The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology

What demon territory?

Furat Zambaldaar was inwardly scoffing.

In the stories he had been exposed to since childhood, the demon territory was always described as the "land of death". Demons were always portrayed as evil, ugly, and terrifying beings.

The Guildmaster had stressed to be on guard because the land where demons lived was full of danger, but what did they find when they got here?

Magic was just a bit harder to use, and even the monsters weren't particularly strong. He only felt danger from A-rank monsters.

The dungeon was the same. Though it was full of undead-type monsters, that cheeky sheep-folk Elenora was easily dispatching them with ridiculously powerful magic, so Furat didn't even need to draw his sword.

"Furat, there's a fork in the road. Which way?"

"Right."

"Got it."

Leelin's scouting skills had been honed in the Bargia dungeon. She didn't fall for traps in the shallow layers.

"Monsters ahead. Their level might have gone up a bit."

"Mm. 'Purification'."

Several approaching ghost knights were also blown away by the sheep-folk's single magical strike. As always, the power was extraordinary.

Besmond next to him gave a wry smile.

"There's no role for me."

"Isn't it good to have it easy?"

"Boys, don't let your guard down, okay? Even Elenora isn't omnipotent."

The one admonishing Furat and Besmond was a genuine 10-year-old kid... Saaya, was it?

Though apparently the daughter of a noble from Mataisa, she was strangely mature and cheeky. While her personality was one thing, her face was first-rate, so he thought it wouldn't be bad to have her next to him if she didn't speak.

Or rather, why was a noble's daughter working as an adventurer? Even if it were third or fourth sons, did the nobles of Mataisa give freedom to women?

"Hey kid. Let me ask you one thing."

"It's Saaya, Furat-san."

"...Is mystic arts really that strong?"

What Furat had been thinking about even before coming to this demon territory was Ruruk.

At just 13 years old, he had defeated an upper-class demon. A rookie even the Guildmaster had expectations for, who was being approached by S-rank adventurers. Moreover, he was a rare mystic arts user.

He couldn't understand the techniques Ruruk used, but they seemed a bit different from the mystic arts the elves used. The mystic arts that kid used were, how to put it, more aggressive.

Saaya shook her head.

"To be honest, it's not that strong. I can use mystic arts too, but it's not as convenient as magic. Originally, mystic arts isn't something that can attack targeted areas."

"Huh? But that kid was landing attacks left and right."

"That's because Ruruk is amazing. Mystic arts is like an equation using spirit elements, but you can't use skills unless you incorporate different information each time. Ruruk's recalculation speed is just too fast... Was his math grade that good?"

The last part was muttered so quietly he couldn't hear, but he understood the nuance.

If mystic arts itself was an unfair technique, he could have accepted the reason why that kid was strong... Furat clicked his tongue and changed the subject.

"So, why are you in the party? You're still a kid. Are you his mistress candidate?"

"I told you, it's Saaya. I'd be happy if you thought I was his mistress, but unfortunately, I'm just a companion."

"Don't you mean just a hanger-on?"

"Oh my. I'm still quite strong, you know?"

Saaya flexed her thin arm.

Furat laughed derisively.

"Don't act cocky, kid. Your companions' strength isn't your strength."

"Look who's talking. Then I'll take on the next monster, so watch carefully."

Right after Saaya said that, conveniently, two ghost knights appeared ahead.

Everyone present had heard the current conversation, so they were waiting for Saaya to draw her short sword. Only Elenora was about to move, but Saaya, anticipating this, told her to leave it to her.

"Wait. I'll do it."

"Mm. Kay."

"Prin do."

"Got it."

Now that she didn't have to worry about friendly fire in the name of support from behind, Saaya turned back to Furat once and said:

"I'm going to be fairly serious, so don't miss it."

"Huh? What are you--"

By the time Furat was about to laugh through his nose, Saaya had kicked off the ground.

The next moment, Saaya was already between the two ghost knights. The [White Tiger] members held their breath at her speed, which rivaled that of Furat, who was close to level 60.

Saaya spun around, swiftly moving her short sword, and activated her magic.

"Become holy, 'Holy Enchant'!"

The ghost knights were D-rank undead-type monsters.

Due to Saaya's magic, the iron short sword imbued with holy attributes easily severed their necks.

The monsters, their heads cut off, turned into materials.

Saaya put her hand on her hip and turned back with a smug face.

"How's that? I can fight properly too."

"......"

At first, Furat was shocked, but soon the girl in front of him started to feel irritating.

