For a stranger meeting for the first time, Alan's behavior was a bit rude.
But he did it deliberately. On one hand, he really was a bit of a hooligan.
On the other hand…
If he kept this up, he'd end up becoming a love guru. Although before crossing over he adored Roxy and called her "Mama" all day, the reality was clear now: Alan had to rely on the prophecy he learned from novels to safely survive the big event of Reincarnation in the Unknown.
He needed to stay close to Roxy—but also keep a proper distance.
In the world of Reincarnation in the Unknown, due to stagnant information, people only communicated by letters or face-to-face talks, and relationships were relatively simple. So Rudeus's love words and online flirting would easily get strong, colorful positive reactions from the opposite sex.
It was ridiculous—but true.
In a flash, Alan's behavior became unambiguous. He imitated Roxy's gloomy expression, raised his sharp, upward-tilted eyebrows, and stared at her forehead.
"Of course, if there really was a red magic eye here, I might have chopped off your head before you could eat me—after all, we're standing way too close."
"How about waving the knife?"
After saying this, he tilted his head and glanced at the four headless monster corpses beside him.
Luo Qixi followed his gaze and shuddered instinctively.
Yes, as a magician, she was actually being threatened by a swordsman's face.
Ultimately, it was because she'd just separated from Rudeus and, upon meeting a child who looked young, she instinctively used the same way of communicating she used with Rudeus.
But this wasn't Rudeus. Nor was he a harmless child.
Instead, he was an adventurer wandering the monster-infested woods late at night. He drew his sword and killed four monsters instantly, while skillfully splitting his water ball magic in front of his face—the accuracy of his distance control was extreme.
This casually displayed skill was even stronger than most A-level adventurers she'd seen.
No, not just intermediate swordsman level. Very likely a senior swordsman.
Thinking this, Luo Qixi calmed down, raised her legs, and prepared to stand up to put some distance between them, but when her eyes passed over Alan, she suppressed the impulse.
In a moment, Alan put on a serious expression, stretched out his right hand, gave a noble salute, and bowed his head to Luo Qixi.
She could even see the hairs on the back of his neck.
Alan's actions showed that despite his words, he meant no harm.
"Sorry, no more jokes. Thank you very much. Honestly, even if you split my water ball magic just now, I really owe you my life."
He even used a respectful tone.
Luo Qixi blinked, sat back down, and placed her hands on her knees.
After Alan's push-and-pull—a full "pull"—the atmosphere between them returned to formality.
The conversation returned to the right track.
"What do you mean? And how do you know about the Migrud tribe?"
Alan reached out and unsheathed the blade at his waist, then placed it horizontally in front of both of them, showing he had no intention to attack. At the same time, he pointed at the sheath and looked up at Luo Qixi, speaking earnestly.
"As you can see, the sword techniques I just used put a heavy strain on my body. Without you here, I would have been injured, and if a monster had been attracted by the firelight, my life would have been in danger."
"As for the Migrud tribe, you should know all swordsmen are fascinated by the magical weapons and sharp blades they wield."
"Although I'm not very old, I have read the Legend of the Northern God Heroes. Those magic swords with various effects were crafted by the famous demon tribe swordsmith, Julian Harris."
"To understand this master, I read many books related to the Demon Continent, so I know quite a bit about demons."
Luo Qixi fell silent for a moment.
"But if I hadn't cast magic, you wouldn't have had to swing your sword with such heavy skills. Compared to the monsters, it must have been my water ball magic that made you feel threatened. Because you can't tell whether sudden magic in the dark forest night is friend or foe, you try to eliminate threats quickly, while also showing your strength to deter newcomers. Am I right?"
Alan looked surprised. Luo Qixi's half-closed eyes and cold expression held no fear or hostility. She reciprocated Alan's kindness and sat obediently on the ground, the wizard robe stretched by her duck sitting posture, hands supporting her knees, as if calmly discussing the matter.
As expected of an adventurer who'd struggled in the Demon and Milis Continents for years, beyond the cuteness emphasized for animation marketing, Luo Qixi's judgment was sharp. She probably relaxed around Alan because she'd been safe for so long in peaceful Asura Kingdom.
This was a ruthless person, who could solo-level in a dungeon with the fragile body of a magician. It was an insult to the status of God to treat her as some fragile flower.
Alan smiled.
"That's true. But the fact is your water ball was to save me, not for anything else. Isn't it? I realized that and stopped trying. Also, the healing magic you cast after I fainted—that kindness is real. I have to thank you."
Luo Qixi looked at Alan, leaned forward slightly, and stared at him with a somewhat aggressive attitude.
This time, she was silent for a long moment, then lightly pointed at the wild boar corpse beside him.
She said quietly:
"Sure enough, your fainting was deliberate, right? To test if I meant harm. You kept your face up after fainting, so you wouldn't hinder your sword draw. If I'd done something bad while you were unprepared, my head would be like theirs now, right?"
Alan paused, realizing he'd been found out, and hurried to explain.
"That was subconscious—"
Luo Qixi interrupted him.
"It's fine. I see you weren't guarding against me after you sat up. Your gratitude is sincere. You must be aware of this when solo adventuring. It's impressive for someone so young to be this vigilant. It's me who's been too safe these past years—you taught me a lesson."
Luo Qixi pulled her bangs in slight distress, tilted her head toward the wand beside her, and her voice lowered.
"However, you're a qualified adventurer: you're smooth-talking and not fully truthful."
Alan stared at Luo Qixi. At that moment, he truly felt the charm of her personality unconsciously emanating from her.
It wasn't just superficial white skin or beauty.
She was genuinely kind.
Thinking this, Alan looked seriously at Luo Qixi.
She seemed to sense his intense gaze, turned her head and looked at him with some doubt.
Then, a young but firm voice echoed in his ears.
"Thank you, but I can't agree with your smooth talk. Maybe my words about 'waking up' sounded like nonsense to you, but I truly meant it."
Luo Qixi stared blankly at Alan's serious face.
[System reminder: Repeatedly brushing Luo Qixi's favor will not yield more rewards, but must be said.]
Alan hurriedly waved to dismiss the system's half-formed message.
'Thank you isn't enough? True feelings can't be called flattering. Don't do that.'
Luo Qixi was stunned briefly, then a hidden smile blossomed at the corner of her mouth at Alan's strange behavior.
"Then does calling me 'mom' also count as true feelings? Obviously, you're teasing me about my short stature. No one on the Asura Continent would believe there's a demon here. My short height and mature tone are suspicious enough."
Alan thought: Wake up, Blue Mom. How can your tone be mature? The Migrud tribe's lifespan is 200 years, roughly equivalent to your age as a girl, with brain development still at a child's stage. Not to mention the demons' low intelligence.
While thinking this, he heard Luo Qixi clear her throat.
"Don't call me mom. I have a name."
Alan nodded and asked.
"What's your name?"
"Luo Qixi. What about you?"
"Alan."
Alan was stunned, looking at Luo Qixi. Her dark blue eyes were sincere even in the night.
Forget it, I've told too many lies tonight. I won't lie to Luo Qixi anymore.
I'll remind her later—Luo Qixi's personality means that even if she hears rumors in the capital, she'll want to protect her location.
After a pause, Alan said his full name.
"Alan Boreas Greyrat."
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