The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology

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Three days from the demon territory to the Great Forest of Lunera.

Three days from delivering the elf children to their village, having a feast, and then to the dragon capital Foosu.

After a journey of about 20 days since starting the quest, Saaya and Elenora had returned to the Adventurers' Guild.

They weren't worried about Punisuke, who had disappeared at some point, as they heard through communication that Seori had used the summoning board. The last time they communicated was four days ago. Although they couldn't hear the details because the magic stored in the guiding stone had run out, they believed Ruruk and the others would be fine. They should return by teleportation once everything is finished.

Saaya and the others, who had returned to the dragon capital ahead of the rest, were greeted by Guild Master Camlock.

"Welcome back! I've received reports through Luney Trading Company. First of all, good job, I'm glad you all returned alive."

"Ah. But Furat—"

"I heard about that too. Even Lakirala couldn't heal him, right?"

"...Yes. I feel so useless."

Lakirala said with a bitter expression.

She had returned to the elf village ahead by teleportation. It was surprising that Ruruk had taught the teleportation skill to non-elves, but it seemed she was keeping it a secret from the other members.

Although the first impression wasn't great, she didn't seem to be a bad person after all.

Camlock folded his arms and said,

"For now, we'll take Furat to the church. I've already submitted the application, so a holy magic user should examine him right away. Since it's an injury from a quest, of course, the guild will provide full support. I hope he recovers quickly."

"Please."

"Besmond, bring Furat here as he is. The other members, please wait a bit."

Besmond, still carrying Furat on his back, boarded a carriage parked in front of the guild entrance.

After Camlock handed Besmond a letter and a bag of gold coins, the carriage immediately drove off. The companions watched the departing carriage with worried looks.

"Sorry for the wait. Now, there's a bit of a complicated matter to discuss, so I'd like all of you to come to my room."

Saaya and the others were led by Camlock and filed into the Guild Master's room.

Lakirala and Leelin sat on one of the two sofas, while Saaya and Elenora sat on the other. Kemuna leaned against the door frame standing, and Hotaru waited in the hallway.

Usually, tea would be served, but it seemed to be quite urgent as even the secretary wasn't present.

In the heavy atmosphere, Camlock began to speak.

"As Guild Master, I feel terrible about what happened to Furat. To think you were ambushed in the dungeon..."

"It's not Master's fault. We're adventurers, and Fura-chi was prepared for the dangers."

Leelin shook her head with a grim expression.

Camlock still seemed to feel the need to apologize more, but he restrained himself and shifted his gaze to Saaya.

"I've also heard about Ruruk through Luney Trading Company. I hear he headed towards an upper-level demon's castle?"

"Yes. His name is Saturn, and he seems to be the mastermind behind the demons who were operating in Bargia this time."

"...So that means he went to defeat the real mastermind behind this incident?"

Camlock said with a growl.

In truth, it was unrelated to this incident, and Ruruk didn't seem to have such intentions. However, since the situation had coincidentally turned out this way, there was no need to explicitly state the truth.

If Ruruk was doing his best, Saaya would act in a way that would benefit Ruruk as well.

"Well, I guess so. Seori and Punisuke, who aren't here, are with him too."

"...The princess too, huh. That's a bit of a headache."

"Hey, is Seori related to why we were suddenly gathered here?"

They had returned after completing an SS-rank designated quest.

Normally, this should be such a great achievement that the entire guild would welcome them and throw a party.

Yet the guild had a heavy atmosphere and seemed somewhat frantic. With just a few words of comfort, they were gathered like this, which wasn't normal.

They should probably suspect that something was wrong.

Camlock sighed while massaging his brow.

"While you all were away on the quest, I was called by the Dragon King and went to meet him... He asked where his daughter was."

"'Eh'"

Saaya, Leelin, and Lakirala's faces twitched.

Even Kemuna was breaking out in a cold sweat.

"It seems the recent incident has reached the Dragon King's ears. Don't misunderstand, okay? I tried my best... I told him that the misunderstanding among the people has been cleared up, that the princess is now even more loved by the people than before, that Riseto who betrayed her is already dead, that the princess is healthy and enjoying her adventurer activities... I properly explained everything and got him to understand, you know?"

"A-And then...?"

"Then the Dragon King said... 'Bring me this Ruruk immediately.'"

Oh no!

Saaya looked up to the heavens dramatically.

She thought that Ruruk's involvement with Seori would eventually be discovered, but it was unexpectedly early.

"...Couldn't we just hand over Ruruk?"

Lakirala mercilessly suggested.

But Camlock shook his head.

"It's not that simple. First of all, where is Ruruk now? He's in the depths of the demon territory, right? We can't contact him, and it's not a distance he can return from quickly. Even if we flew on the princess's back, it would take more than five days. Well, even if he could return before we anger the Dragon King... What about Ruruk and the princess? Do you think the princess would try to separate from Ruruk?"

"'We don't think so'"

Everyone answered immediately.

"The princess is the True Dragon who has inherited the Dragon King's only bloodline. Of course, she's the only one who receives his affection. This country is the Dragon King's territory, but if the princess is here, even if the Dragon King's lifespan comes to an end, we could maintain the country as it is, even if the territory shrinks a bit. ...As long as she's not persuaded by someone to leave the country."