...This can't be real.

He had fought for over 10 years, risking his life to raise his level, and finally obtained this status. He should have had abilities that anyone would envy as an S-rank adventurer. He had that confidence.

Yet, a mere 10-year-old kid had the same speed? And he hadn't heard she could even use holy magic.

Is this... is this group [Rozewill]?

"Amazing! Saaya-chi wasn't just an ordinary person either!"

"Indeed. I'd like to have a mock battle with you when we get back."

"Hey miss, I'd like you to have a mock battle with Hotaru too."

"Wait a minute! Don't come at me all at once!"

Leelin, Besmond, and Kemuna all approached Saaya.

Damn it. Don't suck up to someone who's just an inexperienced kid. Have you no pride?

Furat muttered this under his breath while glaring at Saaya's profile.

Watching Furat's profile with calm eyes was Elenora.

□　□　□　□　□

Sorry, I can't attend the class reunion.

I'm in demon territory now. I'm not traversing this country, but I'm creating safe and comfortable quests. I really miss those days (previous life), but for now, I'll pretend not to know a little longer. The quests I create will surely save someone's life someday...

"But to be honest, I want to go back."

"Ruruk-kun! Stop escaping reality and stop her! Seori-chan, stop!"

"'Dragon-Slaying Bullet'! 'Dragon-Slaying Bullet'! 'Dragon-Slaying Bullet'! Fuhahaha! Become dust!"

"...My head hurts."

The one grabbing my shoulder and shaking me is Mererosu.

Next to her is the clumsy dragon princess, ecstatically using her breath skills repeatedly and engrossed in environmental destruction.

And the one sighing and drooping her shoulders is Lakirala.

Why has it come to this, you ask?

I don't know either.

"You should know! I knew dragons and demons were enemies, but I didn't think it would be this bad!"

Mererosu is panicking. Even when she's flustered like this, she's beautiful.

The situation was simple.

As we were progressing through the forest, we encountered a demon for the first time.

It seemed to be a lower-class demon, perhaps in the middle of gathering something, but as soon as it saw us—or rather, Seori—it threw away its basket and attacked.

I didn't intend to let my subordinate demon touch it, so I just lightly punched it away, but it turned out to have a multiplication skill like a slime. In a matter of minutes, it multiplied exponentially: 2, 4, 8... Each individual became extremely weak, but the multiplying demons spread throughout the forest.

To put it mildly, I thought it was like cockroaches. It gave me the creeps.

And if that was my impression, for Seori, whose natural enemy had just multiplied, it became a switch that sent her thoughts into overdrive.

Seori started blasting away the entire forest to exterminate them.

I pretended not to see because the multiplying demons were disgusting.

Lakirala was exasperated with the panicking Mererosu.

That's how this situation came to be.

Naturally, the forest was a mess. It had almost become a wasteland.

Last time she did this without reason, I got angry (or rather, was scolded), but this time there was a purpose, so I didn't blame her. Rather, well done. I hate cockroaches too.

Having destroyed the forest in all directions, Seori struck a pose with a refreshed expression. She was confident because she knew I was pleased.

"Hmph, none can stop my path of supremacy! Thus, the foreign objects have been annihilated!"

"Seori-chan! That's too much!"

"Eek!"

Ah, she's getting scolded.

As I was watching, Mererosu glared at me too.

"Ruruk-kun, you're the leader so you need to educate her properly! Do you understand?!"

"Yes, I understand!"

"...Why do you look so happy?"

Lakirala was exasperated with my reaction too.

Well, because it's kind of a reward in a way. I won't say in what way.

"The demons from earlier have been annihilated. But dragons and demons really are the worst match, aren't they? To be able to tell just by looking, even in human form..."

"Well, if they can see magic essence, they can probably tell the species to some extent. Maybe bringing Seori-chan was a mistake."

"No, no, isn't it good that she became demon bait?"

"...You mean good bait, right?"

"Eeek"

The true ancestor dragon got scared at being treated as bait. Where did that earlier vigor go?

Anyway, the visibility had become too good, so I didn't want to stay in this place long. Other demons might come after hearing the noise, and above all, we were exposed. Hmm, so much for stealth.

Mererosu frowned while checking the map.

"...I guess they've probably figured out we're heading to the castle."

"The possibility is high."

Although it would still be a while before the summoning circle or whatever was completed, that's only if we don't interfere. If our presence becomes known, the enemy should realize our aim too. The completion of the summoning circle might be hastened.

