The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology

"Spatial Transfer"

We teleported to the Elven village.

The mystic arts proficiency that Saturn had stolen was back to normal, so I could use all my skills as before.

And thanks to Punisuke's evolution, there was one more skill, so I'll check its performance later.

We appeared near the central hall in the village.

As the scenery suddenly changed to a forest, Nagi's voice trembled.

"Y-You really can do long-distance teleportation..."

"Well, fundamentally, there's no difference between short and long distances."

It's just that the coordinate calculations for unseen places are extremely difficult.

I was about to report to the Forest Elders when I saw Fia from Luney Trading Company standing right next to our teleportation spot.

"We've been waiting for you. Welcome back, Ruruk-sama."

"I'm back, Fia-san. Did you know when we'd return?"

"Yes. We confirmed that Ruruk-sama had defeated Saturn, so we thought it would be soon."

"As expected."

I'm no longer surprised by Luney Trading Company's information network. Probably someone in the company has a magic formula or skill to know wide-range information through some medium. They share it via communication stones. Something like that.

As we were conversing as if it was natural, Nagi pulled on my clothes.

"Is this Elf Ruruk's companion?"

"No, no. This is Fia-san. She's from Luney Trading Company, an organization that supported our activities in the demon realm. Luney Trading Company is well-informed and basically knows everything."

"We don't know everything. We only know what we know."

[TL notes: feels like monogatari reference :D ]

Fia calmly delivered this line.

Yeah, I won't say anything.

"...So, this child is Nagi. Fia-san, as you can see, Nagi is a demon but she's my friend, so I'd like you to inform Luney Trading Company not to lay a hand on her under any circumstances."

"Understood. I'll make sure it's thoroughly implemented right away."

Fia took out something like a communication stone and contacted someone.

After waiting for her to finish the communication, I asked Fia another question.

"So, are my companions still in the Elven village?"

"They left for the dragon capital two days ago. They should be arriving about now."

"I see. Then shall we report to the Forest Elders and then return to Bargia... Ah, before that."

I took out a communication stone from my item box and said,

"This one I received from Heptan-san worked fine even in the demon realm. There was no noise or sound skipping even at Depth III, so it seems unaffected by magic concentration."

"Thank you very much. As promised, please keep that one. If you notice any malfunctions, please bring it to the company."

"Yes. Then I'll accept it without hesitation."

With this, I've officially got a valuable communication item.

After finishing our private talk, Fia left to prepare a report.

Watching her back as she left, Nagi said with a puzzled face,

"Are Elves perhaps a race that wears distasteful masks?"

"Distasteful? That mask is the mark of Luney Trading Company, so only Fia-san wears it here. The Elves show their real faces."

Anyway, standing here won't get us anywhere.

We immediately walked to the base of the great tree in the central hall and called out to the Elf on watch duty.

"Benefactor! You've returned!"

"Yes. I have a report for the Forest Elders, could you let us through?"

"Of course!"

The gatekeeper sent a signal upwards, and once again a long plant ladder came down.

We climbed up, encouraging the nervous Seori along the way.

In the Forest Elders' room, the stern-looking Forest Elder Juman, Defense Squad Captain Distania, and Vice-Captain Karmarike were discussing something with a map of the village spread out.

"I've returned."

"Oh, you're back, Ruruk-dono."

"Ruruk-sama~~~!"

I nimbly dodged Karmarike who came flying at me. Karmarike crashed face-first into the wall.

Karmarike puffed her cheeks while her nose was bleeding.

"Why did you dodge!"

"Why did you try to jump on me?"

"Because Ruruk-sama was there!"

"That doesn't make sense."

"Karmarike, shut up for a bit."

The Forest Elder admonished Karmarike with a face as if enduring a headache.

"Ruruk-dono, first let me express our gratitude. All of our brethren's children have returned safely. This couldn't have been achieved without your and your companions' efforts. We are in your debt."

"No, no, it's because we had the help of all the Elves."

"We are grateful. Now, I heard you went separately to subjugate the high-ranking demon Saturn, how did that go?"

