Jobless Reincarnation - Mushoku Tensei

Chapter 26: The Superd

Part 1

When I woke up it's already evening.

What comes into my view is a star-filled sky.

There are wooden branches burning and crackling.

The shadows made from the flames dance from side to side.

I seem to be sleeping beside a bonfire.

Of course, I do not have the memories of making a bonfire, and also do not have the memories of making a camp.

The last memory that I have... Ah.

The sky's colors suddenly changed, and we were surrounded by a white light.

And then, it was that dream.

Damn it.

I saw an irritating dream.

[Hah......!]

I look down at my body in a panic.

It is not that slow and fat body that was unable to do anything. The young and strong Rudeus has returned.

As I confirm that fact, the earlier memory that was like a dream starts to fade.

I exhale in relief.

[Tch.]

This damnable Human God really makes me feel unpleasant all over.

But this is really good. It seems that I'm still alive in this world.

There are many things that I have not done... At least let me throw away the proof of being a Magician.

I try to get up.

My back really hurts. Is it because I had been lying on the ground since the landing?

Underneath the evening sky, the cracked land stretched out.

There seems to be hardly any plants growing here. There is not even an insect here. Other than the bonfire's crackling I can't hear anything.

Where is this?

At least in my memories I didn't see a place like this.

The Asura Kingdom is full of forests and grasslands.

Did the white light change things to this scenery...?

Aah, no.

That's not it. It's not like that.

Hitogami said it before, I have been teleported.

To the Magic continent.

Then, this place should be the Magic continent.

It must certainly be due to that light... Oh.

Ghyslaine and Eris...!

After I stand up I turn and look behind me. Eris is sleeping while grabbing onto my cuffs.

Why is there a mantle covering her body?

I didn't wear something like that...

Well, ladies first, I guess.

Behind her is the "The Arrogant Water Dragon King" Magic staff.

In any case, she doesn't look like she's hurt, and I feel relieved once again.

Perhaps Ghyslaine did something for her.

Even though I want to wake Eris up, I feel that she will find me annoying so I leave her alone.

Where's Ghyslaine?

I look around my surroundings once more, and there is someone at the bonfire that I didn't notice earlier.

[...!?]

I realize in an instant that this person is not Ghyslaine.

He's a male.

He sits there without moving a muscle, observing and staring at me.

But I don't feel he's being cautious of us.

Rather, hmmm, ah that's right.

Like an Onee-chan walking to a shy cat.

Because we are children, he must be worried that we are afraid of him.

So there are no signs of hostility.

The moment I relax, I notice his appearance.

Emerald green hair.

Porcelain-like white skin.

A ruby-like stone on his forehead that's like an eye.

Under his arm is a trident.

The Superd race.

His face is full of scars.

His eyes are sharp, his expression solemn, and there's a look of danger about him.

I think back to what Roxy taught me.

[Don't get close to the Superd race and do not talk to them.]

In a second I prepare to grab Eris and escape with everything I have, but I remember Hitogami's words, and stop.

[Rely on the man beside you, and help him.]

That self-termed God's words cannot be trusted.

After saying what he wanted to say, a strange man immediately appeared before us, so why should I trust him?

Also, it is the Superd race.

I heard from Roxy all sorts of frightening things about this race.

Even if that God said something about "Relying on him then help him out", why should I believe him?

Who should I trust?

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A Human God whom I don't even know, or Roxy.

It goes without saying, the one that I will believe in is Roxy.

So I should run away right now.

No. It's precisely because of how this situation turned out, that it could be [Advice]. If I had no other information on this situation, I would definitely run away.

With that result, if I run away successfully... What will happen after that?

I take a look at the surroundings. This place is dark and it is somewhere that I have never seen before. The ground is full of cracks and covered with rocks.

[Teleported to Magic Continent.]

If I believe that line, then this is the Magic Continent.

Come to think of it, I forgot about the fact that I saw a strange dream because of that Human God's impact.

The dream where I flew everywhere around the world.

Mountains, seas, forests, valleys... Places where we would immediately die.

If that dream is related to the current situation, then it might be possible that we have been teleported.

Right now I'm not even sure where we are in the Magic Continent. If we run away, it could mean that we are stranded in this vast place.

In the end, there is really no other choice to speak of.

Escaping from this man or winning against him, the end result is Eris and I roaming the Magic Continent alone, which is a bad one.

Or, should I bet on it? When the day breaks, I'll bet on the fact that there's a village nearby?

Stop joking.

Don't I clearly understand how difficult it would be when I don't know the way?

Calm down. Breathe in deeply.

