—
"Once activated, the mission must be completed within a day… I'll wait for now."
The interface faded.
Allen quickly interrupted Rudeus, who was about to press the sacred relic too close to his nose.
"But from now on, when you go scouting terrain, I want to come with you."
Rudeus blinked and glanced sideways. "Sensei, are you interested in plants too?"
Allen pointed at his own face and said slowly, "I said I want to be your friend."
Seeing Rudeus' startled expression, Allen turned and exited the room. Rudeus stared at Allen's back.
Friend, huh...
This guy named Allen... he does seem more mature than kids our age. Maybe we'll have stuff to talk about. Probably one of those neglected kids—Paul sure looks eager for us to bond. And that face... it's pretty sharp and handsome. He'll be super popular with girls in the future. If I stick close to him, maybe I'll catch some of the leftovers...
Even if I'm not that good-looking, next to him, I might seem better than I am.
Yeah, insecure girls would probably see me as a target. I like that type... easier to train—I mean, nurture~
Just like pretty girls keep ugly friends around to look better, I'll reverse it.
—
Allen returned to his room and flopped onto his bed.
Today's events happened too suddenly, not part of the plan. Even with knowledge of the novel, things don't play out exactly the same. Just a single person's involvement causes everything to shift.
Still, the main direction is fine. Should I step in to save White Mama... Sylphy?
If I don't think about it, it's fine. But the moment I do... every day she's out there, covered in mud, cursed at, kicked... it makes my stomach twist.
Her childhood trauma made her the overly-forgiving girl in the future, one who lets Rudeus have a harem and even supports him emotionally through it all. All because Rudeus was the first light in her life.
Allen sighed.
He focused on his Dragon Holy Qi core. The new antidote magic slot had yet to be carved with a rune. He remembered Zenith knew Intermediate Detoxification Magic. Maybe he could acquire it from her.
As for Sylphy... just one night with Roxy caused a butterfly effect. Would meeting Sylphy early cause even more trouble?
Maybe it would just mean they meet half a year earlier—doesn't seem too serious.
"...Don't you play with the other village kids?"
Rudeus looked off to the side. "Can't really get along with them."
Allen peered down at him. "So... do you think we're friends?"
Rudeus twitched. 'This little punk acts all mature but turns out he's just a kid who likes to talk about friendship.'
He smiled sheepishly. "Of course! You got me an hour less of sword practice today!"
Then Allen poked his face.
"Don't fake it. I really want to be friends."
Rudeus froze.
Allen turned to leave. At the doorway, he glanced back.
"Tomorrow we'll build you a shrine. And don't worry—I won't tell anyone about the panties."
Rudeus lit up. "Deal!"
Smoke curled before Allen's eyes.
[Free Instant Quest—Gain Sylphy's Favorability: Ready to Issue.]
[Quest Reward: Barrier Magic Slot Unlocked.]
[You may select the time to trigger the quest before the original meeting point. You'll have one day to complete it. Would you like to activate now?]
—
Allen opened his eyes.
Rudeus was in his room, screaming.
Allen jolted upright. The river was gone. But a boy was there.
Rudeus had fallen back in fright. "Why the heck are you yelling!?" Allen snapped.
But Rudeus pointed to Allen's hand.
Allen looked down.
His fist was clenched tightly, filled with wooden splinters, and the corner of the bed was crushed from where he'd subconsciously released fighting spirit.
He fell silent.
"Can you heal the bed with magic?"
Rudeus blinked. "I don't... think so?"
Allen lowered his eyes.
[Free Instant Quest—Gain Sylphy's Favorability: Confirmed.]
[Reminder: You have only one day. Be sure to activate it when you see her—if not today, it might fail.]
Confirm.
[Quest Issued.]
[Time Remaining: 23:59:59. Reward: Barrier Magic Slot.]
Allen raised his head, holding out his bloodied, clenched fist to Rudeus.
"Hey... do you know healing magic?"
(End of Chapter)
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