"Yes, that's also completed. The demon faction that attacked the Elven village has been completely annihilated."

Even if some were hiding somewhere, all of Saturn's familiars should be dead by now.

It seems unlikely that the demon's hand will reach the Elven village anymore.

"I see. Again and again, I don't know how to express our gratitude."

"Please don't be so formal. I did that for my own reasons. No thanks or rewards are necessary."

"I see... Then, at least let us prepare the village's finest feast. Karmarike, go make arrangements immediately."

"Yes~! Today I'll have dinner with Ruruk-sama♪"

As the Forest Elder gave instructions, Karmarike left the room humming.

The Forest Elder smiled wryly at the childlike reaction, but then got back to the conversation. Glancing at Nagi, he said,

"So, why is there a demon here? I'm sure there are circumstances, but we've heard that everything this time was a demon plot. Depending on the reason, the village might not be able to accept this."

"This child is different from the demon faction that was using the village and Bargia. In fact, it was this Nagi who dealt the final blow to Saturn, the high-ranking demon who was the mastermind."

"Is that so? Then, can we consider her not an enemy?"

"Yes. She's my friend, so please inform all the Elves. Tell them that if they lay a hand on Nagi, we'll become their enemies."

"I'll arrange it immediately. Distania, go and thoroughly inform everyone. Make sure not to miss anyone."

"Alright."

Distania rushed out with a tense face.

Watching this, Nagi deepened her puzzled expression.

"What kind of person is Ruruk?"

"I'm just a normal adventurer. I just happened to save the Elven village from crisis with my companions, and beat up the Elven elites a bit. Man, it's good that the Elves are people with a strong sense of duty."

"...Nagi doesn't know much about humans, but I can tell that Ruruk isn't normal."

Nagi gave me an exasperated look.

"Well then, Ruruk-dono, please rest until the meal is ready. We've prepared the room upstairs, feel free to use it. If possible, I'd like you to refrain from taking the demon child outside until Distania finishes informing everyone. There might be some rudeness otherwise. You can give me a detailed report during the meal."

"Understood. Then, we'll borrow the room upstairs."

We moved to the room as suggested.

Soon, a server brought us fruit water and sweets, allowing us to relax and settle down.

Seori, probably tired, slumped down on the sofa, while Punisuke was munching on sweets. Nagi was looking around curiously at the room and the scenery outside the window.

I also took a breather while drinking fruit water.

We couldn't really relax in the demon realm after all.

"Ruruk, is that the sacred tree?"

"Yeah, that's right. You know about the sacred tree?"

"It's the root cause that creates demon trees and confines demons to the demon realm. There's a legend that demons and Elves have fought over it for thousands of years in the past. Apparently, they gave up after realizing it was futile because the sacred tree is rooted in the world."

"There's such a legend!? I didn't know that. Tell me more about that story later, okay? Definitely. I won't let you sleep until you tell me."

"W-Wait, you're too close, Ruruk."

Oops, my bad.

I haven't had the chance to hear demon legends before. When we have time, I'll have Nagi teach me slowly.

"Nagi has no obligation to teach you."

"Eh~ Don't be stingy. It's fine to give me a little time, right? We're alive and well after all."

"...That's true... Brother, Nagi is still alive..."

Nagi murmured, looking at the sacred tree with deep emotion.

It seems she still hasn't sorted out her feelings. I'll leave her be for now.

More importantly, what I'm curious about is Punisuke.

My beloved familiar who underwent an unbelievable evolution into a Mithril Slime, shining metallically. He seems to be hungry, eating sweets voraciously, so I'll try appraising him without talking to him.

--------------------

[Name] Punisuke

[Race] Mithril Slime (Ruruk's Familiar)

[Level] 27

[HP] 780 (+85)

[MP] 950 (+90)

[STR] 50 (+40)

[END] 7850 (+1800)

[AGI] 40 (+40)

[INT] 1790 (+110)

[LUK] 540

[Natural Science Proficiency] 890

[Magic Proficiency] 40

[Mystic Arts Proficiency] 10

[Skills]

≪Activation Type≫

"Elasticity Manipulation"

"Temperature Control"

"Color Manipulation" ←NEW

"Gigantification"

"Transformation"

"Familiarization"

--------------------

"So hard!?"