I will not trust the Human God. But, how about this guy?

Look closely at him. Observe his face. What's that expression he has right now?

That's uneasiness. An expression that's mixed with uneasiness and resignation.

At the very least, he's not a monster without emotions.

Roxy says not to approach the Superd Race. But in truth she also said that she has never met with them.

I know the concepts of <Discrimination>, <Persecution> and <Witch hunt>. There's the possibility that the Superd Race has been misunderstood. Roxy shouldn't have the intention to tell me something false, but it's a possibility that they are misunderstood.

From my intuition, he's not dangerous. At least I don't feel any questionable vibes like that Human God from him. Even though, based on his appearance, one will still feel guarded towards him.

Then, I'll talk to him.

I make my decision.

[Hello.]

[... Aah.]

I got a reply from him after I greet him. What should I ask next?

[Are you the messenger of God-sama?]

That man tilts his head after hearing the question.

[Even though I don't understand the intention of what you asked, you fell from the sky. The children from the Human Race are very weak, so I made a bonfire to warm your bodies.]

The name <Hitogami> didn't appear. Is it possible that the Human God didn't speak to this man?

If I believe in the words [Because it's interesting.], then it's not just based on my actions.

It is also based on that Human God's interest in observing our interactions.

If that's the case, then this man can probably be trusted. I'll try talking a little more.

[We're saved by you. Thank you very much.]

[... Are your eyes unable to see?]

[Hah?]

I suddenly get a strange question.

[No, I can see very well with both of my eyes?]

[Then, you grew up without hearing stuff about the Superd's race from your parents?]

[Leaving my parents aside, my Shishou told me to be alert against the Superd's race. Something like, do not approach them.]

[... Is it fine for you not to observe your Shishou's guidance?]

He slowly asks, as if to ascertain something.

[You, even when you see me, are not afraid?]

I'm not afraid. I don't feel fear, but I am suspicious.

However, I don't need to say that out loud.

[It would be very rude if I were to be afraid of the person who saved me.]

[You're a really strange child.]

He shows a baffled expression.

Strange, hm.

Well, it's probably normal to avoid the Superd Race.

I read about the History on Laplace. After the war, the Superd Race was persecuted.

Even though the persecution towards the other Magic races has faded, the Superd Race is very different.

It's almost like how the American soldiers faced the Japanese soldiers, where every race here is prejudiced against the Superd race.

It is almost as if there is a statement like this: If there's absolute evil in this world, it's the Superd Race.

[...]

He throws the dry branches into the bonfire. It makes a splitting noise. I'm not sure if it is because of this noise, Eris utters a [Nuuu] and seems to wake up. Perhaps she's already awake.

Uh oh, that's a bad thing. If Eris wakes up she will definitely make a racket. Before everything turns to chaos, I'll at least introduce myself first.

[I am Rudeus Greyrat. May I please have your name?]

[Ruijerd Superdia.]

Specific Magic races will take the Race's name as their surname.

Using the family name or something is basically only what the Human race will do.

Sometimes other races will ask that out of curiosity.

Just to add on, Roxy's surname is Migurdia. It was written in Roxy's dictionary.

[Ruijerd-san. I think that the girl here is about to wake up soon. Because she's a girl who's a little noisy, I'll apologize in advance. I'm sorry.]

[It's fine, I have gotten used to it.]

If it's Eris, it will not be strange for her to hit Ruijerd's face once she sees it. In order not to fight against him, it's important to stop her early.

[Excuse me.]

I glance at Eris's face and I think it's still safe for now.

I look at Ruijerd again.

Under the dim light, I can see he's wearing something that greatly resembles tribal clothes.

The image is like an American Indian. Both his vest and trousers have embroidery on them.

[Mu...]

It makes me feel bad.

He has a different feel from that Human God's forceful approach, I have a good impression of him.

[Where is this place?]

[This is the Northeastern area of the Magic Continent, Bigoya. It's near the Kishirisu city.]

[Magic Continent...]

If I remember correctly, the Kishirisu city is at the Northeastern area in the Magic continent. That is, if his words can be trusted.

[Why did we drop here?]

[If you don't know it yourselves, I won't know it either.]

[Hmm, that's true.]

Because it's a fantasy world, it isn't surprising if anything happens...

Even someone as big as Perugius's follower making an entrance happened, this might not be the result of a coincidence. That is to say, the possibility that it has something to do with the Human God is very high.

But if this is just a coincidence when we got involved, then we are fortunate to simply survive.

[In any case, I am thankful for your help.]

