The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology

"May the gods' mercy heal us—'Heal Circle'!"

As most of the people in the great hall were suffering from daze, the priest-like young man from [Sword Dance] chanted an area healing spell.

"Th-thank you, Baron Lucario."

"No, no. It's nothing."

"Now, Luna-dono. Why such a prank?"

"Ah! It's Granny Maria! Hello~!"

Completely ignoring Duke Flinrad's question, the angel Luna waved at Cardel.

She must be close to him to use a nickname, but the atmosphere among the officials has clearly worsened.

"Luna-dono! Are you listening?"

"Eh, what~?"

"No matter how skilled you are, this is inside the royal castle! Your earlier actions and this are too disrespectful! Moreover, aren't you an honorary viscount? No matter how close you are to Lord Cardel, if you don't show even a bit of etiquette towards us, we'll have to take appropriate measures—"

"Huh? What are you saying?"

Luna narrowed her eyes and spoke with a growl.

Her presence had the intimidating aura of a huge beast.

"Luna is an adventurer, you know? You guys arbitrarily made Luna a noble just because she became S-rank, right? And now you're trying to bind Luna? Are you stupid? Do you want to die?"

"Wha- ugh..."

"Luna said before, right? If Luna starts to hate this country, she'll leave immediately. It's fine, even if Luna crushes all the arrogant people before leaving. Ah, that might be good. Then Luna can fight lots of strong people—"

"Luna, that's enough."

It was Cardel who stopped her as she was about to go out of control.

Luna pouted and said,

"Okay~ By the way, Granny, what kind of gathering is this? Luna came because she was called."

"Starting from there, huh. Alright, I'll explain. Hand over the documents."

"Y-yes, of course."

Cardel, receiving the documents from the duke, said,

"Well then, I'll explain from the beginning, so listen carefully. Last night at the hour of the ox, numerous bandits attacked the court. With the help of an insider, the magic-sealing jewel was destroyed, allowing attack magic to be used. The bandits didn't target His Majesty and the Queen, but concentrated on the princes and princesses. The royal guards managed to hold them off in front of the residential area, but there were some traitors, and they broke through. Prince Grill, Princess Hani, and Princess Maple were captured by the bandits and escaped. They fled in different directions, and the knight order is currently in pursuit."

"Hmm. So even that idiot Grill got caught. And then?"

"...Sigh. The bandits who kidnapped Prince Grill and Princess Hani are heading towards Earl Teruzu's territory. The ones with Princess Maple seem to be heading towards Bargia via Restamia. We want you S-rank adventurers to help with the pursuit and capture. We can't spare any more forces from the castle, you see."

"Lord Cardel, may I ask a question?"

The one who raised his hand and stood up was Rusty, the leader of [Undersea]. He was casual with Cardel earlier, but he's being polite now, perhaps because it's a public setting.

"What is it?"

"I understand what you're saying. The opponents are skilled enough to kidnap the royal highnesses from within the court, so I understand why we were summoned... However, from what we heard earlier, their movement speed is abnormal, isn't it? Even if we start pursuing now, wouldn't it be difficult to even catch up with the knight order?"

"That's if you were to pursue normally. Why do you think we specifically chose you guys?"

"...I see. Understood."

Rusty didn't say anything more and bowed his head before sitting down.

Probably, they have some skill or technique for high-speed movement other than normal means. Then, the reason Cardel needed me is probably because I can use teleportation.

"Since it's a special quest, the reward will be generous. Of course, there's a success bonus if you rescue them safely."

"Lord Cardel. What's the specific amount?"

"300 gold coins each. Not per party, but per individual. That should motivate you."

"It certainly makes us feel the gravity of the situation."

Maclagen, the leader of [Sword Dance], grinned.

Indeed, 600 gold coins maximum for a quest planned for a few days involving combat against humans is exceptional. Plus, if successful, there's honor to be gained. Depending on the situation, there might even be a raise in noble rank, and you'd earn favor with the royal family. It's all good, so I understand why they're making such faces.

Next to them, [Undersea] also looks happy, except for Rusty. Only this unshaven leader doesn't change his expression. He's a man whose depths are hard to see.

As I was observing the next group, I felt a presence very close.

"Sniff sniff"

"What are you doing?"

"Somehow, you smell the same as Darling~"

Luna was sniffing my body odor. It's a bit embarrassing, so please move away.

"I don't know who 'Darling' is, but a beautiful lady shouldn't be sniffing the scent of the opposite sex."

