The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology

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Author Notes:

  [This is an explanatory chapter about magical theory. Skipping it won't affect the story.

There's a slightly perverse young girl appearing in the latter half. Please be aware of the sexual content and proceed to the next chapter if you're uncomfortable with it.

Also, the Afterword Tips contain details about the research topics mentioned in this chapter.

While there are some subtle foreshadowing and references in the research content, they're not directly crucial to the story, so skipping them won't affect the narrative. It's the author's personal interest.]

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"The Central Magic Society and the 'Demon King' have had a deep connection since ancient times."

The guide, Lieselotte, recites fluently while walking along the corridor.

"Until about a thousand years ago, the Shina Empire existed from the southern to the southwestern part of this continent. The Shina Empire ruled this area with cruel governance and fear politics. Due to the influence of the Shina Empire, wars increased in various regions, and the world was in great turmoil."

Apparently, there were wars everywhere a thousand years ago.

Now, there are fewer open wars, so we might be living in a more blessed era.

We quietly listen to Lieselotte's explanation while following her.

The corridor is long, just the right distance to learn about the Central Magic Society before reaching the viewing area.

I learned about the history of the Mataisa Kingdom from my tutor in my childhood, but I don't remember being taught much about the western part of the continent. I should listen carefully.

By the way, some of my companions who aren't interested in history are chatting behind us, but that's their freedom too.

"During such turbulent times, the fourth previous Demon King was born in the neighboring Inwander Beast Kingdom. She was said to be particularly adept at combat among the Demon Kings of the past, and she subjugated the Shina Empire with overwhelming military power. The Shina Empire, which lost the war and had its royal family extinguished, was dissolved, and the Nogana Kingdom was born in this place where the imperial capital used to be. The queen of that Nogana Kingdom was 'Demon King Leenbright'."

Leenbright.

I know that name too. She was quite famous, and I've seen her in picture books.

If I remember correctly, there was a fairy tale called "Leenbright's Tears," and the outline went something like this:

"A girl named Leenbright defeated an evil country with her enormous power and became the new king.

However, because she couldn't control her power and was dangerous, she pushed away all her friends.

Unable to bear the loneliness, she gave almost all of her power to the gods.

Surrounded by friends, she experienced a brief moment of happiness.

But then, another evil country attacked.

Having lost her power to fight, all her friends were killed.

She begged the gods to regain her original power in exchange for her life.

The evil country was destroyed, and she also breathed her last.

After her death, a beautiful giant tree grew there, stretching far up into the sky.

At its top bloomed a round, large blue flower.

It was called Leenbright's Tear, and it continues to bloom without withering."

That was the story.

Of course, even without being in picture books, she's an important historical figure. Most people probably know her name. Bards sometimes compose poems about Leenbright's anecdotes.

"After becoming queen, Leenbright openly shared her knowledge and magical theories without concealment, and transformed the military magical research institution that existed in the Shina Empire. That became the prototype of this Central Magic Society. Later, Leenbright personally conquered the 'Tower of the Sky' and continued to gather funds through its collected items. However, one day, she died inside the dungeon at the hands of an assassin. Leenbright had no children, and the Nogana Kingdom was dissolved after just twenty years. Based on her will, it was reborn as a republic, and the Central Magic Society has continued to exist as it is until now."

So it's an institution that was cherished by the founder of the republic.

That's probably why it's been active in this southernmost part of the continent for so long.

And then similar research institutions gathered, and it became a country that unusually focuses on scholarship and education in this world. This development is undoubtedly Leenbright's achievement.

"The Central Magic Society has since faced two major turning points. The first was when the great-grandfather of the current Demon King was born among the demon race. Because not much time had passed since the death of the great Leenbright and the third previous Demon King, there were still many who had strong faith in the Demon King, and a faction called the Demon King loyalists emerged within the Central Magic Society. Along with internal division, armed conflicts occurred, and there was even an incident where many researchers were killed by the loyalists who misused research results. This led to a fundamental review of the research management system and organizational structure of the society, resulting in the current matrix-type operational system.

