Chapter 8: Fifth Birthday
[Rebecca's POV]
After I blackma- I mean negotiate with my brother, he is now willing to teach me voiceless magic. Of course, I kept my promise not to tell Roxy about the stolen panty but I confiscated it just in case if he breaks his favor.
Honestly, that pervert dude never changes his actions. It's like the perverseness was ingrained in his grey matter ever since he was born in his past life. I mean really his perverted action knows no bound.
Anyway, we continued with our magic lessons after we had tea. Roxy-san questioned me and my brother about what we talked about in our room.
Brother sweats profusely to the question and I snickered at his reaction. I just said it was nothing and there is nothing to worry about. Rudeus sighed in relief, then panicked when I lowkey pulls the panty from my pocket without Roxy noticing.
'Teasing this motherf*cker was never been so much fun than before. Hehehe, try to be a pervert now you idiot pervert brother.'
Enough teasing and move on with the important part, Rudeus and Roxy teach me the chant of the fire magic and successfully fire it. This time I fired it on a bolder prepared by Roxy-san with earth magic.
Rudeus then teach me the basics of doing the voiceless incantation. He said that I need to feel the flow of mana inside my body. I did what he said and I took a while to do it and...
"I did it!" I said as I successfully created a water ball without chanting.
"Good job, Rebecca. You got hang of it easily" Rudeus praised me and proudly take it.
"....." However, Roxy-san fell silent for some reason.
"What's wrong, Roxy-san" I asked her and she shake her head.
"No, it's nothing. I was surprised that you can do voiceless incantation like Rudy" she said quite solemnly.
"I see. Just let us know if you have something to say about your thoughts, Roxy-san" She nodded in understanding.
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After few more months has passed, I am now five years old.
That means I spent a whole 5 years since I was reborn in this world. It may sound like it is just a few short years, but to be honest, it felt like a very long time.
And there is a custom in this world that celebrates that.
You see, there was custom where people celebrate the young one's 5th, 10th, and 15th birthday. The parents will make a celebratory feast for the children that reached that age and give them gifts for them to enjoy.
I have no idea why is that the case but I think it is something like a milestone for us when come to that age. Oh well, there was no reason to pry for the reason anyway, so let's live it just that.
Currently, mother, Lilia and Roxy were preparing for the celebration. We are forced to stay out of the kitchen for a while, so we have no choice but stay outside at the garden for a while.
While we are waiting, father and I spar for a bit. During the whole year of practice and sparring, I have ascended to advance rank in all three of the sword style.
That means I can go toe to toe with father in his full strength with no drawbacks. I often beat him if I apply more battle aura in my body.
Speaking of battle aura, I felt like it grew quite tremendously throughout the years. Like, all of the sword strikes that father gave me doesn't hurt anymore. It felt like the strikes were just an ant sting to me.
I swear, I am not exaggerating when I said all of these, but it is the truth, I felt no pain whatsoever at all when I have been hit.
Anyway, enough flexing, on with the sparring match.
I currently having the upper hand against father, he is sweating and his parries were less prominent.
*clang* *clang* *clang*
'Woah, slow down, Rebecca. You're striking too fast" Father panickily says as he struggles to keep up with me.
"What's that? I can't hear you over the sound of how much I am kicking your ass, dad!" I keep on swinging the wooden sword with quick succession.
*clang* *clang* *clang* *clang* *clang* *clang*
I put more effort with my arms and legs to overpower my father's defenses. Then tried to sweep kick my legs again.
'This again. HOWEVER,'
I quickly jump in the air, avoiding his sweep kick and raise my sword while in the air. And then....
"HAAAAH!"
I bring down the sword while plunging towards father
"!!" Father then leaps back knowing there is something wrong.
*BOOOM*
I made a decent size crater upon impact of my sword.
"Woah! That's dangerous, Rebecca. you might kill someone with that strength" father reprimand me for using so much strength
I gallantly flip my long hair, which by the way is tied in a twin tail, and rest my sword at my shoulder.
"You were saying, dad?" I smugly said as I proudly posed in victory.
Father was a bit annoyed but smiled proudly right after.
