The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology

"So that's how we defeated the high-ranking demon," I explained briefly once again in the Dragon King's chamber.

The Dragon King, who apparently had been thoroughly beaten by Roze before, forgave me just for being her disciple. As expected of a master who could traumatize the Dragon King.

He also wanted to know all the details about Seori kissing me, so I explained the situation. It seems he didn't even know that demons had deceived Riseto.

"Tch, so that bastard Riseto was thinking such things... Ruruk, you did well to go all the way to the demon realm to deal with this. I'm grateful."

"I had personal business too, so it was convenient. My companion was targeted after all."

"Ah, I see. The one targeted was that young lady over there, right? The Dragon God's apostle candidate."

The Dragon King pointed at Saaya.

Saaya looked puzzled.

"The Dragon God's apostle? Me?"

"You're a 'hero seed', aren't you? If you've received the Dragon God's blessing, it means you'll eventually become an apostle of the Dragon God like me. It makes sense that demons would target you."

"I-Is that so... I don't really feel like I have the Dragon God's blessing though."

"The Dragon God's blessing is a status correction skill, so you probably wouldn't notice it."

I see, so the "Versatile Growth" is the blessing. Indeed, if this continues, Saaya's stats will rise to the limit just like the Dragon King's.

As I nodded in agreement with the knowledge that comes from being a Dragon King for hundreds of years, Camlock and Duke Smasrick were whispering urgently behind us, their voices trembling.

I'll have to make sure to swear Saaya to secrecy about this later.

"Well, whatever the reason, you solved a problem within my territory. I should give you some kind of reward. What do you want, women or money? Hey Radon, how much reward can we give out right away?"

"If it's gold coins, about 5000. As for women, it depends on Ruruk-sama's preferences, but..."

Radon stared intently at my companions, then said:

"I apologize. Unfortunately, we don't have any young retainers."

"I'm not into little girls!?"

Really, all of them!

"What, aren't those your women?"

"No, they're my adventurer companions. Com-pa-nions."

"Then give me that hero candidate over there. I'll marry her."

"Huh? Don't be ridiculous, you lolicon Dragon King. Who would hand her over to you?"

"What? I'm looking to the future. If you don't like her, don't butt in, you jealous bastard."

"Are you serious about setting your sights on a girl younger than your daughter? Are you that desperate?"

"Age doesn't matter. Men want good women, idiot."

"You pervert. Don't think with your lower half, you stupid Dragon King."

"Shut up, idiot idiot."

"Stupid stupid."

"Are you kids fighting!?"

Saaya retorted.

"How old are you two! And Dragon King-sama, I belong to Ruruk so I won't cheat! Ruruk, talk peacefully because the Duke and Guild Master look like they're about to go bald from stress!"

"Yes, I'm sorry."

"What, so she is your woman after all."

We cooled down after being admonished.

The Dragon King collected himself and said:

"So, what do you want as a reward? If you don't want money or women, I could give you the right to become my slave."

"I'd rather die."

"Oh boy. There's something you should say here, isn't there? Like, 'Please give me your daughter' or something."

"I don't want to. You just want to act cool and refuse, right?"

"Come on. Just say it, just say it."

"You really are stupid."

However, as I was thinking about what to ask from the Dragon King, an idea suddenly struck me.

"Hey Dragon King, your word is absolute in this country, right?"

"Of course, it's my territory. Got a problem with that?"

"No, that's not it. Actually, I have a request because of that. If you're giving me a reward, I want it to be this."

"Oh? What is it? Tell me."

"I want you to give permission for one demon to live in this country, and to be their backing."

Behind me, Nagi gasped.

It's something I've been thinking about for a while.

I was originally planning to negotiate with the guild in exchange for the demon realm quest reward, but if the Dragon King could guarantee it, that would be the most reassuring.

The problem is that dragons and demons are on bad terms.

When I explained to the Dragon King earlier, I intentionally didn't mention Nagi, but this is a good opportunity.

"This demon betrayed the demons and has nowhere to go. They're strong, so they probably won't die easily, but there's a limit to what an individual can do, no matter how strong. They need a place to live to feel secure."

"Can you really trust this demon? What guarantee is there that they won't pretend to betray and harm us?"

"This demon delivered the final blow to the high-ranking demon I just told you about. I've been traveling with them and I've seen what they're like. Based on that, I trust them and want you to trust them too. Even Seori is friends with them."

"...Is that true, Seori?"

When the Dragon King addressed her, Seori nodded, struggling with her words.

"Y-Yes. Nagi can be trusted."

"Nagi... you mean that little girl over there. You, you were a demon?"

He seems to have noticed at last.

At my urging, Nagi nodded and took off her bracelet.

Her appearance, which had looked completely human, changed, and the Dragon King growled low.

"A high-level perception interference skill, huh. If it can fool even me, then with that, it's unlikely they'd be found out easily. I suppose one demon wouldn't be too much trouble."

"Then please. Give Nagi permission to live in this country."