"Eh? Luna isn't a weak lady. Luna is stronger than men."

"I meant a beautiful woman. Even if you're strong, you're still a lady."

"What's that~ Weird~!"

Luna laughed loudly. It seems she thinks ladies are weak.

I think women are stronger in this world, though...

"Hey, Granny! Luna likes this kid! Luna will go with this kid!"

"That was the plan all along. Luna and Ruruk will move to Bargia. [Undersea] and [Sword Dance] will move to Earl Teruzu's territory. From there, you'll lie in wait along the border. I'll discuss the details with each group in separate rooms, so wait for the guide. Okay?"

When Cardel said this, we adventurers nodded.

The room we were led to by the guide soldier was a small one.

The room had sound-proofing magic devices installed, and the walls were thick. The door was made of fire-resistant material, indicating it was a secure place.

As soon as Ruruk and Luna entered the room, a maid immediately brought tea.

As expected of the royal castle, the quality of the tea is good.

"Hey you, you're strong, right~?"

Luna came next to me, smiling. She's close.

She's a mysterious angel race. I'm not sure about the standards of strength.

"I wonder. I think I'm strong enough to become an S-rank adventurer, at least."

"But you seem stronger than that idiot Maclagen. Even though you don't have magic power!"

"You can see magic power?"

"Yeah! Because Luna is an angel!"

I wonder what that means.

As I was tilting my head, the door opened and Cardel came in.

"Angels are the only kin of the Light God."

"Light God?"

"One of the Attribute Gods. You've heard about the higher gods, right?"

"Um, I think I've heard something vaguely. The higher gods are the Attribute Gods and Race Gods, right?"

The highest are the eight Creator Gods.

Below them are the higher gods.

"That's right. In a familiar example to you, the Dragon God, who is also a higher god, has many kin, but the true kin who inherit the blood are only the Progenitor Dragons, right? In the case of the Light God, that's the angel race. So Luna has been a higher existence since birth."

"Huh~ How is that related to being able to see magic power?"

"The direct descendants of Attribute Gods can see magic power. The systems are different for each, but what they have in common is that they can see the color of magic power and use magic specialized in that attribute. Well, it's not surprising that you don't know. Races directly descended from Attribute Gods are really rare."

"That's right! Luna is a precious angel, only three in the world~!"

Luna said proudly. She's as rare as a Progenitor Dragon.

Indeed, the Dragon King said that individuals who inherit the blood of gods have difficulty having children. Being a higher existence from birth, having children is affected by the balance of the world or something like that.

"I understand. Luna-san is an angel, and a specialist in light magic."

"That's right~ Luna can do things like this too~!"

The moment Luna said that, a clone appeared.

Two Lunas smiling at me. This is the magic called "Doppelganger", right? Saaya sometimes uses it against monsters as a decoy.

"Wait, you didn't even chant an activation spell just now, did you?"

"Direct descendant races can do it for some reason. The dragon princess in your group can breathe fire without saying anything too, right?"

"Indeed. If I want to, I can use breath skills silently too."

Well, she always says something cool before firing though.

But thinking about it, direct descendants of gods are strong.

The Luna in front of me is as strong as they say, the strongest in the kingdom. Though she seems to have zero sense of citizenship. By the way, what on earth was Verugana in her prime, who was treated as equal to higher existences?

Well, more importantly.

"So, Cardel-san, could you please give us the details of the quest?"

"Before that, introduce yourself properly. And Luna , don't try to challenge Ruruk. Even you can't win against him."

"Eh?"

"Stronger than Luna !? Hey, let's fight! Come on, let's fight!"

Two Lunas approached me with sparkling eyes. One is an illusion though.

I know this reaction. It's the crazy type.

"I won't fight. Well, let me introduce myself first."

I gave a simple greeting.

Luna persistently invites me to fight with every word I speak.

"Please! Just a little! If you're stronger than Luna, it's fine, right?"

"I said I won't fight."

"Please~!"

As she was being too persistent,

"'Conqueror's Aura'"

"Eep!"

I hit her with a skill that forcibly puts those below royal rank into a state of panic.

Luna crawled on the floor, immediately grabbing my legs tightly with both hands and started licking my feet. She's completely flustered.

"Wait, wait! That's not okay!"

"Oh my, Ruruk. Don't tell me you're intimidating a girl to make her lick your feet."

"Don't just laugh, help me pull her off!"

I felt a bit murderous towards Cardel who was bursting with laughter.

After a few minutes of calming down the confused Luna.

