The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology

"Forced Subjugation," Seori whispered.

The moment those words were heard, the young girls moved faster than I could turn around.

Saaya spread her arms and stood in front of me.

Elenora chanted "Air's Lock" and restrained Seori.

Both of them showed reflexes beyond human limits, but... hey, if you can move that fast, use it a bit more against monsters usually. Especially you, Saaya.

Well, I'm grateful that they tried to protect me.

"Ruruk, are you okay?" Saaya asked, turning back.

"Spell, release," Elenora demanded, glaring at Seori.

I didn't need to ask what Seori had done, but I patted Saaya's head to thank her anyway.

"Thanks. But I'm fine," I assured them.

The skill notification displayed:

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> "Domain Arbitration" has been activated.

>> "Forced Subjugation" has been nullified.

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With the "Fictitious Vision" I inherited from Roze, I can easily understand how numerology is the embodiment of cheat skills.

[Numerology 7: Domain Arbitration

> An extreme-grade skill that allows setting, expanding, and adjusting the domains of 'self' and 'other'.

>> It combines automatic defense against interfering actions with aggressive intent and automatic self-restoration. The arbitrator who governs domains]

The explanation is a bit unclear, but after experimenting throughout our journey, I understand what kind of skill it is.

The automatic effect is the rejection of interference from 'others'. In other words, it doesn't accept any attacks on me.

The principle is different from Roze's immortal body, but I've essentially become immortal too. In my case, it means nullifying any kind of attack.

My previous "Autonomous Adjustment" was a skill that healed my wounds.

After evolving, I no longer receive wounds or control in the first place. If this isn't called a cheat, what is?

"So, that's why Seori's skill was nullified--"

"N-no!" Seori suddenly screamed, her face contorted in pain.

However, she couldn't move as her body was frozen in air.

"Elenora, release her," I instructed.

"Mm," Elenora nodded.

Seori immediately collapsed.

She was clutching her chest, groaning in intense pain.

"What's wrong!" Saaya rushed over and took out a potion from her item box to give to Seori.

But her agonized expression didn't change, and she was tightly gripping her chest area through her clothes. The frilly dress was getting all crumpled.

"I'm sorry! Let me see!" Saaya forcefully opened the front of Seori's dress.

Whoa... I thought the dragon princess was still underdeveloped, but she seems to be the type that looks slimmer in clothes. Her limbs are thin, but her chest is well-developed. This certainly promises an interesting future...

Why am I not looking away? Don't be stupid, I'm worried about Seori. I don't intend to miss even a small injury. It's certainly not because I'm captivated by her glossy white skin without underwear. Besides, look, I'm not doing anything, so if you're going to blame someone, blame Saaya. Though I'll defend Saaya if you do.

"...Ruruk, this is!" Saaya opened Seori's chest area even more, as if to show me. Some buttons flew off.

The important peak parts were barely hidden, but almost everything else was visible. I focused my gaze on the base of those well-formed swells.

No, this time it's really not out of ulterior motives.

"Ah. It's a subjugation mark," I confirmed.

Engraved on Seori's chest was a rounded crest.

The subjugation mark is a sign of obedience that makes it impossible to resist the master, only inscribed on criminal slaves among subjugation contracts. Unlike economic slaves bound by monetary contracts, those with subjugation marks have restrictions on their actions.

Depending on the degree, at the very least, it's like the Mimic Cat that Seori was controlling - if ordered to charge at a monster, they can't resist even if they know they'll die.

I didn't question why it was on Seori's chest.

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>>> [Individual Name: Seori Bargiria] has been made a vassal.

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And in Seori's race field, it now says [Race: Dragon Species - True Ancestor (Ruruk's Vassal)].

Yes. That's what happened.

It seems my skill automatically counterattacked.

Wait, this isn't the time to be calm, is it?

"...Ruruk, you didn't..." Saaya swallowed hard.

"You made a 14-year-old girl your slave!?"

Hey, be careful how you phrase that.

Sure, if you just look at the facts, that's what happened, but it was unavoidable, right?

In the first place, Seori was trying to make me her slave. Well, in this case, it might be more accurate to say familiar.

"Mm. Why did you attack?" Elenora asked Seori.

