The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology

"Help with revenge... you say?"

Nagi's expression turned quizzical.

It's understandable that she's cautious. I've heard Nagi's circumstances, but I haven't told her anything about ours. I haven't even told the elves, the adventurers, or even Mererosu.

However, it wasn't unrelated to the girl in front of me.

Rather, you could say our goals are the same.

"Actually, I have some personal business with Saturn too."

"...What do you mean?"

She's suspicious.

Well, it's suspicious... explaining the situation after the fact.

But I had to say it, so I answered honestly.

"One of my companions is being targeted by Saturn. Until now, we've been hiding and running away, but that hasn't been a fundamental solution. If Nagi is going to take revenge on Saturn, it would benefit us too, so I thought I'd like to cooperate. How's that?"

"...I don't believe it. It's too convenient. It would be more credible to say you're Saturn's henchman."

"Yeah, I get that."

I think so too.

At times like this, if I were the protagonist of a story, coincidences would quickly resolve things and I'd be believed, but unfortunately, I don't have that kind of charisma or extraordinary luck.

Now, what should I do?

"Even so, I can't prove it..."

"Ruruk-kun, are you done talking?"

The one who peeked into the treasure room was Mererosu.

Mererosu glanced at Nagi and frowned, and Nagi also lowered her gaze. I guess she has an aversion to demons. Especially elves, I heard they've been afraid of demons since childhood.

I'm confident I'd wet myself if I saw a real Namahage too.

We were still in the middle of our conversation, but since further progress seemed difficult, I nodded.

"More or less. How about on your end? Did they wake up?"

"It seems impossible for now. I've administered medicine and nutrients, so they're sleeping peacefully for the time being."

"I see. Then let's all return to the elf village later."

"Is that okay? That's helpful."

With teleportation, the return journey will be over in no time. Time and place don't matter.

Nagi didn't move even as we left the treasure room. Well, there's no need for her to come along. Besides, it was starting to get dark outside, so she'll probably stay in this castle tonight. I doubt she'll sleep in the treasure room though.

"Hey Nagi, what about food?"

"...Nagi will find something suitable to eat. Don't worry about it."

"Shall I cook something at least?"

"No need."

Perhaps because of what happened earlier, the conversation became a bit distant.

Since she has magic deficiency syndrome, she probably can't use magical tools, so I thought I'd at least make her a warm meal... but maybe that was too meddlesome.

"I see. I'll be back again soon, just me, and I'd like to hear you out once more then, is that okay?"

"...Understood."

"Ruruk-kun, you're planning to come back here again?"

Even Mererosu was surprised.

There was no need to explain the details, so I just said,

"I have some business in the demon realm."

"Is that so? Should I help out?"

"No, I'll be fine on my own. I'm planning to have Seori and the others wait for me too."

Even if I couldn't cooperate with Nagi, I was planning to go to Saturn's place.

I had no intention of taking my companions on such a dangerous journey. Especially not Saaya who's being targeted, or Elenora.

Hearing that I would stay alone in the demon realm, Mererosu seemed to realize I was planning to do something dangerous.

"Are you sure you'll be alright? Ruruk-kun, isn't the demon realm dangerous for you since you can't use magic?"

"That might be true, but in case of emergency, I'll escape--"

"...Ruruk, you can't use magic?"

Nagi interrupted our conversation.

Ah, come to think of it, I hadn't mentioned that, had I?

"I'm the same as Nagi, I have magic deficiency syndrome."

"That's a lie..."

Nagi covered her mouth with both hands, her eyes wide.

Certainly, magic deficiency syndrome is an extremely rare disease. Most of those afflicted die in early childhood, so she probably never thought she'd meet a fellow sufferer of this age.

Of course, I felt the same way.

"A lie... such a coincidence can't be possible..."

"It's true. Ruruk-kun can't use magic, but he's become famous using only mystic arts. He's an amazing adventurer."

Oh, Mererosu puffed out her chest proudly. That makes me happy.

"...Ruruk, is it really true?"

"Well, yeah. That's why I thought I could understand Nagi's hardships a bit. That's also why I sympathized. Though I haven't lived as harsh a life as Nagi has."

