Re:Zero: No Job, No Magic, Just a Stupid Romance System

Rudy's expression grew even more miserable after hearing what Alan said.

A surge of jealousy surged inside him. Why does it feel like Lokishi—whom I only met once—has told this guy everything?

No… I can't let this go on. His mind whirled with anxiety. I have two months. Even if I can't beat Alan, I need to at least make it look like I can hold my own. That way, if Lokishi ever sees us fight, she won't just fall for him instead… Though, she doesn't even seem to care about romance...

Alan cut into his spiraling thoughts.

"How is it? You've got enough mana, right?"

Rudy pinched his nose in frustration. "Yeah, I've got enough. But… are you sure this'll really get her interested in magic?"

In response, Alan turned to look at Sylphy with a serious expression.

"I'm absolutely sure you're more talented at magic, which is why I went to such lengths to get you started. Maybe our little skirmish didn't impress you—but the next spell? It's powerful enough to change the weather itself. This is the highest-level spell Rudy can currently cast. Watch closely."

Sylphy blinked at him, caught off guard by his intensity.

"…Actually, if you really think I don't have talent in swordsmanship," she said softly, "then I don't mind learning magic instead… Because I know you're all thinking about what's best for me."

Before she could finish her sentence, Alan stood up, seemingly ignoring the latter half. He called out to Rudy, excitement lighting up his face.

"Come on, Rudy! Let's see the famous Water Saint-level spell!"

Rudy sighed. "Yeah, yeah, I get it… Clearly you're the one who wants to see it most."

Despite the grumbling, he couldn't deny the flicker of satisfaction that sparked inside him. Alan—who'd been feeling down just moments ago—was now beaming with anticipation.

To Rudy, the "Thunderstorm" spell meant far more than just magic.

It represented Roxy's impact on his childhood.

Behind this so-called 'divine' contribution...

Was the unraveling of his mental blocks.

His first real step into accepting the world around him.

It was courage. It was growth.

It was—

...well, also stolen underwear.

Ahem… Anyway, since Alan's been kind enough to keep that part a secret, I'll show him what I've got—just this once.

Rudy thought about the items enshrined in his "shrine" with mixed feelings. Then, he summoned an earthen fort to shield Alan and Sylphy, and sprinted down the hill.

"Chant it! Every word! Loud and clear!"

Alan poked his head out of the fort, waving a flag like a crazed fan at a concert.

Rudy pulled out a necklace—an amulet Roxy had gifted him. The metal pendant, shaped like three spears, gleamed under the sunlight.

Look, Alan—this is proof of everything precious Lokishi gave me!

He inhaled deeply, raised his hands to the sky, and began chanting—word by word, reverently and sincerely.

"O mighty spirit of water, son of the Thunder Emperor who ascended to the heavens…"

Above, the clouds began to swirl, gathering together and hiding the blazing sun, casting the hillside into shadow.

"Grant my plea! Bring your violent gift, and let us—tiny beings—witness your grand power!"

The wind picked up, whipping at Alan and Sylphy's hair. Alan watched in awe as even the grass bowed toward Rudy, like nature itself was showing reverence.

"Strike the anvil with the hammer of the gods, show your divine wrath, and let floods drown the earth!"

Thunderclouds blanketed the sky, growling with restrained lightning. Alan couldn't help but grab Sylphy's hand in excitement.

Sylphy, overwhelmed, stared at their interlocked hands—then quickly flushed red and turned away, her palms sweating.

As Rudy's chant reached its peak, the thunderclouds loomed like a second sky.

"Rain! Wash away everything! Thunderbolt Cumulonimbus!"

Silence. And then—downpour.

Rain fell like arrows from the heavens, battering the ground with deafening intensity. Lightning cracked through the sky, illuminating the world in stark white.

For an instant, Alan saw Rudy clearly—standing under the sky, arms stretched wide, a carefree grin blooming on his young face. It was a smile that outshone even the storm.

There was no sign of the timid boy anymore.

This was his domain.

This was his arrival in this world made manifest.

[You have facilitated Rudeus's "Shout."]

[Your Participation Score in the "Reincarnation: Jobless" event has increased.]

[Current Stage: Childhood — Cumulative Score: 60 Points]

[Congratulations. Your participation in the Childhood Arc has passed the threshold. Advanced Objectives have been unlocked. Maintain progress for bonus rewards.]

Alan didn't dwell on the system prompts. He simply looked at Rudy and smiled from the heart.

The rain was relentless.

By the time Rudy ran back up the hill, the earthen fort had completely collapsed into a soggy landslide. Mud splattered all over Alan and Sylphy.

Rudy had tried to hold the fort together midway—but the rain was too strong. Instead of shelter, it became a torrent of muck that drenched them from head to toe.

Alan eventually had to stop Rudy from dispelling the cumulonimbus spell, instead dragging them back to the Greyrat household.

Apparently, it would've taken Rudy far too long to dispel it properly—and Alan figured it'd be better to activate his Dragon Saint-level battle qi and get them out at the speed of light.

Naturally, when they got home, Paul scolded them immediately.

They looked like walking clay statues.

Lilia rushed to boil hot water and set up a wooden tub in Rudy's room. Then she stepped out, explaining that the main bathroom was occupied. This was normal; Rudy's family only had one bathroom, and when needed, the kids used the bedroom tub, leaving the bathroom to Paul and Zenith.

Apparently, for some reason, Zenith had decided to bathe in the middle of the day. So, as usual, the three kids resorted to makeshift baths.

Alan, now shirtless, noticed Lilia's hands trembling as she boiled water. Concerned she might be overworked, he told her to take a break and help Zenith in the kitchen instead.

As he stared at the bubbling pot, however, a strange feeling crept over him.

I feel like… I'm forgetting something important.

He scratched his head.

We fought… I saw the famous scene… Everyone's taking their bath… So what's missing?

His eyes widened.

"Crap—I almost forgot about this plot twist! No way, is this the butterfly effect again?! Rudy doesn't know Sylphy's a girl yet! He wouldn't actually try to pull down her pants, right?! That'd ruin everything!"

That would completely destroy their budding friendship! And they've only known each other for a single day! Come on, Rudy, you're not that dumb, right?

"AHHH!!!"

Right on cue, a sharp shriek echoed from upstairs.

Alan dropped the boiling pot without hesitation and dashed upstairs like a bolt of lightning.

He threw open the door to Rudy's room—only to be greeted by an immediate chill.

Then came Rudy's overly excited voice.

"Sylphy, look closely! This is how Allen does it! Uh… This!"

Alan froze in the doorway.

Sylphy, fully clothed and entirely unharmed, stared at him with wide eyes. Her pointed ears turned red as a blush overtook her face. She quickly spun toward the wall, pressing herself tightly against it and covering her ears.

Alan followed her gaze—then looked down.

Rudy, who had rushed to the door excitedly, looked up and met his eyes. A shadow fell over Rudy's face.

Allen's stomach dropped.

[…]

[Warning: Host is about to emotionally damage Rudeus. If this continues, Favorability may be reset to zero.]

[Advisory: Host, please… take care of yourself.]