Multiverse: Starting with Mushoku Tensei

Nightfall blanketed the village. In her room, Roxy quietly packed her belongings. Her petite frame moved with a certain delicacy as she folded her clothes and organized her magic robes. It was clear—her departure was imminent.

Roah watched her silently. He didn't want Roxy to leave, but there was no valid reason to ask her to stay. She had taught him all she could, and her journey awaited.

The moonlight poured through the window, casting a silvery glow on Roxy's azure hair that gently brushed against her waist.

Roxy was undeniably charming, and Roah liked her—a fact he couldn't deny.

She adjusted her magic robe and hat with practiced hands, her movements quiet yet purposeful.

The silence between them lingered, heavy with unspoken words, until Roah finally asked, "Do you really have to leave?"

Roxy's expression dimmed slightly. "There's no other way. I've already taught you everything I know."

Roah sighed. His youthful face bore an uncharacteristic solemnity. As he gazed at Roxy, now dressed in her simple white nightgown, he managed a faint smile.

Her figure was slender, delicate—not voluptuous, but uniquely graceful.

Outside the window, the full moon hung high, casting its glow over the land. Roah thought of how long it might be until they could meet again.

In times past, partings were always filled with melancholy. Roah wasn't immune to such feelings, especially in an era without modern conveniences like phones. The world was vast, and without constant contact, reunions felt like distant dreams.

Determined not to lose touch, Roah made up his mind.

The Magic Seed.

This creation of his not only enhanced one's magical power but also acted as a beacon, allowing the wielder and recipient to find each other within a certain range. With this, Roah could avoid the clichéd scenario of wandering nearby and missing Roxy entirely.

Taking a deep breath, Roah summoned his immense magical reserves. The elements of wind, fire, water, and earth began to converge, swirling around him like a storm.

Roxy, sensing the sudden disturbance in the air, widened her eyes in disbelief. "Roah, what are you doing?"

She could feel the overwhelming magic emanating from the boy—a force far exceeding her own.

Roah merely smiled.

Dark magic coalesced into tangible threads, wrapping around his right hand. The surrounding air grew heavy, laden with an ominous energy.

"This magic… it feels so sinister," Roxy murmured, furrowing her brows.

In truth, she wasn't wrong. The Magic Seed was a tool of control—its concept inspired by a novel Roah had read in his previous life. It provided the recipient with enhanced magical power by synchronizing their magic with the creator's. However, this synchronization came with a cost: the recipient's life would be entirely at the creator's mercy.

While the Magic Seed could be removed under specific conditions, the process was complicated and risky.

Noticing Roxy's unease, Roah decided to tease her. He twisted his lips into what he thought was a sinister smile, attempting to appear menacing.

Unfortunately, with his adorable, youthful face, the effect was entirely different. Instead of sinister, he looked like a mischievous child trying to scare someone.

Roxy felt her heart flutter, resisting the sudden urge to hug the boy.

Roah, misinterpreting her reaction as fear, felt a surge of pride. He thought, I should use this expression to intimidate people more often.

Roxy, meanwhile, was struggling to suppress her instincts. He's just a boy. He's just a boy, she repeated to herself.

Finally regaining her composure, Roxy took a deep breath and asked, "What exactly is that?"

Roah explained, "This is a Magic Seed. It will align your magical core with mine, granting you a significant boost in power. However, it comes with a catch—your life will be tied to me. If I wish, I can end your life in an instant."

Roxy fell silent, her thoughts racing. She recalled the boy's earlier attempt at a sinister smile and couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. So that's what he was trying to do?

Her gaze fell on Roah's golden eyes, which gleamed with excitement. His usual stoic demeanor had completely disappeared, replaced by a childlike eagerness.

He's enjoying this far too much, Roxy thought, shaking her head.

Despite Roah's efforts to appear threatening, his innocent appearance made it impossible for Roxy to take him seriously.

Stepping forward, she lightly flicked his forehead. "You little schemer. You've been planning this all along, haven't you?"

"Ow!" Roah rubbed his head, pouting as he stepped back.

Roxy's gaze shifted to the pulsating Magic Seed in Roah's hand. After a moment of thought, she asked, "Does this really enhance magical power?"

Roah nodded. "Of course."

"And it really binds my life to you?"

Roah nodded again. "That's no exaggeration…"

Before he could finish, Roxy raised a hand to stop him. Meeting his gaze, her blue eyes unwavering, she said, "I believe you. You're a kind child."

Her words caught Roah off guard. He opened his mouth, but no words came out.

Kind? He felt like she didn't understand the world's cruelty. If only she knew his real thoughts—like locking her in a basement, with just one oil lamp to light the room, and spending every day cuddling her…

Roah snapped out of his thoughts and cleared his throat.

"Fine," he said, holding out the Magic Seed. "But don't forget—you'll owe me one."

Roxy chuckled softly, her smile radiating warmth. "If that's the case, I'll be sure to repay your kindness someday."

Roah turned away, hiding the slight flush creeping up his cheeks. How can someone be this dangerous and this cute at the same time?

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T/N: something is wrong with this fanfic