The next turning point was when the previous Demon King was born. The previous Demon King preferred a secluded life, so he wasn't well-known to the public, and we only have records of his alias. However, his magical theory was astonishing, and most of the current mainstream theoretical constructions are based on his compositional method. From an academic point of view, he's arguably the most influential figure in history. By the way, the theory of formula composition changed quite a bit during this era.

In other words, for us, the existence of the Demon King is not just an overwhelmingly strong individual, but someone who brings about changes in magical history. That's how we think of it."

Lieselotte looks at Elen with expectant eyes.

However, Elen, seemingly uninterested, is playing with Punisuke in her arms.

"...Well then, we've arrived at the viewing area, so now you'll be able to see some of the research rooms. Please note that you can't move freely even in the viewing area, so just follow me. If you don't follow instructions, we will deal with you strictly, no matter who you are."

Lieselotte said this while looking at me for some reason.

Am I that restless?

"Now, here's the first research room. By the way, all the academic staff in the viewing area are considered newcomers who have been members for less than three years, so please understand that many of them are still technically inexperienced."

Saying this, she opens the first door.

Surprisingly, the walls of the room are transparent, and we can clearly see what's happening on the other side - inside the research room. It seems they can't see us from their side, allowing us to observe them working diligently.

I thought it might be something like a magic mirror, so I tried to appraise the glass wall, but it was completely different. It was a magical wall with optical directionality given by magic. It's transparent from our side, but originally, it's a gray wall. 

Even this alone is amazing technology.

Inside the room, there are three researchers.

All three are wearing some kind of device on their mouths and ears, talking and then removing the device to check something.

The sound is blocked by the wall so I can't hear well, but it seems to be research related to sound... maybe?

"This is research on silent magic."

Lieselotte explained.

"I believe you're aware of the three basic process principles in magic. 'Mana conversion,' 'incantation,' and 'spell,' right? Among these, only 'incantation' can be omitted, while 'mana conversion' and 'spell' are essential items for standard magic used by human species. However, there are special races - for example, True Ancestor Dragons or Angel race - who don't even need 'spells,' as you probably know."

"...Seori. Maybe it's time you started studying magic?"

"I-I am already the supreme race... such training hardly has any meaning..."

The incompetent who hates studying and can't use magic averted her eyes.

Come to think of it, the Dragon King doesn't use magic either, right? Well, he said something like "fists are much faster than mana," so he probably can use it but chooses not to.

"They are researching how human vocalization interferes with the formula and why spells are necessary."

"By newcomers? Shouldn't this field have been thoroughly researched already?"

"...As expected of Elenora-sama's companions. Actually, this research is a 'compulsory study' for newcomer education. As you say, this research is a prior study that Demon King Leenbright has already completed a final paper on. For newcomers, it's a measure of how close they can get to Leenbright's theory, or what kind of approach they can use to construct their own theory."

I see, so they're doing that kind of thing too.

Come to think of it, the Central Magic Society also serves as an educational institution, right? I guess you can't even start your own research without first acquiring basic knowledge.

Lilith raised her hand and said,

"May I ask a question? What conclusion did Leenbright-san reach in her research on silent magic? Is silent magic truly impossible for humans?"

"It would take a long time to explain in detail... but to put it briefly, it's not impossible if certain conditions are met."

"Is that so? That's an unexpected result."

"However, that's only in theory. Theoretically, if you divide the formula into thirteen parts, control the mana quantity of each part equally, and output all thirteen formulas simultaneously, it becomes possible... But even a Demon King couldn't do it without using a specialized magical device, so while it's possible in theory, it's practically impossible to execute."

"I see. But it's possible if you borrow a magical device, right?"

"Yes. However, there's a caveat that fine output adjustment is impossible. By the way, the devices they're using are those magical devices."

Lieselotte pointed at the devices the researchers were constantly talking into.

