Re-Upload Note:

Behold, proper categories!

Thanks for coming by, and sorry for the trouble. I believe that the new categories will make this story easier to find, since as far as I know no one calls Mushoku Tensei "Another World". And that's the wrong translation anyways, since Mushoku Tensei means "Jobless Reincarnation".

You can expect Chapter 1 within a week or so, so look forward to it!

Original Author's Note:

Hey there! Now, I know I've been dead for quite a while now, but you can check my profile for how I'm planning to approach my writing from now on. I also humbly beg for forgiveness from the followers I've managed to accrue on my older stories.

So let's talk about this fic. I like RWBY, I like the setting, and I like the characters. The plot's decent too. So it's no wonder that I'd want to write a fic with RWBY involved. I'm assuming you found this fic because you were checking RWBY crossovers, so I'm going to assume that you also know what RWBY is.

Then there's Mushoku Tensei, the series I'm crossing over with RWBY. I'll just say right now, it's quite literally my favorite series of all time. I want it to be more popular, and I'm assuming most of the people reading this are probably not familiar with the series.

It's an "isekai" story, meaning "another world" in Japanese, which is currently one of the most overused genres in Japanese media these days. But I think it's one of the best of that genre, playing to all its strengths while minimizing its weaknesses. The story also goes into other topics that light novels typically don't approach. This includes: having a self-aware main character that isn't a complete blockhead. A more realistic approach to some harem-like aspects of stories (and romance in general), where the feelings of both the guy and girls involved are analyzed and carefully looked at. And just actually seeing the main character truly mature and develop all throughout the story.

TL;DR - Mushoku Tensei is a story about a reincarnated man, following him from birth (literally) to death (also literally). It reads a bit like an autobiography, and I think it's one of the most interesting iterations of Japanese fantasy stories. This fic takes place after the end of the series though, so if you're picky about spoilers, this is my warning.

This prologue is meant to introduce you to the main character of Mushoku Tensei. It's essentially a rewritten version of the official epilogue made into a prologue. I had fun with the bonus segments at the end too, so I hope you enjoy.

Please, let me know what you think and what improvements you'd like to see made. My main concern is that the prologue is too confusing. It's meant to pique interest, not explain the whole plot of Mushoku Tensei, but still...let me know what you think!

Yet Another World

Prologue: Journey's End

I faced him one last time.

Actually, I'm not even sure if it was a 'him' in any normal sense. I could never see it clearly no matter how many times I met it through my life. Just a mosaic-covered being, surrounded by endless white in a dimension I could never truly understand. A being I only met in my dreams, whenever he summoned me as I slept.

My enemy. The being that wanted to take everything from me. It called itself Hitogami, the "Human God". My family, my friends, my home, my life...Hitogami wanted to break them down and watch them burn.

But…

I couldn't hate him, not now at least. It's been 40 years since I last saw him, 40 years since his plans had failed and I had triumphed.

Maybe it's that saying, the one that goes "absence makes the heart grow fonder"?

I'm just kidding.

No, I think it's because I understand him. Our very existences forced us to be enemies. I hadn't known that before. I was a human, and he was a god. So why was he trying so hard to ruin the life of a lower being like me?

But one of Hitogami's abilities was to see into the future, and doing so he saw me. By coming to this world, I'd changed it, and these changes would be the first wind in the storm that "kills" him far in the future. So he tried to end me.

I...would do the same. I did do the same. My conflict with him ended a long time ago, but I know he hasn't given up. After all, I was just the beginning of his downfall.

"I wanted to tell you something before."

I found myself speaking my thoughts out loud. It wasn't like I had anything to lose. I was dead. I lived a fulfilling life, not just for others but for myself. And in the end, I passed away at the age of 74 surrounded by my lovely family. It was a life I could safely say that I had no regrets leaving the way it is.

Maybe that's why I can think and talk with such clarity even when confronting my mortal enemy.

"...What?" I could pretty much hear the snarl in Hitogami's voice. Actually, it's strangely perplexing that an incomprehensible being like him could also be so easy to read.

This last meeting with him wasn't an accident. It wasn't some last vestige of my consciousness experiencing a final vision. He brought me back to meet him again, just like all those other times. Just like when he lied and pretended to guide me when I was just a child. Just like when he tried to convince me that if I helped him instead, then he would have no reason to destroy my life, my new family and home. Just like when he growled and threatened me as I came closer to triumphing, as I fought for my children and everyone else waiting for me. Just like the last time, when he finally admitted his defeat, as the last of his plans crumbled away into nothing.

