The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology

"Phew. I'm tired."

"Ouch, ouch. That damn old hag, hitting me so much..."

After the morning training, I'm lying down under a tree near the training ground.

Unlike me, who was just exhausted from simple lack of stamina, Gavin had been sparring with Verugana. Of course, it was in a practical combat style.

Although Gavin was strong for his age and more agile than he looked, he couldn't even graze the blind Verugana and kept getting knocked down repeatedly. Honestly, it was quite satisfying to watch. But I still haven't forgotten my grudge about the steak.

Gavin, after returning the wooden sword to Verugana, approaches me who's taking a break for some reason.

Oh no, I just moved and I'm all sweaty, so it's bothering me. Oh no, the smell of sweat... yeah, yours. It stinks, so don't come near me, go away!

"Hey weakling, listen to me for a bit."

"Eh, I don't want to."

I reflexively refused.

Gavin made a strange face, apparently not expecting to be rejected so bluntly. The previous Ruruk must have been timid and never refused requests.

Well, can't be helped. This is also role-playing.

"Well, I guess I can at least listen to what you have to say."

"...I see. So you'll help me."

"Wait, with what?"

"Blasting that damn old hag's butt with magic."

You haven't given up on that, huh.

As expected of the Muuteru family's representative brat. He won't be satisfied unless he hits someone he dislikes with a Water Ball. That magic would only get them wet without causing injury, so I guess it's not too bad.

But the opponent is Verugana. From what I saw of the sparring earlier, she could dodge even with her eyes closed at Gavin's speed. Well, her eyes are already closed anyway.

"What's the plan?"

"You distract her, and I'll blast her from behind! That's it."

Blast? Don't you mean splash?

Well, whatever. I'll go along with this level of prank. Of course, this is just the natural playfulness of me being a child, and it's to deepen the bond between brothers. So it's definitely not because I hold a grudge for being made to run while getting my butt hit during the earlier training, okay?

But Gavin, there's a fatal flaw in that plan.

"The problem is how to avoid her hearing the chant..."

"Just do it from far away, idiot."

"Verugana is blind. That means her hearing must be even better since she doesn't rely on sight."

"Is that so?"

"Yesterday, you knocked over the bucket in the bath, right? Considering that Verugana came to the bathroom because of that sound, her hearing must be quite good."

"I see. So what should we do?"

"...Let's go with the 'hide a tree in the forest' strategy."

Huh? Somehow I've taken the lead here??

Can't be helped. I'll think on behalf of my brother who seems to struggle with brain work, as the physically weak younger brother.

Here's the plan. I'll keep singing the Water Ball chant to a rhythm. Of course, since I have no magic power, the spell won't activate. If I keep singing meaninglessly many times, Verugana's ears will start to filter out the chant itself as background noise.

Then when Gavin chants, voila, Verugana will think that chant is noise and miss it.

It's like how people living along train tracks stop noticing the sound of trains.

Then you can surprise attack her from behind.

When I explained the outline of the plan to Gavin, he let out a voice that seemed genuinely impressed.

"Weakling, you're pretty smart. I'll give you 10 points."

"Haha~ I'm grateful for this happiness."

Alright, I've gained 10 Gavin points! Though I don't know what they're good for.

Well, now that we've decided what to do, all that's left is to execute the plan.

I slowly stand up and approach Verugana, who's smoothing out the dirt in the training ground with a wooden rake, while humming a tune. I make sure to circle around to the opposite side of where Gavin is hiding in the shade of the trees.

Let's see, the chant went like this, right?

"I beseech thee~ source of maternal life~ grant me~ a single drop of cool refreshment~ become a pebble that pierces him~ and burst forth~"

Verugana made a puzzled face for a moment when I suddenly started singing.

But as she continues smoothing the ground without seeming to mind much, I keep humming the same chant like a broken record player.

I can't use magic, but I can feel like I'm using magic. It might look like stupid chanting practice, but since it's something a child would do, adults don't mind.

"I beseech thee~ source of maternal life~ grant me~ a single drop of cool refreshment~ become a pebble that pierces him~ and burst forth~"

"I beseech thee~ source of maternal life~ grant me~ a single drop of cool refreshment~ become a pebble that pierces him~ and burst forth~ 'Water Ball'!"

Did it work!?

Gavin activates his magic in sync with my voice.