Elenora is always calm. She's even more senior than my composure. No, there's a slight leak of killing intent, so let's call it a draw.

As the pain seemed to be subsiding, Seori slowly sat up, sweat beading on her forehead.

"...I'm sorry," she said weakly, hanging her head. Her eyepatch had fallen off without her noticing, and tears were flowing from both eyes.

Rather than apologizing, I want to know why she tried to subjugate me.

When I said so, perhaps judging it as an order, Seori began to speak unusually honestly.

She explained how she felt very anxious after falling into the lower levels of the dungeon.

How she couldn't deceive herself and couldn't control her emotions.

How she was scared of me.

How after our talk, she thought I might not protect her anymore.

How she used her skill to make sure I would absolutely be on her side.

By the way, the details of Seori's skill were as follows:

[Absolute Subjugation

> A royal-grade skill of the 'Overlord system' that affects one target other than dragon species.

>> Can definitely make vassals regardless of level or race, and can force any order. Only one vassal can exist at a time, and it can be used again only when the subjugation target disappears. The vassal can receive the benefit of increased status according to the master's level. The master and vassal can always sense each other's location and condition. The bond between the ruler and the chief retainer]

Hmm. 'Overlord system' is rare, but this must be the racial skill of dragon species.

It's quite a powerful skill, I can understand why the Mimic Cat became strong. Although there's a restriction of only one at a time, being able to subjugate any level or race probably means they could easily make even S-rank monsters their familiars. It would normally be an extremely terrifying skill.

It was unfortunate that she used it on me, who has a higher counter skill.

Seori prostrated herself at my feet.

"I'm really sorry," she apologized.

"It's okay," I replied.

"That's too light!" Saaya interjected.

Well, we're also at fault for not noticing Seori's inner feelings.

It's true that if a girl who isn't even an adventurer suddenly falls to the lower levels of a dungeon, her emotions would be a mess. We thoughtlessly assumed she'd be fine because she's a dragon species. I reflect on that.

"By the way, Seori. Do you understand how to undo the subjugation contract?" I asked.

"Y-yes... if the vassal dies, I can use the skill again," she answered.

"So that means Seori has to die," I mused.

"Eek!" she flinched.

Don't be scared, it's a joke.

Besides, Seori is the skill owner. If she dies, she can't use the skill, and she can't use the skill until she dies.

...Wait? Is she in a dead end?

Well, even if she's subjugated, there's no effect unless I give orders. It just means Seori can't use her skill, so it's not that serious a situation.

As I was thinking about it casually, Saaya muttered,

"So what are you going to do? Won't you be killed by the Dragon King if it's found out you enslaved the dragon princess?"

"We must find a way to cancel it at all costs!" I shouted.

Breaking news!

The countdown to my death has started!

Oh no no no. He's the strongest being who can pulverize tens of thousands of golems with one breath. I'm just an insect, I'll be squashed like a bug. We need to get out of the dungeon and run away quickly. Where should we go? Maybe if we go to the demon realm, even the Dragon King can't enter?

"Mm. will protect Ruruk," Elenora assured.

"Ahaha. But well, first let's escape," Saaya suggested.

That's right.

Thanks to my composure, my fear of the Dragon King hasn't... well, it hasn't disappeared... but at least I can act rationally. Whether we're looking for a way to undo the subjugation contract or running away, we can't start anything until we get out of here.

"Alright then, let's escape as soon as possible!"

"Yeah!"

"Mm."

We get fired up.

Behind us, Seori looks dejected.

Hmm, it seems difficult for her to switch gears. Can't be helped.

"Seori, are you still scared of me?" I asked.

"...Yes," she replied.

"I see. Then prepare yourself, I'm going to give you an order," I warned.

"!" She flinched.

I declared to the startled Seori:

"Act like you usually do."

The order was simple.

Seori had initially tried to continue her chuunibyou attitude to pretend she was composed. It was none other than me who broke that effort, but this time I'll forcefully bring her back to that mindset.

My orders are absolute.

Seori's eyes widened, and she stood up straight.

"I am Shadow Darkness, vassal of the Great King of Terror! A chaotic shadow clan that transcends the Great King's tyranny and saves the world from destruction!"

Oh, looks like she's got her energy back.