Yes, there was definitely a reason. He brought me here this time to try and gloat that now that I was dead, I couldn't mess with him anymore.

It was pointless, though.

I trusted in the future. I trusted in everything I'd built. Besides, it was all out of my hands now. I'm dead, there's nothing I could possibly do. So for what reason would I give in to his gloating?

When he'd realized he couldn't get a rise out of me, he became agitated. That's when I decided to say these words to him.

"I think I don't really hate you that much."

A small part of me was surprised. I knew what he tried to do. He killed my dear mentor and wife. He got my best friend killed when we all tried to save her. He drove me into despair, making me push everyone close to me away, alienating them for good. And it all ended with my life in shambles, my loved ones dead, my home destroyed, and my spirit crushed. And that was just the surface of what he tried to do.

But I stopped it. None of that ever ended up happening. That might be why I could say what I said. Because what he tried to do to me, was what was going to happen to him, at least from his perspective.

I really don't think beings like him raised families and fell in love like we humans, though.

So...was I feeling something like pity for him? Maybe...

"What are you trying to say…?" He sounded suspicious of me. I felt like he'd made an unpleasant face once I spoke.

"I don't really understand, but I think it's thanks to you that I can be so calm right now."

"...Even if you say that, I won't let my guard down." He bluntly proclaimed his desire to continue resisting until the end. I couldn't blame him.

"Ah...no...well, that wasn't my intention…" I rubbed the back of my head sheepishly.

Then why did I say it? I don't really know. It wasn't that I came to like him. I'd never even consider giving him my thanks. After all, if he hadn't interfered, my life probably would've still been just as satisfying and fulfilling.

And without the fighting demon lords and gods.

We fell into silence after that. After several moments in that uncomfortable atmosphere I was struck with a sudden thought.

"I wonder why I came to this world." I muttered aloud. I'm sure the face I was making was one of slightly amused pondering.

"I don't know." Hitogami muttered in response. It sounded like he really wanted to know the answer. Heh, of course he wanted to know.

But I had a few ideas of my own.

In truth, this was my second life, born into a fantasy-like world with magic and swords. It was my second chance, after I wasted away my first life on 21st century Earth until there was nothing left.

A piece of garbage like me didn't deserve another chance. That's what I would currently say about my old self. That loser that didn't do anything, complained, and died having a pitiful 34 years of life. But for some reason I got that second chance. My first life, with a name I left deep within my memories, faded, and I became Rudeus Greyrat.

So for whatever or whoever gave me this chance, I'd want to give them my thanks. I'd shake their hand up and down as hard as I could, and then more.

Reborn, I'd resolved to live my life carefully and correctly, and with all the effort I could possibly put forth. It was actually a lot harder than those novels and anime would have you think, you know. But I did it. For 74 years, more than twice as long as my first life, I made up for it.

Eh?

Wait a second.

What happens now? I think I lived a good life, one that more than makes up for my first one. So am I actually going to die for real now?

The thought didn't scare me much. I wonder why.

Oh.

It's contentment. Plain and simple.

I marvelled at the clarity of my thoughts once more. I felt better than I ever had in a long time. It seems I was going senile by the time I died; the thought of that almost made me laugh.

"Do you really not know anything?" I prodded him. I was sure a god would have some knowledge of how I reincarnated as a baby in this world.

"If I knew, I would've stopped this from happening," Hitogami replied venomously. "You came out of thin air, I didn't even realize it until long after."

"Hmm…" I rubbed my chin thoughtfully, "Well, If there ever comes another reincarnated guy like me, then please give him my regards."

"Like hell I will." It was a flat response this time. His grudge runs deep, I see. I guess it's because he still has to live on, after all.

I shrugged.

"So what happens to me now?" I asked questioningly.

"Well, let's see." Hitogami seemed to look at me with irritation, "The soul decomposes into mana. I'm sure you understand, but mana is everywhere so you become one with the world again. But since you're from another world, I don't know if that's what will happen to you."

"Ah, I understand." I reply evenly.

It was a bit disappointing. I was hoping to see my father, Paul, again, or perhaps my old friend/hated enemy Gisu. Oh well. It's enough that my remains are to be buried with them. I lost myself in reminiscence for a few moments, my mind occupied with thoughts of the people who moved on before me.

