The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology

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"Mode: Beast"

The spirit fox began to return to its original form.

Hotaru, who had transformed from a beautiful human-fox into a ferocious seven-tailed fox, leaped at Titan without looking back at her master. She materialized magical power to create footholds, racing through the sky.

Titan swung his sword down to intercept the beastified Hotaru.

Hotaru had already changed her course and didn't even graze it. In exchange for abandoning magic, she had redirected all her magical power into physical strength. The slow-moving Titan couldn't keep up with her speed at all.

Time and again, Hotaru's fangs and claws chipped away at Titan's body. The damage was minimal, but for Titan, it was an extremely unpleasant attack. The small Hotaru running around in the air was like an uncatchable fly to the giant soldier, and like a poison slowly draining his stamina.

"Big brother! Please wake up!"

Lakirala shook Kemuna as if praying.

She knew that he should normally be kept still. But she was certain that if he didn't wake up right now, there would be no future.

Lakirala understood. She knew why Hotaru had transformed into a beast, and that her limit of activity while confounding Titan was fast approaching.

"Wake up, big brother! Hotaru intends to die! Is that okay with you, big brother? Hey, answer me!"

From long ago, she had always disliked Hotaru.

That monster who always stood next to Kemuna as if it was the most natural thing.

Despite being a familiar, despite being a monster... She had been jealous so many times, fought so many times, and continued such a relationship for so long. She couldn't remember how many times she had thought it would be better if Hotaru disappeared.

But that was wrong.

This wasn't the end she wanted.

Hotaru, who had been running around Titan, was beginning to slow down little by little. Titan, too, was gradually increasing the accuracy of his attacks, as if trying to swat down a flying insect.

"Wind Boost!"

Lakirala supported Hotaru. Lakirala's magical power was already exhausted. Thanks to her staff, it was gradually recovering, but the tiny amount of naturally recovering magic wasn't enough for big techniques anymore. She had used up all her magic potions too.

She knew that even if she continued to support Hotaru, she was just prolonging the time until death. Nevertheless, Lakirala, suffering from nausea due to magic depletion, continued to support Hotaru repeatedly every time she recovered.

But no matter how much magical support she provided, she couldn't stop Hotaru's decreasing speed. It wouldn't be strange if Titan's attack hit at any moment.

It seemed there were no options left.

"...Leelin, I have a request--"

"Lala-chi, escape with Kemuna-chi."

Leelin's small back blocked Lakirala's view.

"...Leelin?"

"You know, ever since everyone saved me back then, I've always wanted to be useful. I worked hard to get stronger, and finally, I was able to go on adventures with everyone... It's really been fun until now. I've always been looking for something I could do. So please. This is the only way I can repay my debt... Lala-chi, just escape. I'll try to buy time, even if it costs me my life."

"No way! What are you saying, Leelin! You're like a little sister to us, there's no way we can let you do that!"

"Then what do you want me to do!? You know that even if we sacrifice our lives one by one to buy time, it'll just be in vain now. Besides, Lala-chi, you said it yourself. You want to marry Kemuna-chi and be happy. I thought of you as my big sister too. So please. Let me repay my debt here."

"...Leelin, no. I absolutely won't let you do that. I'll be the one to die. I'm just an old maid anyway. So the one who survives and finds happiness should be you, Leelin."

"No way! I don't want to live by abandoning Lala-chi! So, the one who should escape is--"

"Shut up."

The one who interrupted the argument between the two was Kemuna, who had regained consciousness.

While standing up unsteadily, he stared straight at the rampaging Titan and the fleeing Hotaru and spat out:

"Don't say such stupid things, you idiots. Sacrifice yourselves? What nonsense are you spouting... What are you giving up for?"

"B-but Kemuna-chi, we can't win against that anymore!"

"That's right, big brother! Let's all escape! If we continue, we'll really die!"

Kemuna's wounds had been healed by magic, but he was standing at the cost of his life after having been in critical condition until just now.

Normally thinking, it was impossible to continue fighting.

Yet, Kemuna snorted.

At none other than himself.

"I'm not running away! If I run away here, I'll regret it for the rest of my life. No matter how hopeless it seems, no matter how powerless I am, I've decided to struggle until I die. Besides, my partner is still fighting. If I run away now, I wouldn't deserve to be called a hero!"

"Being a hero doesn't matter! It's stupid to throw your life away for honor!"

"No! I, myself, have decided to become a hero worthy of this country! I have no intention of degrading myself to a false hero!"

Kemuna let out a roar and concentrated his remaining magical power.

He was a familiar master.

He could fight on his own, but what he was best at was fighting alongside his familiar.

"Hotaru, come! Use me!"

The moment Kemuna shouted, Hotaru disengaged from Titan's feet at maximum speed and rushed towards Kemuna.

