Mushoku Tensei: Reincarnated as a Beast Race Chapter 4 - 04 - The Way Forward

POV Hontar Adoldia

Hontar Adoldia is my designation, and I hail from the Doldia tribe. It might be fair to say my strength is considerable; estimating my warrior skill, I'd place myself at a level humans might deem "advanced," positioning me among the strongest within my tribe.

My existence had been confined to the Great Forest, save for a single expedition to liberate our people from enslavement. It was during this endeavor that I encountered and subsequently saved my wife, Selene Adoldia. Perhaps due to her prior immersion in human society and extended period as a captive, she possessed a distinct quality, though not one that diminished her appeal. The moment I witnessed the lifeless gaze in her eyes transform into radiant hope after my intervention, my heart was irrevocably captured.

Selene offered no resistance when I confessed my affections; it was more akin to her having anticipated such a declaration. She seldom elaborated on her experiences as a slave, referring to it as a shadowed chapter, a stark contrast to her present cheerful and affectionate demeanor. It seemed as though every passing moment was dedicated to reclaiming those lost years.

Yet, I harbored no complaints. It was precisely this kindness and radiance that ultimately ensnared my heart.

Our shared life ascended to its zenith following the mating season. Selene carried our child, filling me with immense excitement, though I maintained a facade of outward composure and seriousness. Contrary to my expectations, Selene remained placid and unworried, her disposition one of pure, unadulterated happiness.

Her pregnancy was not without its challenges. The fetus's vigorous movements induced waves of pain for Selene. The situation grew so dire that I sought assistance from Verdia, an elf healer indebted to me. With her expert care and timely healing spells, the child was eventually born. The delivery itself was uncomplicated, with only the tribe's midwife in attendance. Witnessing the infant's healthy arrival brought me profound joy.

Observing Rygar's progression was akin to watching a tempest gather on the distant sea: tempestuous, potent, and significant. From a tender age, he exhibited an undeniable uniqueness. His gaze, his responsiveness, his inquisitiveness, and most notably, the palpable intensity I sensed whenever my attention fell upon him.

Once more, I found no cause for complaint. My life had attained a state of unparalleled perfection. I possessed an heir, and his innate talent was nothing short of astonishing. Initially, a flicker of concern arose, as he bore a resemblance to Ghislaine, the beastkin warrior from the Dedoldia tribe. Her primal instincts were so overpowering that she leaned more towards the beast than the human, rendering her incapable of integrating into society. Fortunately, my son did not share this affliction. He was, in fact, his polar opposite—exceptionally astute, absorbing and comprehending his surroundings with remarkable speed.

His prodigious strength and keen intellect prompted a profound realization: perhaps he held the key to elevating the beast race to unprecedented heights. Consequently, I began to intensify his training, presenting him with escalating challenges, each of which he surmounted with effortless mastery. While I was incapable of overtly displaying my pride, I felt as though his gaze could penetrate my very being. My son was, at times, an intimidating presence.

Another development that quite surprised me: Verdia, contrary to her initial intentions, developed a deep fondness for my son. Her original plan was to depart once she confirmed his well-being, but due to his persistent affection, she elected to remain for several more years until he reached a more mature age. Elves perceive time differently; what seems like a fleeting moment to them can span years for us.

She hinted at my son's potential aptitude for magic. I found myself questioning if there existed any domain in which he did not excel. The sole exception, of course, were those instances when his primal instincts took hold, during which all his acquired cunning and intelligence seemed to evaporate.

A smile touched my lips as I recalled him scrambling on all fours, enthusiastically pursuing a rabbit as if it were his quarry—his penchant for meat was unequivocally apparent.

"May the great fire's protection guide your path. I invoke the bold heat of a torch, here and now. Fireball!"

"I… I did it..." A childish voice shattered my reverie.

Verdia had instructed me to accompany her and Rygar to a small clearing, intending to reveal something significant. Now, I observed a small Fireball hovering tentatively before my beaming son.

Verdia, her gaze placid and a gentle smile gracing her lips, turned towards me and remarked, "My expectations were not misplaced. He is an exceptionally swift learner."

I merely shook my head, my eyes fixed upon him, overwhelmed by astonishment. "My son can wield magic at the age of three?!"

"Indeed, you may now consider yourself a novice fire mage, little Rygar," Verdia responded, lifting the boy into the air by his arms. My son appeared momentarily stunned, as if struck by an unseen force upon hearing her words, but he quickly recovered, a wide smile spreading across his face.