"No, it's nothing. It's just... I am proud that you, Rebecca. You learned a lot from me during the past two years of sword training. You reached advance rank so quickly and you manage to push me back in many occasions. I'm just sad I can't teach you beyond the advance rank. I guess there is nothing I can teach you anymore. Which means this is how far I can provide you with lessons about swordsmanship." He said proudly with a bit of melancholy because his own daughter is getting stronger than him.
"Don't worry, dad. I might be getting stronger than you every single day, but you will always be my beloved father I look up to and inspired to be. You have more experience in the arts of the sword and ventured so many lands in your life. You showed me how powerful you are during the years of fighting monsters in the forest and defending the village from harm.
Of course, I didn't start as strong, I was weak and inexperienced back then. but because of your persistent and constant supervision and lectures, I have learned so much about swordsmanship. He taught me a lot of things. Thing like how to swing the sword, fix my footwork and learned to use the battle aura.
Even though you have nothing more to teach me, I am still to learn more and spar with you as I am still at the advanced rank. I want to grow stronger and become the strongest swordswoman who ever walk across this land. I may not able to reach the rank of God in any of the three-sword style, at least the rank of king or emperor is enough for me.
All in all, you earned my respect and gratitude, Father. You deserved all of my praise towards you" I said my honest thoughts about father.
"...."
Father didn't say anything and just come towards me, then hugged me. I also hug him back.
"What are you just standing there, brother?" I said to my brother who felt left out for whatever reason in the background. He has no idea how to respond and just stand there stared blankly at us.
"Huh?"
"Come join us here, hug with us as well" I invited him so that he won't feel left out.
"O-okay" He promptly walk towards us and joined the hugging season.
We stayed like that for a several minutes before separating.
"Umm, father" Rudeus then looks at Father wanting to say something.
"Hmm? what's up, Rudy?"
"I was wondering if you also teach me swordsmanship like Rebecca, as well" Rudeus meekly requested while fidgeting his finger.
"Oh? Why all a sudden?" Father was curious on the reason for request.
"Well, now that I heard what my little sister said about her honest thoughts about you, I was a bit inspired to learn swordsmanship." Rudeus said as he has the eyes of determination.
"I see. Well, now that Rebecca is already at the advanced rank, it won't hurt if I teach you swordsmanship as well." Father agreed to train Rudeus swordsmanship.
"That's great, Rudeus. I will also help with your training. This going to be fun, hahaha!" I proudly said as I boisterously laughs
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After we done sparring and talking, mother called for us to come in. But before Me and Rudeus could enter the house, they blindfolded us and we walked slowly as to not trip ourselves towards the kitchen.
Then they unveiled our blindfolds and we opened our eyes. We were surprised on the feast they prepared for us.
""Rudeus and Rebecca, happy 5th birthday!"" They all greeted us happy birthday.
A tear flow in my eye when heard this line for so long.
I never heard this line during my time with my step parents in my previous life. They never celebrated my birthday, not even once. They just give a gift and nothing else. Not even a feast or greetings to show, just a plain old present giving. I never felt the happiness and blessing that time, and I just celebrated in my room, on my own and no one else.
*sob* *sob*
"What's wrong, Rebecca. Why are you crying?" Mother worriedly ask as she saw me crying.
"No, it just... I never felt so happy and blessed in my life. Thank you so much. I love you mom, dad, and everyone!" I proudly said as wipe the tears from my eyes. Mother then rush towards me and hug me.
"Of course, dear. We all love you and forever will be." She affectionately said as she hugs me.
I hug her back as well. I then look at the remaining people who are standing and not joining the hug.
"Don't just stand there, join us with the hugging session" I invited the other people in the room. Roxy and Lilia join the hug session. However, there are two people who refused to do the hug.
"Eh? But we hugged just a while ago?" "Yeah, we're done with the hugs already" Both father and Rudeus refused the hug. A tick mark appeared at my forehead when I heard this.
"Did I stutter?" I angrily said to the two and they panicked at my shout.
""Yes!"" Both of them reluctantly joins the hug.
