The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology

"Wow! That was some great speech, Princess!"

The jovial afro-haired man was laughing, holding his stomach.

After the meeting, we returned to the Adventurers' Guild. Although it was already late at night, Camlock, the Guildmaster, brought us here saying he had some business.

"Did you see? The faces of those nobles at that moment. It was a masterpiece!"

"Ah~ I missed it. I was too captivated by how impressive Seori was."

"Fuee..."

Seori hid her face in embarrassment when praised.

The momentum from earlier has long since disappeared. Rather, her impassioned declaration seems to have become more of an embarrassing memory than a chuunibyou move.

"You really were cool, you know? If I were a man, I might have fallen for you."

"Uh, eh, ah... Master..."

She turned to me for help, unsure how to react. It's just Saaya's way of joking.

Saaya must have been happy that Seori called her a companion earlier.

However, it seems it will still take a lot more time to truly melt Seori's heart in the real sense.

"So, Camlock-san, what business do you have with us? Punisuke is getting sleepy, so we can't stay too long."

"I wanted to align our schedules for the mock battle, but before that, could you let me test your skills a bit?"

"Test our skills? You mean fight?"

"Yeah. I want to experience your abilities firsthand."

His eyes are gleaming. Is he a battle maniac?

Elen immediately responded with an enthusiastic "Mm. Leave it to me," so she must be of the same type.

"Well, I guess that much is fine. Where will we do it?"

"There's a training ground in the basement, let's do it there."

"Understood. Shall we go then?"

And so, we suddenly found ourselves agreeing to a mock battle at Camlock's request.

The underground training ground was wider than I expected. There was an earthen stage about 20 meters in diameter set up in a circular arena-like area. It was about 1 meter high.

And for some reason, there were spectator seats set up around the arena, quite high up. Of course, the ceiling was high too.

"This place is used for training other than individual battles too. When observing party battles, it's easier to understand from a bird's-eye view, right?"

"That's true. Sorry, I thought it looked like a venue for illegal gambling."

"Geh!"

Camlock averted his eyes.

...Let's pretend I didn't notice.

"Well then, let's start right away. For now, Ruruk, let me fight you."

"Understood."

Camlock threw off his jacket and lightly stepped forward on the spot. He held a short sword in a reverse grip and took a fist-fighter's stance, a swordsman with a pugilist style. What an unusual combat style.

As Ruruk and Camlock took their positions opposite each other, Saaya raised her hand and brought it down.

"Then, begin!"

And so began the mock battle for the mock battle.

We fought individual battles with Camlock in the order of me, Elen, Saaya, and Seori. Although Seori wasn't scheduled to fight S-rank adventurers, we had her participate to gain experience.

I'll omit the results and process, but Camlock was quite strong. He was probably the strongest among the adventurers we've fought so far. His simple combat ability was higher than the S-rank adventurers in Stoania.

The afro soul... I mean, the Guildmaster wasn't just for show.

"Man~ yeah, you're all amazing!"

Camlock, exhausted after four consecutive battles, praised us while lying down.

"But well, this should be good medicine for those guys. Can you have a mock battle with them as soon as tomorrow?"

"Yes, that's fine."

"I'm counting on you. Crush the pride of those S-rank upstarts."

And so, the next day, we were summoned to the guild's underground training ground in the early afternoon.

When we descended to the basement, there were already many adventurers seated in the spectator seats. I thought it was strange that the first-floor tavern was closed, but the staff were walking around between the seats selling ale and snacks.

What is this?

It's just a mock battle, but it's like we're at a sports event.

"Ale, mead, and various fruit wines available!"

"The current odds for the party battle are 8:2! If you're betting, put it all on the dark horse [Rozewill]!"

"Furat-sama~! Look this way~!"

"Lakirala-chan~!"

"Oh, you're here. Your waiting area is this way."

Camlock, who spotted us, waved us over.

As instructed, we sat down in the waiting area - chairs in the wings of the stage. Camlock pointed with his chin to the opposite side of the stage.

"Those guys are the members of [Platinum Tiger]. The leader and swordsman Furat Zambaldaar, the shield bearer Besmond, the scout Leelin, the familiar mage Kemuna Kemonoski, and the pure mage Lakirala. As you can see, they're acting all high and mighty, right?"

On the opposite side of the unit, there was a handsome blonde swordsman waving to the audience, a bald and muscular shield man, a small woman with bad-looking eyes in braids, and a beautiful girl with a "staff" who was glaring at us with an unpleasant expression.