Without hesitation, she bit Kemuna.

It was a nostalgic form. The original form of Hotaru that he had seen only once when they first made their contract. Hotaru disliked this not-so-beautiful form, but Kemuna liked this strong and brave appearance as well.

He gently stroked Hotaru's back as she absorbed magical power through Kemuna's blood from his neck.

"As your master, I command. My familiar, use this flesh and blood as nourishment and dance -- 'Last Dance'!"

It was Kemuna's ultimate secret technique.

The skill "Last Dance" that boosts the familiar's status for only 5 attacks by offering all magical power and part of the body to the familiar.

A dazzling light was emitted, and Hotaru's form returned to human shape -- but fox fur remained on her arms and legs like armor. Her tail was not one, but still seven.

From that human-beast hybrid form, a power incomparable to before overflowed.

"Go, Hotaru."

"As my master commands."

Hotaru disappeared without even leaving an afterimage.

Neither Lakirala nor Leelin could follow her with their eyes at all.

It was the same for Titan, and before he noticed Hotaru appearing at his feet as if by teleportation, she had already jumped up and punched Titan in the face.

"Ooooh!?"

That power was on a completely different level.

Titan's giant body floated and fell on his back. Last 4 attacks.

Hotaru, who had gained power equal to or greater than the ogre-like giant soldier evaluated as an S-rank monster in terms of physical strength alone. She continued to strike Titan's fallen body from the side.

"Guu!?"

The tremendous power bent Titan's body.

Last 3 attacks.

"Haaaaaaah!"

Hotaru roared as she grabbed Titan's body and threw him up into the sky.

Last 2 attacks.

Looking up at the falling giant body, Hotaru lowered her hips and gathered power.

If she couldn't finish him off in the next 2 attacks, there would be no future for Kemuna and the others.

"...I'm counting... on you..."

Unable to even wait for the outcome, his vision began to darken.

But on his face, a peaceful smile appeared, showing his trust in his familiar.

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"Ruruk and Elenora, why do our seniors never think about the consequences!" Saaya cursed while brushing away the falling embers.

Saaya had been blown away to outside the fountain plaza by the blast of Elenora's ultimate magic "Explosion".

After landing easily and regaining her balance, sparks began raining down from the sky. Whether these were pieces of Phoenix's body or remnants of Elenora's magic, she didn't know, but she was careful not to get hit just in case.

"Ugh, what on earth..."

As she was about to return to the plaza, she heard a groan from behind and turned around.

A carriage had overturned.

A man who seemed to be the driver was crouching by the roadside, holding his head, and it appeared to be his voice. It was quite an ornate carriage, and this was the noble district. A high-ranking noble was probably riding in the overturned carriage.

There's no time to deal with nobles now -- just as she thought this, the door that had become the upper side of the carriage was kicked open.

The driver hurriedly turned around at the sound.

"M-Master! Are you alright?"

"That was a tremendous impact. What happened?"

The one who climbed onto the carriage and looked at the exploded sky was a stern-looking noble -- if she remembered correctly, one of the three grand dukes, Emma Smasrick. He was the highest-ranking nobleman in this country who had presided over the meeting.

"I-I don't know. The monster in the sky suddenly exploded..."

"Was it an S-rank monster? What are the soldiers doing?"

Duke Smasrick frowned as he glared at the sky. There, Phoenix, having returned to its red form, was hovering and looking down at them.

So it didn't die even from Elenora's ultimate technique. It seemed it wasn't called the immortal bird for nothing.

As Saaya was thinking that they needed to find its weak point, Duke Smasrick noticed her.

"Hm? You're one of the Dragon Princess's adventurer companions, aren't you? Saaya, was it...? Why are you here?"

"Hello, Your Grace. Of course, I'm here to defeat that monster."

As Phoenix showed no signs of moving while observing the situation, Saaya returned the greeting politely, pinching her skirt. Noble etiquette is important, after all.

Duke Smasrick looked around and said,

"Is the Dragon Princess not here? Or that Ruruk person?"

"No. Only Elenora and I came."

"...Just the two of you? Are you sane?"

Well, it's understandable to be doubted given our appearances.

Saaya had no intention of arguing about this. Whether they could defeat it or not depended on Elenora, but either way, they had to try.

Instead of answering, she asked a question.

"Why are you moving, Your Grace?"

"Of course, to take command of the army. If the barracks are still intact, that is."

"Where are the barracks?"

"In the Second Central District, but... it's best not to expect much."

That's true, from here we can see the tail of the giant centipede in that direction.

No matter how well-trained the duke himself might be, he would surely die if he approached it.

Saaya warned him just in case.

"Your Grace, it might be presumptuous of me, but I think it's dangerous to move now. There's Phoenix in the sky too."

