Ch.5 I Was Bullied So Hard I Was Isekai'ed Into A World of Sword And Magic And Emerged As The Lightning Samurai God To Hatefuck My Former Bully Until She Got Heart Eyes

— Paul Greyrat (One Year Later) —

“Ha!” Law shouted as he rushed forward, his wooden blade drawn back, ready to deliver a powerful strike.

Paul grinned at his son as he blocked the boy's strike.

He was coming along nicely. The boy's potential was so much more than Paul had expected.

Law, a boy younger than four years, had already proven himself and become Intermediate in Sword God Style. Even though he was still a Beginner in the others, it showed just how much potential he had.

Chances were, within the next few years, the boy would be Advanced, and in a few more years, he’d surpass his old man! Paul had no doubt that before Law became an adult he would be a Saint ranked practitioner of the Sword God Style.

A proud grin came to Paul’s face as he parried Law’s attack and followed up with a counter that slammed against Law’s side hard.

The boy coughed up some spit and fell down to his knees.

“Law!” Zenith shouted as she rushed over to check on their son, but Paul held out a hand, stopping her in her tracks.

To the surprise of Rudy, Roxy, Lilia, and Zenith, the blue-eyed boy pushed himself back up to his feet and dropped into his stance.

And to top it all off, the boy was more than just talented, he was tenacious, and embodied the will of a true swordsman!

Paul nearly shed a tear at the sight. His boy wasn’t even four yet, but he was already tougher than a lot of men.

“Are you done?” Paul asked though he already knew the answer.

“I’m on my feet, aren’t I?” Law answered through gritted teeth. He stabbed the wooden blade into the dirt and brought one of his hands up to his chest. A dim green light began to emit from his hand that only brightened by the second.

Paul’s eyes widened at the sight.

The longer the glow persisted, the better Law looked, until eventually he looked good as new and the glow died down.

Paul’s surprise was clear, but that didn’t stop a proud smirk from forming.

His son could cast silent healing magic!

Law was truly the best of both him and Zenith, and that revelation brought warmth to Paul’s chest.

A swordsman that could heal himself… Law was destined to be great.

Paul threw the wooden blade on the ground, realizing that this development was too large to just brush over and continue their spar.

“And just when I thought you boys had finished surprising me.” Roxy brushed her hair out of her eyes with a twitching smile.

“Heh, I should have expected as much from my boy!” Paul walked over with a pep in his step and brought his hands down hard on his youngest son’s shoulders. “You’re something else, kid!”

Law blinked in surprise as he looked around to see everyone with varying levels of shock.

Zenith looked more stunned than Paul had seen her in years, while Roxy just seemed to accept Law’s odd talent. Lilia kept her expression neutral, but Paul knew her long enough to recognize her slightly widened eyes.

As for Rudy…

The boy stared at Law with clenched fists and narrowed eyes. The sight almost made Paul freeze.

The prodigy child, Rudeus Greyrat, the son that had never caused an ounce of trouble in his life, or created any problems for himself or others—was envious.

Paul would have laughed if not for Zenith suddenly pulling Law out of his grasp and hugging him close.

“Law, how did you manage that?!” Zenith held the boy’s shoulders tightly with her face just a few inches from his.

Law was still surprised, of that much Paul was certain, and the boy nervously rubbed the back of his head.

“I don’t know… I just did it.” He answered vaguely, which was unfortunate.

If others could learn how to cast chantless healing magic, the world would be a much safer place.

But what was important now was gaining the assurance that Law would be just fine going down whatever path he chose.

“I had long since believed that chantless magic was impossible…” Zenith admitted with a small smile. “Yet here you are, my little exception.”

Paul smiled warmly as Zenith pulled Law into a very tight embrace, pressing the poor boy’s face into her large bust.

The green-eyed man looked over at his oldest son who was watching the two embrace, and walked over to him.

Paul dropped his hand on Rudeus’ head, but that didn’t seem to cheer the boy up.

“You’re on another level when it comes to magic, Rudy, let your little brother have this victory.”

Rudeus didn’t answer, nor did he move as his eyes remained focused.

“You’re something else, kid.” Paul moved away from his eldest son and toward his youngest.

“You did what all of us had believed to be impossible. Well done.”

Law looked over at Rudeus and smiled smugly.

That rivalry was good for the two of them, Paul was sure of that.

“Such a competitive boy!” Paul scooped his son up in a tight hug and began smothering the boy with kisses on the cheek, and Law tried his best to fight his way out of the proud father’s grip

“Mother, Rudeus, Roxy, save me!” The blue-eyed boy shouted, unable to reach out to them due to Paul’s embrace.