A little away from those four, Kemuna was talking with the spirit fox Hotaru.

So that's an S-rank adventurer party.

"Is it okay? Giving us information like that?"

"This much is common knowledge. More importantly, why don't you place some bets? You can't bet on your opponents, but you can bet any amount on yourselves."

"Isn't that soliciting illegal gambling?"

"Don't be stupid. Betting on mock battles is within the rules. By the way, I bet on you guys, so don't you dare lose, okay?"

"Guildmaster, was that why you fought us yesterday? Isn't that cheating?"

"Hah~ This is why amateurs... Gambling starts before match begins, you know."

No, you're more like the organizer.

Well, I'm not in a position to say anything, and if it's not against the rules, I'll leave it be.

"But still, why are there so many spectators?"

"Well, it's a mock battle between Bargia's heroic S-rank party and the rookie team led by the talked-about 'Child of Mystery'. If I could have my way, I'd have announced it a month in advance and made it a big event to draw in tourists too."

"Are we some kind of crowd-pulling panda or something?"

"I don't know what a panda is, but isn't that similar to what adventurers are? In Bargia, it's part of the job of high-ranking adventurers to attract crowds with regular mock battles."

"What's that? There are no such events in other countries."

"Well, I guess not. Bargia doesn't have strong monsters, so we have to do this to get people to gather at the Adventurers' Guild. We only manage the dungeon, and if it's just dungeon exploration all the time, there's no stimulation for young adventurers... There's a lot going on, you know."

"Hah. I see."

I'm not interested in the guild's management circumstances, and I'm not particularly angry, so I let it slide.

Rather, let's focus our attention on our opponents now. The Guildmaster says to give them a taste of their own medicine, but I don't consider them easy opponents to begin with.

They are genuine S-rank adventurers. Even if we have the advantage in status, we must not let our guard down.

"They're experienced adventurers. Don't slack off."

"Got it."

"Mm."

"Yes, nano~!"

My companions are all fired up.

By the way, Seori, who doesn't have a turn, is sitting quietly on a chair. She seems a bit nervous as glances keep coming from the audience seats, probably because some people recognize the Dragon Princess's face.

As we were getting fired up, the members of [Platinum Tiger] turned towards us and said:

"Hey, rookies! Not even a greeting to your seniors? You sure are ignorant of the ways of the world!"

"Really. It shows where you're from."

"Seriously! Just because you got famous in some small country, you think you're hot stuff?"

"...The value of the 'staff wielder' is decreasing."

They're looking down on us mockingly.

Wasn't it their familiar mage who said we didn't need to greet our seniors?

I thought about retorting, but that Kemuna alone was a bit apart and not trying to get involved with the four.

Are they not getting along?

"Hey, little kids! Come on, talk back! Or are you so scared you wet yourselves? Should we call your mommies for you?"

When Furat provoked us like that, many vulgar laughs flew from the audience.

It's been a while since I've tasted such crude adventurers. This, this is what a guild should have.

Well, we're fully aware that we're small, so there's no need to rise to the provocation. We may look like children, but we're all adults inside. We're adults, so Elen, don't try to cast magic right away. No!

Elen is still so childish. I, on the other hand, am just thinking about stripping them all naked and hanging them in the main street after the mock battle. I'm such an adult, aren't I?

"Hey Ruruk, are you going to share their status with us? Even if you don't, I want to discuss tactics."

Saaya, completely ignoring the provocation, was already trying to start a strategy meeting. Elen and I were shown the difference between heaven and earth in adult power. Complete defeat.

Pulling myself together, I nodded.

"Since this is training, I plan to share minimal information as if it were a real battle."

"I see. Then what about our formation? The usual?"

"Yeah. I'll be in the vanguard, Saaya in the middle, and Elen in the rear. Punisuke, I'm counting on you to guard Elen and support Saaya. Unlike monsters, the opponents have healing magic too, so it might turn into a long battle. Be careful not to run out of magic power by going all out from the start. And Elen, absolutely do not kill anyone."

"Understood."

"Yes, nano!"

"Mm."

"Alright, let's get pumped up!"

"Oh! (nano)"

We formed a circle to create a sense of unity.

Seori was watching with a longing look, but maybe next time.

"What's that? A battle cry after a strategy meeting? That's so lame."

"Lack of ability."

"Aren't you embarrassed?"

"...The dignity of the 'staff wielder' is decreasing."

The members of [Platinum Tiger], who sneered at us like this, were already on stage.