"But I am the head of a ducal family responsible for this country. If not now, when should I act? Shouldn't I work myself to the bone until at least the Dragon King arrives?"

"...That's admirable. I'm sorry for interfering--"

As she was about to say this, she sensed magical power from the sky.

Once again, a rain of fire was about to pour down.

It was blue flames of ultra-high temperature that could melt even stone.

"Probability Manipulation!"

She immediately activated her skill.

The flames that rained down on this entire area avoided only the plaza and incinerated the surroundings. The heat like being in a volcanic area and the suffocating smell of burning filled the air.

"What tremendous power. But why are the flames avoiding only this place?"

"Please don't move. I won't be able to protect you."

Saaya said to the duke who was looking around suspiciously and the driver who had collapsed in fear.

"I can't see any magic, but... is this defense your doing?"

"Yes. It's my mystic art."

It's troublesome to explain everything, but she couldn't ignore him either.

"It seems we've been saved. Indeed, it might be reckless to walk around... But the surrounding mansions are suffering severe damage. Can't anything be done?"

"Let me tell you, this isn't something that can protect the entire city."

"I see."

The duke looked disappointed. Do you know the phrase 'relying on others'?

Why did I end up in this situation, she wondered.

After a while, the rain of fire stopped, and Phoenix began to fall silent again. From this pattern, it seemed to be a skill that charges and releases magical power periodically. After two rains, the upper halves of the surrounding mansions had melted. A few more times and this First Central District would likely become a wasteland.

This monster is really like a natural disaster.

The duke was also groaning.

"It's an extremely dangerous opponent, but... do you really intend to defeat it?"

"That's the plan."

"Do you know it's an S-rank monster? Isn't that reckless?"

Ah, this conversation is becoming troublesome.

Maybe he's worried because Saaya and her companion look like children, but being addressed so many times is distracting. Let's silence him for a bit.

"Your Grace, we've also become S-rank, so it's not reckless."

"What, is that true?"

Saaya quickly held up her adventurer card to show proof to the wide-eyed duke.

"I see... I judged by appearance. My apologies."

"No worries. Now, please remain quiet for a moment--"

As she was about to say this, an idea struck her.

Honestly, she couldn't imagine Elenora losing. Even now as Saaya was talking with the duke, Elenora was by the fountain, firing various spells to test them. She would probably find an effective attack and defeat it soon.

It's difficult to protect the entire city, but it seemed like they would end up waiting for Elenora's victory while protecting the duke.

If so, this situation should be maximized.

Saaya turned back to the duke.

"By the way, it seems the Dragon King is calling for our leader."

"Indeed. I heard he was out of the country on a quest, but since you are here, is he hiding somewhere in the dragon capital? If so, we should immediately search for him."

"He's out. For details, please ask the Guild Master."

"...I see. I'll believe you for now."

"Is Ruruk a nuisance?"

Saaya asked straightforwardly.

The duke probably understood what she was implying. Whatever his personal opinions might be, he was the head of one of the three grand ducal families. He was in a position to control political intentions to some extent.

The duke growled lowly.

"That depends on the Dragon King. If the Dragon King orders us to kill him, we have no right of refusal."

"Even if Seori stops him?"

"Of course, the Dragon King's will is the top priority. We can't afford to offend him and have the entire dragon capital destroyed."

Although he seemed reluctant, it was the answer Saaya had expected.

"Then what if we could persuade the Dragon King?"

"I personally have no problem with that. If you can swear to protect the princess, I have no choice but to believe you."

"What about the other nobles?"

"...I cannot guarantee your safety."

That probably means they won't stop any moves to eliminate Ruruk.

Saaya let out a small sigh.

"So, Your Grace won't protect us?"

"...I cannot guarantee it."

"I understand."

Saaya nodded lightly and called out to Elenora near the fountain.

"Elenora, we're leaving! You don't need to defeat Phoenix!"

"Wha-"

The duke gasped.

"W-What are you--"

"Did I say something strange? The duke represents the people of this country, right? If the duke won't protect us, that means Bargia Dragon Duchy itself has abandoned us, doesn't it? In that case, if we abandon Bargia, no one can complain, right?"

Saaya was calm.

Calmly, she was boiling with anger.

"Then there's no need for us, who aren't even Bargia citizens, to feel obligated to protect this country. Even if this dragon capital is destroyed, we can just continue our adventurer activities in another country. It's easy for just us to escape from Phoenix. Well then, excuse us-- 'Relative Teleportation'"

Saaya deliberately used teleportation to move to Elenora's side, showing off.

The duke's face turned pale as he saw Saaya move in an instant.

He realized that if Saaya and her companions were serious, they could escape abroad no matter who pursued them.