[You don't need to thank me. Leaving that aside, where are you heading?]

[The Asura Kingdom in the Central continent, the city Roa in the Fedoa territory.]

[Asura... It's very far away, hmm.]

[Indeed so.]

[But you don't need to worry, I'll send you home.]

The Northeastern Magic continent and Asura Kingdom. They are at the opposite ends of the world. It's as far as Las Vegas to Paris.

Furthermore, in this world, ships only set off at specific areas. That is why we need to travel by land until we reach a suitable location to take a ship.

[Do you have any clues as to what happened?]

[Clues... When the sky started to glow, a person called Arumanfi of the Bright came before us, and said he was here to stop the phenomenon. As we talked to him, white light gushed forth suddenly... The next moment I find myself waking up here.]

[Arumanfi... Even Perugius is on the move? If that's the case, something must have happened. It's good that it ended with just teleportation.]

[You're completely right. If that was an explosion or something we would have died immediately.]

Even when Ruijerd heard the name "Perugius" he did not falter. Surprising. Perhaps Ruijerd is a person who is not affected by anything.

[By the way, have you heard of the existence of Hitogami?]

[Hitogami? No. Is that the name of a human?]

[Ah, no, it's fine if you have never heard of it.]

I don't think he's lying.

I can't think of a reason... why he would hide the knowledge about the Human God.

[Nevertheless, Asura kingdom hmm.]

[It's very far right? It's okay. You can just send us to a nearby village...]

[No, A Superd warrior will not change any decisions that he makes.]

His words are stubborn but steady.

Even without the Human God's advice, on just this point alone I might trust Ruijerd.

But I'm still suspicious.

[But it's the other end of the world, you do know that right?]

[A child shouldn't worry too much.]

He timidly places his hand and strokes my head.

He relaxes when he sees that I didn't refuse him.

This person, I wonder if he likes kids?

But it's not like the trip is 10 minutes. Even though he said that he will send us back, it is difficult to believe him.

[Are you able to speak the language? Do you have money? Do you know where to go?]

He asks, and I reflect on his words.

I have been using the Human Race language to speak to him, and yet this man from the Magic Race is able to reply fluently in the Human Race language.

[I can speak the Magic God's language. I know Magic so I can earn money. If you bring me to a place with people, I can find my own way.]

I try to steer the conversation into rejecting him. Even though this man can be trusted, I feel that things would advance how the Human God expects them to be, and I think it's better to avoid that.

But after thinking through my words laden with suspicion, Ruijerd's steady reply comes back.

[Is that so... Then let me be your guard. It will hurt the pride of the Superd Race if I leave children to fend for themselves.]

[You really are a proud race.]

[It's a pride that has been scarred.]

With this joke, I laughed with a haha.

Ruijerd also curls the corners of his lips and laugh.

It's different from the suspicious smile from the Human God, it's a warm smile.

[In any case, we should first go to a village that I am familiar with.]

[Yes.]

Even though I don't really trust the Human God, perhaps this man can be trusted.

At least until we reached the village, I'll trust him.

Part 2

After a while, Eris's eyes snap open. She sits up in an instant and looks around everywhere. She soon begins to feel uneasy, but shows obvious relief after meeting with my eyes. And then she meets the gaze from Ruijerd's eyes.

[KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!]

A scream that is from the depths of her soul. She retreats backwards while lying down, and then she tries to stand up to flee, but falls down flat onto the ground.

She's frightened to the point of freezing altogether.

[NOOOOoooooooOOOOOOo!]

Eris falls into panic.

But even if she doesn't struggle about, she is unable to crawl away.

She crouches there, trembling and shivering, and raises her voice to scream.

[No! Noooo! Scary! Soscaryscaryscary! Help me, Ghyslaine! Ghyslaine! Ghyslaineuu! Why aren't you coming! No, no! I don't want to die! I don't want to die! Sorry! Sorry! I'm so sorry Rudeus! Kicking you or something I'm so sorry! Because I'm such a coward I'm so sorry! I can't keep my promise So shorrrryyyyyy, wahhhh, wahhhhhhhhhh!]

Finally she curls up like a turtle hiding in its shell and cries.

I shudder after witnessing that scene.

(That, Eris, is so frightened...)

Eris is a strong willed girl. Her motto is most likely [I'm the queen of the entire world].

She's really violent and selfish, and in any case she will hit you before thinking it through. She's pretty much that sort of child.

Is it possible that I made a seriously huge mistake?

Is it possible that the Superd Race is someone who absolutely cannot be approached?

I look at Ruijerd. He's still calm.

[That's the normal reaction.]

