The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology

"Was there no meaning to our research..."

Simongusu was completely dejected.

"I've been involved with attribute magic for many years, and wanting to see its ultimate form, I've been pushing this old body to come this far. But unable to overcome the advancing years, I thought to make this opportunity my last desperate attempt in life. I felt I was just a little bit, just a little more away... but I suppose in the face of talent, the efforts of us ordinary people were meaningless after all."

Simongusu laughed sadly. The researchers around him also looked visibly disheartened.

Not knowing what words to offer, we could only respond to their words with silence. The gap in magical aptitude between Elen and them was just too great.

It made me strongly realize that this is what it means to be someone who becomes a Demon King.

What should one do in times like these?

I'm personally familiar with talent that's absolutely unattainable. Needless to say, I'm talking about my master - Roze. No matter how much my level increases or how much fighting power I gain, I still feel I can't catch up to Roze's mystic arts.

Yet, the reason my heart didn't break was because I had memories of my previous life, and a story that was mine alone. If they had such a guidepost too, they might be able to shake off this uncertainty.

But such hope isn't something that-

"Overlooked."

Surprisingly, it was Elen who spoke up.

"Earlier, incomplete."

"Eh... Elenora-sama, what did you just say?"

Simongusu was surprised.

Elen was speaking matter-of-factly, with her usual few words.

"If you want to do it, just do it again."

"T-That means... with our research, we can succeed in five-attribute magic...? That there was something we overlooked in our formula?"

"Mm."

Elen nodded.

It's rare for her to give advice to anyone outside our group, but Elen isn't cold, just unsociable. She always shows respect to opponents who fight fairly and squarely.

She must have acknowledged Simongusu and their research.

"I-Is that so! If we try again, we too can see that sight...!"

Hope quickly filled his eyes that had been deeply sunken.

Simongusu and the researchers immediately sprang into action. They started checking the formula and discussing how and where to fix it.

Everyone's expressions were shining brightly.

I realized that they are scholars from the bottom of their hearts.

Watching them, Lilith spoke to Elen.

"...Elenora-san, I was a bit mistaken. I thought you weren't particularly interested in other people's lives. I judged you as someone who had no interest in academic value and only focused on strength. It seems I misunderstood, I'm sorry."

"Mm. It's fine."

"Thank you. I have something I'd like to ask such an Elenora-san, if that's alright?"

"Mm."

As Elen nodded, Lilith took a small breath and said,

"Then, are you interested in magical device creation? Until now, we've been using a serial structure to sequentially add attributes for compound attribute magical devices, but with the spread of parallel formulas, we can now do two types simultaneously. That alone is a big step forward, but I wonder if you might have a theory that could add all types simultaneously? Unlike normal incantation, there are issues of attenuation and magical saturation, but I think you could come up with new ideas and constructions! Would you like to work as a development department member of Luney Trading Company!?"

"No."

"Please reconsider!"

"Impossible."

Elen was clearly refusing.

Ignoring this, Lilith, now in Monon mode, started to push harder.

Really, I wonder who she takes after to become such an otaku.

The excitement in the underground area didn't cool down for a while after that.

"As a small token of gratitude, let me demonstrate one of my research achievements."

After some time had passed and things had settled down, Simongusu for some reason sent everyone except us out of the room.

He had a somewhat mischievous look, so I was wondering what was going on, but apparently, he's going to show us a magic spell.

Given that he sent out his own people and the way he's talking, could it be...

"Is it extreme-class magic?"

"Ho ho. That's right."

Magic forbidden to be passed on to others - also known as forbidden magic.

I've heard that it was none other than the Central Magic Society that established this rule by international treaty.

Simongusu lightly winked and said,

"It's not passing it on, you see. I just felt like using it, and there happened to be excellent mages present, that's all."

"I-Is that so."

He's an old man with unexpected playfulness.

"Elenora-sama. I will only do this once, so are you ready?"

"Mm."

"Then -- 'Wind Wings.'"

The moment Simongusu chanted, wind converged behind his back.

It was a rather small and complex airflow. The moment it appeared, Simongusu floated - no, flew.

"Ho ho. Now, watch carefully."

Saying this, Simongusu's body freely flew around the spacious research room.

