Chapter 14: Final Day for Fun... I Actually Earn Something Useful
Ruthar was in his room meditating, a dark purple glow radiating from his body as he pulled more energy into his core. Just like when he first unlocked magic, he was planning to expand his core unnaturally. He wasn't sure of the effects, but he knew the reward would be a much stronger magical power.
Kimara had advised him against using pills to get stronger, warning that while they might aid in the short term, they would cause a significant drawback affecting his magic as he grew older.
Every now and then, he felt his body becoming stronger, more durable, and more flexible. Notifications would appear, informing him:
[You have extracted and multiplied by six Rotexa's endurance training]
[You have extracted and multiplied by nine Rotexa's martial arts training]
[You have extracted and multiplied by three Rotexa's sword technique]
The multiplications varied, but each time they came, he received experience he had never had before. Techniques flooded into his mind, accompanied by side effects—headaches or body strains—but they quickly subsided. His sister's lack of magic must have really motivated Kithara to give her more treacherous training. Who knew why she hated Ruthar that much?
After several moments, a loud knock on his door caused him to stop at once. Ruthar got down from his bed, wondering who could be knocking so aggressively. It could either be Hendrick or Kimara. But that was impossible; Hendrick was not coming that day, and Kimara was out on exorcism missions.
Filled with anxiety, Ruthar placed his hand on the cold knob and opened the door.
"You stupid scholar, what took you so long?"
Ruthar's eyes widened as he saw Elara Nightshade standing there with her usual resentful presence, cursing him. He thought she would never come back, but here she was.
"I'm so glad to see you again... Hey, you missed two days of class, lazy prick!" Ruthar accused, glaring at her.
"I studied hard! Twelve gold coins can be used to buy six bags worth two gold coins each," Elara explained. Surprisingly, she was right. She was never one to be good at math.
'I know what you might be thinking, we don't have algebra or calculus in this world, at least it's not taught.'
"Uhm, Ruthar, I was hoping if we don't study today... can we have some fun?" she asked shyly, leaving Ruthar awestruck.
"Why do—"
"Shut up! I said we are having fun, you restless fool! Do you want me to kill you?" she ranted, shutting Ruthar up completely. She was back with her endless threats that made Ruthar ask himself again...
'Is she really an elf?'
Probably not; this was a violent ogre.
***
Elara led Ruthar around the castle, particularly to the kitchen where she had prepared a lot of delicacies for them to eat. For a royal, she was well endowed in cooking, and Ruthar enjoyed this fact, eating very greedily.
For some reason, he noticed her eyes on him. She would stare every now and then, and when it got too long, she would grab him by the arm and take him to another course. She must really love days off.
She took Ruthar to a goat in the castle stable and attempted to kill it for fresh meat. Smart enough, Ruthar recognized this was his goat mother and protected her from getting killed.
After this, Elara and Ruthar had a simple spar, and she was glad to see how he had progressed. When it got late, they finally decided to lie on the roof of the castle and watch the stars. She had her head resting on Ruthar's shoulder and stayed silent.
'Today was so filled with fun activities; however, this feels very weird. My senses are picking up some negative energy.'
Ruthar had been dying to ask Elara what was wrong. From his previous life, he had become more flexible and understanding. The look on her face was something he could clearly interpret. 'It's like when I wanted to die; I savored my last day like this.'
Choked by his thoughts, he decided to finally ask.
"Uhm Elara, what's wrong with you? Tell me," he asked directly, instigating a gasp from her.
Elara shrugged groggily, raising her head from his arm and staring into his face. For some reason, she began to cry. "I-I'm sorry..."
Ruthar froze, staring into her eyes. They looked red, tears pouring out, and her voice held so much pain. She was being beaten again, but this was different; she looked hurt beyond her pride. Why?
Ruthar raised a hand and wiped her tears away. "Don't cry, just tell me..."
Embarrassed by her weakness, she dug her face into Ruthar's clothing, muffling her crying but making his heart palpitate and his entire body shudder.
'God? I know you reincarnated me in this world for a reason, but why do I feel this sad? I can't even help my friends. Why did I reincarnate this way? Why am I not OP? I can't change a thing, no matter what. Just like my previous life, all precious to me end up withering away.'
Ruthar felt his eyes begin to gather with tears. 'Man up... Ruthar... Don't cry!'
He bit his lip and recalled how happy she had been taking lectures from him. She had endured all that pain and maltreatment up to this moment. He recalled how much she had done for him, ranging from his birthday to cooking for him at times.
"This is the last day I can see you, Lord Ruthar. Kithara and Tomaha... They... Th-they... Ahhhhh!"
She buried her head more into his shirt, letting her tears flow endlessly. Ruthar kept silent, placing his hands on her back, patting her softly.
'This is another end, I guess... Is peace and joy too much to ask for?'
"Uhhhmmmffff!" Ruthar bit his lips hard and let out a muffled scream, raising his hand and slamming it on the hard brick of the roofing.
"If they don't let me have my peace, then I will take theirs! If I can't have joy, then I will destroy theirs! Bear it, Elara, because when I come for you, I will make sure to beat Tomaha until you are satisfied! I promise you that."
He didn't receive a reply from Elara, and he felt he didn't need one. Now the burden to train had increased in his heart. The next few months would mark the rise of the greatest prodigy of the Darkdawn house.