How's that possible?

[Is it because I'm abnormal?]

[You're abnormal. But...]

[But?]

[You're not bad.]

Ruijerd's face seen from the side looks terribly lonely.

I reflect on that for a moment while I stand up and walk towards Eris. Hearing the footsteps, Eris quivers in fright.

I slowly stroke her back. Thinking back, every time I cried whenever I was afraid of something, Grandmother would stroke me on the back just like this.

[Al—right, don't be afraid, don't be afraid.]

[Hicc, what do you mean don't be afraid! Th-that's a Superd!]

I don't know why she's so frightened. Because, it's that Eris. She's the Eris that will bare her fangs when she faces Ghyslaine. There should be nothing that will make her afraid.

[Is it so frightening?]

[B, because, the Su, Superd race will! E, eat children! They will eat children right? Hiccc...]

[He won't eat you.]

He won't eat us right? I look at Ruijerd, and he shakes his head.

[I don't eat children.]

Right?

[Here now, he says he won't eat children!]

[B, b, because! Because he's a Superd! He's from a Magic Race!]

[Even though he's from a Magic Race, he knows how to speak the Human Race language.]

[It's not the language problem!]

Eris raises her head up and growled at me. She's back to normal. As expected, this expression belongs to the real Eris.

[Oh, are you fine with that? If you don't curl yourself up, you will get eaten right?]

[Don't treat me like an idiot!]

Eris glares at me after I speak to her with the tone of treating her like an idiot.

And then she maintains her expression and stares at Ruijerd sharply.

She shakes violently. Her eyes are also wet. If she stands up like her usual self, she will shake her knees, probably.

[P, p, p, pleased. To meee-et you. I-I'm, Eris, Bo, Bo, Boreas... Greyrat!]

Eris half cries while introducing herself.

Introducing herself while acting haughty is a little funny.

Ahh, no, if you put it that way I possibly taught her something like that. When meeting someone else, just introduce yourself to launch a preemptive strike.

[Eris Boboboreas Greyrat? The human race has started to use funny names that I don't know of.]

[No! It's Eris Boreas Greyrat! I just stuttered slightly! Compared to that, introduce yourself too!]

After shouting, Eris goes [Ah!] and shows an uneasy expression. She finally realizes who she is yelling at.

[Is that so? My apologies. I am Ruijerd Superdia.]

Eris relaxes her tense expression, and shows off triumphantly.

A "How about that, I'm not scared of him." expression.

[So, I said it will be okay right? As long as we can communicate, everyone can become friends.]

[Yeah! It's just like what Rudeus said! Okaa-sama lied to me!]

So it's Hilda who taught her? It's just a folklore to express how scary it is. Oh, wait, even if it's me, if I see a spirit without legs or some namahage, I'll be frightened too.

[What did Hilda say?]

[If I don't quickly go to sleep the Superd race will come and eat me.]

I see, to get a child to sleep she used superstition. Something like Shimacchau Ojisan.

[But he won't eat children. Why not become friends with the Superd race, so you can brag to everyone.]

[I can brag e-even to Oji-sama and Ghyslaine...?]

[Of course.]

I look at Ruijerd, and he's showing signs of surprise. Good.

[Ruijerd-san seems to have very few friends, I think if Eris requests to be friends with him, he will be on good terms with you.]

[B, but...]

Did I say something too much like a child...

As I think back on what I said, Eris hesitates.

Contemplating further, Eris doesn't have any friends, and... I'm a little different.

Perhaps she's a little scared of the vocabulary word "Friend". Looks like she still needs a push.

[Hey, Ruijerd-san too!]

As I urge him, Ruijerd finally seems to understand the current situation.

[Eh? Ahh. Eris... Please treat me favorably.]

[W, well it can't be helped! I, I'll become your friend!]

Seeing Ruijerd lower his head, something in Eris crumbles apart.

That's great.

But seeing this, Eris is really simple. I feel stupid for thinking about this and that.

But, if I don't mind the naive part about Eris, hmmm...

[Phew, in any case, let's rest for a little while today.]

[What, you're sleeping already?]

[Yes Eris, I'm very tired right now. I really feel sleepy.]

[Is that so? Then it can't be helped. Good night.]

I lie down and Eris stays beside me, laying a mantle-like thing (I believe it's probably Ruijerd's) over my body.

I'm really exhausted.

Before I lose my consciousness,

[Are you not scared anymore?]

[I'm fine if I'm with Rudeus.]

I hear some lines.

Hah, even if it's only Eris, I must send her back safely.

As I consider that, I fall asleep.