...It's a free flight magic. Amazing.

What's happening behind his back is not gravity control, but lift control. It was clearly a phenomenon that couldn't be achieved with just magical knowledge. He's freely flying around, generating ascent, descent, and even thrust through pressure differences caused by convection. In terms of freedom of movement, it's probably far superior to gravity control.

While it would require some getting used to, it seems he can move in any direction as he likes.

It was shocking.

The freest person in this world right now is probably the old man in front of us...!

He has become the Wind King!

"Ho ho ho. How's that?"

Simongusu, who had returned, smiled at Elen, who was quietly but clearly impressed.

"Hmm... From your reaction, it seems I don't need to explain in detail. Normally, a deep understanding of science would be essential, but for you, just knowing the phenomenon should be enough to use it after a few adjustments, even without knowing the detailed principles."

"Mm. Thank you."

"Those are words too generous! Being of use to you is the greatest honor for a researcher like myself."

Simongusu bowed deeply.

Elen's eyes were saying she wanted to go home and try it soon.

The one who didn't remain silent here was Saaya.

"That just now was a flight technique using fluid dynamics, right? Who taught you?"

"W-What, you know the basic theory! Actually, there's a new researcher here who's said to be a science genius. Last year, she approached me, who's good at wind mana manipulation. As I developed magic according to her instructions, this magic that allows free flight was completed."

"Ah~ I see. But since it's not listed in the forbidden magic registry, are you keeping it secret from others?"

"Ho ho ho. It's just this old man's stubborn pride. Rather than displaying honor gained through charity in history, I chose the superiority of taking it quietly to my grave."

Simongusu laughed innocently as he said this.

He's quite a good-natured old man, I think we could get along well.

"But you still taught it to Elenora... You're kind, old man."

"I was merely returning a favor."

This makes the sixth extreme-class magic that Elen has learned.

While "Meteor" might be more convenient for long-distance travel, "Wind Wings" would undoubtedly be superior for short-distance movement. Elen is going to become even stronger again...

After Simongusu's return of favor was complete, we exchanged thanks and left the room.

We reunited with Lieselotte, who had been waiting outside, and returned to the surface from the underground area. She casually asked what we did inside, but Saaya skillfully deflected the question.

With this, it seems all the planned tours were completed, and we returned to the main lobby. Lieselotte was about to give her final greetings, but before that, Lilith asked:

"May I ask one thing? Are there any researchers here who manufacture prosthetic hands or legs?"

"Yes, there are several. What kind of performance are you looking for?"

"A prosthetic leg that enhances physical abilities beyond that of a real leg."

"For that, it would be Mr. Crowley. What kind of business do you have?"

"I'd like to have a chat with him."

Hearing this, Lieselotte's expression clouded slightly.

"I wouldn't particularly recommend it... but if you wish, I'll put in an application for a meeting request. He usually refuses all meetings and interviews, but it shouldn't be a problem for [Rozewill]."

"Then, could you please do that?"

"Understood. Please fill out this form with your preferred date and time."

Lilith filled out the application form, and with that, all our business was finally concluded. We returned to the waiting area from the lobby.

Although quite some time must have passed, Gatlin was waiting in the same spot as before.

"Good work! How was it?"

"It was very enjoyable. Sorry to keep you waiting."

"No problem! I'm glad you enjoyed it!"

When we went outside, it was already evening.

We seem to have spent longer than we thought.

"My lord! I desire a sacrifice!"

"I'm hungry too~"

"Mm."

"I'm starving!"

Indeed, since we had an early lunch, I'm feeling hungry too.

"Gatlin-san, do you have any recommended places to eat?"

"If that's the case, there's one place I'd like to take you!"

Saying this, Gatlin enthusiastically took the lead.

Once again, we navigated through complex, winding roads and entered the eastern district.

It was when we came to a slightly dirty road.

"Woof!"

"Eek!"

There was a puppy at the end of the road.

Needless to say, it was Seori who hid behind Nagi's back in surprise. What's with a dragon being scared of a small dog?

The puppy seemed excited for some reason and was barking as it approached us.

"Is it a stray?"

"Probably. They're common around here."

The knowledgeable Gatlin nodded.

