The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology

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Author Notes:

  [※Since the Afterword Tips from last time were probably too long for most people to read in full, I've briefly summarized the information that's likely to become important in the future (as planned).

・Silent magic is impossible for humans alone (including Demon Kings)

・There's a research team trying to create a perpetual motion machine

・The previous Demon King was incredibly intelligent

・Former Sakuragi Mei is a genius. But her sexual preferences are extreme

・There's a research team for five-attribute compound magic

This time, we're talking about the last one, "Five-Attribute Compound Magic".]

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The Central Magic Society is broadly divided into four areas.

The easternmost area is the viewing area. Some research is open to the public for tourists and potential members, and it's a section that's relatively easy to understand even for magic beginners.

Next is the management area. This is where non-researcher members gather and is the center for behind-the-scenes work like administration. It's adjacent to the viewing area and is the smallest area overall.

The largest is the laboratory area. It occupies about 70% of the total space and is where many researchers are enthusiastically engaged in research.

And finally, there's the underground area.

This is a top-secret research area set up deep underground to ensure it's never seen by outsiders. It's a hidden area consisting of only five rooms.

We're about to be guided to such an extremely important place.

I wanted to ask the reason for this, but before that...

"...I can't believe there's an elevator."

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

The iron box we're currently riding in is a magic-powered lift.

Of course, it's shakier than modern elevators and the design is just a simple box, but I never thought there would be fully automated vertical transportation in this world.

As the reincarnated group was impressed, Lilith tilted her head.

"Oh my, Brother. There are large elevators in the Mataisa royal capital too, you know."

"Really?"

"There's a prison for special-class trials in the basement of the royal castle, and we use it on the way there. It seems they use elevators in part to reduce the possibility of prison breaks."

"I see."

"Also, the drive formula used in elevators is simple and not particularly new technology, so I think you'd find them in various places if you looked."

Lilith said this matter-of-factly.

Come to think of it, even on Earth, human-powered elevators were used in mines and such from quite long ago. There are no skyscrapers in this world, so maybe there's just less need to build them.

Still, it's certainly rare. I'm a bit excited about it.

"By the way, Gavin-oniisama has experienced this too."

"What!? Damn, to think that guy beat me to it..."

As I was feeling frustrated, Nagi, who had lost interest after hearing it wasn't rare technology, was talking to Lieselotte.

"So, why are you taking us to the top-secret area? I don't think it's something you should show us just because Elenora is a Demon King candidate."

"It's my superior's decision."

Lieselotte said firmly.

"To begin with, we don't think we can hide this place from [Rozewill] anyway."

"Why?"

"Because we haven't yet developed barrier technology that can block high-precision clairvoyance skills."

It seems they've investigated enough to know that I have a clairvoyance skill.

They probably don't know the specific capabilities, but I haven't been hiding that kind of thing lately. Visual skills are more common than teleportation skills, after all.

"Moreover, if Elenora-sama uses her 'Full Scan' once, the interior of our research institute would be as good as naked. So, the judgment is that it's better to show our hand first."

"Mm. Impressive."

Elen praised for some reason.

In contrast, Nagi narrowed her eyes.

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

She must have something on her mind.

She has sharp intuition, so I should probably think there might be something behind this too.

As the elevator stopped, a straight underground passage continued.

The room we were guided to was a large underground space. It was an experiment room built very solidly using magic iron. Several magic circles were drawn on the floor, and there were about ten researchers. Is this a ritual magic research room?

As we stood at the entrance of the room, one of the researchers - a short, elderly man - walked towards us, leaning on a cane.

"Well, well, Elenora-sama. Welcome to the Central Magic Society."

Although his legs seem weak, his gaze is quite sharp.

He's looking straight at Elen with gleaming eyes.

"Mm. Who?"

"My apologies. I am Simongusu. I have been honored with the title of 'Wind Sage' from the magical world. It would be my pleasure if you remember me."

"Mm, Elenora."

As Elen and Simongusu exchanged greetings, I whispered to Saaya next to me.

"...What's a 'Wind Sage'? Is it important?"