"...So, is magic deficiency syndrome difficult for humans too?"

"To some extent, yeah. But even if I was treated as 'non-existent', I think I had it better because I was properly raised. I hear that in poor families, they're sold as slaves or disposed of to reduce mouths to feed, and beast-people apparently abandon them immediately to become monster food."

"That's right. Ruruk is the same as Nagi..."

"Well, yeah. Though I haven't had as hard a time as Nagi, I did almost die once from magic poison."

Well, as Ruruk, I actually did die once from that.

Nagi listened to this and after considering for a moment,

"But, did your magic deficiency syndrome get cured? Nagi is alive because of the 'Poison Immunity' skill, but..."

"I gained a healing-type skill when I almost died. Because of that, poison doesn't affect me anymore."

"...Nagi and Ruruk are similar."

One who can't use magic and lives by mystic arts.

One who can't use magic and lives by swordsmanship.

When you think about it that way, we might be a little similar.

"...This must be some kind of fate. Later, please let me hear the continuation of our earlier conversation."

"Understood. See you later then."

Thanks to Mererosu (?), even though I didn't do anything, the situation took a turn for the better.

I guess what one should have is an acquaintance who's a beautiful elf.

"Let's head back then. Seori must be feeling lonely too."

"Yeah. Speaking of which, Seori-chan gets restless quickly when Ruruk-kun isn't around, doesn't she? Will she be okay?"

"She won't be okay at all~"

"Is that something you should say with a smile?"

Through the familiar communication, I can tell that Seori's anxiety has been growing more and more.

If I don't see her face soon, that mentally unstable dragon princess might go crazy again.

Mererosu and I returned to the room where we were tending to the elf child.

After comforting Seori who came running with tears in her eyes, we had no reason to linger in this castle, so we all used "Spatial Transfer" to move to the elf village.

By the way, Lakirala, who experienced long-distance transfer for the first time, was weak in the knees.

After delivering Mererosu, Lakirala, and the elf child to the village, I was profusely thanked by the villagers, and then waited in the elf village for a while until we heard from Saaya.

I heard Saaya's voice from the communication stone while I was lying down eating sweets in the VIP room. The food and tea that appear without doing anything are the best. Being lazy is the best.

Only Seori was in the room, so I responded while tossing sugar candies into my mouth as I lay there.

"Hello, Ruruk, can you hear me?"

"I can hear you. Over."

"This isn't a radio. We've successfully rescued the elf children on our end. How about you? Have you arrived at the castle yet?"

"We've already rescued them and returned to the elf village."

"As expected. Well then, this completes the quest."

"The quest isn't over until we get home... you know."

"Oh, listen to this, Ruruk~. The teleportation device to the bottom floor of this dungeon was one-way. In other words, we have to return the long way."

"...My condolences."

So that means it'll probably take several days just to get back to the entrance.

It would be trou... busy to go all the way down to the lower levels of the dungeon to pick them up, so if we're going to meet up anyway, I might as well talk about it now.

But first, another sugar candy. Munch munch.

"What are you eating?"

"Something like elf-made konpeitō."

"That sounds nice. I should have put some sweets in my item box too."

Next time we go on a field trip, let's bring snacks. Of course, the limit is 500 darcs per person.

"So, Saaya, I have something to report, is it okay if I tell you?"

"I have something to report too. You go first."

"Alright. Actually, the one who rescued the elf child before us was a lower demon with magic deficiency syndrome, and that child is going to Saturn's place to take revenge for her brother, so I decided to go along. Depending on the situation, it might take up to a month. I'm going alone, so please take care of everyone."

"Huh... wait a minute! That's a lot of information!!"

I said it all at once because it was troublesome.

After organizing her thoughts for a while, Saaya said,

"So, you're saying Ruruk is going back to the demon realm to defeat Saturn? Together with that lower demon?"

"That's right. I'm planning to go alone because it's too dangerous--"

"Master! I will accompany you too!"

Seori, who had been listening to my conversation next to me, raised her voice.

"No, no, Seori. It's too dangerous, you know. I'm not even planning to take Elenora."

"...I'm going with you. I don't want to be apart."

