The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology

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"Then, Saaya-sama, please accept this."

In the special reception room after Ruruk and the others had left.

Saaya's eyes widened as she received a package from Pentan.

"Huh? Wasn't that just a pretext earlier?"

"Even if it was to divert the conversation, we would never fail to keep our word. Besides, this is originally a gift prepared by President Monon, so I hope you'll accept it."

"I see. Well, I'll gratefully accept it then. May I look inside?"

"Please do."

She unwraps the package.

It was a heavy box. Inside was a single, expensive-looking small bottle.

Saaya picks up the bottle and examines it closely.

It doesn't seem to be medicine...

"...What is this?"

"It's perfume."

Suddenly, a voice came from behind.

Standing there, unnoticed until now, was a girl about the same height as Ruruk. Of course, her face wasn't clearly visible because of the mask covering her eyes.

Her glossy, beautiful brown hair was softly curled. The eyes peeking out from the mask were as blue as a summer sky.

Saaya realized that Pentan was now standing and bowing. The maids waiting in the room were also kneeling in respect.

Who this girl was - there was no need to ask.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Saaya-sama. I am Monon, the president of Luney Trading Company. It's an honor to meet you."

As expected, it was the Empress Monon.

Saaya immediately returned a noble-style greeting.

"Nice to meet you, Monon-san. I'm glad to meet you too."

"I'm honored. Saaya-sama, please have a seat. Pentan, please excuse me as I sit next to her."

"As you wish, President."

They sit down again.

...She's indeed a girl not yet of age. She doesn't look at all like the skilled craftsman capable of creating forbidden-level tools.

But it might be rude to observe too closely.

Saaya held back what she wanted to ask and continued the conversation.

"By the way, what kind of perfume is this?"

"It's one of my favorites. Because it uses extract from precious flowers that can only be harvested in my homeland, the annual production is very limited and it's not widely available."

"Is it okay to give away something so precious?"

"...Saaya-sama is special."

"But I haven't contributed that much to Luney Trading Company."

"Your very existence is important."

Monon smiled faintly.

Seeing that smile, Saaya was certain.

"Is that because I'm Ruruk's companion, and you're Ruruk's sister?"

"You're very perceptive. As expected of the intelligent Saaya-sama."

Saying this, Monon removed her mask.

She was a beautiful girl about the same age as Ruruk.

Although they don't look very similar, the sharp bridge of their noses is identical. If I remember correctly, Ruruk mentioned they were half-siblings.

"You didn't meet Ruruk because you'd be in trouble if your identity was revealed?"

"That's correct. It's not yet time for that. But Saaya-sama, when did you realize?"

"It's not so much that I realized, more like I had a hunch. The staff's treatment is clearly different when Ruruk is here and when he's not. In fact, we've been getting VIP treatment from the start, even without the cards. Of course I'd suspect something was up."

"I see. Then allow me to introduce myself properly. My name is Lilith Muuteru. I am the eldest daughter and seventh child of the Muuteru ducal family."

"...So you were nobility after all."

That's what she had thought.

Until now, Ruruk had hardly ever talked about his family other than his sister, but from his demeanor and everything else, she had imagined he was born into nobility.

Moreover, the Muuteru ducal family...?

She thought she had heard that name somewhere before, and then it hit her!

"Could it be the same Muuteru ducal family that my fiancé was supposed to be from?"

"That's right. If Ruru-oniisama hadn't become an adventurer, he would have been engaged to you, Saaya-sama."

"...I see, so that's it. The engagement wasn't broken off because he got sick, but because he became an adventurer. And that was Ruruk."

Saaya couldn't help but chuckle.

Lilith narrowed her eyes.

"I'm surprised. I thought Saaya-sama might be a little disappointed to learn this."

"Eh, why?"

"Forgive me, but Saaya-sama seems to admire my brother. Regardless of the circumstances, the fact is that the engagement was cancelled."

"It's the opposite. Isn't it good that Ruruk became an adventurer?"

"May I ask why?"