And now I felt myself fading. It looks like my time here is up.

"Tch…" Hitogami clicked his tongue. He was frustrated, of course. The things I did in my life laid the foundation to bring him down. And he couldn't even vex me with the knowledge that I was dead.

Somehow, I found myself laying a hand on his shoulder.

"I don't think I'm in the right position to say this but…" I grinned widely, "Do your best from now on."

He didn't actually respond. He stopped moving entirely. I couldn't feel any emotion, so he might have sealed himself off already. Cut the connection, so to speak.

Shaking my head, I looked around one last time. Everything was the same. Endless white, endless nothing. I couldn't help but continue wondering what was next for me.

Would I become mana and become one with nature? That didn't sound too bad.

Would I return to my first world? I...probably wouldn't mind, but there would be some painful memories brought back. And I doubt there are as many beautiful girls within reach as here.

And lastly...would I still have my memories?

Those questions would be answered soon, I suppose. I turned back to Hitogami. I felt that he was still here, even if he didn't say anything.

"See ya."

Then the white dimension faded away until I was surrounded by darkness.

Without Hitogami there to occupy my mind, my thoughts shifted to the three most important people in my life: My wives. Sylphiette, Roxy, and Eris Greyrat.

Now, it was never my intention, no matter what future biographers or scholars might say, to marry more than one girl. Life just wasn't as simple as that harem genre of entertainment I used to enjoy so much in my first life. I wasn't stupid. As much as I appreciate beautiful girls, the thought of betraying the feelings of those who loved me was worse than death in my opinion.

It was a combination of circumstances, understanding, and effort that brought us all together. And I'm blessed that it all worked out.

Truly, truly, blessed... I could almost feel the tears running down my face as I thought about them.

Sylphy. My first wife. I could still see her lovely smile, those shining red eyes that contrasted so well with her shoulder-length snowy white hair, and of course, her adorable pointed ears, courtesy of her elven grandmother. If it weren't for her, I never would've been able to anchor myself in this new life. I would never have been able to work towards my goals in such a concrete way. I owe her everything for being there right from the start. No matter where I went, what I did, who I met, she was always at home, waiting for my return. She was the root of my life, the beginning of all that I accomplished during my time in this world.

Roxy. My second wife. A small Migurdian girl, by all accounts, but stunningly attractive with her sapphire eyes that matched perfectly with her braided ocean-colored hair. She actually began as a teacher to me. We met when I was just a toddler, but because of the Migurd race's lifespan, I quickly outgrew her as the years passed. But it was her guidance to my younger self that shaped me into who I am today. I can say with absolute confidence that without her, I never would've met Sylphy and began my journey. I never would've become the man that ended up stealing Roxy's heart. Not only that, but Roxy saved me again in one of the darkest, most horrible times in my life. It shames me to say it, but the comfort she provided me at that time was an act of betrayal to Sylphy, one that I did nothing to stop.

It was after that that I resolved to take responsibility, then realized that my family might have to grow. I just couldn't shatter Roxy's heart and leave her, I couldn't just choose one of them over the other. I can only blame myself for my weakness, and thank both Sylphy and Roxy for their kindness and understanding.

And of course there was Eris. A human like me, a girl with long crimson hair and eyes that screamed of power and confidence. Despite being my third wife, she was actually my first love. We were comrades, and we traveled together long before I had any thoughts of starting a family. But due to a misunderstanding when we went our separate ways, I gave up on her. I loved her, but I thought she'd never return those feelings, so I left them behind.

I couldn't have been more wrong.

Eris actually wanted to become stronger, hoping to continue fighting by my side. She used her own love for me as a pillar of strength for many years while we were separated. While I nursed a (unintentionally) broken heart, she continued to train, sweat, and bleed for my sake. I couldn't believe that after she learned about how I moved on without her, how I betrayed her, that she was still willing to stand by my side to fight against Hitogami and his minions. But she did. And I found that no matter how I'd tried, my own buried feelings were still there. Despite our differences, awkwardness, and general miscommunications, there was no longer any doubt between us.

Surprisingly, bringing Eris into the family was pretty smooth. It's a bit weird to say, but once we reached the count of two, three wasn't much of a shock. Maybe Sylphy, and by extension, Roxy, had already come to expect something like that from me? When I thought that, I completely realized just how generous and accepting they were. It only strengthened my resolve to protect not only them, but everyone else close to me.