"W-Wait! Do you understand what you're saying? You're saying you'll abandon this country-- innocent people!"

The duke shouted.

She wanted to shout back, "Don't be ridiculous." Ruruk is innocent too. Yet when it comes to their side being abandoned, they blame the other party.

Saaya held back and said nothing, staring at the duke from beside the fountain.

She could sense Phoenix gradually gathering power.

The third rain would fall soon.

Saaya fixed the duke with a cold gaze.

The duke probably understood that depending on his next words, Saaya and her companions would really leave this country. That meant losing one means of countering the monster in the sky. Both defense and attack were impossible for ordinary soldiers or adventurers. The duke must be certain of that much.

"Ugh..."

The duke was hesitating.

Saaya's words might be unfair. It's like taking the Bargia citizens hostage to ensure their own safety. Even if the duke promised, Saaya's personal reputation would likely plummet.

But so what?

Saaya still doesn't have overwhelming strength like Ruruk or Elenora. She's not in a position to be revered like Seori. She's not loved by Ruruk like Punisuke.

If there was something she could do, Saaya had decided to make choices for Ruruk's sake even if the whole world hated her. She was prepared for that much.

Phoenix's form began to glow blue.

The rain of fire was born.

The driver, who had been looking up at the sky in fear, held his head and crouched on the ground.

"Eeeek!"

"A-Alright! I promise not to lay a hand on you!"

"Probability Manipulation"

Saaya activated her skill.

The falling flames, once again warping causality, fell outside the plaza.

While watching the scenery of the third rain melting and burning the city, Saaya returned to the duke with Elenora.

She smiled sweetly at the duke who was breaking out in a cold sweat.

"It's a promise, right, Your Grace?"

"...You're quite the witch for someone so young."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

She had secured a verbal commitment.

This should prevent any moves to eliminate Ruruk as the will of the state, for now. Of course, she didn't think they could control all the citizens. But as long as it wasn't a state action, they should be able to deal with it somehow.

Saaya nodded with satisfaction and looked up at the sky.

Phoenix was gathering flames again. The "immortal bird" truly embodied an endless disaster. Once this district was completely burned down, it would probably rampage in another place.

"...I made a promise on my own, but you can do it, right?"

"Mm. Of course."

Elenora began to mold her magical power again.

Her expression was as emotionless as always, but Saaya noticed a faint emotion floating in her eyes. She was gradually starting to understand this cheat child prodigy.

Knowing that this cheat girl was already certain of the battle's end, Saaya relaxed her shoulders.

"Your Grace's choice wasn't wrong."

"...What do you mean?"

"Our magician has a hot temper, so she'll retaliate immediately if attacked. Against monsters or people."

"So what--"

The duke, who had raised a question mark, would soon understand the meaning of those words.

"I command, to all lights, bring extinction-- 'Absolute Zero'"

It was the ultimate ice-attribute attack that freezes all thermal vibrations.

Needless to say, it was one of the forbidden arts-- ultimate magic.

The magic circle deployed in the sky froze even the immortal flames, robbing them of all their heat.

It's usually difficult to find opportunities to use this magic that affects space itself, but it seems it was perfect for an opponent in the sky. Elenora's only concern was whether it would reach at this distance.

The S-rank monster, its life taken away unceremoniously, vanished without a trace.

"Ha, haha..."

The duke understood.

Indeed, it seems we must not anger this magician.

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Author Notes:

  Speaking of which, I don't think I've mentioned it before, so I'll publish it now, though it's quite late.

  To begin with, forbidden techniques are the 11 types of ultimate magic listed in the "Forbidden Techniques Catalog" by the "Central Magic Academy". While individual research and acquisition are not prohibited, sharing and inheriting the magic formula theory is banned due to their overwhelming influence. Their use for war, conflict, or criminal purposes is also prohibited. Violations can lead to international treaty infringements, with even minor violations resulting in quite severe punishments.

  By the way, the Forbidden Techniques Catalog can be viewed by anyone on the bulletin boards of each guild. They're made public with the aim of raising awareness that techniques with these effects are forbidden. It's similar to the nuance of "nuclear weapons are prohibited from use except as a deterrent".

  ○ Forbidden Techniques Catalog (11 types) and their attributes:

  1. "Full Scan" (Void/Lightning)

  2. "Extreme Flame" (Fire)

  3. "Womb Sea" (Water)

  4. "Land Palace" (Earth)

  5. "Absolute Zero" (Ice)

  6. "Rainbow Cannon" (Light)

  7. "Gravity Control" (Dark)

  8. "Explosion" (Fire/Water/Wind/Lightning)

  9. "Resurrection" (Holy)

  10. "Storage" (Holy)

  11. "Teleportation" (Holy)

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