Still, Mererosu didn't tell me to hurry. Even though she knew moving with my skill would be the fastest.

Really, what an awkward person.

Can't be helped.

"...Mererosu-san, I don't mind."

"Is it okay?"

Mererosu glanced at Lakirala, perhaps understanding my intention.

Of course, I'd like to keep the teleportation a secret if possible. But honestly, I think it's about time it gets found out. After all, we've joined up with the elf team, so in the flow of conversation, it might come out that we were in the elf village a few days ago.

It would be too inconsistent otherwise.

"...What? What are you talking about?"

Lakirala looked at us suspiciously.

Hmm.

It's annoying to teach for free, so let's play a little prank here.

"Lakirala-san, do you know about palm reading?"

"...What?"

She's very suspicious of me.

Well, I don't mind. I've already got her weakness!

"In my homeland, it's said that fate appears in palm lines. For example, lifespan, or financial fortune... or love fortune. Especially love that can't be fulfilled despite being close to someone."

"...Tell me."

How easy to manipulate.

I feel a bit bad about using her... no, do I? This young-looking beauty is a villainess who tried to drug the man she likes.

By the way, I'm an accomplice so I won't point it out.

"Then, please show me your palm. Excuse me for a moment."

I naturally grabbed Lakirala's wrist.

Mererosu, who seemed to have guessed my mischievous intent, put her hand on my shoulder with a wry smile. Seori was already holding onto my arm, so she's fine.

What I'm going to do is, of course.

"Hmm, hmm. This palm reading is splendid. Especially the 'Relative Teleportation'."

"Eh?"

I caught her off guard.

Where I teleported to was the very limit of what could be seen with the naked eye. That is, high up in the sky.

"Ky-Kyaaaaaaaa!"

"Ugh!"

"Hiiiiiii!"

Of course, free fall began, and Lakirala started screaming. Mererosu silently clung to me, and Seori hugged my arm with all her might as if clinging to it. ...Soft.

"Ah, what a nice view."

"R-Ruruk-kun, get back quickly!"

"Okay~"

Even Mererosu seemed scared of the sudden high altitude, unusually ordering me to stop my prank. I guess the game's over. I'm the type to give up quickly.

I moved in one go to the northern edge of the forest Seori had destroyed.

As her feet touched the ground, Mererosu let out a sigh of relief.

"Ruruk-kun, at least make it flat next time."

"Sorry. Since it was Lakirala-san's first experience, I got a bit too excited."

"Hah... hah... hah..."

Lakirala was panting, holding her chest.

She glared at me.

"...W-What was that just now? Did Ruruk do that?"

"Yes. It's called 'Relative Teleportation', a royal-class mystic art skill."

"...Teleportation... teleportation, I see..."

She's quick to accept it.

As expected of an S-rank adventurer. She's a staff-wielding mage, so she might be able to use royal-class formulas too.

"...So, why did you teleport to such a high place?"

"No comment."

"I beseech thee, with holy light, smite the evil before me—"

"It was just on a whim! And I wanted to surprise you!"

"...I'm really going to get angry at that."

She glared at me.

Phew. I was about to be deemed evil and destroyed.

I should honestly apologize here.

"I'm sorry. As an apology, next time I'll bring Kemuna-san to your house when he's drunk."

"...Well, the sky wasn't that bad after all."

This person is really easy to manipulate.

I feel bad for the future Kemuna who might become a victim, but well, I want him to resent himself for continuing to have an ambiguous attitude towards his devoted sister-in-law for over ten years. But because I'm afraid of the aftermath, I'll make him drink until he loses his memory.

The commotion with Lakirala was quickly resolved, so for now our teleportation movement has been approved, but...

"A-Aruji~"

Seori was still tightly gripping my arm, somehow managing to stand with her legs shaking violently. She looked like a newborn fawn.

"Hey, what's wrong. You don't need to be scared—"

"U-u-uweeeeen"

Huh? She started crying.

Looking closely, there was a transparent liquid flowing down at Seori's feet...

Even I couldn't pretend not to see this.

"Um... Is there anyone who can use magic to remove stains?"

"I can't use holy magic."

"...I don't know such magic."

"Aruji, you idiot~~~!"

I'm being hit repeatedly. It hurts. Stop it because it hurts.

And so, as punishment for soiling Seori's best clothes, I was forced to be the cook and night watchman for today.

By the way, until her washed Gothic Lolita dress dried, Seori spent time wearing my spare clothes. But for some reason, she was in a good mood.