"Now, to return to the topic, let me explain why silent magic is practically impossible for humans. Our human race factor has various characteristics. Of course, this includes not only physically manifested racial traits but also minute, invisible aspects, and these innate shapes of the race factor determine innate magical aptitude. For example, most people have innate talent in two or three elemental affinities, some have more, and very rarely, some are born with talent in all. By the way, only such individuals have the possibility of becoming a Demon King."

"You mean Elenora."

"That's right. We know that this race factor also determines the efficiency of mana conversion, a quality called resistance value, maximum mana capacity, maximum output, and so on, in addition to elemental affinity. Regarding silent magic, it seems that it's impossible to realize in the mana conversion part for humans."

"But True Ancestor Dragons like Seori can do it, right? So it's because they have superior mana conversion efficiency?"

"That's correct. However, this doesn't necessarily mean they have superior magical aptitude. Research has shown that races capable of silent magic have high mana conversion efficiency because they specialize in a single element. ... O-Of course, since True Ancestor Dragons are a superior race, their racial factors are indeed superior, but this is just talking about magical aptitude. Yes..."

Lieselotte hurriedly tried to smooth things over as Seori started to strike a boastful pose.

But indeed, I see, that's certainly true.

The Dragon King can only use lightning element, and Seori and Luna can only use light element. So these innately superior races are born with such drawbacks too.

"Humans are born with aptitude for multiple elements. Since they're balanced overall, it makes sense that they can't use silent magic."

"That makes sense. By the way, since you say it's innate, does it change later in life?"

"Yes. We're currently researching that area as well, and it has been confirmed for a long time that elemental aptitude can increase due to environment. It's a well-known story that if you live near water for a long time, you can become able to use water element, which is why there are many water mages near water..."

"Oh, so that wasn't just a popular belief. I thought it might be a pattern where water mages live near water because it's their specialty, and that's why there are many water mages near water..."

"It's often misunderstood that way, but actually, elemental substances also have factors, and it seems that individual factors change by being in prolonged contact with them. By the way, research on racial factors falls under the field of science, and the Royal Research Institute of Stoania is particularly enthusiastic about it."

Acquired aptitude, huh.

Lilith often touched holy magic devices, so maybe that's why she developed a talent for holy magic.

It seems there were various reasons for things we were unconsciously experiencing.

Speaking of which,

"So that's why Marcosias was trying to eat Elen...?"

I remembered something from years ago.

Evolving by incorporating the seed of a Demon King - that's what Marcosias had said at that time. He was trying to acquire talent posthumously by incorporating Elen's factors.

It would probably be impossible for ordinary monsters, but wolf-type monsters often have talents that excel at "eating." He might have had a unique skill that allows him to incorporate the factors of others by eating them.

"...Well then, shall we move on to the next research room?"

As other visitors entered the room, Lieselotte wrapped up the conversation and left the room.

The next room also had transparent walls.

However, there was only one person inside.

There was a girl with long, messy silver hair, muttering to herself while reading countless books spread out on the floor. Her hair was shiny, as if she hadn't bathed in days.

"This is research on the correlation between the scientific environment and magic activation results. She has been evaluated as a science genius since birth, and there were eager invitations from the Stoania Royal Research Institute since she was young... but for some reason, she chose the Central Magic Society. Of course, she's putting her scientific knowledge to use here as well. Although she's still considered a newcomer in her third year, she's a genuine genius who won the Best Research Award last year."

As she said this, Lieselotte knocked on the wall.

The genius girl turned her head around to look at us and grinned.

She's wearing thick glasses, so we can't see her eyes, but it seems she can see us.

"Is this wall different from the previous one?"

"It's the same. However, it seems she has an automatic clairvoyance-type skill, so the wall doesn't mean much."

"Doesn't it distract her?"

"Rather, it's the opposite... She's quite peculiar, and apparently gets most excited when someone is watching her research results..."

Lieselotte averted her gaze awkwardly.

