The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology

Tonight is the appreciation party.

Feeling somewhat restless due to the upcoming dinner with the nobles, I woke up earlier than usual. Being the timid person I am, I was having breakfast with Punisuke at the restaurant as usual.

Today, since Saaya had been given a day off, we decided to let Elen rest as well. The young girls probably wouldn't wake up for a while.

"Punisuke, is there anything you want to do today?"

"I want to eat delicious food nano!"

Since I can't take Punisuke to the appreciation party, I plan to go out with him after visiting Jason the butcher.

Delicious food, huh.

This restaurant is delicious too, but he probably wants to eat outside, not here.

However, it's difficult to dine at outside restaurants with a familiar.

There aren't many pet-friendly places to begin with. Even this restaurant doesn't usually allow it, but I've been given special permission as a valued guest of the inn.

In other words, the power of money. Well, they probably wouldn't have allowed it if it wasn't a slime.

"Alright, then let's go to some food stalls later."

"Yay nano!"

Punisuke happily nuzzles my cheek. It feels nice.

I remember there was a street lined with food stalls on the eastern side of town, so let's go there. I'm grateful that in the Mataisa Kingdom, there are usually street stalls in every town, making it easy to go out for a casual meal.

As I was drinking tea and deciding on the plan, Roze returned from outside the inn.

"Oh, you're an early riser as always, Ruruk."

"Master, have you already been to the information broker?"

"Yes. I also had an appointment to receive a report on something I had asked them to investigate earlier."

"Something you asked them to investigate... could it be about the destruction factor? Did you find out about it?"

"Yes."

Roze sat down, and I noticed the waiter glancing our way.

Because of yesterday's rumors spreading, everyone is looking with great interest at 'the robed figure with me'.

However, it's still early, so there aren't many people in the restaurant. We probably don't need to go out of our way to avoid people's eyes.

Roze continued talking without concern.

"According to the information broker, the destruction factor seems to be a term related to a legend in the demon realm."

"A legend! I didn't know demons had those too!"

"Lower your voice. Really, you become such a klutz when it comes to legends."

"Sorry... So, what kind of story is it?"

I stuck out my tongue and reflected a little, receiving a lukewarm gaze in return.

Roze continued:

"It's a story about the Demon God and the Dragon God. After the Eight Creator Gods created heaven and earth, but before they created life, they each made gods for their races. You've heard that the Dragon God and the Demon God didn't get along from the dawn of time, right? According to demon lore, at that time, the Demon God created the 'Dragon Slaying Sword' to destroy the Dragon God's kin - the dragon species - and the Dragon God created the 'Destruction Factor' to destroy the demon race. The story goes that these have changed form throughout the ages and still exist somewhere in the world today."

"I see. The Dragon Slaying Sword and the Destruction Factor... From the demons' perspective, it's something that would destroy them, so they call it the Destruction Factor. By the way, was there any information on what specifically the Destruction Factor that the demons are looking for this time might be?"

"That much detail wasn't available. But I can make some educated guesses."

Roze set up a sound-blocking barrier during the conversation.

Making sure that no one could eavesdrop no matter how hard they tried, she lowered her voice further.

"In human legends, there are also stories about destroying demons, right? It's in the legends you like too."

"Yes. It was in the book you gave me. The story of the village hero and the royal demon, right?"

"That's right. In human lore, the existence that destroys evil demons has always been revered as a hero. Of course, they've never actually destroyed all demons, but it was a human called a hero who defeated the great-great-grandfather of the current Demon King when demons invaded 800 years ago. The hero's companions included a sheep-folk and a dwarf magician, an elf archer, and a dragon species. Well, anyway, even back then, the existence that fought against demons was called a hero. That hasn't changed since ancient times."

"So, does that mean the Destruction Factor refers to a hero?"

"Probably."

To think it was referring to a human.

But is there a hero in this town?

Roze lowered her voice with a solemn expression.

"...I don't know how they found out, but the demon information network is not to be underestimated."

"Could it be... is there a hero in this town?"

"To be precise, it's the seed of a hero. There's a person in this town who has the same skill as a hero who appeared in the past."

"...Could it be Saaya?"

It clicked.

The "Omnipotent Growth" skill that produces overwhelming stats. Isn't that, like the "All Magic Aptitude" which is the seed of the Demon King, a quality that will eventually produce hero skills as it grows?

Roze nodded at my guess.

"The previous hero also had 'Omnipotent Growth,' and hero skills awakened when their stats maxed out after exceeding level 50. In other words, Saaya is a being who can acquire the power to save the world. That's why I was so insistent on making her my disciple."

"But Master, is that all there is to Saaya?"

I took the opportunity to ask something that had been bothering me for a while.

The sharp gaze, almost like hostility, that Roze occasionally directs at Saaya.

Would she look at a child with the potential to save the world like that without reason?

"...That's a different story."

It seems she has no intention of telling me.

Well, that's as expected.