It's not wearing a collar, so it's most likely a stray... wait a minute?

Even if it's excited, is it normal for a puppy to bark so aggressively at a group of humans? It's not a mother protecting its young, but a puppy that needs protection itself.

...Could it be the smell? Is it me, is it me?

"Hey Nagi, can you sniff me for a moment?"

"You're a perverted filthy bastard."

It was while we were exchanging such jokes that it happened.

The puppy, drooling profusely, lunged at Gatlin.

"Whoa!"

"Get back!"

Saaya quickly pulled Gatlin's clothes and stepped forward.

The puppy's fangs sank into Saaya's arm as she protected Gatlin -- though given the status difference between a stray dog and Saaya, the puppy's teeth caused almost zero damage. Just a little blood seeped from her skin.

Saaya immediately grabbed the back of its neck and lifted it with one hand.

"There, there. Don't struggle."

"Yap yap!"

The puppy continued to struggle frantically, still drooling.

Seeing this, Lilith raised her voice in a panic.

"Brother! Please treat Saaya-oneesama immediately!"

"Got it. 'Domain Arbitration.'"

I don't quite understand, but there's no need to doubt Lilith's words. For now, I synchronize Saaya with me and expel the 'wound'.

This should nullify most of the damage.

It can deal with not just wounds and status effects, but also diseases.

Saaya, who momentarily synchronized consciousness with me, was surprised.

"W-What's wrong? Did I do something?"

"No... it was just a precaution."

Lilith said this and then abruptly chanted the "Water Ball" spell.

At that moment,

"Yiiiip..."

The puppy started trembling as if afraid of water.

Looking closely, the puppy's pupils were dilated. Its mouth also seemed unable to control properly, with its tongue extended and drool dripping constantly.

Lilith nodded with a solemn expression.

"There's no mistake. This puppy has hydrophobia."

"Hydrophobia... could it be rabies!?"

Rabies.

Needless to say, it's one of the most terrifying diseases.

I see, that's why she immediately asked for treatment.

Lilith quickly took out a cloth from her multi-box and skillfully tied it so the puppy couldn't open its mouth.

The puppy was trying to escape while trembling, but Saaya was holding it tightly to prevent it from escaping.

"Thanks, Lilith. You noticed well."

"I've studied various dangerous diseases. Besides, it's too unnatural for it to be this violent without any record of status abnormalities."

"That's true."

So that's why she suspected a disease.

By the way, even my "Mystic Eyes" can't identify the cause, so there's a very high possibility that it's caused by pathogens too small to be visually recognized. This ability depends on my normal eyesight when appraising scientific elements.

"Thanks, Lilith. You did well too, Saaya."

"I'm grateful too! Hydrophobia is a terrifying disease that's always fatal once contracted..."

Gatlin's face had turned pale.

Well, Elen or I can treat diseases quickly, so this time it was fortunate in misfortune.

"Still, rabies... Hey Ruruk, shouldn't we report this?"

"You're right. If I remember correctly, rabies is carried by rats and bats. If we don't deal with it before it spreads, it could be disastrous if there's a major outbreak."

"Then let's go notify someone immediately. Gatlin-san, is there a barracks or something nearby--"

It was just as we were about to move.

"That won't be necessary."

An arrogant voice came from above.

"We'll take that dog."

"Huh, who... an elf?"

Saaya muttered suspiciously.

The figure was looking down at us from mid-air. Looking closely, thin thread-like things had been strung all around without us noticing, and he was skillfully standing on them, looking down at us.

An elf man in his prime, wrapped in a black long coat with a long collar covering his mouth.

This figure, dressed in such an appearance, said with an unmistakably arrogant attitude:

"Leave the response to hydrophobia to me. We'll start the investigation immediately."

"Well... if we can leave it to you, of course we'd like to, but..."

"You're being evasive. What do you want to say?"

"We don't know who you are. Are you a soldier of this city?"

"How foolish. Don't you even know the face of the one you're having an audience with?"

He sneered at Saaya's doubt and clearly called out our names.

"I am Millen, the supreme commander of the Adventurers' Guild. [Rozewill] members, let us welcome your visit warmly."

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Author Notes:

  [The next update will be on Saturday]

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