Mushoku Tensei: I am the older brother of Rudeus Greyrat

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the bustling marketplace. Aedric and Tatsuya moved carefully through the crowd, their eyes scanning for an opportunity. The sweet aroma of ripe fruits and the chatter of merchants filled the air, masking the subtle rustling as Tatsuya's deft fingers swiped an apple from a vendor's stall.

"Here," Tatsuya whispered, tossing the apple to Aedric, who caught it effortlessly. "We're getting good at this."

Aedric smirked, biting into the apple. "Let's hope we don't have to make this a habit."

They ducked into an alley, their backs pressed against the cool stone wall as they split their modest loot. As they prepared to leave, a sudden commotion caught their attention. At the edge of the market, three figures darted through the crowd, their movements quick and precise. A boy with sandy hair clutched a tattered satchel, his face tense with focus. Behind him, a girl with fiery red hair and sharp green eyes guided a younger boy, her protective stance unmistakable.

"Thieves!" a merchant roared, pointing at the trio. "Stop them!"

Aedric and Tatsuya exchanged a glance. Without a word, they followed the three, curiosity piqued. The chase led them to an abandoned building on the outskirts of the town, its crumbling walls providing a perfect hideout.

Inside, the three strangers were catching their breath, their stolen books spread out before them. The red-haired girl noticed Aedric and Tatsuya first, her hand moving instinctively to a dagger at her side.

"Who are you?" she demanded, her voice firm but not unkind.

"Easy," Aedric said, raising his hands in a gesture of peace. "We're not here to cause trouble. We saw you back there and got curious."

The older boy, Hiroshi, stepped forward, his posture guarded. "Curious about what?"

"About what you're doing," Tatsuya interjected, nodding toward the books. "Those don't look like ordinary loot."

The younger boy, Jacken, looked between the strangers and his companions, his wide eyes filled with uncertainty. Akane sighed, relaxing her stance slightly. "We're learning magic," she admitted. "These books are all we have."

"Magic?" Aedric asked, his interest piqued. "You're teaching yourselves?"

"What choice do we have?" Hiroshi replied, his voice tinged with defiance. "We're orphans. No one's going to teach us, so we do what we can."

Aedric and Tatsuya exchanged a glance. There was something in the trio's determination that resonated with them. Aedric stepped closer, his tone softening. "We're not so different, you know. We're on our own too, trying to find our way."

Akane narrowed her eyes. "And what exactly are you looking for?"

"Change," Aedric said simply. "A better world."

Tatsuya grinned, leaning casually against the wall. "And maybe some allies who share that vision."

The trio exchanged wary glances. Finally, Akane spoke. "If you're serious about that, we might be interested. But you'll have to prove we can trust you."

Aedric nodded. "Fair enough."

They spent the evening sharing stories, their initial wariness giving way to a growing camaraderie. Akane's sharp wit, Hiroshi's quiet strength, and Jacken's eager curiosity added a new dynamic to the group. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the room, Aedric extended a hand to Akane.

"What do you say? Join us?"

Akane studied him for a moment before shaking his hand firmly. "We'll see where this goes."

Hiroshi and Jacken followed suit, their expressions a mix of hope and determination. The Revolutionary Army had gained three new members, and their journey was just beginning.