"It's one of the titles of the 'Ten Magical Sages'. This old man is probably an authority on wind magic and one of the top executives of the Central Magic Society."

I see. So he's a very important person.

I didn't know until recently because I was completely unfamiliar with the magical world, but apparently, the 'Ten Magical Sages', said to be the world's top magicians, are those who have achieved remarkable results in the magical world and been given titles inspired by the "Sage".

Though since that pervert politician is one of them, I can't unconditionally think they're amazing.

"So, what does this wind authority want with Elenora? It's unnatural to bring us all the way to the innermost part of the society just for a greeting."

Nagi, as fearless as ever, asked straightforwardly.

Simongusu briefly showed a slightly displeased expression, then said,

"...Of course, it's to extend an invitation. However, I understand it would be difficult without piquing your interest. Given that you've refused all my previous recruitment attempts, I'm well aware that it won't be easy to capture Elenora-sama's interest with anything ordinary."

"I see. So you were the one sending messengers to Elenora all the time."

"That's correct... So, Elenora-sama. Do you still have no intention of seeking the depths of magic with us?"

"No."

Elen refused flatly.

However, Simongusu seemed to have expected this and continued talking without particularly losing heart.

"I understand. However, since you've taken the trouble to come here, I'd very much like to showcase our research. We won't force any recruitment, so I hope you'll just enjoy the tour. What do you say?"

"Mm. Okay."

"I'm grateful. Then please, observe."

Saying this, Simongusu signaled to the other researchers.

They scattered to various places and began channeling magic power into the magic circles on the floor. The magic circles, which began to glow and intertwine in complex patterns, formed designs more intricate than anything I'd ever seen before.

It's clear they're channeling magic power very carefully. They probably can't disturb the magic power balance even slightly.

Simongusu began his explanation.

"That ritual magic over there incorporates some of the most advanced construction techniques in this Central Magic Society. First, the initial formula is the world's first five-layer magic circle that incorporates parallel formulas based on the Leenbright method. If you're magically astute, you should be able to understand the full scope of the magic we're trying to achieve just from this... What do you think?"

"Mm. Five-attribute magic."

Elen answered immediately.

Lilith's eyes widened.

"Five-attribute compound? Is such a thing possible?"

"It has been considered impossible until now... but I believe it's possible using the new theory I've constructed."

"Then you've solved the problem of magical saturation phenomenon due to attribute compounding? I've heard that even four-attribute magic was only achieved through ritual magic that reproduced Leenbright-san's 'Explosion' by taking advantage of the saturation phenomenon."

"Oh... You seem to have quite extensive knowledge for your age. May I ask your name?"

"I'm Lilith Muuteru. So, how did you solve the magical saturation phenomenon?"

"That's what the parallel formula is for. Do you know about parallel formulas?"

"I'm familiar with them. I use parallel structures in some of my magical device manufacturing, so I have a decent understanding."

"My, to think you're such a skilled technician. Then you should understand... When magic power is flowed into a parallel formula in a saturation limit state like that, a conversion occurs in the critical region, and the retained attribute reactions naturally change."

As soon as Simongusu signaled, the magic circle suddenly rewrote itself.

I can't understand it, but it seems to be an astonishing phenomenon for experts.

"A-Amazing. To convert the attribute values in the formula state..."

"I'm known as an authority on wind magic, but my original specialty is [Attribute Correlation Research]. However, this isn't the main point. Rather, it's from here on."

The magic circle keeps rewriting itself autonomously.

It looks like a truly mysterious phenomenon, but I can tell from looking at the researchers that this is a phenomenon backed by theory. Every time a reaction occurs, they show expressions of relief at its success.

And finally--

"'Pentaray!'"

The moment they chanted the spell, a five-colored sphere of light floated above the magic circle—but then burst and dissipated.

"...Well, this is how it ends up."

Simongusu's expression was not good.

"We've addressed issues like saturation limits during compounding and attenuation during conversion, and I'm confident our construction theory is perfect. However, for some reason, it doesn't materialize during activation and returns to a mana state. Well, it's not so simple... By the way, Elenora-sama."