"Because our current relationship is one that Ruruk and I have each worked hard to achieve. Even if we were engaged through an arrangement made by our parents, such a thing would have no value."

"Value, you say?"

"You see, I want to become Ruruk's number one through my own efforts. And even if I lose to Elenora or Seori or Nagi, I can accept it if it's them."

When she stated this clearly, Lilith nodded with satisfaction.

"...As expected of Saaya-sama. I was right to give you that perfume after all."

"Does this have something to do with Ruruk too?"

"Yes. Actually, it's the same as the first perfume my brother made for me when we were young. It was difficult to recreate, but he told me it's the scent of his favorite flower."

"...And yet, you're giving it to me? Isn't this like a symbol of the bond between you and Ruruk?"

"That's why you're the only special one, Saaya-onee-sama."

"Wha-!?"

Unexpectedly being called 'onee-sama' by someone older!?

I couldn't help but let out a strange sound.

"I greatly admire Ruru-oniisama. So, I don't want... ahem, I hope that his marriage partner will be someone I approve of. If it's Saaya-sama, I would be happy to support you."

"T-That's nice to hear, but... there are many rivals, you know. Like the other party members, or the elves."

"Ah... my brother's love for elves is very deep-rooted, isn't it."

"It's troublesome, isn't it?"

"Indeed."

They share a wry smile.

"Well, what will be, will be. More importantly, Lilith-san, about this labyrinth core theft incident, why are you hiding it from us? You already know the truth, don't you?"

"I am indeed fully aware of the details."

"As expected. Why won't you tell us?"

"It's a political issue. Certainly, if we just conveyed the details, my brother could resolve it immediately, but..."

"I see. Then that's fine."

If Lilith is hesitating to speak, Saaya has no intention of pressing for details.

She's just an adventurer to begin with. She has no intention of getting involved in troublesome political matters. Besides, if the Empress Monon is Ruruk's sister, she's probably the most trustworthy person.

"Thank you for your consideration. Strong, straightforward, and considerate... Saaya-onee-sama, thank you for always supporting my brother."

"Why? This doesn't seem like the right timing for that? Besides, I'm not confident that I'm being that helpful to Ruruk... I mean, Elenora has much more useful magic and is relied upon more... Punisuke is much more loved, Seori seems to have more fun teasing him, and Nagi can always argue with him honestly... Wait, could it be that I'm actually unnecessary...?"

"Onee-sama! Please pull yourself together!"

As Saaya started to feel down, Lilith grasped her hands tightly.

With a serious expression, she said:

"Don't worry! I'm a Saaya-onee-sama supporter!"

"...Eh, supporter?"

"Yes! Gin was saying that a situation like my brother's is called a harem, right? Of course, I'm a Saaya-onee-sama supporter! Although in our company, the 'box push' faction is quite large... But, despite how I look, I'm the president. I've even formed a circle gathering Ruruk-Saaya supporters. I learned from Gin and even made something called 'doujinshi'! Rest assured!"

"What on earth is Moe doing!?"

She's spreading the depths of otaku culture!!!

And so, while learning the secrets of Luney Trading Company, Saaya was also informed that her own doujinshi was being circulated, leaving her utterly drained.

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The square in front of the dungeon was buzzing with excitement.

"H-Hey... could that be..."

"Yeah. It's the Guildmaster's party..."

"You mean the ones who saved the country 30 years ago?"

"T-That's right, no mistake. The members of the SS-rank party [Holy Night] are all here."

"And next to them, isn't that the rumored rookie party [Rozewill]? What's about to happen?"

Due to the entry restrictions to the dungeon, the square was crowded even in the afternoon.

At the entrance, we [Rozewill] and [Holy Night] were standing in the spotlight.

Currently, Daisoma is talking with the vice guildmaster, and we plan to enter the dungeon as soon as they're done.

"Is it okay for the [Holy Night] members to suddenly go into boss battles when it's been so long since they've been in actual combat?"

The youngest, Daisoma, is 56 years old, and the oldest, Verugana, is 72.