"Ahh~ This feels nice" I said as I feel the warmth of the hugs of my family. Who knew hugs can help in curing the mental trauma of my past life. It didn't do much help as I can still remember them, but at least it soothes the pain of the abuse I got back then.
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After the hugging session of the whole family, we enjoyed the feast.
I ate the food they cooked for us and they are all delicious, especially the meat that looks like a huge boar monster.
Then father showed his tricks to entertain us, he showed the parlor tricks of north god style.
'HOLY SHIT! DID FATHER ATE A WHOLE ASS SWORD IN HIS MOUTH?! THAT'S SO HARDCORE!'
Yes, father put a huge and might I remind you, a REAL metal sword through his mouth and pulled it out without any injury.
'What kind of sorcery is this! How the heck he was fine after doing that scary trick?! I WANT DO IT TOO!'
Anyway, after the entertainment segment, the family gave us presents.
"Here you go. For Rebecca, a brand-new sword for you and for Rudeus, an engraved hunting knife" Father gave us our present.
He gave me a black luster bladed sword, even the guard and handle are black in color.
"That sword is called the [Night Sky Sword]. I found it one day in a random weapon shop in Asura Kingdom. I hope you like it, Rebecca" Father introduced the name of the sword
'Wait, I know that name? Why does it sound familiar? Hold on, I remember! It is from an anime I watched before I died! That's so cool! I have an anime sword in this world!'
<A/N: To those who doesn't get it. Here, take a look at this. Also, I will update the cover of the fanfic later to match the sword.>
"Wow! I love it so much. Thank you, dad!" I happily thanked father for the gift.
*cough* "This sword might be still be too early for you, but as swordsmen, you got to carry a sword in your heart. To protect those who are dear to you, you need readiness. Husband and children. Someday, you will have these dear people too. It's your obligation to protect them. Rebecca, you are a strong warrior. You will face a lot of foes and monsters someday. You have to strive for greater heights and swing your sword towards the future. I mean, don't get me wrong, you are strong and fast, but you still lack experience. So, keep on trai-"
"Too long!" Father gave me a long and meaningful speech but mother had to stop him before he keeps on talking forever. I wryly laughed at the scene.
Then mother brought out her presents
"Happy Birthday you two. Here, a botanical book for Rudeus and a Healing and Detoxification Magic guide book for Rebecca" She hand out the books to us and we received them from her.
"I know you like reading books, Rudy. And Rebecca, you always asked me to teach you more on healing magic and detoxification magic, but I didn't have time because of work, so, I gave this book in order to learn it" She explains the reason for the present.
"Wow, thank you so much, mom. I love it"
"Yeah, thank you, Mom and it's okay that you didn't have the time to teach, I am fine with this"
Both of us said our thanks to mother and she hug us giddily. Father seems a bit envious when he saw that.
Then it's Roxy-san's turn to give gifts.
"Here, a leather boots for Rebecca."
She gave me a pair of grey and black leather boots with silver engravings and multiple buckles.
"Thank you so much, Roxy-san" I thanked Roxy and she nodded.
Then she turns toward Redeus and takes out a magic wand.
"Here, Rudy. I give you a magic stone that will amplify your magic" She gives the wand to Rudeus and he recieved it.
"Wow, it's so beautiful" Rudeus admires the beautiful red gem on the wand.
"Usually, students who learnt basic magic recieved wands as gift. But you learnt it before we met, so I forgot it. So, I'm sorry"
"No, thank you very much..." Rudeus then said his thanks and paused for bit to think. Then said something that surprise Roxy. "I'll cherish it, Master"
"...." Roxy gave an uncomfortable expression when he says that, then she looks at me while I gave her a "just take the compliment" face. She nodded and smiles at Rudeus.
"You have learnt all four types of advance attack magic, and at such a young age. You can be a little prouder to yourself, you know?"
Rudeus compliments Rudeus achievements and he then he shook his head.
"No, it is because you taught me well, Master" he said as Roxy reaches for his head and pet him.
Then Roxy said something quite upsetting for Rudeus.
"But this also means that I have very little to teach you now..." She solemnly said to Rudeus.
"Huh?"