Is it okay not to have any pre-sharing for a party battle? I'm a bit worried, but maybe they've been working together with the same members for so long that they don't need to confirm such things.

They are S-rank adventurers after all, so perhaps this attitude is also part of their strategy.

Underestimating your opponent leads to painful experiences. Especially right after you feel safe is when you're most vulnerable.

We've experienced that firsthand.

"Geez, which ones are the kids here..."

Camlock was grumbling in a low voice.

As we also got on stage, there was a big cheer from the audience. Most of the cheers were for them, with the few cheers for us being drowned out. I assume that's the same as the betting odds, so it shows how much more [Platinum Tiger] is expected to win compared to us. Well, whatever? I'm an adult, so? I don't care about being unpopular?

Then Saaya tugged at my sleeve.

"Ruruk, you're sulking, aren't you?"

"I'm not sulking at all."

"It's fine, let them say what they want. Besides, don't you want to see everyone's surprised faces when we win?"

Saaya laughed "Nihihi" and swayed her twin tails.

...Indeed, that's true.

Saaya, are you a genius?

"There is a battle here that we absolutely must not lose..."

"Mm. Full power."

"We'll definitely win, nano!"

Me, Elen, and Punisuke were more fired up than before. Saaya watched us with a smile.

While this was happening, Camlock also walked to the center of the stage, spread his arms wide and raised his voice.

"Now then, everyone! In the name of the Guildmaster, I declare the start of the mock battle between [Platinum Tiger] and [Rozewill]!"

"Ooooh!"

The audience is in a great uproar.

It's like a festival.

"We'll have two types of battles: party combat and individual matches! First party combat, then individual matches! Bets will be held separately for each, but the deadline is just a few minutes before the party battle starts, so hurry up if you haven't placed your bets yet!"

"Yeaaah!"

"For individual matches, we'll have three fights: leader vs leader, pure mage vs pure mage, and familiar vs familiar! There are four matches to bet on, so bet away!"

"Wooooh!"

"Now for the rules! This is a mock battle! The match ends when all members of either side are incapacitated, immobilized, or declare retirement! Attacks that lead to instant death, excessive attacks on vital points, or attacks after retirement are considered fouls and will result in a loss!"

"Wooooo!"

The unity between the Guildmaster and the audience is insane.

Is this the true power of Bargia's Adventurers' Guild... I wonder what exactly we're being shown here.

"The first match is the main event right from the start! It's an S-rank vs big-time rookie party battle! Have you all placed your bets? Got your drinks? Found your favorite players? Now, let the fateful match begin!"

Camlock spoke with practiced ease as he moved to the edge of the stage. In contrast to earlier, the audience had gone quiet.

The members of [Platinum Tiger] also took their stances with sharp gazes.

"Then—begin!"

"Wings, grant your blessing upon my back, 'Wind Boos—"

"Power of the earth, dwell in my shield, 'Rock Guar—"

"Stagnation of the abyss, become gravel, 'Poison Balle—"

"Anger, whisper, 'Lightning Stor—"

Just as the members except Kemuna were about to activate their magic, intense magical power erupted from behind me.

"'Gravity Rain'"

High-speed activation without chanting due to over 9000 magic proficiency.

Overwhelming magical power and range due to enormous mana.

The magic unleashed by our sheep-folk mercilessly crushed the opponents.

"Guh"

"Wha"

"Ah"

"Kya"

This dark-attribute intermediate magic, which previously had the effect of doubling body weight, now has nearly triple the power.

Naturally, it's not a gravity field that normal humans can stand in. Especially if it's a surprise attack.

The four who were trying to activate magic fell to the ground as if pulled down by their own weight.

And Elen was already preparing her next spell.

"'Earth Sprout'"

A giant tree of earth grew from the ground.

Its size was so immense that its tip almost reached the high ceiling of the underground training ground. The four who were swallowed whole by the trunk of this great tree were completely restrained with only their faces exposed.

Only Kemuna escaped the effect range. Hotaru, sensing the magical power, had quickly pulled Kemuna's hand and retreated out of range.

Elen, who had incapacitated four people in an instant.

The previously noisy venue was enveloped in silence.

"...We surrender."

Kemuna immediately raised both hands.

The referee, Camlock, declared with a wry smile.

"The winner is [Rozewill]!"

The audience was dumbfounded by the unexpectedly quick conclusion.