Gavin's water bullet, aimed with his left hand supporting his right arm, flies straight towards Verugana's back and--

*Pan!*

"...Huh?"

What just happened?

Before I knew it, the water bullet had burst, and Verugana, who had been bent over smoothing the ground, was now in a stance of having swung through with her rake.

Was her movement too fast for me to see?

"Now then, how should I judge this..."

The blind Verugana speaks in a low voice, turning her face alternately towards me and Gavin. Gavin let out a "Hiii!" and fell on his bottom. I completely understand the scary feeling.

It's obvious we failed. She must be wondering which of us is the main culprit of this surprise attack.

I acted without hesitation.

"Ah! Gavin, you used my chanting practice to attack Verugana! Attacking from behind is not good! Really, you need to have your character fixed. So, Verugana, I'm going back to the mansion first, but please thoroughly discipline this twisted brat. Well then, take care! Good work!"

The best plan is to run away, as they say.

As I quickly retreat, Gavin shouts "Traitor~!" at me, but I don't care. Take responsibility for your own actions, boy.

As I close the door to the mansion, I hear Gavin's screams from behind. Ah, today's breakfast will surely be delicious!

By the way, I was also disciplined by Verugana who came after me later.

That bastard must have sold me out, I won't forgive him!

□ □ □ □ □

By the time breakfast was brought to my room, all the fatigue and pain in my body had completely disappeared. Even though I did strength training, I don't have muscle pain yet. Well, it's not something that comes immediately... right?

My first otherworld meal consisted of some mysterious minced meat stir-fried and seasoned with salt and pepper, a salad, a mild-flavored soup, bread, and a slightly sweet yogurt-like substance.

The mystery meat clearly had a gamey smell that wasn't beef, pork, or lamb. It wasn't inedible, and it had a unique umami flavor, so this made for a good otherworld food memory. There were also thin slices of meat in the soup, but I wonder if it was from yet another beast. That also had a peculiar taste I had never eaten before.

My first meal in another world was satisfying and relatively delicious.

...Sandwich? Hm, I wonder what that's about.

Anyway, after exercising from early morning and filling my stomach, I unhesitatingly took a second nap. I didn't have any particular plans, and although I wanted to explore the mansion, my young body couldn't resist the sleepiness. I ended up sleeping soundly until just before noon.

I woke up feeling refreshed.

"Alright, time for exploration!"

The sun was almost directly overhead. It seemed warm enough to go out in short sleeves.

Today I want to explore the second floor, and maybe the third floor too. So far I haven't seen a study, so I have a feeling it might be on the third floor. Or rather, it seems like everyone in the family except me has their private rooms on the third floor, so I feel like important things like that might all be gathered on the third floor.

"Right clear, left clear, brat clear."

Since the maids except Verugana pretend not to see me, I only need to be wary of my father and the brat. Well, even if my father sees me, he probably won't say much as long as I'm inside the house. The problem is the brat. It would be simply annoying if he bothers me.

I carefully, yet not unnaturally, open each room on the second floor. I can't enter the private rooms because they're locked, but basically all other rooms are free to enter.

At first, I was knocking on the doors, but gradually I got lazy and stopped. I just pay attention to the presence of my father or the brat, and if it doesn't seem like they're there, I open the doors without hesitation.

Storeroom, toilet, family bath, a room with mysterious beds lined up, dressing room... Hmm, there are no maid rooms on this floor except for Verugana's. I was kind of hoping for a happening where I'd walk in right as someone was changing. You know, even if someone was changing, I'm a 5-year-old, so if I put on my best archaic smile, it might work out, right?

[TL notes: example img -> archaic smile ]

"Damn, looks like this world has a desire sensor too."

The only one changing clothes was the head chef (a muscular middle-aged man). I closed the door immediately, of course. It's amazing that he's so muscular for a head chef, but let me say one thing: lock the door when you're changing, old man.

In the end, there was no study on the second floor. There were quite a few rooms that were just for storing luggage, and empty rooms too. Considering the size of the mansion, it's natural that there would be extra rooms.

Well then, shall we go to the third floor?

Stairs that wouldn't bother an adult are like strength training for a 5-year-old. As I'm climbing up with effort, I feel a gaze and look up.

At the end of the stairs -- from around the corner of the third-floor hallway, a shadow peeks out its face.