"Mm."

"After seeing this experiment, could you give us any advice?"

Simongusu's eyes gleamed sharply.

"You are a possessor of supreme talent who has already mastered four-attribute magic at your age, something that even the great Demon King Leenbright only achieved in her later years. Someone like you might be able to solve the problem we're stuck on in no time... What do you say?"

"..."

Elen was silent.

With her usual expressionless face, we couldn't tell if she couldn't answer or didn't want to.

Simongusu spoke provocatively.

"Could it be that you couldn't understand our experiment? Surely someone as intelligent as you, who can dismiss our invitation so easily, wouldn't have less knowledge than us about attribute compounding, which is your specialty?"

"..."

"Oh my, was that really the case? I suppose even with the qualities of a Demon King, you're still a minor. Perhaps you insist on continuing your activities in the crude world of adventurers because you fear losing to us in scholarship?"

"..."

Still expressionless, Elen slowly turned her gaze to the magic circle.

Then, to the provocative Simongusu, she said one word.

"Incompetent."

It was loud enough for not just Simongusu, but all the researchers to hear.

"...What do you mean?"

"That, useless."

Elen pointed at the magic circle with her staff and said clearly.

That it's useless.

That with this theory, five-attribute magic is impossible to achieve.

Simongusu seemed to understand the meaning of her words, and his face quickly turned red.

"W-What are you saying... There are no flaws in our theoretical construction. We perfectly control two of the three essential processes. It's just the last one, 'materialization through incantation', that's left, isn't it? If you say there's a problem, please point it out specifically. Just words of denial like that might sound like you're jealous of our theory. What do you say, Elenora-sama? Can you explain properly?"

Probably, Simongusu had confidence.

That he was the closest to achieving the unprecedented five-attribute magic. That this would capture Elen's interest - or if he could get her advice, he might get closer to the correct answer.

There was strong self-esteem, hope, and expectation.

But Elen denied all of that.

"..."

"P-Please answer! On what grounds do you judge this theory to be useless! Please explain properly so that we can understand and be convinced!"

Simongusu shouted, spitting as he spoke.

There was even killing intent in his voice, and the other researchers felt the same.

Their research, which they had poured their hearts and souls into, was denied after being seen just once. Even if it was by a Demon King candidate called a genius, she was still a young girl who hadn't come of age.

Elen, looking genuinely bored, responded to them with just a sigh.

And then, an incantation never heard before.

"I govern—"

At that moment, the air changed.

With just the opening words, everyone present immediately understood the historical significance of what was about to happen.

Everyone held their breath.

At the same time, Elen's enormous magical power began to swirl.

"The ancestor is the sea, the ancestor is the earth, the ancestor is the sky, the ancestor is zero, the ancestor is heaven. O absolute void that separates all domains, guide all connections with your pure heart. The sun of the forerunner is yin, the shadow is truth, becoming just the two sides reflecting the present world, manifest as a symbol—'Pentaray'."

What emerged from the tip of Elen's staff was a single sphere of light shining in five colors.

Without bursting, it floated in the air as a basic ball-type magic imbued with the attributes of water, earth, lightning, ice, and light.

"Wha-, what..."

Simongusu was speechless.

Five-attribute magic was said to be impossible. They had been continuing their research, pouring their heart and soul into breaking that wall of impossibility... but it was easily realized right before their eyes.

But Elen didn't stop there.

She immediately waved her staff, hitting the light sphere against a distant wall. What was left there was just a tiny smudge, as if a basic magic had hit it.

Seeing this, Elen said:

"Even if possible, meaningless. Useless."

At that point, they finally understood what Elen had meant to say.

Five-attribute magic is not impossible. For Elen, it's a technique within her capabilities.

But even when achieved, it only had the power of basic magic. There's no need to use such enormous magical power for that—that's all it was.

After saying this to the dumbfounded researchers, Elen, having seemingly lost interest, tried to return to the room's exit.

"W-Wait, please!"

Simongusu, finally coming to his senses, hurriedly stopped Elen.

