The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology

"Mr. Ruruk, where would you like to go first?"

"I'd like to secure an inn first, so if you could recommend a good hotel, that would be great. Preferably in the central area."

"Understood!"

The map seller Gatlin started to lead us energetically.

Immediately, Nagi tilted her head.

"Wait, map seller. Is your left leg prosthetic?"

"Oh, you noticed! You're the first to spot it when I'm hiding it... How did you figure it out?"

"The angle at which your feet touch the ground is different. Also, there's a faint metallic sound when you bend your joints."

"Wow! The swordswoman has good eyes and ears!"

"Not particularly. But if it's a prosthetic, you don't have to force yourself to guide us."

As Nagi said, prosthetics apparently put a strain on the body.

It feels kind of bad to have him act as a guide as a service.

However, Gatlin laughed.

"I appreciate your concern! But it's okay, I'm actually good at running with this!"

"...With a prosthetic?"

"That's right! Oh, you're doubting me, aren't you? Well then, watch this... Here I go!"

Gatlin started running.

Surprisingly, he was fast. At least clearly faster than a flesh-and-blood leg. As Nagi said, if you look carefully, his weight is slightly tilted, but it's within the margin of error. More importantly, the kicking power of the prosthetic leg is extraordinary.

It was clearly not just an ordinary prosthetic.

"It's a magical prosthetic leg. It's incredibly precise... Not only the drive formula, but the component parts are integrated with the formula! How beautiful."

Lilith's eyes were shining.

Gatlin, who had returned after running around the area, proudly patted his left leg.

"How about that? You won't tell me to refrain from guiding you now, will you?"

"Gatlin-san, could you please tell me more about your prosthetic leg! Who made it? Where did you get the parts? Which era's construction theory did you use as a reference for the drive formula?"

"W-Wait a minute!"

Gatlin was taken aback by Lilith's enthusiasm.

"I don't know anything about the prosthetic leg. I got this when I became a test subject for the Central Magic Society through connections at the church where I was staying. They made it to fit my size, but they didn't tell me who made it."

"I see... I'm very sorry for my rudeness."

"It's okay if you understand."

Gatlin let out a sigh of relief as Lilith, who had been pressing him, backed off.

So the Central Magic Society was making prosthetic legs too. It should be in the medical field, so they're really doing a wide range of things.

"Brother, Lili has become interested in the Central Magic Society!"

"Alright, alright. Then shall we go to the society first after we get our lodging?"

"Thank you very much!"

Well, that decides our first destination.

Although not as much as Lilith, I was also curious about the prosthetic leg.

Adventurers in this world have one of the most dangerous professions. Many adventurers are forced to retire due to injuries every year.

High-ranking adventurers can become instructors for nobles' private soldiers, but for mid-level adventurers, finding new employment can be quite tough. If there were prosthetics that are no different from—or rather, more agile than—real limbs like this, it could help a lot of retirees.

It would be great if they could mass-produce them.

"Oh, if it isn't the 'Runner'. What's up, day off today?"

"I'm giving directions today! Uncle, I'll come to buy vegetables later, so please set aside the usual for me!"

"Sure thing. Work hard."

As we walked, Gatlin was suddenly called out to by a greengrocer.

The greengrocer wasn't the only one stopping Gatlin:

"Oh my, it's the 'Runner' boy! Aren't you delivering letters today?"

"Hey, 'Runner'. Running errands again?"

"Ah! 'Runner' big bro, let's play!"

"Hey you, 'Runner'! When are you going to come and fix the hole in the wall?"

He seems to be quite well-known in this area.

Gatlin was greeted at every step. With a constant smile, he responded to all of them.

However, he didn't stop or get lost, and we moved forward smoothly. Even looking at the map, I couldn't understand at all where we were. It was definitely the right decision to hire a guide.

"It really is like a maze."

"Yeah. It's even more difficult than the maze attraction in Restamia..."

This city seems to have no connection to the concept of urban planning.

According to Gatlin's explanation as we walked, private organizations rebuild the city to suit their own convenience, and before anyone noticed, it had become like this.

Apparently, they're still building according to construction laws, though.

As we were walking while being taught such things, after a while, we could see a slightly larger waterway running through the underground level. It didn't seem to be either a water supply or a sewage canal.

Probably a fire prevention waterway. Which means...

"Once we cross the waterway, we'll be in the central area! The inn is just ahead!"

As expected, it seems we've changed areas.

However, the complexity hasn't changed at all.

We progress along winding roads, go up stairs, then down, busily. There's no time to leisurely enjoy the scenery. Well, the only thing visible besides buildings is the towering giant tower, so it's not particularly inconvenient.

As we were moving through the central area for a while—

"Watch out!"

A voice was heard from above.

As I looked up, a large wooden box was falling from a stone bridge passing right above us. The lid had shifted, and apples were about to scatter everywhere.

It's not a threat for just us... but it's different for Gatlin. If a large wooden box full of apples falls, an ordinary person would normally die.

"'Probability Manipulation'"

Saaya activated her skill without panicking.

At that moment, first, the window of the neighboring house banged open due to the wind.