"...Ruruk, I won't forget you."

"Lala-chi, are you planning to abandon Ruru-chi!?"

Leelin's voice cracked at Lakirala's merciless words.

"...I'm joking. So, Master, what do you mean it's not simple?"

"You know how the nobles are. They probably have their own agendas, but this time it's a direct order from the Dragon King. They'll probably be eager to drag Ruruk to the holy ground even by force... but what happens after that? In the worst case, his life might be targeted. We should assume the possibility is high."

"Why would it come to that!?"

Saaya raised her voice.

It seemed far too unreasonable.

"The princess is that valuable of an existence. You all might not realize it, but it's a fact. Actually, if Ruruk and the princess don't return as things are, the dragon capital might be destroyed by the Dragon King's anger."

"T-To that extent? Is the Dragon King that short-tempered?"

"He's moody and passionate. On top of that, he thinks of humans as mere livestock. Even the princess calls us 'lowly' or 'foolish people,' right? That's how dragon species view human species."

"But Seori interacts with us as equals, doesn't she?"

"That's because you're her companions. I'm sorry to say, but I've never once felt that kind of goodwill or sense of camaraderie from the princess. Well, the princess is naturally kind, so she doesn't order us around or anything."

To be honest, it was news to Saaya's ears.

Thinking about it, although it's decorated with chuunibyou, the content of her words and actions always looked down on human species. She only looks down on them without doing anything, but now that I think about it, it's natural that she has such a recognition.

After all, dragon species are said to be the strongest existence in this world. Moreover, Seori is at the top of that - a True Dragon. Due to her personality, she gives an unreliable impression, but she's probably quite strong if she fights seriously. Even just her breath skill is quite powerful.

Rather, the fact that her looking down on other species is limited to words might be Seori's virtue.

"Anyway. Even if the Dragon King doesn't do anything directly, Ruruk might be targeted by the nobles. The problem is that it could become a political intention that might become the general consensus of the country. We need to deal with it before it comes to that, but... I'll ask just in case. Saaya, Elenora, what do you want to do?"

"Mm. Destroy everyone."

"Be quiet for a moment, Elenora!"

I thought she would say that, but that's too much like a Demon Lord.

Putting aside the overly enthusiastic little lamb for now,

"If it comes to that, we'll escape abroad. We have no reason to stay in this country, and we don't care about the country's future."

"I thought so. But do you think you can escape after things happen? The entire population would become your enemy, you know?"

"If Ruruk gets serious, we can escape easily. Or rather, do you think anyone could stop Ruruk if he got angry?"

When Saaya asked, everyone averted their eyes.

"Besides, if Seori chooses to stay with Ruruk, don't you think Ruruk won't let go of Seori no matter who says what? Even if it's the Dragon King."

"We're talking about the Dragon King here. No matter how strong Ruruk is—"

"Well, at worst, it might end in mutual destruction."

Saaya honestly thought so.

She didn't know how strong the Dragon King was thought to be, but Ruruk was the same for Saaya. No matter how desperate the situation became, he would somehow manage... and even if Ruruk alone couldn't manage, there was Saaya and Elenora. And Seori and Punisuke too.

She didn't think they would lose to some doting parent.

That's what she believed.

"...Hey, miss, let me ask you one thing."

Kemuna, who had been silent until now, muttered with a wry smile.

"I've been watching Ruruk throughout this journey too. I don't understand much about mystical arts, but it's true that he always seemed relaxed. Even though it was his first time in demon territory, he showed no sense of crisis or tension... He must have some secret strength that we can't understand. Right, miss?"

"Yes."

"But the Dragon King can change the terrain with a single breath attack, you know? The scale is too different."

Kemuna wasn't underestimating Ruruk at all.

Rather, it was the opposite. Because he acknowledged Ruruk, he was being careful in his evaluation. He had a personality that didn't view people he liked through rose-colored glasses, for better or worse.

Saaya understood what Kemuna wanted to say.

"If you're just looking at raw power output, I think that's true. We are just humans after all."

"...Are you saying Ruruk has something besides strength?"

"Yes. I, Elenora, and probably Seori have noticed, but Ruruk isn't just a skilled mystical arts user. His personality is twisted and not straightforward, he's very childish... well, that's his cute side... but I wish he'd fix his blockheadedness..."

"...You're having a hard time too, aren't you?"

Lakirala said, glaring at Kemuna with dissatisfaction.

Kemuna himself hadn't noticed. These dense fools.

Saaya cleared her throat and said,

"Well, putting aside his personality, I think Ruruk's strength comes from his quick thinking and adaptability. Even if he were to oppose the Dragon King, I think he has enough power to get through it. Unless the Dragon King is immortal, that is."

"Even the Dragon King probably doesn't have that kind of power."

"Then I'm not worried about Ruruk himself. The problem is his position, right?"

Saaya stared intently at Camlock.

