Reborn in Mushoku Tensei

It's been two days since I started this project, and it's far harder than I anticipated. Every time I try to use purple flames on the sword, it almost causes a massive explosion. If I hadn't bought that barrier magic book and figured out how to cast protective spells, half the castle maybe more would have been obliterated.

The project is draining my mana at an alarming rate, and no matter how much I tweak the design, I can't get it right. I need Sylphie's help.

After wandering around the estate, I spot her outside, swinging a sword. There's no one around, but she's going at it hard, her expression serious as sweat drips down her face.

Is she doing this because of what happened two days ago? Almost dying must've shaken her. Still, it's good that she wants to grow stronger. The truth is, I lied to Sauros. If we ran into someone at Emperor level, we'd have no chance. Ghislaine would probably have to sacrifice herself to get us out alive.

Watching Sylphie, I can't help but feel a pang of guilt. I jump down from the balcony, using gravity magic to cushion my fall.

Sylphie notices me as I land, lowering her sword. "Rudy? What are you doing out here?"

"I could ask you the same thing," I say, nodding at her sword. "Why are you pushing yourself so hard?"

She huffs, resting the blade on her shoulder. "I need to get stronger. If I can't protect myself, I'll just keep dragging you down."

"You didn't drag me down," I say firmly. "If anything, it's my fault you got hurt in the first place."

She frowns but doesn't argue. After a moment, she adds, "So, why are you here?"

"I need your help with my project. I'm working on a sword that can channel mana into fire—high heat, enough to cut through anything. Or release a fiery energy slash."

Sylphie's eyes widen with excitement, and she drops her sword. "That sounds amazing! Could it work with ice, too? Like, send out ice slashes?"

I blink, caught off guard by the idea. "I hadn't thought about that… but yeah, it should be possible. Ice slashes could slow your enemy's movements or even freeze them outright. And if you pumped enough mana into it, you might be able to hit absolute zero."

"That sounds so cool!" she exclaims, grabbing my arms and shaking me. Her excitement is contagious, and I laugh.

"You're a genius, Sylphie. This is why you're my assistant." I pat her head, and she leans into it, a small smile spreading across her face.

For a moment, we sit there like that, her head resting under my hand. It's quiet, peaceful.

"Okay, come on," I say eventually. "Let's go to my lab. Also, I'll need to teach you some barrier magic."

"Barrier magic?" She tilts her head, confused.

"You'll see," I say with a smirk.

A Few Hours Later

Sylphie sits cross-legged on the floor, sweat dripping down her forehead as she holds up a shimmering mana barrier. Her breathing is uneven, but she doesn't complain.

"Keep it steady," I say, adjusting the flame on the prototype sword.

This is the sixty-seventh attempt. Every time I try to channel more mana to increase the heat, the sword destabilizes and explodes. Even white flames are a struggle the blade melts after a few minutes. At this rate, I'll have to ask Nanahoshi when she gets here or Perugius for help.

Sylphie lets out a yawn, her barrier flickering. "Rudy… can we stop? I'm tired, and it's really late."

I glance at her and realize just how drained she looks. The bags under her eyes tell me everything. I'd lost track of time, completely forgetting that we're supposed to leave tomorrow.

"Yeah, you're right. Let's call it a night," I say, extinguishing the flame and storing the prototype.

She stumbles to her feet, stretching with a groan. "You know, you could've told me we'd be up all night. I would've brought snacks."

I chuckle. "Next time, I'll prepare a feast. Radish-covered Sylphie's favorite?"

She makes a face. "You know I hate radishes!"

"Exactly," I say with a grin, earning a playful shove from her.

As we walk back to the main hall, we fall into easy conversation about nothing in particular.

"Rudy, do you think Eris would want to try your sword? Or is she more of a… 'swing wildly and hope for the best' kind of person?"

"She's more of a swing-wildly type," I admit, "but I think she could handle it if I made a fireproof version."

"Maybe you should make her a sword that shocks people," Sylphie says. "You know, to match her personality."

I laugh. "You mean a sword that screams back when she yells at it?"

Sylphie giggles, her laughter light and infectious. "Exactly! The perfect weapon for Eris."

By the time we reach her room, she's practically sleepwalking.

"Goodnight, Rudy," she says, leaning against the doorframe.

"Goodnight, Sylphie. Thanks for helping me."

She smiles softly. "Anytime. That's what friends are for, right?"

As I walk back to my own room, I can't help but smile. And after this journey… I'll make Hitogami regret ever crossing my path.