Anyways, as I said before, Hitogami was my mortal enemy in life. He'd told me that my descendants would cause his death, and that's why he plotted to destroy me. There was no way in hell that was a good enough reason for me. But he was a mysterious interdimensional being, so I was at a loss.

At first, he reassured me that I just had to defeat his other mortal enemy, the Dragon God, Orsted, then he'd have no reason to fight me. But after I tried, I realized that Orsted was the one I should follow. He was the one that could protect my family from Hitogami. I didn't really care who was "right" or who was "wrong", I just wanted to keep my family safe. In hindsight, it was the right choice. There are few people I trusted more than Orsted at the time of my death.

Even with a powerful being like Orsted on my side, it wasn't easy. Hitogami had his minions, called Apostles, powerful people whose names were also spoken in awe and wonder throughout the world. For reference, Orsted was the second strongest being in the world. But the rank 3, 6, and 7 were on Hitogami's side. Regardless, I still betrayed him, because Hitogami just wasn't trustworthy. I couldn't bring myself to have any confidence in him, not after I knew what he had planned to do to me. I threw in my lot with Orsted, and gave everything I had into his crusade against Hitogami.

Our fight against Hitogami took up many years of my life, but all throughout, the women I loved were there for me. Without fail.

Sylphy, Roxy, and Eris saw something in me that made me worth their love. Something that made me worth sharing with others in their eyes, as strange to others as that may be. I still don't know what that thing was, so I could only return those favors a million times over. The three of them were the foundations of my strength, my reason for fighting. They gave me a family to love, they gave me a life to live. It's thanks to them that I could pass on with a smile on my face.

And their faces were the only things on my mind as the darkness closed in around me.

And then there was nothing.

Bonus: Rudeus and His Wives (Adapted from Asura Kingdom's Biography of Rudeus Greyrat)

Many know Rudeus Greyrat as a monumental contributor to the world of not just magecraft, but research, inventing, and education. Despite the sheer impact of his actions on the future of our world, Rudeus himself kept a low profile, desiring that his name never be credited first, or even at all. As a result, not much is known about this mysterious man.

By most accounts, Rudeus was a kind, polite, and gentle soul. No matter how much he triumphed, he always said that there was someone stronger than him. His modesty was to such an extent that it actually became a source of slight frustration from his peers, who greatly respected and honored him.

Physically, Rudeus was above average height, around 5 feet 9 inches. He had brown hair with green eyes. According to eyewitness reports, his looks were considered good in general. From a biased account from his first wife, Sylphiette Greyrat, during their days at a magic university: "My knees gave away just by looking at his face for several seconds."

It's also worth noting that according to some sources, Rudeus was also extremely lustful. Some records say that he paid no attention to his surroundings, and was quite presumptuous with his wives no matter the situation. But those same records go on to say that his loyalty to them was unmatched. Not a single case exists of him attempting to make a move on someone else. This is supported by the sheer protectiveness Rudeus has displayed in defense of his wives and family. Not a single insult to them in his presence went unpunished, and if threats were involved, his bloodlust and rage succeeded in even unnerving the Dragon God, Orsted.

More information on Rudeus Greyrat can be found in his official biography, located in the Asura Kingdom Library. Now we will discuss our other topic.

Sylphiette Greyrat, Rudeus' first wife. Records indicate that she is a quarter elf, an eighth beast-race, and the rest human. Due to growing up alongside Rudeus, she was one of the first examples of the new generation of mages. It is through her that we know Rudeus had begun revolutionizing magic from as early as the young age of 5 years old. Though his theories hadn't yet been refined or tested, Rudeus trained Sylphiette in the same way that he learned magic, a set of unique methods he came up with when he secretly read his parent's books on magic. Those techniques he created as a child were formally tested once he became a teacher and researcher, and were soon adopted worldwide. That training also made Sylphiette into one of the most talented mages of her time, only surpassed by Rudeus himself, Roxy M. Greyrat, and a few other notables.

Despite her talent in magic, she was only noted to be an accomplished student and an able bodyguard to the Princess who later became Queen of the Asura Kingdom. After her resignation as a bodyguard, she married Rudeus, the both of them 16 years of age, and left the public eye. Not much else is known about her after that, as Rudeus, along with his family, tried their best to stay away from the limelight.