Brown curly hair like mine, with round light blue eyes. That's unmistakably my sister Lilith. She's looking this way with an anxious expression.

Hmm. I wonder if she had any interaction with Ruruk, or...

Well, there's no point in thinking about it, so I'll just respond normally.

After climbing to the top of the stairs, I lightly greeted Lilith, who was trying to hide.

"Hey Lilith. Nice weather today, isn't it?"

I'm not bragging, but I'm socially awkward. And I read on the internet that talking about the weather is something you can do with anyone when you're stuck for conversation. Supplementing my lacking communication skills from external sources... this is the perfect strategy.

"......"

She was silent.

Huh? That's strange~?

Maybe she hasn't been outside and seen the weather because she's been in her room all this time?

If that's the case, then.

"It's warm today, isn't it?"

"........."

Hmm, I guess that's not it either.

Then next is... damn, I can't think of any more weather topics! An unexpected pitfall in my perfect communication strategy!

As I stood there silently, not knowing what to do, Lilith quickly withdrew. I heard the sound of small feet pattering away.

"Oh dear. Looks like I was run away from by a wild sister."

When I peeked around the corner, I saw Lilith's jumping into a room about three doors down.

She was kind of like a small animal returning to its den.

Well, whatever. Let's refocus.

I decided to proceed down the hallway on the opposite side from Lilith's room. Since I assume the private rooms of the other family members are lined up here, let's act with proper manners. Specifically, first I'll check for any presence inside, and if it seems like someone's there, I'll ignore it. If it seems empty, I'll knock, and if there's no response, I'll say "Excuse me!"

Following this pattern as I went through the rooms in order, I found the study behind the fifth door.

"Oh!"

Books!

I don't know how advanced the printing technology is in this world or how much value books have, but anyway, there were books lining an entire wall. There's even a proper movable ladder, so even children can reach the upper shelves.

In the center of the room are two sofas and a table. There's a bell on the table, so it seems you can call a maid for service.

Having an environment where you can read books leisurely, that's truly the best of the ducal family.

"Hum dee dum~"

I look around the bookshelves while humming.

I could properly read the spines. "History of the Mataisa Kingdom," "Common Sense for Nobility," "Basics of Management," "Theory of Knight Training"... I was subtly worried, but it seems Ruruk had been studying seriously, as I had no problem with the knowledge of written language. It was even more helpful that the characters were of a single type, like the alphabet. If it had been a mix of three types like Japanese, I would have had to start by studying.

Hmm, history, geography, economics, education... there are a lot of serious books. It would be nice if there were biographies or myths. Come to think of it, Verugana also mentioned that there was a legend of a hero. I think it's fiction, but I'm not just fixated on old tales like folklore. If it's a story, I'm fine with fan fiction or even BL.

"'The Three Sages and the World Tree'... oh, this looks like a novel."

Looking around, it seems the surrounding books are all novels and biographies.

I pick up a few of them and place them on the table, then sink into the sofa.

Let's start with "The Three Sages and the World Tree."

Hmm, I see.

......

.........

................

Huh!?

Oh no, I got too absorbed in reading.

What is this, it's actually interesting. It was a story about three sages -- of "sorcery," "natural science," and "mysticism" -- who travel together, defeating monsters and helping various people on their adventures.

The Sage of Sorcery fights with magic, the Sage of Natural Science helps people with techniques like pharmacology and chemistry, and the Sage of Mysticism protects their companions with mysterious powers... Not only is the setting interesting, but the three characters are well-developed and it's incredibly easy to read. The story is solid and the developments are easy to follow in a good way, and since it's a story of good triumphing over evil, there's a sense of catharsis at the end of each chapter. The information about the World Tree sprinkled throughout key points of the story made me curious about how it would all connect...

Before I knew it, the sky outside had turned to sunset. I missed lunch because I was too focused.

Well, that can't be helped.

More importantly...

"......"

A shadow staring at me intently from the entrance of the study.

It was Lilith.

I wonder what she wants. When our eyes meet, she withdraws a little, but when I look away, she peeks out again and keeps watching me. It's like she's looking at a rare animal released from its cage. Maybe Ruruk and Lilith hardly ever interacted before?

"Um... do you need something?"

When I called out to her, she spun around and ran away.

I don't understand what she wanted to do. Girls are hard to understand.

I think dealing with Gavin might be easier than this. Even if he's annoying.