"Luna found a royal existence for the first time... yeah, can't win."

"It's important to know stronger beings, Luna. Do you understand?"

"I understand~ But Ruruk, how did you get so strong even though you're human? It's unfair."

Luna puffed her cheeks.

"Well, it's half cheating so... Cardel-san, can we get to the main topic now?"

"Hmm, I'll let it slide since I enjoyed it. Well then, listen carefully. First, our primary objective is—"

After that, Cardel explained the details of the quest.

The top priority is to rescue Princess Maple. Then, deal with the kidnappers, preferably capture them.

Information will be delivered by Luney Trading Company continuously, so we can get the latest information every few hours. If they deviate from the expected route, Ruruk and Luna will pursue using their respective means of movement.

"It's flexible. Does Luna-san have a wide range of movement?"

"Luna can fly pyun~ anywhere~"

"Teleportation?"

"Nope, it's movement magic. It's a royal-class magic called 'Line Pulsar'. I used it earlier too."

That blinding movement technique.

Speaking of which, despite being an adventurer, she has no intention of hiding her hand. Since she's so open about it, I can't help but respond in kind.

"I see. I can use teleportation, so I can move together with Luna-san."

"Teleportation! Amazing! As expected of Ruruk!"

"I hate to say this, but could you two be a bit more serious? We don't have the knight order here, and Princess Maple's life depends on you two."

"Okay~"

As we were talking leisurely like this, Cardel glanced at the door and sighed.

The reason soon became clear.

A young knight entered without knocking.

"Lord Cardel! Please, let me participate in this operation too!"

Strong muscles, a sharp nose bridge, short naturally curly brown hair.

He's grown, but there's no mistaking him.

It was Gavin, whom I hadn't seen in about seven years.

"...I understand how you feel, but there's no place for a greenhorn like you."

"No way! Come on, Ruruk, please! Take me with you!"

Eh, no words of reunion?

This brother just naturally talked to me. Well, we're not exactly on terms for an emotional reunion.

Still, he must be in such a dire situation that he doesn't have the luxury to be considerate. It's strange that he's not throwing any sarcastic comments at me after meeting me after so long, making me doubt if he's really Verugana's disciple... Huh? Something's off. Well, whatever.

"Speaking of which, Gavin. I feel like I used to be bullied a lot by you in the past~ What should I do~ If you dance with your upper body naked, I might consider—"

"Is this good enough?!"

Surprisingly, Gavin immediately took off his armor and clothes and started belly dancing.

"Look! Please! I'm begging you!"

Gavin desperately wiggled his plump belly, pleading earnestly.

This is too surreal.

"Ahaha! This guy is funny! Hey Ruruk, I don't know who he is and he's weak, but let's take him with us!"

"Luna, don't say irresponsible things. Besides, this guy is a knight. We can't take him out without permission from the knight order."

"Then I'll quit being a knight! Then I'll just be Gavin! Please, take me with you!"

"What nonsense—"

"Alright. You can come."

I don't understand the situation at all.

But, for that Gavin to say he'll quit being a knight. The cheeky brat Gavin who used to say his dream was to become a splendid knight like his father and Lalahaine since he was little, is now begging to go rescue Princess Maple even if it means giving up that dream.

When I was at home, Gavin was always annoying.

He was noisy, quick to anger, quick to get jealous, and always followed me when I was with Lilith. Until I became strong, I was bullied with special training every day. Honestly, he's a hateful guy.

But, I don't dislike him.

Although we mostly fought and I hardly remember getting along well, Gavin is still my brother.

He's my blood-related older brother with whom I spent my early childhood.

If he has that much determination, if he's willing to endure even shame to say this much, then I should stick my neck out too.

"Ruruk, are you serious?"

"...Honestly, I don't think he'll be of much use in combat. But thinking about it, I don't know Princess Maple, and it's the same for her. Even if unknown adventurers come to help, we alone can't take care of Her Highness's mental state after the rescue. For Gavin to go this far, they must have been close, right?"

"Yeah. I was her personal guard in close attendance. If I wasn't under house arrest, I would have protected her with my life!"

"In that case, I think there's a role that only Gavin can fulfill. What do you think?"

When I said that, Cardel thought for a moment and then,

"I see. With that justification, we can grant permission for him to accompany you. You've got a way with words, don't you?"

"I'm Verugana's disciple, after all."

"Hahaha! That explains it!"

And so, a rescue team consisting of me, Luna, and Gavin was formed.