"Let's try the others now!" And so, on that momentous day, my son became proficient in the elementary forms of fire, water, and earth magic, alongside wind, though he encountered slight difficulty with the latter, requiring three attempts before achieving success.

MC's POV

The preceding two years have been a period marked by continuous new discoveries, chief among them being the mastery of magic.

Verdia eventually conceded to imparting her knowledge to me, given my persistent enthusiasm, but only with the blessing of my parents. While my father readily gave his consent, my mother exhibited a more stringent demeanor.

She stipulated that my magical tutelage would commence only after I attained literacy, emphasizing the intellectual prerequisites for mages. What might have seemed a barrier, I perceived as merely another hurdle to overcome. I had always possessed an inclination for languages, and the morning sessions with my mother swiftly led to my proficiency in our tribe's written tongue. My mother, taken aback but pleased by my unyielding curiosity, was then introduced to my desire to learn the human language as well.

Furthermore, I managed to validate my hypothesis regarding mana augmentation. Observing numerous duels involving my father, it became evident that many combatants infused their strikes with mana. My attempts to replicate this during this period, however, yielded little success until this point. Upon inquiring with my father, he elucidated that this specific energy was termed Battle Aura, an attribute acquired naturally through dedicated training.

It wasn't an immediate necessity for me, as my inherent strength was escalating daily, reaching a level comparable to the adult warriors in the tribe. Yet, unsure of its ultimate potential, I continued my Battle Aura regimen for the time being.

The most profound revelation, however, emerged when I discovered something remarkable about my own mana. One instance, after concentrating my vision to the point of extreme fatigue, nearly succumbing to a mana deficit, I observed that upon recovery, my Magic Eye could remain active for an extended duration. This led me to conduct a series of experiments, confirming that each time I depleted my mana reserves completely within a day, they replenished at a greater capacity the following day. When I conveyed this to Verdia, she expressed astonishment, as the prevailing belief among mages, including herself, was that one's mana pool was immutable from birth. I recognized that this anomaly could serve as a distinctive advantage, provided I continued to employ it judiciously.

These two years were replete with revelations and progress, yet I was acutely aware of the vastness of what remained unknown. With every minor triumph, my eagerness intensified, fueling my desire to uncover more about this new existence.

In the subsequent months, prior to reaching the age of three and commencing my physical conditioning under my father's guidance, I dedicated my days to exploration and discovery. My mother, Selene, was an embodiment of unwavering kindness and affection, her tenderness evident in all her actions. As Verdia initiated my magical education, my mother remained a constant presence, often observing with a look of maternal pride or offering words of encouragement.

Verdia, in turn, displayed an abundance of patience. I felt at ease posing questions, even those I suspected might appear rudimentary or vexing. One day, while studying pyromancy, I posed the question: "Why does magic exist?"

Verdia offered a gentle smile. "I've always believed it exists to underscore that limitations are meant to be tested and that even the seemingly impossible can be molded by capable hands. To command it is to grasp its essence, but also to hold it in reverence. That distinction separates a gifted mage from a reckless amateur."

Her words resonated deeply, influencing my approach to other facets of my life. It was indeed a sound philosophy to adopt concerning the arcane arts.

-

The rustling of leaves overhead accompanied the training taking place in the open space. My father, his focus absolute, adjusted my posture with a firm voice during a combat exercise.

Upon recognizing my aptitude for magic, he promptly initiated my hand-to-hand combat training, concerned I might not find it as captivating. My understanding was that typical warrior instruction commenced at the age of five, but he deemed it acceptable for me to begin sooner.

"Maintain a low center of gravity, Rygar. This will enable you to withstand impact."

The initial exercise was a test of strength. My father possessed a significant advantage in size and power, yet I held an unexpected asset: knowledge of grappling techniques from my previous existence.

As he lunged to apprehend me, I rapidly lowered my body, utilizing his momentum to grip his leg and apply a pull, momentarily disrupting his balance. He chuckled, surprised.

"Intriguing! Where did you acquire such skill?"

"I simply reacted swiftly," I replied untruthfully, attempting to conceal my origins.

Despite my ruse, he perceived the difference. My approach was more calculated than instinctual, a fact that piqued his interest. Gradually, I began integrating more sophisticated maneuvers, such as holds and joint locks, which, though not perfectly suited for my juvenile frame, afforded me an unanticipated edge.

"You are diminutive, yet you fight with the cunning of a seasoned predator. Such a quality is rare in one so young," he remarked as he swiftly swept me off my feet, faster than I could react.

"Aghh—"

"You are improving. Again."

Our training continued until twilight, and at its conclusion, he regarded me with a look of paternal pride.