By the way, Cardel is 69, and the scout named Quinard is 63.

Isn't it unreasonable to expect them not to worry?

"We haven't fallen so low that we need to be worried about by a brat."

Verugana snorted at my words.

"You're the ones who should be careful not to mess up due to overconfidence and lack of experience. We won't be able to clean up after green kids in the dungeon."

"Please take care of yourselves, you old-timers. The monsters won't wait for you if you throw out your back, you know?"

Verugana and I glared at each other, sparks flying.

As we were doing this, Daisoma returned.

"Sorry for the wait, let's depart. But which group will take which floors? Especially the dungeon boss on the 100th floor?"

"That's too much for these kids. We should handle it."

"No, no, we young folks should take on the burden."

"Oh? You've gotten quite cheeky."

"Not at all, I can't match your sharp tongue."

"Hmph!"

"Hmph!"

"...We'll decide with a coin toss."

Seeing that neither I nor Verugana would back down, Cardel said with a sigh.

Of course, the winner would take the 100th floor.

If that's the case, then of course,

"Go, Saaya! I choose you!"

It's time for the 100% gambling win rate skill. Don't call it cheating, being able to manipulate probability is also a skill.

Saaya stepped forward with a complicated expression.

However, Elen and Punisuke were more eager to fight the dungeon boss than I was, so Saaya, receiving their cheers, of course wouldn't hold back.

"Tch, we lost."

"We won. Is this okay?"

"Mm, well done."

"I love you, big sis~!"

"Hehehe. There, there."

Saaya's expression softened as Punisuke jumped on her.

It was decided that we would take the even-numbered floors, and [Holy Night] would take the odd-numbered floors.

"If we find the labyrinth core, we'll regroup immediately. It's been a while, so we probably can't match your speed in clearing, though."

"Really, please don't overdo it."

"Mm. Well then, let's go."

We proceed to the transfer device room.

After seeing the four members of [Holy Night] transfer first, we also transferred to the 100th floor.

What lay beyond the transfer room was the final point of this dungeon.

The dungeon boss room was spacious. The ground seems to be soil.

"'Full Survey'"

Elen immediately cast her search magic.

At that moment, as if responding to Elen's magic power, the ground in front of us began to swell up, and a monster crawled out from underground.

As Daisoma had told us, the dungeon boss here is--

"The 'Loud Drinker' Quokka Magician!"

It's a giant wallaby, a marsupial monster with an expression that always looks like it's smiling.

Its fur is just ordinary brown, looking like nothing more than an oversized wallaby. However, this rare S-rank monster has a characteristic that other monsters don't.

That is,

"Kyukyu!"

"S-So cute~!"

"What an adorable appearance! I want to make it my dark minion!"

"I want to keep it."

"It's wonderful~!"

My companions, except for Elen and me, had hearts in their eyes.

They've already been charmed by the Quokka Magician's voice skill.

"Kyukyu~"

Sparkling eyes and a smiling expression.

It's certainly cute regardless of status effects, but contrary to its appearance, this guy's skills are incredibly nasty.

"Severe Poison"

"Corrosion"

"Hemolysis"

"Electric Shock"

"Petrification"

"Slowness"

"Silence"

"Charm"

"Confusion"

It has a random skill that spreads fatal debuffs just by making sounds.

Furthermore,

"Kyu!"

The Quokka Magician tilts its head towards Elen and me, who aren't affected by status ailments.

At that moment, fireballs rained down from all directions.

"'Bubble Shield'"

Of course, Elen calmly blocks it.

The Quokka Magician's characteristics are the status ailments it excessively imposes through its cries, and its magical aptitude that allows it to use all types of magic except holy attributes.

Its physical body isn't that strong, but it's not an opponent you can normally win against without countermeasures for status ailments and magic.

"Kyu~!"

"Cuuuu~te~"

"I~ want~ to~ make~ it~ mine~"

"Play~ with~ me~"

"Huh!? What are Nagi and the others..."

This time it's slowness.