"This is a reward I'm giving personally, you know? You don't want money to live a life of luxury forever, or status and honor?"

"I want a place where Nagi can live safely more than any of that."

When I stated this clearly, the Dragon King stared at us intently.

After a while, he slowly opened his mouth.

"...No. Choose something else."

"Why not! She won't be found out as a demon, and even if she is, with your approval there shouldn't be a problem. She's Seori's friend, so the other dragons should be able to accept it!"

"Maybe... but you know, there are some things even I can't do anything about."

"What's that supposed to mean? You're the Dragon King--"

"Look behind you. It seems I don't need to prepare a place for that one to belong."

"Huh?"

I turned around.

Without me noticing, Nagi had placed her sword at her feet, knelt down, and bowed her head.

Towards none other than me.

"Nagi?"

"...Nagi will someday fall into hell."

Nagi slowly raised her face.

Those cobalt blue eyes were looking straight at me.

"Nagi has killed many of her own kind. These hands stained with blood will never be clean again. The one who saved such a Nagi was you, Ruruk. ...Nagi isn't honest, and will surely cause trouble in the future. She's a woman with a bad personality who has come to enjoy revenge more than anything. But, Nagi wishes. More than a land where she can live in peace, more than a place prepared by someone else... she wants to be by your side."

Her moist eyes looked at me as if piercing through.

"Nagi, who was ready to die, was forcibly saved by Ruruk. So Nagi will take revenge. Until you die, until this life ends, Nagi has the right to keep taking revenge on you. So please, let Nagi join your companions... please."

That Nagi was bowing her head to me.

Indeed, it was something I had thought about a little. The job Nagi could take up immediately would probably be adventurer, and if so, she might go on adventures and quests with us.

But I thought Nagi didn't like me that much. We were always arguing, and I couldn't be kind because I'm not honest either.

So I thought I'd at least do this much for her, but...

Well, when she's this honest, even I have to admit it. I'm really happy.

But I can't say that honestly, so I'll hide my embarrassment.

"Somehow, the way you say that sounds like a proposal, doesn't it?"

"Huh?"

Realizing what she had said, Nagi's ear tips turned bright red.

"You finally showed your dere side. As expected of tsundere Nagi-cha--"

"Hmph!"

"Guheh!"

Nagi's elbow made a clean hit to my solar plexus.

"Ow, that hurts."

"...Huh? Nagi, you can touch Ruruk now."

"Ah. Come to think of it. Fufufu, now is the time to settle the grudges of everyday life."

Nagi stood in front of me with a grin and pulled both my cheeks.

"Whaf are you doing. Shtop if."

"Ruruk isn't scary anymore. Nagi's revenge is beginning."

Nagi had a triumphant expression.

I grabbed Nagi's hands and peeled them off. This definitely made my cheeks swell.

"Let me pinch more."

"No way. But are you really okay with this, Nagi? Becoming an adventurer with us means you might have to fight against demons in the future, you know?"

"That's nothing new at this point."

"Well, that's true."

Well, if Nagi is fine with it, that's good enough.

I faced the Dragon King again.

"Looks like I didn't need to ask after all."

"Tch, showing off like that. So, what are you going to do about my reward? Isn't there anything else you want?"

"Let's see. Seori, is there anything you want?"

"Eh!? I-I don't particularly... whatever Master wants..."

What a desireless dragon princess.

Well, I guess there's nothing she'd particularly want from her father at this point. Besides, Seori would probably give me anything if I just asked, even without it being a reward.

After thinking for a while, I decided offhandedly.

"Then a house. With Nagi joining us, the inn is getting cramped, so I'd like a house that can be our base of operations in this country. If possible, I'd be happy if it's near a dungeon and big enough for this many people to live in."

"Understood. Radon, make the arrangements."

"As you wish."

Radon immediately left.

Nice... Maybe I should have asked for an excellent butler.

Well, anyway, this should have taken care of our business with the Dragon King. Nagi becoming a companion was a bit unexpected, though.

The Dragon King stood up from his chair and said:

"Well, that's the end of our talk. I'm in a good mood because I had fun for the first time in a while, and I got dirty from fighting, so I'm going to take a dip in the hot spring."

"Ah, I want to go in too."

"Hah! As if I'd let a piss-smelling brat in. Idiot."

"Damn, I should have asked for the hot spring as a reward...!"

"Too late, idiot idiot! Ah, well, Papa's going now, take care Seori-chan! If that brat attacks you, tell Papa anytime, Papa will kill him for you! Hahahaha!"

The Dragon King flew out the window in an instant, laughing.

What a stormy man.

We were immediately led outside by a nearby female retainer. Apparently, it meant we should go home now. There was no hospitality at all, but I don't mind since I didn't want to stay long anyway.

As we walked, I spoke to Camlock.

"By the way, Guild Master, can we add a new adventurer to an S-rank party?"

