Mushoku Tensei: The Sword, the Magic Hat, and the Love System

Paul stared at Allen for a long moment, finally understanding what he was trying to comprehend.

"Your self-created Ougi (secret technique) relies entirely on continuously using Ryuu no Kougi (Flowing Secret Arts) to deflect my attacks. But because Ryuu no Kougi is inherently just a technique to redirect force like water, it means you can't counterattack while using it, right?"

"And if you wanted to launch a counterattack midway using another sword style, you would have to stop using Ryuu no Kougi, which would leave you open to follow-up attacks. Even if you did counterattack, there's a high chance both sides would be injured, correct?"

Allen rubbed his temples wearily.

"Exactly... that's why I never used this Ougi when we sparred. Just getting beaten up with no way to fight back doesn't help much."

Paul stared blankly for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter.

"You're a born bodyguard, huh? The nobles of the Asura Kingdom sure let a real talent slip away!"

Allen sighed and rubbed his face.

"That's why I wanted some inspiration from you, uncle. I want to improve this Ougi so I can maintain Ryuu no Kougi while still landing an effective counterattack."

Paul scratched his chin, walking over to retrieve his sword from the tree.

"If you keep using Ryuu no Kougi, you can't counter. But if you counter using another sword technique, you lose the flow. Hm... what a headache."

After a moment of thought, Paul furrowed his brows.

"What if you could reflect the opponent's attack right back at them using Ryuu no Kougi? ...No, that won't work. It's a deflection, not a reflection. What if you kept using Ryuu no Kougi, but only countered with your body, not any sword techniques? Would that work?"

Allen shook his head.

"I thought of that too. But attacking without using sword techniques is too slow. Against someone strong, they could easily dodge it. And if the enemy's weak, there's no need for this technique anyway—you could just slash them normally. Why bother defending?"

Paul scratched his head, looking completely stumped.

"No wonder you looked so thoughtful while practicing Kenshinryuu (Sword God Style)... Water God Style sounds like a brain-buster. My head hurts just thinking about it."

Allen gave a helpless smile.

At that moment, he felt an itch on his cheek. Turning his head, he saw Roxy right beside him—her signature ahoge (hair antenna) poking his face.

Allen blinked at her and was just about to speak when Roxy beat him to it.

"That move you used the first time we met—could you use that? I remember you said it was a big strain on your body, so does that mean it's more about raw physical power than sword technique?"

Allen chuckled and instinctively replied:

"Nijuu Zan (Twenty Slashes)? Yeah, I've thought about that too. It's a quick-draw technique developed over years of training fixed slash trajectories, relying more on muscle memory than swordsmanship... but my body can only handle a few slashes at a time. If it turns into a prolonged battle, I'd collapse first. So in that case, it'd be better not to—"

Allen's voice trailed off. He stared wide-eyed at Roxy, frozen in thought, before a sudden flash of realization lit up his face.

With a gleeful shout, he grabbed Roxy by the waist and spun her around like a child.

"I got it! Thank you! Kami-sama! You just saved me in every possible way!!"

Amid the stunned stares of everyone nearby, this scoundrel Allen unceremoniously dropped the flailing, wide-eyed Roxy on the ground and ran off, grabbing his sword and practicing Nijuu Zan from various starting positions.

Truly dedicated.

Roxy sat on the ground, blushing and bewildered, watching the shameless man slash away. She didn't even know what to say.

She was not okay.

On the hill, beneath the big tree.

"So Sylphy's overall magic is just at the intermediate level?"

"Yes, to be precise, she's somewhere between beginner and intermediate."

Roxy wiped away nonexistent sweat and sighed in relief.

"Her control, mana reserves, and proficiency with chantless casting all need work."

If another genius shows up in this village, I might really have to move out...

Rudeus rested his chin on his hand, amused by Roxy's flustered expression as she scratched her face.

Roxy's still the same... clumsy, unsure, but somehow always endearing. Truly...

She is divine!

Out loud, he said:

"Well, Sylphy's only been learning magic for two months. She still has a long way to go before catching up to you, sensei. That's also why Allen wants her to learn from you."

Speak of the devil.

Allen dashed over in a blur, nose bleeding, pale and panting, looking utterly miserable.

"Sorry to interrupt—healing spell, please!"

Rudeus gave him an annoyed glare.

"Seriously, Allen? You invite the guest, then you ditch her, and now you show up like this? What are you even thinking—"

Before he could finish ranting, the neglected guest stepped in.

"Oh merciful goddess of healing, please mend his wounds and restore his strength—Chiyuujutsu! (Healing Magic!)"

Allen instantly relaxed, jolting upright and giving Roxy a thumbs-up before going back to swinging his sword.

Sylphy ran after him, flustered, and timidly spoke up.

"A-Allen, I can use healing magic too..."

"Your mana's still limited, and you've mostly been learning offensive spells. Your chanting's still not smooth. Eh—not saying you're bad or anything, but this is just more efficient. Once you master chantless healing, I'll definitely come to you, alright?"

"O-okay..."

Sylphy pouted and glanced at Roxy, counting softly as Allen executed slashes from every angle. His movements were slow, but they generated gusts that lifted Sylphy's hair with each swing.

"121...122...123..."

Rudeus sighed, then looked over at Roxy. She was curiously watching Allen's shadow swings. Naturally, she wasn't mad anymore. With how immersed Allen was in sword practice, it felt like he ignored everyone equally.

Rudeus's gaze shifted between Roxy and Allen, then back again.

Allen really has no manners... not even a thank you. And wait, I can't even use chantless healing—how could Sylphy do it already?

...Unless this is actually a good thing?! If Roxy's only staying for a few days, and Allen is busy with sword training the whole time, doesn't that mean I get Roxy all to myself?! Hah! Allen, Allen... Roxy is mine. I won't give you any chances this time—

Rudeus grinned, revealing his signature sleazy smile.

Then came Roxy's hesitant voice.

"Rudeus, Sylphy... Allen's territory. The entry requirement says we need to bow three times to Sylphy? So... should I bow to her now...?"

Rudeus froze. He turned and saw Roxy staring at a carving on the nearby tree, her expression twitching.

"Allen carved that! Ask him! It's got nothing to do with me!!"

(End of Chapter)

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