I couldn't help but shout. Well, it's natural because it's mithril.

His status has been significantly enhanced from that of a slime. Moreover, perhaps because he defeated a higher-ranked opponent at the level cap, his level has already reached 27.

It seems the only new skill is "Color Manipulation", but it looks like he can still use all the skills and techniques he could use before.

Speaking of which, that mithril gun mode from earlier was terrifyingly strong. I wonder if there's anyone who can defend against mithril bullets...

As I was staring intently, Punisuke seemed to notice.

"What's wrong, Master~?"

"No, I was just thinking how much you've grown."

"Heheh~ I've become stronger~!"

Punisuke bounces proudly. How cute.

With his endurance value being so high, his defense must be quite solid now. Or rather, since even his core is probably mithril, isn't it almost impossible to defeat him physically in the first place?

If I remember correctly, King Slimes and Metal Slimes are A-rank monsters... so he's probably equivalent to an S-rank monster. Although, of course, there was no Mithril Slime in the monster encyclopedia.

"You really helped me out this time. Thanks, Punisuke."

"Yeah~ But the dragon big sister worked hard too~!"

"Huh!?"

Suddenly addressed, Seori, who was lounging on the sofa, reacted with a start.

"Indeed, if Seori wasn't there, we would have definitely died. Thanks again, Seori."

"I-I only did what was natural as a familiar."

"Even so. And Seori, that super enhancement has also increased as a skill. Shall we look at your status?"

"Hmph, it can't be helped. Punisuke, behold a glimpse of my power and tremble in fear!"

"Yes, yes. 'Threshold Compilation'"

I took out a paper and transcribed the status onto it.

―――――――――― 

【Name】Seori Bargiria

【Race】Dragon Species - True Ancestor (Ruruk's Kin)

【Level】24

【Health】1640（＋1860）

【Magic Power】1470（＋1180）

【Strength】750（＋900）

【Endurance】1210（＋1940）

【Agility】440（＋740）

【Intelligence】410（＋620）

【Luck】44

【Theoretical Skill】80

【Magic Skill】1100

【Mystical Skill】30

【Possessed Skills】

≪Automatic Type≫

"Light Magic Aptitude"

"High-Speed Flight" (Dragon State)

"Hardening" (Dragon State)

"Intelligence Increase (Small)" (Human State)

"Auto-Recovery (Light)" (Human State)

≪Activation Type≫

・"Forced Subjugation"

・"Transformation"

・"Breath (Light)" (Dragon State)

・"Dragon Destruction Bullet (Light)" (Human State)

・"Dragon Aura Materialization" (Human State)←NEW

――――――――――

【"Dragon Aura Materialization"

 > A royal-class skill that greatly enhances status by using accumulated dragon aura.

 >> The enhancement value changes depending on the amount of dragon aura released upon activation.

 >>> There is no time limit, but dragon transformation is not possible while using this skill. The lazy dragon that grows stronger the more it idles.】

"A skill that gets stronger the lazier you are, huh."

"...Hey, Seori."

"Hmph, what is it, my master?"

"You must have been really lazy all this time."

"Fuee..."

Well, she was holed up in Berlander's mansion for a year.

If we're saying we were saved thanks to that, I guess we should be grateful for her lazy habits too.

"Come to think of it, your base physical form has gotten stronger compared to before we left."

"...I walked a lot. I got tired."

Seori sprawls out on the sofa.

Now that I think about it, at first she was whining about being tired from the unfamiliar travel right away. She eventually became more energetic, but I guess her initial state must have been quite weak compared to a dragon's original physical strength. Too lazy.

"But my master! With this dark skill, I am now forced to be lazy! It can't be helped, but I shall declare my rest for the sake of protecting my master!"

"No, even if you say 'lazy,' you just need to accumulate dragon aura, right? I'll have you refrain from using the skill as much as possible, but we'll train your body itself, okay?"

