Rudeus pov:
My name is Rudeus.
It's been two years since I came to this world.
And I'm not living as well as I thought I would.
As a baby, I should have countless opportunities to do things I couldn't in my previous life.
But that damn kid—no, that damn brat—keeps stopping me.
Today, I'll make him pay for humiliating me.
---
General pov:
With this determination in mind, Rudeus tiptoed toward Roah's room. The door was slightly ajar. Pushing it open carefully, it made no sound.
He barged in, ready to catch Roah off guard, only to freeze at the sight before him.
The elegant, doll-like boy was holding a pitch-black dagger in his slender, pale fingers. The blade appeared to be woven from countless dark threads.
As Rudeus entered, Roah glanced at him coldly.
The magical blade spun gracefully in his hand, cutting through the air like a butterfly knife, leaving faint black trails in its wake.
'So cool,' Rudeus thought, momentarily mesmerized.
But then Roah's emotionless gaze locked onto him.
"Rudeus, don't you know how to knock?"
Roah's voice was calm and elegant, yet carried a subtle authority despite its youthful tone.
Rudeus waved his chubby little hands nervously, trying to explain himself.
But under Roah's piercing gaze, he instinctively lowered his head and muttered, "Sorry."
A sigh escaped Roah's lips. "Don't do it again." With a dismissive wave, he motioned for Rudeus to leave.
Rudeus, however, was far too curious about what he had just seen. "Big Brother Roah, was that magic?"
Roah gave a curt nod.
"What kind of magic was that? And why didn't you chant anything?"
Ever since discovering this world's supernatural elements at the age of one, Rudeus had been studying magic and training his mana. He had even managed to develop a method for silent casting.
Roah's lips curled into what Rudeus thought was a mocking smile. "Who told you magic needs chanting?"
Rudeus blinked, startled. "But… all the books say you need to chant long incantations…"
Roah shot him a disdainful glance. "Magic isn't as cumbersome as those useless magicians make it out to be. If they can't figure out how to use it properly, that's their problem. Don't take their nonsense seriously."
Rudeus fell silent, staring at his older brother. His pride had taken a hit.
He had thought his talent as a reincarnator was impressive, but it seemed his brother was on an entirely different level.
Just as he was wallowing in frustration, Roah continued, "This is a technique I developed. I call it the Magic Sword."
Rudeus's eyes lit up with interest. "Can I learn it?"
Roah, unsurprised by Rudeus's hidden efforts to train his mana, considered for a moment. "How's your mana control?"
"Pretty decent," Rudeus replied.
"Can you condense mana without converting it into elements like wind, fire, or water?"
"I think so," Rudeus said, nodding.
"Try compressing it as much as you can without transforming it," Roah instructed.
Rudeus frowned in concentration but soon paled and sighed. "I can't do it. This technique requires way too much mana."
Roah shrugged. "Seems like you're not ready."
The word "not ready" stabbed into Rudeus's chest like a dagger.
His face flushed red as he glared at his cold, expressionless older brother. Though Roah's face showed no emotion, Rudeus was convinced he was being mocked.
Roah glanced outside at the clear summer sky, where white clouds drifted lazily. The air carried a faint warmth.
"Let's go outside," he said.
Hearing this, Rudeus's entire body tensed. He wanted to refuse, but before he could speak, Roah's cold voice cut him off.
"This isn't a request. It's an order."
Rudeus forced an awkward smile. "Why go outside? It's so hot, and it's so much cooler inside. Why not stay here?"
Roah didn't reply, simply staring at him in silence.
Faced with Roah's unrelenting gaze, Rudeus swallowed nervously. Eventually, he was dragged out of the house, his protests falling on deaf ears.
After telling Lilia, "We're going out," Roah led a defeated Rudeus outside.
---
The world outside was bright and beautiful.
The temperature wasn't oppressive, and a gentle breeze brought a refreshing coolness. Golden fields of wheat stretched as far as the eye could see, farmers worked diligently, and children played together in the distance.
Rudeus looked around nervously, unable to shake his lingering fears.
Even after two years, the trauma from his previous life hadn't faded. He was naturally timid and struggled to face the world.
Then, a warm hand gently held his.
Rudeus froze, startled, and looked up to see Roah's faint smile.
It was a small smile, soft and gentle, like the warmth of spring sunlight or the cool breeze of autumn.
The golden light of the sun shone on Roah's flowing hair, making it shimmer like strands of gold. His calm, golden eyes reflected a serene clarity, like a tranquil spring.
For a moment, Rudeus was entranced.
Roah led him to the edge of the wheat fields and said softly, "Hold out your hand."
Rudeus obeyed, reaching out his small hand. Roah guided it to touch the golden stalks, letting Rudeus feel the soft, tickling sensation of the wheat brushing against his fingers.
A tiny insect crawled along the grain, and Rudeus stared at it, lost in thought.
When he turned to meet Roah's gaze, he found himself looking into eyes so clear and profound they seemed to see through him entirely.
Roah spoke gently, "I don't know what you're afraid of, but life only happens once. Your health, your purpose, and the people you love are what truly matter."
Rudeus stared at him, stunned. The light made Roah's face seem almost divine.
In that moment, Rudeus decided that this older brother of his was his new idol.
Roxy's place as his idol was now taken by Roah.