"Y-Your transcendent talent is well understood! But! But please teach us! How were you able to realize five-attribute magic so easily! The theory! The logic! The method!"

"...Mm."

Elen looked extremely bothered.

But perhaps thinking it was all the same at this point, she brushed off Simongusu with her staff, then:

"'Water Ball.'"

For some reason, she conjured a basic water magic.

Huh? What about it—as Simongusu blinked in confusion, Elen activated the next magic while maintaining that state.

"'Earth Ball.'"

"D-Double activation!?"

He was incredibly surprised.

I tilted my head and asked,

"Hey Saaya, why is that old man so shocked?"

"Multiple activation is an extremely advanced technique. The parallel formula technique to mimic this was only recently developed and won the top award."

"Huh."

I didn't know. Because I can't use magic.

Like me, Nagi and Seori also couldn't grasp how amazing it was and were just staring blankly.

It's a bit much to say ourselves, but we're really out of place here.

But of course, Elen wasn't going to stop there.

"'Lightning Ball.'"

"Triple activation!?"

Ah, Simongusu's eyes were bulging out.

"'Ice Ball.'"

"Fo-!?"

"'Shine Ball.'"

"......"

Seeing Elen simultaneously using five magics, Simongusu looked like he was about to be called to heaven.

Even I could understand after seeing this much.

The reason Elen can casually do five-attribute magic is that she fundamentally has the skill to execute five magics simultaneously. For Elen, there's no need for compound magic circles or parallel formulas. She just needs to activate them simultaneously.

That's why there's no need to use enormous magical power in a single formula in the first place.

Elen then hit the wall she had struck earlier with all five magics simultaneously, with pinpoint accuracy. Is she some kind of sniper?

Saaya was quietly asking Elen:

"Hey Elenora, can I ask you something?"

"Mm."

"How many magics can you use simultaneously?"

"Nine."

"...You mean all attributes at once? Isn't that too much of a cheat?"

I thought so too.

However, even when praised, Elen didn't show a boastful attitude. Looking more bored than ever, she was gazing at the researchers.

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Author Notes:

  [Afterword Tips ~ Simultaneous Incantation (Multiple Activation) and Elen's "Useless" ~

○ Explanation of multiple activation.

  Magic is fundamentally a technique to materialize non-physical elements using mana, words, and imagery.

  Multiple activation by an individual is difficult because it's necessary to maintain the phenomenon fixed by mana without the slightest deviation. When manifesting this part as a theory (formula) that can be understood by people other than the caster, this part cannot be clearly quantified, which led to the idea of "parallel activation" that mimics the result.

  There are very few people who can do this multiple activation, but those who are good at it can do it normally. Furthermore, those who can do double activation often have the talent to do triple and quadruple activation as well. In modern terms, it's similar to people with savant syndrome who have the innate ability to perfectly recall visual memories. Elen is exactly that kind of biased talent. In exchange, she's poor at expressing emotions and is always expressionless, with Ruruk being the only person she's attached to.

○ About Elen's "Useless".

  When Elen said "useless" upon seeing the five-attribute magic formation, it didn't just mean it was useless because she could do it in a different way.

  Simongusu and the others hadn't noticed, but the reason the formula dissipates and returns to mana during activation is due to "insufficient construction of the effect fixation method during output". As mentioned in the previous Afterword Tips, even when using ritual magic, thirteen types of mana reaction control must be performed. To use five attributes, attribute conversion was performed midway to alleviate mana saturation, but there was a slight change in the unused output formulas during this process. They had overlooked these extremely subtle discrepancies in 5 attributes × 3 output methods = 15 places, so mana reduction occurred due to inability to control during output. To fix this, they needed to change the formula construction from the beginning. Elen, with her exceptionally superior mana vision, noticed this discrepancy at first glance.

  Incidentally, Demon King Leenbright could also use five-attribute magic and nine-attribute simultaneous output. However, like Elen, she had no need to use it, so it wasn't recorded in history.

○ Additional note: The detailed story of Leenbright may appear in the main story someday.]

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