I'll pray that the time will come when she'll tell me.

"Anyway, does this mean the demons were targeting Saaya? Is that why they went after the nobles one by one..."

"It's still at the speculation stage. Don't tell Saaya since it's not confirmed."

"I wouldn't tell her even if it was confirmed."

If she found out that demons targeting her had attacked this town, and because of that, many people had died.

Given her kind nature from her previous life, she would probably blame herself. Even though it's the demons who are at fault, not Saaya, she might become depressed and unable to show her usual bright smile.

I didn't want that.

"You're really overprotective of Saaya, aren't you?"

"I want to protect her no matter what... this time, properly."

Just before I was crushed by a helicopter and died in my previous life, I couldn't do anything. Even though she clung to me at the end, I couldn't protect her.

That's why I will protect her this time. No matter what happens.

I muttered in my heart and turned determined eyes toward Roze.

"Master, please don't tell her either."

"Alright, I got it. I'd rather not make you angry, even if it's me."

Roze shrugged and stood up from her seat, dispelling the barrier.

I wonder if she's going out somewhere again.

"You're going to the butcher's, right? I'm going to investigate the source of that rumor. The information broker didn't seem to have found it yet."

"Is that okay? Won't you attract attention again?"

"What are you saying? I attract attention because I'm with you, Ruruk. If I'm alone, no one will pay attention."

Come to think of it, that's true.

According to the rumor, the hooded figure with me is supposed to be the Mystic King.

Since the perception interference itself is effective, she might not be thought of as the rumored person if she walks alone.

So today we'll act separately.

"Then I'll eat out for lunch and go to the appreciation party in the evening, so I'll see you tomorrow morning."

"Right. Be careful, you too."

"Yes. Have a safe trip, Master."

I waved to my master as she left the restaurant.

After seeing Roze off, Punisuke in my arms extended a tentacle and touched my cheek.

"Master, are you lonely nano?"

"Hm? Why?"

"You look very lonely nano."

I wasn't aware of it at all, but apparently, I had a face that made Punisuke worry.

I gently stroke my cute familiar.

"I guess so. But I'm okay because Punisuke is here."

"Then that's good nano. I'll always be by your side nano."

"Thank you."

But something still bothers me.

As I stared at the entrance where Roze had left, I felt something like a premonition in my chest.

 □　□　□　□　□ 

After waiting for Elen and Saaya to finish their meal, I invited them to the butcher's shop. Elen had to come along because of the item box, but Saaya decided to join us as well. Well, it would be boring for her to wait alone anyway.

Jason's butcher shop was at the end of the largest street in the south district, lined with shops.

The shop itself was small with just one counter, but there was a large warehouse in the back. It was about twice the size of the warehouse we saw at Viscount Montarc's house yesterday.

In the center was a huge table that could probably accommodate more than 10 adults lying down, and the magical equipment was quite extensive.

So this is what a butcher's workplace looks like. It's impressive.

"Well, my shop is the only butcher in this town. That's why we built it big enough to handle all the monsters brought in at once," Jason, the shop owner, said proudly.

"So, Ruruk, do you think we can bring out the Star Grizzly here?"

"Yes, I think the table won't collapse with this. But just in case... 'Synthesis'."

I put my hand on the floor and created several pillars under the table to reinforce it.

After all, it's a monster weighing over a ton. It would be no joke if we put it on and broke the table.

"Oh, I've never seen mystic arts before. So the rumors were true, you're a mystic artist."

"Yes. Don't worry, I'll remove them when the work is done."

"No, please leave them as they are if possible. It's perfect with the increased strength. We don't move the table from here anyway."

It was unexpectedly well-received.

"Then, Elen."

"Mm."

"Whoa! It's huge... amazing, is it a giant?"

"Wow... Ruruk and the others can easily defeat something like this..."

When Elen brought out the Star Grizzly, Jason was stunned by its sheer size and was momentarily dazed, but when he came to his senses, he signaled his employees to start the dissection.

Next to us, Saaya was also half-dazed, staring at the Star Grizzly with her mouth open.

"How long do you think the dissection will take?"

"Well, since the grizzly family has edible parts in the internal organs too, we'll do it as delicately as possible. Even if we work on it non-stop, it'll take all day today. Is that okay?"

"Yes. Then I'll come back tomorrow. Thank you in advance."

"Sure. Leave it to me!"

After entrusting the work, we left Jason's butcher shop.

Now then, shall we go on a food stall tour for Punisuke?

"Yay nano! I'll eat a lot nano!"

"What about Elen and Saaya? I think you just had breakfast."

"Mm, together."

"Of course I'm coming. It's a rare day off, after all."

Punisuke on my head, Elen on my right arm, and Saaya on my left arm, all cuddling close.

It's a bit hard to walk, but I guess it's better than them getting lost.

Ah, that's right. Speaking of getting lost.

"Hey Saaya, do you have any plans to cut your hair?"

"Hmm~ not at the moment. Why?"