All of us were sad that Roxy-san is about to leave soon. Even I feel quite attached to her in some degree.
She usually greets me whenever I am practicing my sword swings. She often told me tips and tricks in adventuring. Lastly, she quite a nice and gentle person in general. You will never get bored talking to her whenever she strikes a conversation with you.
'*sigh* Time flies I guess'
"Rudy, I'll holding your graduation exam tomorrow." Roxy then announced her last test for Rudeus that will be holding tomorrow.
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Later that night, we all went to bed. Currently, I am lying on my bed while Rudeus is looking out the window.
It was very quiet, so I decided to break the silence first.
"Damn, bro. Look at you, you're finally graduating in your magic lessons. I'm so proud of you."
"Thanks" The nonchalantly thanked me.
"No, I really mean it. I'm genuinely proud of you"
"Yeah, I know. I get it, okay" he said it in a very tense voice.
"You know, if you have any suppressed thoughts you want to share, you can share it now" I said it quite teasingly.
*sigh* "I'm scared, you know?"
"Scared of what? The graduation?"
"No, not that. I mean I'm scared to go outside" he gloomily says to me
"Again, with this? You have been holed up in this house of our five years and didn't even try to step outside the entrance. What's your deal anyway" I agitatedly said to him when hear again with his fear of the outside.
"You don't understand. I fear that when I step outside the gate of the house, everything will be gone and I will be taken back to the previous world. I fear that this might be a dream and getting out of the door is how I wake up" he anxiously says his worries.
'What the hell? What's this? This aren't no video game or light novel. What the heck is he thinking?'
"Hey bro, what if I punch in the stomach again and it hurts, do you still think this is a dream?" I threaten him so he can shut up about his worries.
"Don't you think you are a bit too violent with this?" he frustratedly says to me.
"What I am trying to say is that you have to accept everything here as reality and leave the old reality behind. You have to risk it all to bravely walk out there and prepare yourself to whatever awaits you from the other side of your comfort zone." I said as keep punching the air over and over
"I can't, I just can't face my fear"
"Life is all about facing fear like how you face struggles and challenges. If you don't face it, you will not grow as a person. You can hole up here all you want, but will not help in changing who you were back then." I said as I stretch legs upwards.
"Then how do I overcome my fear?"
"It's up to you on how to overcome that fear. All you need to know is that we are here to support you when you need our help." I then point my toes at him as I said it.
"What if you and the others disappear on me suddenly?!"
"Pfft, like hell I am going to disappear on you. We are like bread and butter in a toaster, am I right?" I said as finger gun him.
"I don't know what that means"
"Hey you! What are you to me?" I abruptly stand up from my bed and walk towards him.
"Your brother?"
"Yes, and?" I grabbed both of his shoulders with my two hands.
"Huh?"
"Urgh, YOUR KINDRED SPIRIT, DUMMY!" I then headbutt him because doesn't get it.
His nose bleed when I did that. He touches his nose and look at his hand covered with blood.
"HEY! Why did you do that? What's the big idea" He angrily yells at me.
I rolled my eyes and voicelessly chant healing magic and heal his bleeding nose.
"There. *sigh* You don't get it, do you? As long as we are kindred spirits at heart, we will keep each other safe. No matter what challenge or struggle you face, I will be there for you, no matter what, okay?" I touch his forehead with mine as I said it.
"O-okay" He blushes when he looks at me in the eye.
We stayed like that for a few minutes.
'Damn, being this close to brother is quite embarrassing, but I don't hate it that much'
Then he suddenly looks downward and then perversely smiles
"Umm, sis. Is it just me or you grow your boobs a little"
*Mind crack internally*
I raised both my hands and FIRMLY pressed them against his big bulbous idiot head, I then "brightly smiled" at him while releasing a huge amount of bloodlust.
U-um, imouto-san...."
"Yes, Onii-chan~?"
"C-can you stop squishing my head with your hands?"
"Hehehehe.... no"
"EEEeeeeeeeek!!!"
The huge scream of an idiot brother echoes throughout the night sky tonight.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
TempestNotion
TempestNotion Creation is hard, cheer me up!
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