“Dear, don’t you think that’s enough?” Zenith asked, although it was clear she enjoyed the sight.

“Ah, alright, I’ll let you go for now, squirt.” Paul relented, dropping Law who landed on his feet. The boy moved away as quickly as he could until he was hiding behind Roxy which only made Paul’s smile grow wider.

Did he think Roxy could save him?

“Rudeus we’ll be increasing your training in the sword until you can give your little brother a good fight, this little development will make him even more formidable than we had previously thought.” Paul crossed his arms as he addressed his oldest son.

Rudeus looked at his father as if the man had lost his mind.

“Love, I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Zenith placed her hands on her husband's chest and he responded by wrapping his arms around her waist.

“Huh, why not?” Paul asked with a raised brow.

Rudeus, while not as talented as his little brother in the sword, was still Paul’s son and heir, swordsmanship was in his blood, it was his fate to hold a blade.

“Well…” Zenith started before looking back at Rudeus. “He doesn’t like sword training.”

Paul squeezed his wife closer and grinned at her.

“Of course he doesn’t like it, most people don’t, hell, I didn’t even like it. Law does but he’s kinda weird.”

“Thanks, Father.” Law rolled his eyes with a snort.

“It’s a compliment my boy!” Paul waved apologetically at the young child. “It shows how determined you are to grow!”

“But Dear… I don’t think you understand what I mean.”

“Huh?” Paul asked again as he looked deeper into Zenith’s blue eyes. The same warm blue he had fallen into so many times before.

“I believe what Lady Zenith is trying to say-” Lilia stepped forward, “-is that Young Lord Rudeus wishes to prioritize his magical growth while forgoing his sword training.”

Paul’s eyes widened. He looked at Zenith and when he got no objection from her the realization set in.

“Rudy… doesn’t want to be a swordsman?”

Silence met his question and Paul realized the only person he’d get an answer from is his eldest son.

“Rudy.”

Rudeus stepped forward and rubbed his neck nervously.

“I… want to focus on magic, Father.”

Paul eyed Rudy for several seconds, looking for a gap in his resolve, a chance to deny him, but the more he searched, the more he saw just how strongly the boy felt.

“I see…” Paul frowned and let go of Zenith. “I don’t think that’s a wise decision. A mage is weak in close quarters, I believe you should at least become an Intermediate swordsman before you call it quits.”

“But I can cast wordless magic, Father!” Rudy followed up quickly, making Paul’s frown deepen. “And the more I progress in magic the higher level I can cast wordlessly. Even in close quarters my magic can help me!” Rudy placed his hand on his chest and Paul looked away from him.

Rudy is smart. The boy knows how to use his mind to get what he wants. Truly the boy's mind is the sharpest weapon he has.

Paul couldn’t even come up with a counter to his words without using his parental authority, which was something he didn’t want to draw upon, not after his experience with his own father.

“I still don’t think this is right.” Paul sighed.

“It may not be, but it’s my decision to make.” Rudeus declared with a smile. “Don’t worry, Father, I’ll keep myself strong and safe through magic.”

“You’re wrong about that Rudy, it’s my decision to make, and I’m doing what’s best for you.” Paul argued back, gaining some ground. “And what’s best for you is to develop enough in the sword to defend yourself without the use of magic.”

“Dear…” Zenith started but trailed off.

Rudeus’ eyes were pleading, but Paul had no intention of changing his mind. It was for the best.

“Father.” Law stepped forward and spoke. “Rudeus’ potential in magic is incredible, he can’t spend time doing something he has no interest in.”

“Law, stay out of this.” Paul gave the boy a stern look.

“Father, all I’m saying is that Rudeus is not a swordsman at heart, maybe compromise rather than pushing him into something he has no drive for?”

“What Law says makes sense, Dear.” Zenith stepped forward and wrapped her arm in Paul’s. “Rudeus was born to be a mage, but I’m sure you both can agree upon a fair compromise when it comes to the sword, no?”

“Master Paul, what I believe they are saying is that Rudeus is the opposite of you, whereas you are good with the sword and terrible with magic. Rudeus has massive talent in magic and has appalling talent with the sword.” Lillia spoke up adding in her own thoughts.

Rudeus nodded. “Father, I’m willing to continue learning the sword styles under you, I only wish to prioritize magic over swordsmanship.”

Paul looked at the faces of everyone present and noticed how Roxy remained silent, likely not wanting to intrude on his decision. He could respect that.

A deep sigh escaped Paul as he realised he was on his own. Going against Zenith wouldn’t be in anyone’s interest.