Roxy M. Greyrat. Rudeus' second wife. She hails from the magically-inclined Migurd race from the Demon Continent. Roxy is actually the teacher that cultivated Rudeus' talent, becoming his tutor when he was only 3 years old. After they parted ways, she traveled the world until they met again when Rudeus was almost 17 years of age. They participated in a raid of a S-rank Labyrinth, which resulted in the death of Paul Greyrat, father of Rudeus, and the comatose/zombie-like mental state of Zenith Greyrat, mother of Rudeus. It is said that without Roxy, Rudeus would never have recovered from those losses. It was after that that he welcomed her into his family as his second wife.

Later in life, Roxy became the headmaster of the Ranoa Magic University, the school Rudeus attended. Her contributions to education have made her famous, but outside of her status as an esteemed educator, not much else is known about her. We can once again blame Rudeus' desire to remain unnoticed by the masses.

Eris Boreas Greyrat. The third wife of Rudeus. Born into the esteemed Boreas Greyrat family, a distant cousin to Rudeus' own Notus Greyrat family, she became noted from an early age as a violent brute of a girl. Rudeus was sent to tutor her in the finer arts of mathematics, magic, and reading when she was 9 years old, and he was 7. Under his guidance, she became more mellow, and others began to see Rudeus' potential as an educator and mage. But while Eris did succeed in learning basic magic under Rudeus, her true talent was in swordplay.

During a several-year period of separation from Rudeus, Eris attained the rank of Sword King of the Sword God Style. She also attained the Saint rank of the North God Style. Her achievements and temperament in battle earned her the moniker "Mad Dog Eris". After her training, she returned to Rudeus to help him fight Dragon God Orsted, but they were both defeated and Orsted spared them. It was after that that she became his third wife. After Rudeus decided to join Orsted, she continued to fight alongside him until the final battle against the Fighting God Badigadi and the North God Kalman III. Some scholars note that she is the only one of Rudeus' wives that was capable of standing on the front lines alongside him.

This article is an attempt to further investigate the life of Rudeus Greyrat, and show how closely tied his achievements are to the family he cherished so dearly. Any further information or records should be submitted to the Royal Archive for validation and integration into our current information. Thank you.

Bonus' Bonus: Reacting to the Article

Rudeus: ...Eh? Lustful? Why'd they devote a full paragraph to that?

Sylphy: But they're right, Rudi is definitely a pervert.

Rudeus: ...But why is that important?

Sylphy: ...I don't know. Maybe they didn't have anything else to write about?

Rudeus: Hah...I should've put my name on more things…by the way. Did you really say that about me? About how seeing me makes your knees go weak?

Sylphy: Ah! Well...I...yes…I did...

Rudeus: Oho, Sylphy's just too cute~. Come here~!

Sylphy: E-Eh!? Kyaa!

Roxy: Rudi, this is why that scholar wrote that paragraph. Stop bothering Sylphy!

Rudeus: But Sylphy looks happy though? She's enjoying this.

Roxy: ...Is Rudi right?

Sylphy: Umm...a little bit.

Rudeus: See?

Roxy: ...I suppose it's fine then.

Rudeus: Aha! It's okay Roxy-sensei, I won't leave you out. I'm not that mean.

Roxy: Wha-, sto-, ahh!

Sylphy: Rudi!?

Eris: *Ahem*

Rudeus & Sylphy & Roxy: ~!~!~!

Rudeus: Um...I can explain?

Eris: What. are. you. doing!?

Rudeus: ...Bonding.

Eris: *Inhales Deeply* Is that so? I think Rudi needs to be punished.

Rudeus: Eep! I just remembered some important business. Goodbye!

Eris: Get back here!

Roxy & Sylphy: …

Sylphy: Is Eris-chan...jealous?

Roxy: Looks like it. She just can't be honest with herself unless they're alone.

Rudeus: Nooooooo! Save me!

Sylphy: Hm...but I think she's being honest right now.

Roxy: Haha...I think you're right.

Ending Note:

Whew. A note at the beginning and the end? My apologies.

Anyways, the Biography of Rudeus Greyrat does exist, and is an official side chapter written by the original author. I was hoping my little excerpted version would give more of an impersonal view on how the world Rudeus is leaving behind viewed him, and maybe give some insight into what kind of person he is. Please, tell me your thoughts.

Thank you for reading, I'll see you next chapter!