Nagi seems to have barely been protected by [Demon Blade - Divine Mower]. Welcome back.

Looking at my companions who have become like slow-motion replays,

"This is interesting in its own way."

"Mm, amusing."

"...I always think this, but Ruruk and Elenora should be a little kinder to their companions."

Is that so? I think we're always kind.

Sure, the Quokka Magician is strong, but Elen and I are perfectly suited to deal with it. I want to enjoy this a bit more.

But we're in a race against time now. Since my "Eye of Illusion" doesn't show the labyrinth core, it doesn't seem like this guy has absorbed it either.

In that case, let's quickly defeat it and move on.

"Kyukyukyukyukyu!"

Lightning, wind, earth, darkness - magic attacks come in succession, but Nagi erases them all before Elen even needs to move.

Really, that sword is the strongest against magic.

"I may not be as cheat-like as you two, but as long as I don't get hit by status effects, I won't lose either."

"Kyukkyuu!"

"Too naive!"

Realizing that the voice skill is a sound-based attack, Nagi swings her sword in time with the voice.

Being able to react to a sound-speed skill with just sword technique, you're quite the cheat yourself.

Nagi advances while cutting down all attacks.

"Kyuuuu!"

"Oni Imaginary Style - 'Lotus Thrust'"

"Gyu"

Nagi's thrust caught the Quokka Magician in the chest.

Due to its large size, it didn't penetrate much, but the impact seems to have damaged its lungs, as the Quokka Magician's cries have almost stopped.

A wallaby that can't cry is just a wallaby.

"In the end, it's just a magic-specialized monster. No match for Nagi--"

"!"

The moment Nagi spoke with complete ease, the Quokka Magician spun its body around and kicked the ground with its hind legs.

The ground was gouged out, and a massive amount of earth rained down on Nagi.

"What!?"

"You let your guard down too much."

I teleported back with Nagi.

"Nagi, you're strong against magic, but weak against simple mass attacks, so don't get careless."

"S-Sorry."

"Mm. Will fight till death."

Elen stepped forward.

The Quokka Magician was about to kick earth at us again, so,

"'Refining'"

I solidified the earth to prevent it from being thrown.

Of course, for the finishing blow,

"'Buster Storm'"

A storm of flame and lightning envelops the Quokka Magician.

If it could cry, it would probably counter magic of this level. But since it can't make a sound, it can't use magic, and the Quokka Magician was easily turned into materials.

It's been a while since we faced an S-rank monster. I'm looking forward to the rewards.

"Oh, before that..."

I tossed Sugo-dama into the mouths of Saaya and the others.

"T-Thanks, that helped."

"Master, I'm indebted to you..."

"I'm sad~"

Well, resistance to status effects depends on innate qualities, so it can't be helped.

Two treasure chests dropped.

One contained what seemed to be normal drops: "Quokka Magician's Fur" and "Parent Pouch".

The other had "Boomerang Arrow" and "Experience Potion (Medium)".

[Boomerang Arrow

 > Arrow made of Hihiirokane. Holy Relic grade weapon.

 >> No matter the situation when shot, it always returns to the user's hand. Piercing homing instinct.]

It's an arrow with quite unusual properties.

Well, since we don't have any archers, I'll let it sleep in the item box along with the same Holy Relic grade [Holy Bow - Mist Hunter].

The other reward, Experience Potion (Medium), is an item familiar from games that gives you experience just by drinking it. However, even with a super high-grade experience potion, it won't easily level you up if you're over level 50.

A medium-grade one is probably equivalent to defeating one A-rank monster. It's negligible for Elen and me.

"Anyone want to drink it~?"

"I'm good."

"Nagi doesn't need it either."

"I want to get stronger on my own~!"

"W-Well then, I suppose I have no choice but to take it!"

As expected, the lazy dragon princess drank it.

By the way, the experience potion apparently tastes terrible, as Seori stuck out her tongue and grimaced.

And so, we easily defeated the boss of the Mataisa Dungeon.

I wonder where the labyrinth core could be.