“Very well, then I will allow you to prioritise magic over sword training.” Paul relented and Rudeus grinned and rushed forward. “But! You need to at least unlock Battle Aura before you cease it, this is not negotiable!”

““Battle Aura?”” Rudeus and Law ask with confused looks on their faces.

“How do I explain this?” Paul whispered to himself. He outstretched his arms and opened his palms. “You have to go like this—Ha!—then Hnngh!”

He turns to look at his two sons to see the deadest looks he has seen on their faces, Zenith is off to the side giggling.

“What?” Paul raised a brow in genuine confusion.

“Father… what are we supposed to do with that demonstration?” Rudeus blinked slowly.

“You didn’t understand?” Paul scratched his head with a frown.”

“Not in the slightest.” Law also adds.

“Hmm, I have an idea” Paul picks up the wooden sword, walks up to the big rock in the yard, gets in a stance, then after a moment cuts the rock completely in half down the centre. “Did you see that?! You have to go go—Mnngh—then Grah! Did you both follow that?”

“ …” Rudeus once again giving him a dead look.

“So in essence there is no logic involved but instinct and willpower? Either that or you just suck at teaching anything not purely physical.” Law asked

Paul averted his eyes, slightly embarrassed by his younger son’s harsh words, but he was happy to see the boy had some idea of what he was trying to explain.

“Yeah something like that! You need to feel it! It comes to you, then you grab it with a—Hmngh! And let it explode with a Nnngh!”

“That’s the best we’re getting out of you.” Law shook his head in disappointment. “But you would not make Rudeus learn it at all cost for just strengthened or sharper attacks, so explain what it does in better detail!” Law added.

“Master Law, I believe I may be better suited to explain this.” Lillia speaks up, Paul turning away embarrassed. “Battle Aura, or Touki as some people call it serves three functions. One it provides a protective barrier over you increasing your durability. Two as Master Paul has shown, it increases the power and sharpness of your attacks. And three hmm how to explain this? It slows the world down? Allows you to think faster to ensure moving at such high speeds doesn’t cause you to run into obstacles.” Rudeus and Law instantly gain looks of understanding on their faces.

“So it’s a durability, damage, speed and perception enhancer!” Rudeus stated

“Exactly!” Paul says. “Even if you never learn the sword, it will remove the major advantages warriors have over mages.” Paul nods to himself.

“I see, thank you, Father! I shall attempt to achieve battle aura at minimum” Rudeus hugged Paul right, and the older man held his son close to him.

Paul didn’t think this was right, every part of his body had previously told him that Rudy would have better success maximising his swordsmanship, but he’d trust in his wife and Lilia’s judgement.

— Roxy Migurdia —

After Paul allowed Rudeus to prioritise on magic, the family went in for lunch.

Roxy sat quietly as Paul proudly flexed Law’s growth to the entire family. It was clear the Greyrat Patriarch was upset by his eldest son’s decision and had shifted all of his pride toward Law who was still aspiring to be a great swordsman, even with the compromise they made.

Roxy didn’t miss how Rudeus’ mood decreased the more Paul spoke. It shouldn’t have come as a surprise to her, Rudeus is very smart for his age. Even the smallest of gestures wouldn’t go unnoticed by him.

“Roxy, would you mind running down to the bakery today to pick up some more bread, Lilia and I are going to be busy all day today.” Zenith asked, and Roxy looked up from her food.

“Oh, not at all, I’d love to!” Roxy smiled, earning a bright smile from Zenith.

“Thank you, you’re always so helpful!”

“Can I come?” Law asked, which surprised the entire table.

“Oh, I was just beginning to think you boys were allergic to anything beyond the walls of this house.” Paul joked, which made the women around him laugh.

Law shook his head. “I wanted to go out for a while now, but every time I’ve wanted to, Lilia or Roxy would leave without me.”

“I had no idea you wished to accompany me Master Law, had I known, I assure you I would have waited.” Lilia bowed her head, and the way Law was looking at her told the table that he didn’t believe her words.

“I don’t mind you coming, although it’s not up to me.” Roxy admitted and all eyes turned to Paul and Zenith.

“No problems here.” Paul shrugged. “Honestly, some adventure would do the boys some good. Take Rudy while you’re at it-“

“No!” Rudeus shouted and stood up, making the entire room freeze.

“Rudeus? What’s wrong?” Zenith asked worriedly.

“N-Nothing, I’m gonna go upstairs.” Rudeus quickly said before running up the stairs.

“What was that about?” Paul raised a brow, a frown on his lips.

“I don’t know… Rudeus never shouts like that.” Zenith frowned deeply and clutched her hand to her large bosom. It was clear the woman was very worried about her son.