"Throwing a tantrum won't work."

Besides, dragons are natural enemies of demons. Even with that special breath skill, the compatibility with the land is too poor.

As Seori and I were glaring at each other, Saaya interjected.

"...So, going to Saturn's place is a decided matter for you, Ruruk?"

"Yeah. I can't keep making Saaya drink that nasty medicine either."

"I'm happy about that, but... Seori is there too, right? She's saying she wants to go, right?"

"That's right. Why?"

"Then, take Seori with you."

Saaya said something unexpected.

"...Why?"

"Ruruk can do anything, and you might be stronger than all of us combined... but you can only use mystic arts, right? There might be things you can't solve with just that, and it might be a long journey. It's better to have at least one companion."

"That might be true, but isn't the risk-reward balance off?"

"What do you think Seori is, Ruruk? A protection target? Or a pitiful child? That's not it, Seori is our comrade. I won't say your worrying and overprotectiveness is bad, but properly evaluate her abilities too. Seori is surprisingly hardworking, you know."

Her voice saying this was gentler than usual.

In my mind, I could see Saaya's smiling face as she admonished me. It was that smile that seemed to see through to the bottom of my heart, which she occasionally showed even in my previous life.

I don't think my opinion is wrong.

But I found myself thinking that Saaya's words had a point.

"...She's just a useless dragon princess who can only destroy the environment, you know?"

"Oh? Are Seori's good points just her abilities or status? Did you make her a comrade because she's good at fighting?"

"No, that's not it."

I can say that with certainty.

The reason I forcibly pulled Seori in as a comrade was because of her heart...

Ah, I see.

I smiled wryly.

"...Sorry. I forgot."

"It's okay. Besides, I believe that even while protecting Seori, you'll be able to return safely."

"Thanks. I'll do my best to live up to that trust."

"Yeah. We'll be waiting expectantly, so come back safely, okay?"

Really, I'm no match for her.

Thinking that, I told Seori that I would take her along. Only if she understood the danger, though.

Seori beamed with a full smile and struck a flamboyant pose.

"Hmph! As expected, my master is wise! From here on, I shall carve my path in the demon realm!"

"Yes, yes. So, what about Saaya's report?"

"The demon who was giving instructions to Berlander appeared in the dungeon. Elenora and I defeated him, so don't worry."

"Oh, I see. Well done."

So the mastermind was indeed a demon.

I had anticipated it, but to think there was actually someone who had infiltrated even the noble house of Bargia.

"It seems he was also Saturn's minion, so it might have been good timing."

"...Saturn really is scheming a lot, huh."

No wonder Roze was so cautious.

If Saturn was behind the mastermind, then we can blame Saturn for Seori's incident too. He's an opponent who seems to have various connections to our comrades.

"That's about it for the report. We'll handle things here, so you and Seori don't worry and go ahead."

"Thanks. I'm counting on you."

"But make sure to call every day, okay? Don't forget, absolutely, okay?"

"Yes, yes."

There's still plenty of magic power left in the communication stone.

It probably won't last a whole month, but we should be able to talk for a while.

I ended the communication with Saaya at about that point.

We're about to go on another journey, so it would be wasteful to consume magic power on idle chatter.

It wouldn't be nice to keep Seori waiting as she continues to strike poses with enthusiasm next to me, so let's go back to the castle right away and continue our talk with Nagi.

"Well, it's about time we go... hm?"

"...Ruruk, are you there?"

It was Lakirala peeking into the VIP room.

"Yes, do you need something?"

"...You're going back to the demon realm, right? With that teleportation from earlier."

"Yes, but...?"

I wonder what's the matter.

Lakirala has already worked more than enough, and she should just rest here until our comrades return. She shouldn't have any business in the demon realm.

"...Um, I have something I want to say to Ruruk."

"Eh, are you finally going to show your dere side? Are you cheating?"

"...Are you an idiot? That's not it."

She glared at me.

"...Um, be careful."

"Of the demon realm? Well, it's a dangerous place, so I'll keep that in mind as I move."

"...That's not it. I mean that demon, Nagi or whatever."

Lakirala said with a sharp gaze.

