Reborn in Mushoku Tensei

A/N: I just bought a Roxy figure I'm so happy I want to get an eris and sylphie one as well. Sorry I just didn't have anyone else to tell so i decided to tell the people reading this.

POV: ???

The void stretched infinitely, white and barren, a place with no boundaries, no walls, no end. Yet, within its expanse stood a single entity: a man composed entirely of white, shimmering as if he were sculpted from light itself. His presence was overwhelming, his eyes sharp with malice.

"You're here," the white man said, his voice cold and commanding. "I have a mission for you."

The figure before him knelt, their voice dripping with reverence. "Yes, Man-God. I'll do anything you ask."

The Man-God's grin widened, his expression darkening. He began to laugh, the sound echoing like thunder in the void.

"There is a boy. His name is Rudeus Greyrat. Dirty blonde hair, a mole under his right eye. He'll arrive in Ars in six days. When you see him, you have two choices: recruit him or kill him. The boy has immense potential, and I cannot afford to let him roam unchecked. The decision is yours."

The kneeling figure nodded, their voice growing distant and distorted, as if dissolving into the void itself. "Yes, Man-God. I will fulfill your request."

The Man-God's laughter continued, reverberating through the emptiness.

POV: Rudeus

"Ugh… what the…?" I groaned as I sat up, blinking against the sunlight filtering through the trees. "Did I fall asleep while training again? Why didn't anyone come get me?"

Brushing dirt and leaves off my clothes, I noticed a couple of bugs scurrying away. I grimaced, shaking off the gross feeling. "Great. Now I'm a bug motel."

I stood and looked around, but the forest all looked the same. The carriage was nowhere in sight.

"Yeah, this isn't working," I muttered after aimlessly wandering for a few minutes. "I really shouldn't have been practicing my sword strikes for that long."

Resigning to a better method, I activated my demon eye, channeling mana into it until the world became vibrant with threads of energy. I scanned the surroundings, extending my range, until I caught sight of a mana signature.

Stationary.

"Probably asleep," I thought, deactivating the eye. I headed toward the source, hoping it was Ghislaine.

As I got closer, I stopped.

"Eris?"

She was lying against a tree, her sword still clutched in her hand, dirt smudging her face and clothes. Her fiery red hair was tangled, and her breathing was steady but shallow.

She looked like she'd been through hell. Her knuckles were bleeding, her legs were bruised, and exhaustion was etched into every line of her face.

I rushed to her side, kneeling down. "What were you doing…?" I murmured, concern twisting in my chest.

Holding my hands over her, I cast healing magic, focusing on her wounds. The cuts and bruises began to fade, but she didn't stir.

"She must be completely drained…" I sighed, sitting back on my heels. Carrying her back was out of the question. I could already picture the punches if she woke up mid-trip.

After a moment's hesitation, I sat down beside her, stretching out my legs. Gently, I lifted her head and placed it on my lap.

"Sorry, Eris, but I can't leave you here alone."

Her fiery hair spilled over my knees, and I brushed a stray strand from her face. Despite the dirt and bruises, her features were striking. I found myself tracing the curve of her cheek with my eyes.

"You really are beautiful…" The words slipped out in a whisper. "It's just a shame you hate me."

I continued stroking her hair, my thoughts swirling. Eventually, sleep claimed me.

I woke to a sharp, stinging pain in my face.

"Let me go!"

I blinked, disoriented, and saw her. Eris, glaring at me with those fiery red eyes, was still on my lap. My arms were loosely wrapped around her head, and I quickly let go.

Before I could say anything, she tackled me to the ground.

"WHO GAVE YOU PERMISSION TO TOUCH ME?!" she shouted, her fists pounding into my chest.

"I—calm down! I only healed you and stayed to protect you!" I tried to explain, raising my hands in surrender.

"PROTECT ME?!" Her voice cracked with rage, her hands gripping the collar of my shirt. "Rudeus, fight me!"

"What?" I stared at her, dumbfounded.

"Fight me!" She snatched up her sword and pointed it at me, her stance rigid, her expression fierce.

I hesitated, gripping my own sword. "Why, Eris?"

She didn't answer. Instead, she charged at me.

Her strikes were fast and relentless, far more precise than the last time we sparred. I blocked the first slash, but her follow-up nearly grazed my arm. She wasn't holding back.

"Eris, what's gotten into you?" I shouted, dodging another blow.

She didn't respond, her focus entirely on attacking. Her swings were full of anger, every strike faster and harder than the last. I deflected blow after blow, retreating as I tried to figure out what had set her off.

Finally, I saw an opening. I shifted my grip and struck her sword at an angle, forcing it out of her hands and leaving her exposed.

She froze, her eyes wide as I raised my blade.

Then she closed her eyes and flinched.

I stopped.

Letting my sword fall to the ground, I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around her.

Eris stiffened, her body trembling in my embrace. "What are you doing?" she whispered, her voice breaking.

"You've been holding this in, haven't you?" I said softly.

She didn't respond, but the tremors grew stronger and she started to cry. Finally, I felt her hands clutch my shirt as her head buried into my chest.

"What's wrong" I said with a soft and soothing voice

She looked at me with teary eyes and sported an angry look. "Shut upp-" she started throwing weak punches at me I just took it and hugged her closer.

"Eris…"

Her sobs grew louder as I continued to console her, my own chest tightening at the sight of her like this..

Eventually, her breathing slowed, and the weight in my arms grew heavier. She'd cried herself to sleep probably still feeling tired, her face still pressed against my chest.

I sat there, holding her gently, as the night stretched on.

A/N: Happy Christmas to everyone watching this tomorrow I'll make 2 chapters as my Christmas present to yall and also for the people who celebrate Hanukkah. Thank you for supporting me and giving me power stones I'm very grateful I just want to make a good story you guys love thank you.