“I’ll check on him.” Law stood up, earning nods from everyone at the table. He walked away and made his way up the stairs where he disappeared.

They didn’t know what upset Rudeus, but they hoped Law could figure it out and maybe help his older brother.

— Law Greyrat —

I went up the stairs and opened the door to our room, immediately locking eyes with Rudeus.

He looked away from me and at his bed, while I moved deeper into the room and sat on my own bed.

“You don’t wanna go outside?” I asked, already knowing the answer. All our lives he never liked training magic outside, nor did he even consider leaving our yard. It wasn’t hard to figure out the guy had some sort of trauma or something that made leaving impossible for him.

The real question is how long has this trauma existed, and is it even possible for me to help him get past it?

If he can’t leave the house, what the fuck is the purpose of learning magic?

He didn’t answer my question, not that I needed or expected one.

“Look, staying silent isn’t gonna help either of us. I need to know what’s wrong so I can help you.” I explained, placing my hands on my legs as I waited patiently for him to say something.

After more than a minute of waiting and being met with silence, I stood up and walked out of the room.

I couldn’t get anything out of him until he was willing to tell me, and the guy just didn’t seem to trust me. Whether that be because he already knew I was a reincarnation, or because he just never liked me, I have no idea, and honestly, it didn’t matter anymore.

He’d talk when he was ready, or he’d never talk.

I walked down the stairs and everyone stopped the conversation they were having to look at me.

“He’s fine, just frustrated I guess.” I lied, not wanting my family to concern themselves with his problem. They didn’t need to know we’re people who were reincarnated into these bodies, and they didn’t need to hear of our problems before we were brought here.

“That’s a relief.” Zenith held her heart, and a pang of guilt went through me while lying to her.

“Yup, looks like our boy was just going through a phase.”

“At four years old, My Lord?” Lilia asked with disbelief. She had always been the most suspicious of us.

“He’s really talented in magic isn’t he, maybe he just goes through phases faster.” Paul shrugged, but Lilia seemed unconvinced.

“Can we go now?” I turned to Roxy who nodded and stood up.

“Be safe out there, and come back as soon as possible.” Zenith stood up and placed her hands on her hips.

“Yes, Mother, we’ll be back soon.” I smiled and turned toward the door.

“Don’t worry, Zenith, he’ll be safe with me.” Roxy bowed slightly before following me outside.

“Are we gonna take our horse?” I asked and earned a head shake from the petite blue-haired girl.

“No, we’ll be fast, we just need some bread.” She said before walking past the wall and down the hill.

I shrugged, and followed after her.

The further we walked, the more beautiful I found my new home. Luscious fields willed with wheat. Farmers waved to us as we walked by, and I even caught a glimpse of some of the women who came to watch my Father and I (mainly Paul) train with the sword.

“This place is beautiful.” I spoke aloud, and Roxy turned back to me with a small smile.

“It is, isn’t it? You should go out more.”

“Yeah, I should,” I admitted. In my last life, I was basically forced to go to school and then take pre-college courses right after, and whenever I did get home, my parents wouldn’t even talk to me.

I never actually got a chance to step outside and smell the roses…

But now… here, I get that chance, and the last thing I want to do is take it for granted.

“Here we are.” Roxy hummed as we stopped in front of a small house. The place was even smaller than ours, only one story.

“Would you like to come in or wait out here?” Roxy asked, eyeing me as I looked around.

“I’m gonna explore a bit.” I turned to her and earned a proud smile.

“Good, don’t take too long though, your mother would kill me if I lost you.” Roxy laughed nervously.

“You’re joking, right?” I asked. Roxy ignored my question and entered the bakery. “Right?!”

And just like that, I was by myself.

I put my hands behind my head and started walking past the bakery. I wanted to see more of this place, Buena Village, my new home.

I admired the various plants that people were growing, and even spotted some children playing with one another.

I was tempted to go over there and introduce myself, mainly because I knew I’d be the hotshot if I did.

Paul is the knight that protects this village, he’s practically its leader, and even without him, I’m Advanced in magic and Intermediate in the sword, I’d be the leader the moment they learned about those facts.

I grinned and stepped forward but stopped in my tracks.

I spotted a green-haired girl with short hair and red eyes and my heart sank.

I recalled the stories Roxy had told us about, the stories of the most disgusting and fearsome demons the world has ever known.

The Superd Race.

A demon race of violent cold blooded killers, and powerful ones at that. They carry bloody spears and have red jewels in their foreheads and deep green hair.

The cruellest demons imaginable… and one was here?!