I quickly understood what she meant.

The genius girl, visibly breathing heavily, placed a transparent box where we could see it clearly. She extended her hand towards it and activated a Fireball spell.

"Huh, green!?"

It wasn't red flames, but pale green flames.

Seeing my surprised face, the genius girl had an ecstatic expression and began to grope her lower body over her clothes.

She was clearly pleasuring herself while looking at me.

S-She's a true pervert...!

"Ruruk, don't look."

"Yes, I'm not looking."

"A-Ahem. What you just saw was a demonstration of fire magic in a vacuum."

As Saaya covered my eyes, Lieselotte hurriedly began to explain.

"Combustion is scientifically a reaction between fire and wind attributes. She has further classified this and is well-versed in which factors in the air cause the combustion reaction, or what reaction occurs when replaced with other factors. Combustion reactions don't normally occur in a vacuum, so this experiment shows what happens when fire magic is activated there... This requires quite detailed scientific knowledge and analysis, so it's usually an advanced physico-magical field study conducted jointly by veteran researchers and scientific institutions."

"And a newcomer is doing this alone? That's amazing."

"She's a genius... though a pervert."

"Hey Ruruk, I think... no, I'm certain that girl is the one we know."

It was Saaya who tapped my shoulder.

It took me about ten seconds to understand what she was saying.

"...Ah. Could it be Sakuragi?"

"Yes."

Our classmate, Sakuragi Mei.

She's one of the classmates that Koneru found through Luney Trading Company's information network.

"Mei was called a genius since she was little, and by high school, she had already won awards like the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award and the Encouragement Award. There were rumors she might even win a Nobel Prize someday."

"Our school was full of people like that, huh."

The theory that I was the only ordinary person is becoming more realistic.

No wonder I became a loner... well, that was because of my personality, right? Yes.

"Her personality has always been like that... She often did 'that' on the desks in the science room, so she got scolded by the teachers."

"That's the number one past information I didn't want to know."

I hope it wasn't the desk I used to sleep on.

Of course, I hardly remember any of my classmates, so I don't remember Sakuragi's face either. If I had known there was such a pervert... well, I didn't have any friends, so nothing would have changed. End of story.

Anyway, it seems she's a former classmate who has reincarnated. However, her situation is completely different from our other classmates we've met so far.

She seems to be genuinely enjoying her research.

"...Probably, even if we tell her about us, nothing would change for her."

"Yeah, I guess so."

She'd probably just go "Huh, is that so?" and that would be it.

Then maybe we don't need to tell her about us. The past life is just the past life. There's no need to say unnecessary things to someone who seems to be enjoying their current life. It might be better to just tell her if the opportunity arises.

We returned our gaze to the room.

"I'm sorry, Lieselotte-san. We were having a private conversation."

"Don't worry about it."

"So, why does the fire turn green?"

"According to her, the color of fire itself in a vacuum is originally a green closer to blue. However, reflection occurs as the light reaches our eyes, and the green color appears stronger the further away it is."

"I see. It's the same principle as why the sunset appears red, right?"

"You're well-informed. By the way, her research results show that as we remove scientific reactions like this, all magic manifests in colors close to green, as we saw earlier. Perhaps the reason why the color representing mages and magic has traditionally been green is due to this principle of reaction color. People in the past might have unconsciously known the true color of mana reactions."

The people of the past, even without scientific knowledge, had hit upon the truth through accumulated experience, huh.

That's quite an interesting story.

The very person who unraveled this logic is still breathing heavily and fidgeting, though.

"W-Well, shall we move on to the next room?"

"Yes, please."

I agree as well.

After that, we toured and received explanations about rooms for basic research such as "Elemental Formula Construction Experiments by Environment" and "Research on Parallel Activation of Formulas."

There were complex theories and rationales that I couldn't understand, but it was very enjoyable to see research with visible differences that anyone could easily understand, like the reaction colors.

And for some reason, we were then guided from the viewing area to a general non-public area.