Ignoring the frozen atmosphere in the venue, Elen mercilessly dispelled the magic, returning the great tree to mere clumps of earth. The standby medical team rushed to the fallen members of [Platinum Tiger] with potions in hand.

"Hey Elen, do you know what holding back means?"

"Didn't kill. Good."

Elen puffed out her chest proudly.

"Hey, Lakirala! Don't you dare slack off!"

On the stage, the handsome leader was for some reason confronting the beautiful "staff-wielder" girl.

"...What? Are you saying it's my responsibility?"

"Defending against area magic is your job, isn't it?! You're useless for a rear guard!"

"...There's no way I could have defended against something like that."

"Aren't you always bragging about being able to see magical power?! If you could see it beforehand, you should have been able to defend!"

"...What about you? Isn't it negligence that you couldn't move properly as a vanguard?"

"What did you say?!"

Furat and Lakirala had started arguing.

Come to think of it, he's the son of Viscount Zambaldaar, right? He's handsome like his parent, but unfortunately, it seems his personality is similar too.

Ignoring them as they shifted blame, Kemuna walked towards us. Of course, Hotaru was next to him.

"Yo, Ruruk."

"Hello. Do you need something?"

"Sorry about our idiots. Looks like they're still in denial."

Kemuna spoke mockingly of his teammates.

"That magic just now, it was from your sheep-folk girl, right? It's been a while since I've seen Hotaru get scared and run away."

"Master, I sincerely apologize."

Hotaru bowed her head.

It's the first time I've heard her voice. I thought she could speak since she seemed highly intelligent, but as expected, she's a familiar who acts rationally. At least she seems smarter than our chuunibyou familiar. Eh, why are you kicking me, Seori? I haven't said anything yet.

Kemuna shrugged at Hotaru's words.

"No, no, it was right to avoid that. Even if Hotaru could have nullified it, it would have been just one side, right? If Lakirala hadn't gotten cocky and tried to take the initiative, maybe the two of you could have dealt with one side each. That was our team's coordination mistake."

He was analyzing quite calmly.

Kemuna looks like a yankee loitering in front of a convenience store, but inside, he's the most mature among the party members.

"So, Kemuna-san, did you come all the way here to say that?"

"No, that's part of it, but... Hey Ruruk, that frilly one behind you is the Dragon Princess, right?"

He whispered in my ear.

It seems he's figured it out.

"Well, yes. I think the information will spread eventually, but she's Seori, a new adventurer who joined our party."

"You're calling her without honorifics, huh. Well, I guess so. You've tamed the Dragon Princess, haven't you?"

Eh, how does he know?

I was clearly flustered.

"...What do you mean?"

"No need to hide it. Don't worry, ordinary people wouldn't notice. I may not look it, but I've been a tamer since I was 3 years old. I'm good at recognizing those who have a 'bond' with familiars."

"Is that so... Please don't tell anyone, okay?"

"Of course not. If it gets out and rumors spread, if the Dragon King hears about it, he might destroy the whole country. I came to warn you not to tell anyone either."

"I see. Thank you."

He was worried, it seems.

Well, of course. It's not something he could overlook as both a familiar mage and a citizen.

"So that means the two familiars you mentioned before were about the princess. And the other one is that slime there, right?"

"That's right."

"Then forget about the promise I made before. I obviously can't let Hotaru fight against the princess. I'll ask the Guildmaster to exclude the familiar battle from this mock battle."

"No, no, the promise was to have the stronger familiar fight, right? In that case, we'll go with Punisuke as planned."

"...Huh?"

He glared at me.

"Are you planning to have a slime fight against Hotaru?"

"Yes. Our Punisuke is strong, you know. Right, Punisuke?"

"Yes, nano! I'll do my best, nano!"

Punisuke responded energetically.

Kemuna's eyes widened for a moment at the talking slime, but after a while, he started laughing in a low voice.

"Kukuku, you really are an extraordinary guy! Don't complain if I accidentally crush its core, okay?"

"We're thoroughly protecting at least that much, so it's fine to go all out. Let's both fight with all we've got, okay?"

"Yeah, I'm looking forward to it. Well then, see you later. Sorry for the interruption."

Kemuna left in high spirits, returning to his teammates.

He really must love battles between familiars.

"Master, is that fox lady strong, nano?"

"Yeah. Apparently, she can see magical power, is agile, and can use a variety of magic. Even you might not be able to win, Punisuke, so don't let your guard down, okay?"

"Understood, nano! I'll use my secret technique, nano!"

Punisuke said enthusiastically.

Well, before that, I have the leader battle.