That's what I was thinking as I returned the books to the shelves.

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Author Notes:

  ~Afterword Tips~ (※A collection of behind-the-scenes setting information that you don't need to read to understand the story)

  "The Three Sages and the World Tree"

  A worldwide bestselling novel set about 800 years ago, consisting of 10 volumes.

  The first edition is recorded in various countries as being from 750 years ago. The original edition is lost and the original author is unknown, with the oldest confirmed versions of the same title being two types of handwritten copies. (Both have slightly different endings, so they are presumed to be copies. They are privately owned and not open to the public.)

  Many types of handwritten copies were published, but after printing technology was established about 200 years ago, the story structure was unified into the most popular pattern, and the current template of "The Three Sages and the World Tree" was established. It's so popular that there are often debates among some fans who claim that the ending of the original version must be different from the current work.

  The protagonist (narrator) is the "Sage of Sorcery," and the heroic tale follows him, his childhood friend the "Sage of Natural Science," and the princess of their homeland, the "Sage of Mysticism," as they travel the world, helping people in trouble and defeating monsters.

  The main plot revolves around the three's journey to find the "World Tree," which is said to be connected to the creation god, and have their wishes granted by the god.

  The Sage of Sorcery wishes to recover a memento of his lost mother.

  The Sage of Natural Science wishes to reunite with his long-lost younger brother.

  The Sage of Mysticism wishes to eliminate hunger from her kingdom.

  The three travel for this purpose, saving many people and becoming known as sages. Throughout their journey, they discover what they truly wish for.

  One reason it has been a bestseller for hundreds of years is that the "Adventurers' Guild," an organization created by the sages to help people, is scattered throughout cities around the world. While current adventurers are often rough individuals who mostly act for profit through exploration and trading gathered materials rather than helping people, they still greatly benefit people's lives, so anyone proud of their skills aspires to be an adventurer.

  The original book is a very valuable historical document even from an archaeological perspective, and archaeologists are still searching for it. The original author of the first edition is generally recognized as the Sage of Sorcery, but according to some biographies, the author was actually the Sage of Sorcery's disciple. The disciple died without leaving any notable achievements, so their name is unknown. Some fans boast that the ending of the original version is different from the current work because this theory about the original author being the disciple is influential. The reasons are detailed below.

[Differences predicted by the original work analysis team]

○ Ending (latter half) of the current version of "The Three Sages and the World Tree":

・The sages end up not finding the World Tree

・However, each of their wishes comes true in a different form

・The sages' respective masters appear as helper characters

・A hero appears (temporarily antagonistic)

・The final battle is against the demon race

・A dragon joins their companions

・Everyone survives the final battle

・The protagonist marries the Sage of Natural Science, and the three establish the Adventurers' Guild. They continue to work for the world thereafter.

○ Predicted ending (latter half) of the original version of "The Sages and the World Tree" based on historical documents from various countries:

・The sages find the World Tree and have their wishes granted

・But those wishes bring about the world's destruction

・The sages' masters save the world from destruction, but two of them die

・A hero sees the sages as enemies of the world and fights them to the death, but they kill the hero

・The final battle is between the sages who have become enemies of the world and the people of the world

・The dragon companion betrays them

・In the final battle, the Sage of Natural Science dies, and the protagonist and the Sage of Mysticism escape into the World Tree

・Using the power of the World Tree, they erase their foolish actions and twist history

・The protagonist marries the Sage of Mysticism and establishes the Adventurers' Guild. They continue to work for the world thereafter

・The gods, judging the existence of the World Tree to be too dangerous, hide it

※ As there are various theories, the most credible and verified academic theory is described. However, what is common to all theories is that the sages created the Adventurers' Guild by throwing away all their private fortunes as atonement for putting the world in crisis.

※ The basis for this theory according to the original author's disciple theory includes: the protagonist's seemingly self-destructive tendencies shown in the story and the disciple's numerous scenes of calmly pointing these out, the mysterious partial disappearance of historical documents that occurred simultaneously around the world, the disappearance of the World Tree 800 years ago, and the fact that the sale of the first edition is recorded in various countries as occurring the year after the Sage of Sorcery's death.

  It's not clear how much of "The Three Sages and the World Tree" is based on fact. However, regardless of whether it's fiction or non-fiction, enthusiastic fans continue to search for the original book, which is said to still exist somewhere...

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