I swallowed my spit and walked around the fence she was leaning on, trying to get a better view of her forehead. Just as I was stalking around, she turned to me with wide eyes and I let out a deep breath of relief.

No jewel, which means she’s not a Superd.

… Now I feel kind of racist for assuming.

This is Master Roxy’s fault, it’s gotta be.

Well a girl like that could be quite the formidable henchman if she can scare away people just by existing!

I walked toward her with a cocky grin and she eyed me nervously the entire time.

“Hello, strange green-haired girl!” I waved, making her take a step back.

Ah, people don’t like being called strange, what the fuck was I thinking honestly?

“Forgive me for that, I’m not familiar with talking to new people.” I admitted, and I could see her entire posture was shy and nervous. This is a girl, maybe a bit older than me (around Rudeus’ age), judging how she was a little taller than me.

Which honestly isn’t saying much. Being three years old sucks.

“I’m Law Greyrat, my father is Paul Greyrat, he’s a knight that keeps this village safe.”

My words seemed to bring some comfort to the girl.

“I know… Lord Paul.”

Okay, so she knows my father, good progress honestly.

“Well, I don’t come out much, this is the first time actually, and I wanted to make some friends, so… wanna be friends?” I asked.

Now normally I wouldn’t even consider making a friend this way, but we’re kids, basically toddlers honestly, this is the easiest way to make friends, plus she was watching kids play, she must be lonely.

“A-Are you sure?” She asked with wide eyes.

“Of course.” I nodded. “Why wouldn’t I be sure?”

“… People d-don’t like to get too close to me.” She admitted and her eyes started to tear up.

Fuck me, I caused this didn’t I?

I quickly placed a hand on her shoulder, stalling her tears. I had to make her happy quickly. I can assume why people don’t want to get close to her, so I need to steer the conversation away from that.

“Well I’m not like people, I’m my own person.” I grinned and pat her shoulder. “Which is why I wanna be friends.”

And just like that, I failed.

She started crying anyway, or moreso tearing up. I genuinely felt bad for her. I had wanted to just pick up a loyal friend, but it seems like this girl was in need of a genuine friend. Could she be a single child?

… Wait, doesn’t that mean I helped her?!

I’m not an asshole!

I patted her back and the action seemed to bring her to a halt. And eventually she sniffled and stood up straight.

“I-I’m Sylphiette.” She introduced herself with a sniffle.

“That’s a long name, mind if I call you Sylphy? As you can see, a guy like me deals with shorter names.” I grinned stupidly, getting the desired result when she giggled.

“Mmm!”

“Great.” I gave her a thumbs up. “Well then, Sylphy, what do you do for fun?”

Sylphiette, the poor girl, touched her fingers together and pointed at the boys.

“I… watch them… but whenever I get close, they run away.”

Oh that’s so depressing, but I could relate to her. I did the same thing in my past life. My focus on school work and sickly body tag teamed up to make getting friends impossible. Though watching people enjoy life was never fun to me.

Sylphy could find joy in others happiness, she’s a better soul than me.

“Well, let’s find something even funner to do!” I placed my hands on my hips with a firm grin.

“Like what?” She blinked.

“Well, do you know what tag is?” I asked, and she quickly shook her head no.

Oh man…

“Well, tag is a game where people have to run away from the tagger. If the tagger touches someone, then the person they touched is the new tagger.” I explained and to my luck, she seemed to understand with only one explanation.

“Can we play it?!” Sylphy asked with bubbling excitement.

“Of course we can, I’m the tagger, you have three seconds before I start chasing you.” I grinned, and she started running away.

I watched her run with a smile. She was slow, at least compared to me, but I’ve been training my body for over a year now so it’s understandable.

The sight of her running away took some weight off my chest.

This girl… she was so similar to me in my last life. A girl who was ignored and feared vs a boy who was ignored and bullied.

All I wanted back then was for someone, anyone to reach out their hand and be my friend. I wanted it so bad I even went out looking for it, only to be rejected every time.

I watched Sylphy turn around with a bright smile and pushed myself to chase her, making sure I wasn’t going fast enough to actually catch her before she had her fun.

Sure, my life was beyond saving and no one cared enough to help, but this young girl here, she didn’t deserve to go through the same thing I had-

And I’d make sure she didn’t.

— Chapter End —

Beta Readers: @Basilisk @Dragonboy1 @LuluViBritania (FF.N, SB, WN and QQ)/-LuluViB|99th Britannian Emperor(Discord)

Author’s Note: I apologize for not posting in a long while. Recently I’ve been moving and that has consumed most of my time. Thank you all for being so patient.