"Eh~"

Seori made a face that clearly showed her dislike.

I understand now that her base stats can be incredibly high if properly trained. I want her to be able to fight decently even without super enhancements. There aren't many scenes where she can use her breath attack, after all.

"That's how it is for Seori. Now, let's see how I've changed."

I check my own status as well.

――――――――――

【Name】Ruruk Muuteru

【Race】Human

【Level】94

【Health】510(＋6670)

【Magic Power】0(＋1)

【Strength】510(＋4770)

【Endurance】390(＋4410)

【Agility】650(＋6990)

【Intelligence】780(＋6100)

【Luck】101

【Theoretical Skill】740

【Magic Skill】1

【Mystical Skill】9960

【Possessed Skills】

≪Automatic Type≫

"Numerology 7: Domain Mediation"

"Calm and Collected"

"Status Ailment Immunity"

"Adversity Breakthrough"

≪Activation Type≫

"Conqueror's Radiance"←NEW

"Spirit Summoning"

"Kin Summoning"

"Equipment Summoning"

"Transcription"

"Color Change"

"Alchemy"

"Blade Transfer"

"Fist Transfer"

"Kick Transfer"

"Rending Shot"

"Land Mine"

"Reflection"

"Threshold Compilation"

"Relative Transfer"

"Spatial Transfer"

"Illusion"

"Word Soul"

"Legend Manifestation"

"Numerology 0: Eyes of Fiction"

――――――――――

【"Conqueror's Radiance"

 > A royal-class intimidation skill.

 >> The dignity of a conqueror who subjugates multiple superior beings. Beings below royal rank prostrate themselves before this radiance.】

...Well, this is dangerous.

Punisuke evolved into a Mithril Slime, so I probably got this for simultaneously subjugating an S-rank monster and a true ancestor dragon.

But this skill, if I use it, wouldn't everyone except royal beings in the vicinity become incapacitated? I don't know any royal beings other than Roze and the Dragon King, though?

It would be terrible if I used it in a city.

"...Seems hard to use~"

"Hmph, my master's nobility knows no bounds. It should be no less than my father's."

"Half of it is because of you, you know?"

Speaking of the Dragon King, I just remembered we ran out of curse-breaking medicine.

At this rate, the Dragon King will be furious with us.

"...Sigh. What should we do about the Dragon King? I don't want to die yet."

"D-Don't worry. I will protect master."

"You'll probably make things worse. By the way, Seori, were you okay with this? It was a chance for 'Forced Subjugation' to come back."

"...But, if I used it, my connection with master would disappear."

Seori said while fidgeting.

Well, certainly, thanks to the kin communication, I know her location and condition. It's reassuring, I suppose.

"I see. Well, if Seori is fine with it, then that's okay."

Let's put aside the Dragon King issue for now. I'll leave it to tomorrow's me, my ultimate technique.

As we finished checking our status and were resting, a messenger came to inform us that the meal was ready.

We were called to a giant tree a little distance from the central hall.

It was a spacious dining hall that could accommodate about twenty people.

There, an abundance of dishes was spread across the entire table.

"Oh, looks delicious."

"Master! It's amazing!"

"Yay! It's dinner time~"

"I-It's extravagant."

We gulped audibly.

"Please help yourselves without hesitation. We've used monster meat as well, so I believe our honored guests will be satisfied," said an elf wearing an apron with a smile, ushering us to our seats.

Since I left any hesitation in my previous life, let's enjoy this rare banquet.

As we sat down, the three forest elders, along with elites like Distania and Karmarike who had gone on the expedition to the demon realm, were also seated. Fia was at the edge.

Forest Elder Juman raised his wine glass first.

"We have prepared this modest celebratory gathering to express our gratitude to Ruruk and his companions. Ruruk, we are truly grateful."

"You're welcome."

"Well then, there's no need to keep the guests of honor waiting with tedious words. Cheers."

"Cheers!"

And so, we enjoyed the cuisine to our heart's content, being treated by the elves.

We left the elven village when the night had grown a bit late.