"...That child aside, the weapon, that's probably dangerous. It had an extraordinary aura. I think even you might be in danger if betrayed."

"I see. It certainly seemed dangerous."

Of course, I had appraised it at first glance.

It looked like a simple long sword, but it wasn't just any sword. I can only say it's impressive that Lakirala noticed that.

"Thank you for your concern. I'm glad that Lakirala-san is worried about me."

"...You fool. You have a promise to keep that I need to be protected, don't you?"

"That's right. Then, to keep that promise, I'll make sure to return safely."

I smiled and placed my hand on Seori's shoulder.

"Well then, we're off. Please give my regards to everyone. And if possible, keep the 'Spatial Transfer' a secret."

"...I know. See you."

Lakirala saw us off with a light wave.

I teleported back to the castle with Seori.

The great hall of the castle was empty. The half-finished magic circle had been filled in by my "Synthesis" and returned to just being a floor.

As I looked around the castle using clairvoyance, I saw Nagi lying down on a bed in an empty room upstairs.

Oh, before that.

"Come to think of it, Seori, you hate demons, right?"

"That's a foolish question, my master. My dark clan and the demon clan are bound by fate. When we meet, there is only death."

"But you didn't seem to have that much aversion to Nagi, did you? She was completely different from that cockroach demon."

"...That one's presence was a bit weak, that's why."

Ah, I see.

It's probably because of the magic deficiency syndrome. She doesn't have the demon-specific magical power.

Which means Nagi probably didn't think anything of Seori either because she can't sense magical power. Though it's also probably because Nagi seems to be the type that doesn't have aversion to other races in the first place.

"Well, now it's just a matter of whether Nagi will allow Seori to accompany us on the journey."

Though even my traveling with her isn't confirmed yet.

But somehow I wasn't worried because it felt like she would allow it.

If she doesn't allow it... well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

Without thinking too deeply, I knocked on the empty room where Nagi was waiting.

"Come in."

"I'm coming in~"

When I opened the door, Nagi had sat up and was gripping her long sword.

She must have been on guard just in case.

Still...

I appraised Nagi's long sword once more.

...Yeah. It really is a dangerous weapon.

[【 "Cursed Blade - Kaminagi" : A god-slaying strike. A "mythical class" weapon that can cut through any formula or skill. Cursed with inability to equip armor or change weapons. A double-edged sword. 】]

I've never seen a "mythical class" before. It's a weapon that surpasses the legends said to have been made in the age of gods.

It has amazing abilities as its name suggests, but the important part is the curse. Nagi is probably wearing tattered clothes because she can't equip armor.

"...Is something wrong?"

"Ah, it's nothing. And I couldn't introduce her earlier, but this is one of my companions, Seori. Come on, say hello."

"I am Shad... Seori Bargiria! The most loyal familiar of my master, and a member of the proud supreme race! Bow down, you diminutive demon!"

"Well, she's a bit sick but not a bad person at heart. As you can hear, she's a dragon species, but do you have any aversion to that, Nagi?"

"No, not particularly. But still, a dragon... this is...?"

Nagi had an indescribable expression.

"I should tell you, normal dragon species aren't like this, okay? Seori is special."

"I see. Then I won't say anything."

We narrowly avoided a misunderstanding that could have damaged the image of the entire dragon species. That was close.

"If it's okay with you, I was thinking of bringing Seori along to Saturn's place, what do you think?"

"Nagi doesn't mind. If she's a dragon species, she'll surely be a fighting force... By the way, is Ruruk strong?"

"Hmm. I'm not sure what the standard is, but I think I'm on the stronger side among humans."

"He is a solitary existence surpassing even me, the strongest! Fufufu! You commoners should know your place!"

"You're weaker than Punisuke though."

"M-Master..."

Seori was getting carried away, so I had to admonish her once.

Seori looked like she was about to cry after being told the truth.

"You get along well."

"Hmph, of course we do!"

"Is that so? Well, anyway, nice to meet you, Nagi."

"Yes. Nice to meet you too."

And so, we formed a strange party of three: human, dragon, and demon.

Our destination is the desert region where Saturn is said to reside.

Well, well, who knows what awaits us.