Mushoku Tensei: the Apostle of God

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Roxy wore a thoughtful expression as she recalled the events.

"I asked around, and it seems there were a few groups of bandits heading north. The ones near the Red Dragon Mountains were just this one group. They happened to have a base in the forest for human trafficking, so they gathered some people and kept an eye out for any news about you. That's as far as the information goes..."

Allen narrowed his eyes.

"So you were worried that the bandits might have already reached Buena Village, and you were afraid something might happen to the Greyrat family. That's why you rushed back... just in case something went wrong, you could lend a hand. Is that it?"

Roxy glanced at Allen, then shifted her gaze and nodded.

"Yes... I was also worried about Rudeus. After all, he's my first student. So, how have things been lately? Has the village been attacked by outsiders?"

"No, not at all~"

"I see."

Allen looked at Roxy, his expression troubled.

'Another butterfly effect caused by my actions... but this one's a bit tricky... If I don't handle this properly, it could even affect the future storyline. What if Roxy stays here for another year or two because she's worried about the Greyrat family? How would things play out then?'

'Would Rudeus and I become adventurers with Roxy to earn money? Then save up for tuition to the magic university?... That would completely change the plot... How would the childhood and adolescent arcs be defined? And would Eris even meet Rudeus?'

'No! I need to steer the story back on track... I'll use words to guide Roxy into leaving as soon as possible. That way, I can minimize the impact of this butterfly effect.'

"I see... So you were relieved when you saw I was safe, because the bandits you were worried about never showed up?"

Roxy nodded. Seeing Allen's serious expression, she thought he was still worried about the bandits. She carefully chose her words to reassure him.

"It seems that after we parted ways that day, you must have taken the main road. That way, you didn't leave any traces in the forest, so the bandits lost track of you. Naturally, they couldn't find Buena Village. You don't need to worry too much..."

"Right, it was just a false alarm. So... will you continue with your original plan to travel?"

"Yes, of course. Now that I know you're all safe, I can continue my journey as planned."

"...I see."

After this exchange, the two fell into silence. Roxy awkwardly tapped her foot on the ground. She had rushed back in a moment of panic, but now that she confirmed the Greyrat family was safe, she didn't know what else to say.

"Well..."

"By the way, what did you do with the bandits who blocked your way?"

Roxy was taken aback by the question. She frowned and looked directly at Allen, her expression tinged with anger.

"I killed them. I also disposed of their bodies. They deserved it."

Under Roxy's gaze, Allen realized his question had come off as distrustful. It was just that, subconsciously, he thought of Roxy as kind-hearted and worried she might have let the bandits go out of mercy. If Roxy had asked too many questions about Allen, the bandits might have caught wind of it and tracked her to Buena Village, or even sent people to follow her.

Thinking this, Allen lowered his head and apologized.

"I didn't mean it like that, but... thank you."

Roxy looked at him and smiled, gently tapping his head with her staff.

"I was an adventurer, after all. I wouldn't make such a mistake."

"Sorry."

The two fell into silence again. After a while, Roxy lightly patted her cheeks.

"Alright, now that I've confirmed you're all safe, I should continue with my journey as planned. Goodbye, Allen."

Allen was momentarily stunned. Although he had deliberately steered the conversation in this direction, he blinked and then nodded.

"Then... shouldn't you tell Pa... I mean, the master and the others?"

"Ah... no, it's too late. I'll leave now. You don't need to tell them I came back. It's better this way."

With that, Roxy looked up at Allen. The moonlight reflected in her eyes, and her usually cool lips curved into a faint smile.

"But it seems like you've been doing well at the Greyrat household since we parted ways. You don't have the same anxious look you had two months ago. You seem much calmer now... less aggressive."

Allen looked up in surprise, meeting Roxy's gaze.

"Really?"

Roxy studied Allen's face under the moonlight, noting his neatly combed bangs and the straight lines of his eyebrows. She nodded.

"Yes, your eyebrows have changed, your hair has grown, and your eyes aren't as sharp as they were two months ago. If someone were to look for you based on the descriptions in the wanted posters, they'd have a hard time recognizing you now. So you don't need to worry too much."

After saying this, Roxy blinked. Seeing that Allen didn't respond, she felt as though he didn't want to continue the conversation.

She quietly watched him for a few moments, then let her smile fade. She turned around and gave Allen a small wave, just as he had done to her two months ago.

"As you said, life is full of unexpected reunions. Who would have thought we'd meet again so soon?"

"Well then... goodbye..."

Allen was momentarily stunned. Watching the hem of Roxy's robe flutter in the wind, he instinctively replied.

"Ah... okay... goodbye."

Roxy turned and walked toward the gate. Allen instinctively watched her retreating figure.

Under the moonlight, her robe was visibly stained, and some parts were wrinkled from sitting. Her boots, which had been relatively clean during their first meeting, were now caked with mud. As she walked, a leaf stuck to the sole of her boot fell to the ground.

The heels of her boots showed clear signs of wear.

Allen stared at Roxy's boots, lost in thought.

"Um..."

Roxy paused and slightly turned her head to look at Allen. Under the moonlight, her smooth blue bangs clung to her slightly sweaty forehead.

Allen looked at her, hesitating for a moment. Then, as if he had suddenly given up or relaxed, he let his tense shoulders drop and spoke.

His tone finally returned to its usual lazy, carefree state.

"...Uh... I think you should come inside and stay for a few days. Rudeus keeps saying how much he misses you... and..."

"...And?"

"...Even though life is full of unexpected reunions, meeting so hastily like this kind of ruins the meaning of a reunion, doesn't it? What's the difference between us and strangers passing by?... Uh... no! I mean... Rudeus and the others have spent so much time with you... uh... how should I put it..."

Roxy blinked as she watched Allen fumble for words. She turned around and interrupted him.

She responded with just one word.

"Okay."

Allen stared blankly at Roxy's reemerging smile.

For a moment, he felt that the moonlight tonight was a bit too bright.

Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 70 on my patreon, go take a look.