"We have no particular reason to be attached to this country. If we're chased out, we'll just leave. But we don't intend to accept such unreasonableness. There's no reason to accept such treatment just because the child we helped and made our companion happens to be a True Dragon. Camlock-san, what does the guild intend to do?"

"Of course, we intend to side with Ruruk. We're considering ways to deal with it, but it would be too late after things escalate. That's why I wanted to get your permission before Ruruk returns."

"Permission? What are you going to do?"

"Recognize [Rozewill] as S-rank adventurers."

Camlock placed documents on the table.

Unlike ordinary paper, it was very expensive-looking paper with both magic and mystical art formulas cast on it.

It stated that the adventurer party [Rozewill] and its members were to be recognized as S-rank adventurers, and even had the signatures of the Guild Masters of Bargia and Stoania.

"This is the most effective way to make a preemptive move so that the nobles can't easily lay hands on them. S-rank adventurers are treated as a privileged class even within the guild. You all already have achievements, and your strength is proven. There probably won't be anyone opposing it. Since it's a recognition not through the country, there won't be rewards from Bargia, but if anyone carelessly lays hands on S-rank adventurers, it implicitly shows the nobles that in the worst case, it could lead to the Adventurers' Guild withdrawing from this country."

"I see. ...But will that alone really stop Bargia's nobles from making a move? Won't they be overwhelmed by the Dragon King-sama's authority?"

"There's certainly a possibility they might force through an unreasonable action, but this should serve as a deterrent. The difference in time we can buy with and without this is significant."

Camlock asserted.

As a countermeasure, it could be an effective move.

"Hmm... S-rank adventurers, huh~"

Originally, Ruruk himself was positive about becoming S-rank. He had only found the noble privileges and reward bestowal in Mataisa troublesome, but he said he would have accepted S-rank if it was offered for free.

"Ruruk is absent, but it's fine for the promotion permission to come from someone other than the leader. It's enough if Saaya-chan signs. Can I ask you to do it?"

"...Alright. I'll take responsibility for explaining it to Ruruk."

He might get a bit angry for arbitrarily promoting to S-rank, but if it's for Ruruk's benefit, Saaya herself is willing to play the bad guy. ...Well, she might cry a little if he gets angry.

Saaya signed the documents and submitted her guild card.

Camlock took out a mystical art device that was buried under a pile of documents and held it over the certification document and Saaya and Elenora's guild cards.

Spiritual elements moved in complex ways, and the guild cards were rewritten.

"Here you go, you're all S-rank adventurers now."

"What about the test? There's surely one for S-rank too, right?"

"You fought with me before, didn't you? That was it."

"...Isn't that cheating?"

"Call it smart."

He's a cunning afro man.

Although they became S-rank adventurers without much sentiment, honestly, for Saaya, adventurer ranks are just like decorations. She doesn't have much attachment to them.

Of course, it's a promotion from G-rank to S-rank. Troublesome rumors will probably be spread, so that influence can't be avoided.

"Still, I'm uneasy with just this. If there was another excuse to prevent them from making a move—"

Just as Saaya was considering if there was another move they could make, it happened.

The ground shook with a big tremor.

An earthquake. A pretty big one.

"Unyaa! What's this!? Is it the Dragon King-sama's anger!?"

"Calm down, Leelin, it's just a tremor... No, it's different! Hotaru!"

As Kemuna shouted into the hallway, Hotaru burst into the room as if kicking down the door.

"Master! There are multiple presences!"

"Yeah, they're big. This level of size is abnormal."

"What, what's happening?"

The earthquake quickly subsided. With memories of growing up in Japan, Saaya didn't think much of an earthquake of this magnitude, but Kemuna seemed to have sensed something.

Before answering Saaya's question, they heard it.

"GIIIIIIIIIII!"

A sound like nails scraping across a blackboard echoed throughout the dragon capital.

Camlock rushed to the window, instinctively covering his ears.

"W-What the hell is that!"

Saaya and the others also looked out the window.

A moonless night.

Floating in that darkness were three shadows.

A giant red bird engulfed in flames.

A centipede that seemed to be about 100 meters long.

An armed giant twice the size of a normal giant.

Three monsters, clearly beyond A-rank, had appeared right in the middle of the dragon capital.

Even as Saaya and the others were shocked, these three beings had already begun attacking their surroundings.

The impacts, sounds, and screams reached all the way to where they were.

It's understandable that their thoughts stopped at such a sudden event.

Only Kemuna immediately realized what was in the direction where these monsters had appeared.

"H-Hey... Isn't that where the church is!?"

"Damn it, we can't just stand here gawking! Emergency dispatch! Let's go, Kemuna!"

"Right!"

Camlock and Kemuna rushed out of the room. Hotaru immediately followed.

Although they couldn't understand what was happening at all, it was an undeniable reality that the dragon capital was being attacked by three S-rank monsters.

Saaya also turned back without hesitation and called out to Elenora.

"Can you go?"

"Mm. Our turn."

"Alright. Then Leelin-san and the others, we're heading out too!"

"Eh, w-wait, I'm coming too!"

"...I'll protect my brother."

Saaya, Elenora, Leelin, and Lakirala also quickly left the room.

A long night for the dragon capital Foosu had begun.