I told them about the "sheep doll" I had made with mystic arts before.

I explained that if I made a doll of Saaya too, she wouldn't go missing, and eventually I could teach Saaya "Threshold Compilation" so she could have dolls of me and Elen to keep track of our whereabouts.

After hearing this,

"So that's why there's a doll attached to Ruruk's pouch. I thought it was a cute hobby... If that's the case, of course I'll give you some hair. More importantly, give me a proper Ruruk doll, okay?"

"Of course."

As if anticipating this, I had made several Ruruk dolls when I cut my hair before.

I had Elen take a Ruruk doll out of her item box and give it to Saaya. For some reason, Elen looked a bit disgruntled.

"T-this is the real thing..."

Come to think of it, Saaya used to sleep hugging a doll modeled after my previous life's appearance every night.

That one was apparently handmade by Saaya, but this one is made by me in person. For Saaya, it must feel like an official merchandise. Thinking about it that way makes me feel a bit embarrassed... What is this subtle feeling?

"Can I always know where Ruruk is with this?"

"That depends on Saaya. You need to write the variable for my coordinate position using 'Threshold Compilation' yourself, so it's not easy to make. Do your best studying."

"Teach me! Teach me right away!"

Saaya pulls on my arm with sparkling eyes.

"Mm... me too."

Even Elen, who had no interest in mystic arts until now, looks up at me longingly.

She probably wants to compete with Saaya, but "Threshold Compilation" is too high a hurdle for Elen. To begin with, she needs to be able to visually perceive spiritual elements. There's nothing I can do even if she looks at me so longingly.

I feel bad for the little girls pressing in on me, but let's go with the passing-the-buck strategy here.

"Both of you, consult with the master tomorrow."

"Aww~"

"Mmph."

While we were talking about this, we arrived at the street stall area in the east district, lined with many food stalls.

Sandwiched between the little girls, we slowly walked around eating. There was a variety of foods from rare items not usually eaten in restaurants to standard grilled skewers. Despite having just had breakfast, not only Punisuke but also the little girls ate their fill.

By the way, Elen ate the most.

As expected of a little girl with a stomach of unchanging suction power.

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Author Notes:

  [Afterword Tips]

  The Eight Creator Gods, Demon God, and Dragon God Side Story

  First, there's a common myth among all races in this world that the Eight Creator Gods once created all worlds.

  ● The Eight Creator Gods

  - God of Existence and Probability

  - God of Order and Chaos

  - God of Life and Death

  - God of Phenomena and Truth

  - God of Time and Space

  - God of Perfection and Transcendence

  - God of Individuality and Boundaries

  - God of Fiction and Imagination

  Among the Eight Creator Gods, "Kianus, the God of Time and Space" came to rule this world.

  When creating life, they decided to bestow gods upon each intelligent being.

  They created the Human God for humans, the Dragon God for dragons, the Demon God for demons, etc., as pillars of life, entrusting them to guide the life activities of their respective species.

  ● The "Demon God and Dragon God" legend passed down in demon territories

  In the mythical age, before the races inheriting their blood settled in the world, the Demon God and Dragon God began to quarrel constantly due to incompatible personalities.

  Most quarrels were for trivial reasons, but even with God Kianus' mediation, their fundamental incompatibility led to mutual hatred.

  As the mythical age ended and each race began to settle on the continent as life forms, both used the powers bestowed by God Kianus to create means to destroy each other's races.

  The Demon God created the "Dragon Slaying Sword"

  The Dragon God created the "Destruction Factor"

  The Demon God was skilled in handling magical elements, and the demon race that inherited its blood was also adept at magic.

  If the demon race were to fight the dragon race, even if the dragons took countermeasures against magic, having a "sword" as the ultimate weapon would make it difficult to deal with both magic and physical attacks simultaneously, and it could pierce through the dragons' proud hard scales, humiliating them. This was the reason for creating the "Dragon Slaying Sword".

  The Dragon God was a deity specialized in high physical abilities and destruction, and the dragon race that inherited its blood also became a race with powerful physical bodies and breath attacks.

  In a conflict with the demon race, they would likely be overwhelmed by diverse magic. So the Dragon God's countermeasure was to condense and reflect draconic characteristics onto the human race, which had balanced talents without particular features. The "Destruction Factor", which aimed to destroy the demon race by using and allying with an unrelated race, was truly a cowardly and arrogant method befitting the Dragon God.

  -- This is the general framework of the legend passed down in demon territories.

  After this, stories derived from the myth are scattered in various places, and there are hero tales of defeating evil dragon species with the "Dragon Slaying Sword".

  This is the extent of the information Roze obtained.

  It was Roze's judgment to connect the "Destruction Factor" passed down in demon territories with the concept of "hero" by comparing it to the stories of "heroes" told among humans and the characteristics of "Omnipotent Growth" where each physical ability greatly increases with level-ups.

  By the way, this was when Ruruk began to take an interest in the demon realm as well.

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