Chapter 26: Stop Fighting Already!

Just as Rudeus and Allen locked eyes, the tension thick in the air, a sudden sob broke through.

A tiny hand reached out and firmly grabbed Allen's sword hilt. Sylphy, her face soaked in tears, stared up at him. She tried her best not to avert her eyes like she normally would and stammered, "A-A-Allen... we're f-friends... friends shouldn't fight... please... don't."

Allen's gaze drifted into a daze as Sylphy suddenly burst into louder sobs.

He clumsily sheathed his sword, completely flustered. Across both lifetimes, he'd only ever threatened children—he had no idea how to comfort one.

Meanwhile, Rudeus blinked back to reality and glanced at the panicked Allen, exasperated.

'Allen's still just a hot-headed boy himself, huh... Drawing a sword on a friend just to test who's stronger... Even if it was the back of the blade, he was being serious. So, was it all to show Sylphy how strong magic can be?'

'But seriously! Allen-sama is terrifying when he's serious! Kids really shouldn't carry real weapons!'

'...Anyway, I should deal with Sylphy first. The match can wait.'

Rudeus sighed, put on a grown-up's awkward expression, and walked over to Allen.

Without a word, he grabbed Allen's hand and gently pushed Sylphy into his arms, carefully wrapping Allen's arm around her back.

Allen watched, shell-shocked, as Rudeus completed the sequence. His pupils trembled. Mentally, he was fried.

Then, Rudeus leaned in and whispered, "Hurry and comfort her. You got this!"

He stepped back with his hands behind his back and plopped onto the grass, resting his chin in his palm like a father watching his kids play house.

Allen looked at the sobbing Sylphy in his arms, then at Rudeus giving him a goofy thumbs-up.

Twitch. Allen's eye practically spasmed.

This was unbearable.

"Don't cry. We were just sparring! Not a real fight."

Sylphy covered her face, peeking through her fingers at Allen's stiff expression, and softly replied with a hum.

'Wh-why did I cry? I don't want Allen to hate me. I'll never cry again!'

They'd only known each other for less than a day. Since their meeting occurred earlier than in the original story, and Sylphy was younger, she was still shy and cautious. Unlike the gentle white-haired mom-in-the-making she'd grow into, this Sylphy was still growing into that role.

'But he's not frowning at me... That's good.'

Allen sighed in relief as he noticed Sylphy calming down.

"Just stay here under the tree, okay? Rudeus and I will spar. You'll get to see how amazing magic really is."

Sylphy instinctively looked away and stared at her shoes. She barely nodded.

Allen then dragged the still-reluctant Rudeus down the hill, putting a few dozen meters between them and Sylphy.

"Alright, this distance should work."

Allen held up his gleaming blade to measure it. Rudeus shivered at the sight.

"Are we seriously doing this?"

Allen tapped his chin thoughtfully.

'In the original, Rudeus didn't really start increasing the power of his spells until two years after Roxy left. Right now, if I close the distance, I could probably lop his head off. But today's not about winning. I want Sylphy to witness the power of magic first. The duel can come later. I'll guide Rudeus into leveling up his magic instead, especially battlefield-style combo spells...'

"Let's keep it light today. You cast spells. I'll defend. Deal?"

Rudeus's eyes lit up.

"Sure!"

Then Allen added, "But two months from now, I'll challenge you seriously. So use that time to refine your magic. Got it?"

Rudeus's face stiffened.

"Can we not do the duel part...?"

Allen's face turned stern.

"No. Have you thought about your future?"

Rudeus blinked.

'Future? Probably marry some shy cute girl and live a quiet life... If I could see Roxy again, that'd be great. But who knows when—or if—that'll happen...'

"Before we parted, Roxy told me she was aiming to reach Suijin-class (Water God-tier) magic. What about you?"

Rudeus looked up, startled.

"Water God-tier..."

"Do you want to see Roxy again?"

Rudeus said nothing, but his gaze turned serious.

Allen smiled.

"Thought so."

He raised two fingers.

"She has a 200-year lifespan. She's just thirty now. In ten years, when you're a young adult—barely a quarter into your life—she'll still be in her prime. When you meet again, what do you want to be? Some married backwoods mage? A famous adventurer? A top student at the Magic University? Each path leads to a different future. Have you prepared for that?"

Rudeus didn't answer. He slowly raised his hand, placing the other on his elbow, and showed a calm, determined expression.

"I accept your challenge in two months. For now, let's show Sylphy what magic can do."

Allen smirked.

"Nice face."

He steadied his stance, one hand on his sword. His presence sharpened.

"Then let's begin. You attack. I'll defend."

Rudeus took a deep breath.

"Alright... Here I go."

'Magic—Water Cannon. Size: 10! Speed: 10! Allen-sama, you've made me mad. Take this attack filled with fury!'

As the thought completed, Rudeus's chantless magic activated instantly. Water gushed from the air, swirling like a vortex before him. In a blink, it condensed into a massive sphere.

Then—

The water surged into a pillar, blasting from his palm with explosive force! Rudeus's hair whipped back. He stumbled slightly.

'Oops! Too strong! Allen!!'

He quickly looked up—and froze.

That image would etch into his memory for years.

A one-meter-wide torrent roared forward like thunder, completely engulfing Allen from view. The sun seemed to freeze, casting a dazzling arc of light through the mist.

But just as panic crossed Rudeus's face—

The water split.

Like a balloon of air, it parted cleanly before Allen.

No splash, no resistance.

The column slammed down to Allen's sides, carving twin furrows into the earth.

The grass beneath Allen remained untouched, playfully brushing his calves. He hadn't moved an inch.

The water's residue glistened around him, catching the sunlight in a glowing halo.

Allen smiled.

"Not bad. Again."

Rudeus could only stare in awe.

In that moment, Allen's gentle smile reflected clearer than sunlight in the water's mist.

(End of Chapter)

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