A cat sunbathing nearby jumped up in surprise.

Startled by the cat, a large bird resting by the waterway hurriedly took off.

Clothes that had been caught on an eave became tangled in the bird's feet.

The corner of the wooden box caught on the pulled clothes, causing the box to rotate and fall next to Gatlin.

The clothes tore and came off, and the bird flew away wobbling.

"Ah~ Sorry, bird-san. It was heavy, wasn't it?"

Saaya was apologizing to the bird that flew away crying.

As always, it's a cheat skill.

"Are you alright, Gatlin-san?"

"Y-Yes... Man, that scared me!"

Gatlin was sweating profusely.

"But miss, what did you just do? I thought for sure I was going to die!"

"It was just a coincidence, wasn't it?"

"...I'll leave it at that."

He seemed to have given up on inquiring further.

Of course, we can't tell him that a single skill can change the result that was supposed to happen—in other words, fate. It's an extraordinary skill that, if used well, could control the very world itself. I always remind myself that it's not an ability to be used casually.

Still, the fact that Saaya unhesitatingly helped Gatlin was very like her.

I discreetly observed Saaya's slightly pleased profile as she watched the worker who had been transporting the apples apologizing profusely to Gatlin.

By the way, the inn he guided us to was quite high-class.

Gatlin-kun knows his stuff.

"Welcome. This is the reception desk for the Central Magic Society. Are you here for a tour? Or do you have an appointment?"

"A tour!"

"Understood. How many in your party?"

"Eight people! Oh, I'll be waiting outside, so seven people!"

"Understood. There will be a belongings check before entering, so please wait in that space over there."

The location was on the western side of the central area, at the entrance of a huge dome.

As we approached, we realized that the dome part, which seemed to be about 500 meters in diameter, appeared to be made of a special metal membrane. My "Mystic Eyes" identified it as [Synthetic Magic Steel: Blocks heat but allows light and air to pass through]. Lilith was also staring intently.

There was a small building at the entrance, and the receptionist guided us to a waiting area. It was a place with chairs lined up, like waiting before a hospital examination.

"Gatlin-san, aren't you coming in?"

"There's a fee for the tour! It's an amount I could never afford!"

"Since we've come this far, we'll pay for you. You've been guiding us after all."

"I'll pass! To be honest, I wouldn't understand anything even if I saw it. I'll just take a break quietly."

"I see... Well then, wait here until we're done. Take this and get something to eat."

Saaya took a gold coin from her wallet and handed it to Gatlin.

Gatlin was surprised and tried to refuse, but Saaya said "It's a tip" and pressed it on him. It's a very tourist-like scene, I thought absentmindedly, and then I remembered.

"Oh right, this country has a tipping culture, doesn't it?"

"Yes. Are you not used to tipping, Brother?"

"Well, no. I wasn't raised in that kind of culture."

"Is that so? But Koneru seemed used to it..."

"Moe had been to foreign countries as well as Japan. Unlike the plain loner man."

"What about you, Nagi? Have you had overseas experience?"

"...Kendo was a Japanese sport."

You're not one to talk.

As we were chatting idly, a different person from the earlier receptionist came.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. I'm Lieselotte, your guide. Before we start the tour, please prepare your identification and get ready to remove any weapons you're carrying for the belongings check over there."

She was a beautiful bespectacled woman with well-styled emerald green hair and a good figure.

This is lucky! Alright, let's go everyone, follow me!

As I unconsciously took the lead, Lieselotte's eyes fell on Elen, who was at the very back—

"C-Could you be [Rozewill]!?"

Her voice cracked.

The lobby fell silent. Not just Lieselotte, but the receptionists and guides all widened their eyes looking at us.

So our identities were known after all.

We would have shown our IDs anyway, so it was just a matter of sooner or later, but it seems we've been found out.

"Yes, we are. Is there a problem?"

"N-No... There's no problem... This way, please."

Lieselotte was clearly flustered, frequently glancing at Elen.

"Hey, you're being stared at."

"Mm."

"Isn't your skirt too short?"

"Normal."

"It's cute, but it's completely visible. Your plump thighs."

"'Gravity Knuckle'"

"'Shine Ball'"

Hey, don't fool around in the facility. If you accidentally break something, you'll have to pay for it.

"You two always start fighting as soon as you talk, don't you?"

"It's because Elenora gets angry."

"Not angry."

"You are angry."

"Punishment."

"That's what I mean by angry."

Hey, if you're going to keep fighting, I'll make you wait outside.

As the two short girls glared at each other, another short girl next to them admonished them.

"You two are still children. Learn from Nagi."

"Eh~ Nagi isn't that different, is she?"

"What are you saying? Nagi is old enough to drink alcohol. Nagi doesn't engage in childish fights. Because Nagi is an adult."

"Eh~ Is that so?"

"Objection."

What's with this adult race that's started?

Then Lilith chimed in.

"Oh my, Nagi-san, adults don't get drunk even when they drink alcohol, you know?"

"Shut up, brother-complex little sister. Nagi is in an adult world that a little sister wouldn't understand."

"...So being an adult means getting drunk and charging into the bathroom. Indeed, that's a world I don't know."

