't need magic if I can outthink and outmaneuver my enemies before they can even act.

As long as I have intelligence, instincts, and a well-trained body, I will survive in this world.

However, there is still one thing that bothers me.

Where is Kazuya?

I refuse to believe I'm the only one who reincarnated.

Kazuya—my best friend, a brilliant scientist who always analyzed things from a logical and analytical perspective…

If he was also reborn… where is he now?

Is he still alive?

Is he also trying to find a way to survive in this world?

I don't know.

But I know he's out there somewhere.

I won't stop searching.

Until that day comes, I will keep training and growing stronger.

Because when we finally meet again…

I want to make sure that I'm better than him!