Mushoku Tensei: Reborn Mayhem

***  By the way, I've made some edits to past chapters to make them sound better ***

I found solace in practicing earth magic, meticulously crafting small figurines in the quiet corners of the house. What began as simple shapes gradually became intricate creations: animals, mythical creatures, and even caricatures of the people around me. These tiny sculptures were more than just exercises in magical control—they were my creative outlet, a means to channel the vivid imagination I carried from my past life. Each figurine felt like a small triumph, a testament to my growing skill and a reminder of the world I now inhabited.

Life at home was generally peaceful, though it came with its quirks. My parents, Paul and Zenith, were loving and dedicated but far from conventional. Paul's exuberance and Zenith's gentle pragmatism created a lively household. However, their romantic activities was something I couldn't ignore. On more than one occasion, their passionate exchanges resonated through the walls, leaving me red-faced and scrambling for an escape.

One such evening, as I wandered through the dimly lit hallway to avoid the commotion, I noticed Roxy standing near my parents' bedroom door. Her posture was stiff, and her face alternated between curiosity and acute embarrassment. She seemed torn between listening and fleeing.

"Miss Roxy," I whispered as I approached her cautiously, "if you get caught eavesdropping, they might think badly of you and send you away. I don't want that to happen."

She jumped, startled, before turning to me with a sheepish expression. "Y-you're absolutely right, Rudeus. I was just… lost in thought."

Her face was tinged with pink as she quickly retreated with me down the hallway. We walked together in silence, both silently agreeing to forget the incident. Moments like this only strengthened the camaraderie between us, blending the lines of teacher and companion.

Over the following months, my lessons with Roxy became the highlight of my days. Under her patient guidance, I progressed from basic spells to intermediate magic, mastering techniques I'd only dreamed of in my past life. She didn't just teach me how to cast; she also illuminated the historical and theoretical intricacies of the craft, giving me a profound respect for its depth and complexity.

When I wasn't training with Roxy, I sparred with my father, Paul. His swordsmanship was leagues beyond my own, and while I often found myself flat on the ground, these sessions taught me resilience. Somewhere along the way, I realized I had started seeing Paul and Zenith as my true parents—not just the caretakers of this new life, but people I genuinely loved and respected. They deserved it, for their unconditional love and unwavering support.

That affection made the news from Paul's friend, Laws, even more troubling. Laws, a hunter with pointed ears betraying his half-elf heritage, had visited us one evening with grim news.

"Paul, something isn't right," Laws said, his voice heavy with concern. "Every day, more and more monsters are appearing in the area. It's like something is calling them. Worse, these aren't just regular beasts—they're stronger, more aggressive. We're losing hunters."

This was a deviation from the original story, and it unsettled me. My actions must have caused ripples, creating a butterfly effect that I couldn't predict. Was this my fault?

That conversation was a week ago. Now, I sat in my room, poring over a history lesson with Roxy.

"The human-demon war was a bloody conflict," Roxy explained, her voice steady yet somber. "The Demon God Laplace targeted all humans, and his armies wreaked havoc across the land. Among his ranks were the Superd, feared for their green hair and the red gem on their foreheads. During the war, they indiscriminately slaughtered allies and enemies alike, earning a reputation as monsters."

She hesitated before continuing. "Because of this, even now, the Migurdia tribe suffers from discrimination. Our blue hair, under certain light, can appear green. People fear us because they think we're connected to the Superd."

There was a sadness in her voice that struck me. I looked at her, sincerity in my tone. "I think your hair is beautiful, Miss Roxy."

Her eyes widened briefly, and a faint blush colored her cheeks. "Save such compliments for someone you truly like, Rudeus."

Without hesitation, I replied, "But I do like you."

For a moment, Roxy seemed at a loss for words. Then, a gentle smile spread across her face. "Thank you, Rudeus. I appreciate your kind words. If you still feel that way in eight years, tell me again then."

Her response was teasing yet kind, and it made my heart ache with a mix of emotions I wasn't ready to untangle.

Our bond deepened with each passing day, evolving into a relationship built on mutual respect and understanding. Roxy wasn't just my teacher; she was my confidante, someone who saw me as both a student and a person.

Damn, I think I'm in love.