"There are restrictions, but it's not impossible. Strictly speaking, apart from filling vacancies due to death or withdrawal, it's possible once a year regardless of rank. Of course, there are strict tests and screenings, so it's not that easy. This time, since we've essentially got the Dragon King's approval, we can skip the screening process."

"So if she passes the test, it's fine, right? Nagi, do your best."

"I understand. What exactly do I need to do?"

"It's a practical combat test. For a vanguard position, you need to have combat ability at the very least. When we get back to the guild, you'll take the test in the training ground. I'll be serious too, so be prepared, young lady."

"Understood."

So, Nagi's entrance test when we get back, huh.

As I was thinking about how busy we still were, Saaya clapped her hands.

"...Hey. I think I understand why Nagi can touch Ruruk now."

"What is it?"

"Yes?"

"Well, you know, Ruruk's defense skill automatically reacts to attacks, right? But it doesn't react to me, Elenora, or Seori. Nagi, try hitting Ruruk's head one more time."

"Okay."

"Ow, that hurts! A lot of brain cells just died! What if I become stupid!"

"Weren't you already stupid?"

"Shut up, you sharp-tongued girl."

Watching our exchange, Saaya nodded as if confirming something.

"Just as I thought. This is the criterion for not triggering the attack judgment."

"Tell me. It might be a matter of life and death from now on."

"It's whether it's skinship or not. It didn't activate for us because we always think of it as skinship."

"...So?"

"The reason Nagi couldn't touch Ruruk until now was because, even though she was grateful, there was no affection."

Saaya had a look of understanding.

I see, so if it's affectionate skinship, it's not judged as an attack.

"...Huh? So Nagi, you don't dislike touching me anymore?"

"N-No, that's not it! It's not like that! Saaya, stop lying!"

Nagi frantically waved her hands, her ears turning red.

"I'm not lying. Nagi, you look happy when you touch Ruruk."

"It's a misunderstanding! It's just the pleasure of hitting someone else showing through!"

"Is that really okay?"

"Oh~ Nagi-chan, are you a tsundere~?"

"I'll kill you! I'll kill you!"

Nagi really starts throwing punches when teased.

Whether Saaya's deduction is correct or not, teasing Nagi is fun, so I probably won't be able to stop from now on.

We left the holy land while continuing to make a fuss like this.

We spent a week's journey back by carriage, taking our time.

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Author Notes:

  Afterword Tips ~ Skill and Technique Resistance Values ~

○ Behind-the-scenes setting for resistance values

The following is more of a memo, as there are no plans to include this in the main story.

As a behind-the-scenes setting, there exists a hidden status called "resistance value" for each skill and technique.

We touched on resistance to traps and status abnormalities due to leveling up in the disciple arc, but in fact, resistance values exist for each element, and this was also mentioned. These are the "Mystical Arts Nullification" skill and the "Magic Resistance" and "Status Abnormality Nullification" skills that Elen possesses.

As Roze had "Mystical Arts Nullification", we briefly mentioned in Act I that past Demon Kings also had "Magic Nullification", but these "XX Nullification" and "XX Resistance" are visualizations of resistance values that have exceeded a certain level through skills.

By the way, here's some trivia related to the development of this clash arc.

If Elen had accompanied the group to the demon realm, Saturn's "Usurpation", which is a magic skill, would have actually only been effective against Elen with an extremely low probability due to her extremely high resistance value to magic. Conversely, Ruruk has almost no resistance value against magic, so he can only resist skills and techniques with external equipment or skills, and Ruruk, who hadn't prepared countermeasures against the act of "taking", couldn't defend against "Usurpation".

Incidentally, the higher the proficiency against resistance value, the easier it is to be effective, and conversely, if the proficiency is lower than the opponent's resistance value, the technique may fail. Therefore, Roze, who knew that Saturn's "Usurpation" wouldn't work on her when Saturn was still young, was waiting for Saturn to grow and increase his magic proficiency.

This time too, if Ruruk had brought Elen along, there was a future where even if Ruruk was taken down, Elen would have been able to defeat Saturn immediately without having anything taken from her.

By the way, there is a method to forcibly make techniques work on beings with maximum resistance value (= those with nullification skills).

However, basically, it's impossible unless you're of a higher existence rank, and it's only natural that magic doesn't work on the Demon King, who is a royal-rank existence of magicians. Speaking of higher than royal rank, there are supreme existences (= demi-gods), and only Roze, who had lived for about ten thousand years, falls into this category, with no others. Therefore, this fact doesn't have much significance.

There are also resistance values for each status abnormality, and Elen, who maximized all resistance values during her training in Stoania, manifested the skill "All Status Abnormality Nullification".

Ruruk also got "Status Abnormality Nullification", but unlike Elen, this is due to the influence of numerology and doesn't mean his resistance values are maxed out. It simply means nullifying the abnormality itself.

Also, there is only one thing that can ignore any resistance value and make techniques or skills work on any opponent, but I plan to mention that in the main story, so I'll omit it here.

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