She might be a bit troublesome, but she's much cuter when she's doing what she likes than when she's scared. She probably won't open her heart to me, but that can't be helped.

...But, let me say one thing.

"Who are you calling the Great King of Terror?"

□ □ □ □ □

We found the transfer device about a full day after falling to the lower levels.

As expected, the labyrinth itself is quite large at the 50th floor area. This is with Elenora's route guidance. I sympathize with other parties who have to proceed by trial and error.

We took three long breaks before reaching the device. If it were just Elenora and me, we would have continued, but this was the first dungeon for Saaya and Seori. The enclosed space requires even more attention than usual.

This incident made me realize that no skill can see into the heart. As we're acting as a party, I want to create a situation where everyone can move comfortably.

"That's the transfer device! We did it!" Saaya exclaimed.

"Hmph... This is the azure standard guided by fate. We shall be embraced by its arms at comet-like speed..." Seori proclaimed.

"You just want to get out quickly. I get it," Saaya translated.

Saaya and Seori approached the device at a trot, beckoning us.

Of course, we had no reason to hesitate, so we all transferred together.

When we got outside, the sun told us it was close to noon.

Ignoring the receptionist who was shocked at seeing my and Elenora's guild cards, we completed the exit procedures.

It was just lunchtime and the square was quiet, but good smells were wafting from the food stalls. However, since we had proper meals in the dungeon, even the hungry ones didn't complain. Though Elenora was drooling.

"Well then, shall we head back for now? We've been in there for a full day, so let's get some proper rest," I suggested.

"Okay~"

"Mm."

"We rest now!"

By the way, even in the dungeon, Punisuke always slept soundly when it was time to sleep. It must have an excellent internal clock.

"I-I am..." Seori clutched her chest tightly and looked at me.

Her eyes still showed fear when looking at me, but it's not something that can be easily overcome. Besides, I'm her master now.

"What will you do? As I said in the dungeon, I think you were targeted. Given that they tried to trap you in the dungeon, they probably won't make a direct move... but if you're anxious, you can come with us," I offered.

Either way, she can't refuse if I order her.

But I don't know about the relationship between the dragon princess and this country's nobility. Seori probably has her own position, and that's not something I should interfere with.

If by any chance Seori is in danger, I intend to help her. We're not complete strangers anymore after all.

Seori shook her head.

"...I'll go back," she decided.

"I see. Take care," I said.

"...Okay," she nodded meekly.

Seori turned her back on us.

She sent a lonely glance towards Saaya at the end, but Saaya just nodded slightly without saying anything.

When Seori was out of sight, I handed Punisuke, who was on my head, to Saaya.

"Well then, you guys go back first," I said.

"Are you going somewhere?" Saaya asked.

"Just to the guild for a bit. I'm going to report and ask about various things."

First, there's the matter of the trap on the 5th floor.

I crushed the poisonous snake and Man-eater, but they'll probably revive in a few days in the dungeon. In the first place, the sleeping gas and pitfall are usually considered instant death traps. Reporting is mandatory.

I also need to ask about forced methods to remove the subjugation mark. I never planned to buy slaves before, so I only have hearsay knowledge about that area. However, I don't think Seori's skill is on the same level as a normal subjugation skill...

"Then we'll head back first," Saaya said.

"Yeah."

"Oh, and just because you're alone doesn't mean you can secretly call Seori and give her naughty orders. Such orders are only for me and Elenora to hear, not for other vassals, okay?"

What is this precocious brat saying?

In the first place, you guys aren't my vassals.

Come on Elenora, say something to this perverted girl.

"Mm. Just me is fine," Elenora stated.

That's not it!

"Big sis, what's 'naughty'~?" Punisuke asked innocently.

"Um..." Saaya's gaze wandered.

Hey, if you implant weird ideas, I won't forgive you.

"...Elenora, answer for him," Saaya deflected.

"Mm. It's bullying Ruruk," Elenora explained.

"Is that so~? Then I don't like naughty things..."

Punisuke looked deflated.

Wait, hold on a minute.

Elenora... are those words your true feelings...?

Both Saaya and I were taken aback by the young sheep girl's revelation of her preferences.

"...Heh," Elenora's expressionless face showed a slight smirk.

Don't smile like that. It's scary.

This young girl is really the most unpredictable one.