Bargia Dragon Principality, Dragon Capital Foosu.

Thinking that Saaya and Elen, who were on a separate mission, should be arriving at the dragon capital soon, we returned by transfer with Nagi.

We haven't decided what to do with Nagi yet. While it depends on what Nagi wants to do, there are hardly any places that would unconditionally accept a demon suffering from magic deficiency.

So for now, we decided to shelter her at our inn. There's only one environment I can think of that might be suitable for Nagi, so it's a temporary stay until we can prepare that.

Nagi seemed to want to see a human city too, so she came along obediently.

What greeted us when we returned to the inn's rooftop was an unexpected sight.

The dragon capital was on fire.

In the sky above the noble district, there was a burning bird; towards the church area, there was an armed giant; and to the south, a giant centipede could be seen. Each was rampaging and destroying the city.

What's going on? For now, it seems Saaya and the others aren't at the inn.

As I was looking around to confirm the situation, Nagi was looking on with curiosity.

"Hah... So this is a human city. It's quite lively."

"What are you saying? This is an emergency, you know? This isn't normal at all."

"I-It was a joke."

Nagi's ear tips turned red.

Leaving Nagi, who had unleashed her natural airheadedness, alone for now, I decided to defeat the monsters first. As I was considering where to start, the phoenix was blown away by magic, and the giant had fallen.

That leaves the giant centipede, then.

If that's the case, I don't need to hesitate.

"Excuse me for a moment."

I transferred to the sky with everyone in tow. I caught sight of the centipede's full form.

It's huge. It must be at least 100 meters long. The one trying to stop it by slashing at its back with an afro is, needless to say, Guild Master Camlock.

However, Camlock's weapon is a short dagger. The scale is too different, and it shows no sign of stopping at all.

I immediately transferred to the roof of a house in the centipede's path.

We face the approaching giant centipede head-on.

"M-Master, it's so big..."

"Is it my turn~?"

"Should Nagi cut it?"

"No, let me try something."

I stared at the approaching centipede and activated my skill.

"'Conqueror's Radiance'"

What was released was the intimidation skill I had just acquired.

The opponent is an S-rank monster. I wasn't sure if it would work, but...

"Gii..."

I guess even an S-rank monster isn't a royal being.

The giant centipede that received my intimidation froze. Its massive body trembled, and it tried to avert all of its compound eyes on its front from me, moving them in all directions.

The effect was tremendous... but this is difficult to control.

Behind me, Nagi's legs were shaking, Punisuke had curled up into a ball, and Seori was leaking holy water with a "chorororo" sound.

Well, putting that aside for now.

"So, centipede. I have no grudge against you, but you've apparently made a mess of the city, so you'll have to be eliminated—'Great Rending Shot'"

I slammed a huge mass of air into the centipede's face.

The giant centipede, having taken a large-scale coordinate attack head-on, jumped once with a twitch of its body before succumbing.

Looking at the giant centipede that had fallen silent in an instant, Nagi, who had regained her composure, sighed.

"Couldn't you have used that intimidation and attack on Saturn?"

"The attack is one thing, but I just learned about the intimidation."

"Master is amazing~!"

"Oh, good job. Thanks for the praise, Punisuke."

As I was petting my familiar who had jumped into my arms, Camlock approached, sliding down the back of the fallen centipede.

"Ruruk! When did you get back? I thought you were still in the demon realm. And this situation, did you defeat Gyges in one hit?"

"Ah... well, various things happened."

Crap, I forgot to adjust the time consistency.

Camlock must be starting to suspect the existence of my transfer skill by now. Well, he's a trustworthy person, so maybe it's okay to tell him.

As I was thinking this, Camlock looked behind me and said:

"I have a mountain of questions, but now's not the time for that. Good, the princess is here too... Hey, Ruruk! Do something about the princess!"

"Huh?"

When I turned around, Seori was covering her bright red face with her hands, having created a puddle at her feet.

The princess had her second accident in life.

"Ah... sorry, Seori."

"Master, you idiot!"

"Guheh!"

I was punched in the solar plexus and doubled over in pain.