"You still have much to comprehend, Rygar. Remember this, though your power may be great, you are small and lack experience—never blindly depend solely on your strength," he imparted wisely.

(I understand that perfectly well, but did he really need to beat me so thoroughly?! I am merely three years old! This is outright child abuse; I'm contacting the authorities!), "Of course, Father, I shall certainly keep that in mind," I replied, a peculiar smile gracing my youthful features.

As night descended and dinner concluded, the most anticipated moment arrived: settling beside Verdia and my mother, listening to their tales of lands far beyond the Great Forest. True to form, Verdia began, sketching maps upon the cabin's floor with a simple twig.

"Rygar, did you know that beyond this very forest lie realms so distinct they might appear as a different world entirely?" she inquired, her stick tracing meandering lines.

"What are they like?" I questioned, my curiosity piqued.

She offered a smile. "Consider Milis, for instance. It's a kingdom devoted to religion, populated by humans. Their cities stand fortified behind imposing walls, and the populace largely adheres to the doctrines of Saint Milis. They advocate for order and purity, or at least, that is their public declaration."

My mother, Selene, chimed in, leaning closer. "However, not all inhabitants of this world subscribe to those particular faiths. The Asura Kingdom, situated on the Central Continent, presents a stark contrast. They hold immense wealth and govern as a grand monarchy. It's a land where intrigue and opulence flourish, yet it is also rife with disparity."

Verdia continued, her voice adopting a graver tone. "Little Rygar, there is a crucial truth you must always bear in mind about this world: some individuals view beings like us, the beast race, as mere commodities or possessions. These are the slave traders."

A sigh escaped my mother, and the usual vibrancy in her eyes flickered momentarily. "I was once a slave myself, Rygar. I have witnessed firsthand the cruelty they inflict upon those they capture. That is precisely why it is paramount that you grow to understand the profound value of freedom."

These pronouncements struck a chord within me. While my physical form pursued strength through strenuous training, my mind endeavored to grasp the essence of justice and true power.

After three years of coexisting with these individuals, I observed that despite their bestial characteristics, they exhibited remarkable similarities to humans. The notion that others might presume the right to enslave them based solely on their race struck me as utterly abhorrent. Yet, this was not a reality I could alter in this world, at least not at the present.

-

During my excursions into the forest, I began to perceive a change in how the other children regarded me. Some started to shadow my movements consistently. Perhaps it was my unusual capacity for logical and strategic thought, or maybe my strength, which surpassed theirs despite our shared age. When engaging in mock combat or venturing into the more perilous sections of the forest, I naturally assumed the mantle of leadership.

"Let us proceed in this direction," I declared, indicating a less conspicuous path. "The rabbits typically frequent this area, and the foliage is denser here, which may yield tracks."

"How do you ascertain that?" inquired a boy named Karun, his gaze fixed upon me with a hint of suspicion.

"I observe," I responded with a shrug. "The forest reveals its secrets to those who are attuned to its whispers."

They chuckled but adhered to my guidance, and our pursuit ultimately proved successful. Thus, my leadership role began to solidify, despite my never having sought it.

-

It was during a family repast that my father disclosed information that sent ripples of excitement throughout the entire tribe.

"Gyes is elated," Hontar announced, a subtle smile playing on his lips. "His wife is expecting a child."

Selene's face lit up. "That is truly wonderful news! The next generation of the Dedoldia clan is on the horizon."

Hontar nodded, though his expression turned contemplative. "Rouge is also anticipating a child. Two heirs to chieftains arriving around the same time. This confluence will undoubtedly fortify the bonds between our clans."

I remained silent, processing the unfolding information. I understood that these impending births would hold significance for the tribe's future, yet I also pondered the nature of the relationships we might forge.

My father mentioned that the Holy Beast had also made its appearance, though this knowledge would be kept confidential from everyone until the creature reached a suitable age. Legends whisper that this beast is destined to unite with a hero tasked with saving the world, or some such prophecy. My conviction in such tales remains uncertain, but I suppose observation of this Holy Beast will be necessary.

During the tranquil evenings, I found myself contemplating my own aspirations within this world.

A profound longing to explore, to experience grand adventures beyond the confines of the forest, surfaced within me. Simultaneously, I recognized the inherent responsibility I held towards my family and my tribe.

"Strength devoid of purpose amounts to nothing," I recalled my mother's words.

My choices would be influenced by these narratives and the wisdom imparted. While my body yearned for the thrill of combat, my heart and mind sought a grander objective—something to imbue my bestowed life with profound meaning.