"Hey, don't stop there! This time I'll really send you flying!"

"I told you to stop fighting."

Besides, Nagi is also quite the brother-complex little sister.

Speaking of which, should we hold a "Big Sister Championship" again after a long time?

Saaya has been the reigning champion so far, but with Lilith joining, the results might change.

As I was thinking about such things while walking, we arrived at the inspection room.

Perhaps out of consideration for our noisy group, Lieselotte was waiting patiently in front of the inspection room door until everyone quieted down.

...Okay, it took three seconds for everyone to be quiet. That was unexpectedly quick.

"Now, ladies this way. Gentlemen, please go this way. We'll be holding your weapons before you enter, so please hand them over if you're wearing any."

"Nagi can't remove hers due to a curse."

Nagi pouted.

The "Cursed Blade: Kaminagi" has the drawback of being unable to change weapons despite its tremendous performance. It can't be replaced with another weapon or removed. If the weapon is more than five meters away, it automatically summons itself back to the owner's hand.

According to Lilith, it's a very rare phenomenon for the equipment to summon itself to its owner.

Usually, curses put restrictions on the owner's side. Like it hurts terribly if you let go, or your body becomes paralyzed and you can't release it.

As far as I know, this is the only "Mythical class" weapon, so I think it has a different structure from other curses.

Lieselotte looked quite troubled and said,

"...I-I'll go consult with my superiors for a moment."

Saying that, she disappeared into the staff passage.

Even for just a tour, the security seems quite strict, so maybe permission won't be granted.

"Well, Nagi doesn't have magic power, so even if I look, I won't understand much. It's fine if I wait."

"Then I'll wait too."

"Why? Can't Ruruk see magic power?"

"I can see it, but I can't use it. Besides, wouldn't it be boring for Nagi to wait alone?"

"...That's just like you."

Nagi muttered, turning her face away for some reason.

Huh, was that creepy just now?

As I was thinking that, Lieselotte came running back, her footsteps pattering.

"I-I'm sorry. There's no need for body checks or weapon confiscation for all of you. I'll guide you as you are."

"That's quite generous. Is it okay?"

"Yes. H-However, we'd like Elenora-sama to wear this."

What Lieselotte held out was a golden bracelet.

I appraised it just in case, but it was an ordinary synthetic metal without any magic power.

"May I ask what it's for?"

"It's a marker for special guests. Usually, it's only used for royalty from other countries, but... well, Elenora-sama is similar to that for us."

Lieselotte was extremely apologetic.

Elen stared at her arm for a while, then,

"Mm. Understood."

She obediently put it on.

Since it's just metal without any elasticity, it's a bit loose, but the fluffy wool on her wrist caught it nicely.

"W-Well then, I'll guide you. First, I'll explain the overall layout as we walk. I'll take questions later, so please listen quietly for now."

Saying that, Lieselotte began her explanation as she led us along the tour route.

We slowly followed her.

At the very back, Elen was staring at the golden bracelet on her arm with her usual sleepy eyes.

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Author Notes:

  [Afterword Tips ~ "Cursed Blade: Kaminagi" ~

○ Recap of Nagi's weapon "Cursed Blade: Kaminagi"

> A Mythical class weapon. Shaped like a long sword.

>> It has the effect of "slashing through any formula or skill," regardless of rank. The effect can be activated even by the air pressure or slash lines created when the blade is swung, but the handle and sheath are excluded. As a trade-off for this performance, it has a curse that prevents weapon change and armor equipping.

>>> If you try to hold another weapon or equip armor, that equipment is destroyed without question. Regardless of the equipment's characteristics or rank, it can't be prevented unless it has a protection stronger than the curse of "Cursed Blade: Kaminagi". However, extremely low-defense items or those classified as tableware or tools are excluded from the curse's targets.

EX) What would happen if attacked with "Cursed Blade: Kaminagi"

・Ruruk's "Domain Arbitration" → Destroyed. All damage passes through, but if not instant death, it recovers.

・Roze's "All Creation" → Damage passes through. However, since Roze herself has immortality, it's impossible to kill her no matter how much damage is dealt. She returns to normal.

・Ultra-hard materials → Depends on hardness, but mostly can be destroyed. For pure high-hardness metals that aren't magic steel, Hihiirokane has the highest hardness, but "Cursed Blade: Kaminagi" is superior in strength. Magic steels including Orichalcum are easily cut due to their properties, so currently there's nothing "Cursed Blade: Kaminagi" can't cut. As its true name suggests, it's a sword that can cut even gods.

※ Points to note

> In the defensive forms of Oni-sou style, the effect generally doesn't activate unless the blade makes contact, and Nagi herself is always in an armorless state. She's extremely weak to status effects, binding techniques, and mass attacks.

By the way, the one who obtained this ultra-rare weapon was Nagi's brother, the demon Gael of the White Arm.

For his sister who could only swing a sword, Gael went to a certain place in the demon realm's Depth IV based on a legend passed down in the village, and returned with it after being severely injured by magical poison and monsters.

That's why Nagi will never let go of this weapon.

]

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