Magic power is the most crucial factor that determines a magician's potential. While Roxy's magical abilities were excellent, her limited mana restricted her to the level of a Water Saint-class magician. This, combined with being overshadowed by two geniuses and a prodigy, often left her feeling insecure.
Initially, she thought this teaching job would be a mundane way to earn some extra money. But to her surprise, it brought unexpected rewards.
She could feel the pulsating magical seed planted in her chest. Mana now flowed into her continuously, dark yet pure, deeply connected to Roah's own magic. Whenever he was near, his presence felt tangible, as if they were intrinsically linked.
Moreover, her gaze toward Roah was different now. Just looking at the young boy made her blush, an unfamiliar feeling stirring within her. Though he claimed the magical seed didn't grant him control over her life, she found herself increasingly willing to comply with his requests.
Observing Roxy's flushed cheeks, Roah was perplexed. Why was she acting so shy all of a sudden?
Roxy inhaled deeply, and the faint, refreshing scent of Roah filled her senses. Previously, she hadn't paid much attention to it, but now she found it incredibly alluring—like a winter plum blossom, dangerous yet irresistibly captivating.
Her thoughts grew chaotic, and despite trying to calm herself, her feelings only intensified.
Frustrated, Roxy abruptly left the room, covering her flushed face.
For the next few days, Roxy avoided him as much as possible. Her distant behavior made Roah uncomfortable. Was she really this upset over a single kiss? A small gesture of intimacy? He muttered complaints to himself. Roxy's sudden aloofness left him feeling helpless.
Even during the nights they shared a bed, the silence was deafening. But once she fell asleep, her body betrayed her—unconsciously clinging to him tighter than ever before, often waking him up from how closely she pressed against him.
Roah found the situation both frustrating and oddly satisfying.
---
Time flew by, and no matter how reluctant they were, the day of parting inevitably arrived.
This morning, bathed in the golden light of dawn, Roxy stood outside, gazing at the chirping sparrows in the distance. "Today's the last day," she murmured to herself.
Turning back to look at the group, she smiled gently. Roah yawned indifferently, while Rudeus played with Sylphy nearby.
In these two years, they had all grown. The once tiny Roah now stood tall, nearly reaching her chest. It wouldn't be long before he became even more mature, handsome, and strong.
The abundant mana coursing through her veins reminded her of the magical seed. Its energy had become a constant presence within her, quietly transforming her.
Ultimately, it was time to leave. She could no longer teach Roah anything of value.
Watching his calm expression, Roxy sighed. She, too, wanted to stay longer, to guide him a little more. But it wouldn't benefit either of them.
Taking one last deep breath, she savored the faint, elegant scent of Roah lingering in the air—a scent that had unknowingly become a part of her.
With a determined expression, she announced, "Today is the final lesson. I will teach you the Water Saint-class magic: Cumulonimbus. I'll only demonstrate it once, so you must pay attention, Roah."
Though her face remained composed, her voice trembled slightly.
Roah, understanding the gravity of the moment, nodded silently.
---
They stepped outside, leaving the house behind. The path wound through golden rice fields, leading to a vast, open grassland. Here, the air carried the faint fragrance of wildflowers, and a gentle breeze rustled their clothes.
"I'll only show this once," Roxy repeated firmly.
Stepping forward, Roah summoned his magic. His dark mana materialized into a massive barrier, shielding Rudeus and Sylphy from harm.
Roxy raised an eyebrow at his precaution but said nothing. Taking a deep breath, she steadied her emotions and began to chant.
---
"Oh, great spirit of water,
Child of the rising thunder,
Hear my wish."
Her soft voice echoed clearly in the open field. As she moved, her staff glowed with a brilliant blue light, channeling magic to form the elemental structure.
Clouds began to gather, blanketing the once-clear sky. The sun vanished behind the thickening cover.
Raindrops started to fall, soft at first, gradually building into a steady drizzle.
---
"Bring forth destructive blessings,
Reveal your strength to the insignificant."
The wind picked up, howling as it swirled through the field. Thunder rumbled within the darkened clouds, crackling with violet arcs of lightning.
Roah watched in awe. So this is the power of nature's wrath. He finally understood why stories from his previous life often spoke of trials by lightning—there was no force more primal or terrifying.
---
"The hammer of the gods strikes the anvil,
May the floodwaters engulf the earth."
Cumulonimbus!"
As Roxy's chant ended, her staff radiated a blinding blue light.
Torrential rain poured down, the wind howled violently, and a massive bolt of lightning crashed into the ground. The impact left a deep crater in the grassland, a stark reminder of the spell's destructive potential.
---
Though it was undoubtedly a Saint-class spell, Roah felt it still lacked something. In his eyes, its power was insufficient compared to what he had envisioned.
Roxy, now drenched from the downpour, walked toward him. Though her magician's robes were soaked, her inner garments somehow remained intact.
The rain continued, but Roah's barrier diverted every drop away from himself and his companions, leaving him perfectly dry.
Rudeus and Sylphy stared in awe at the demonstration. The sheer force of the spell had reshaped the landscape before them.
Roxy adjusted her hat, pushed askew by the wind, and approached Roah, her expression unreadable.