The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology

When I headed to the dining hall with Elen and Saaya, Count Babel and Branch Manager Tamerik were waiting for us.

The two seemed to have already finished their breakfast and were chatting while enjoying their after-meal tea.

The old men greeted us with refreshing smiles.

"Good morning, Ruruk-san."

"Good morning. Did Branch Manager Tamerik stay overnight as well?"

"No, no, I just returned this morning. The Guild was quite busy last night. I've been up all night."

As we took our seats, servants began bringing in breakfast one after another.

It was quite a luxurious breakfast.

While we were eating, neither Branch Manager Tamerik nor Count Babel engaged in any significant conversation, waiting for us to finish our meal.

Being the timid person I am, knowing they were waiting, I couldn't possibly take my time. I finished eating at about twice my usual speed. While watching the young girls go for seconds, I started the conversation while savoring my tea.

"So, gentlemen, could you tell me what happened after I lost consciousness?"

I had already heard some of it from Elen and Saaya before coming here.

However, after they lent us a room for me to sleep in, the two of them apparently stayed by my side until morning. They said there was a commotion outside the room, but they didn't know what was happening.

Count Babel answered.

"Hmm. After confirming the bodies of the demons you defeated, I ordered my subordinate nobles to return home. Fortunately, it seems there were no injuries."

I see.

It's a relief that Viscount Schreine was also safe.

"However, since the nobles were anxious, I showed everyone the demons' bodies. Ruruk, do you think the demon attacks will continue?"

"No, I don't think so, at least not for a while. I'm not sure if they'll stop completely, though."

Since this town itself isn't the target, they probably won't attack unnecessarily if we're not here.

Besides, it was probably Skato who summoned the demons from the demon territory. That shadow movement must have been usable for transporting other demons too. Otherwise, there's no way they could have come from the demon territory to this town in just a few days.

Not only is Skato dead, but without him, they wouldn't have realized that Saaya was the factor of destruction. Depending on the demons' movements, there shouldn't be another attack right away.

Moreover, no matter how much the town prepares, if a high-ranking demon shows up, only we would be able to counter them. That's how strong Skato was.

The rest is probably a problem we should handle ourselves. Running away is frustrating, but I'd like to move to a safe place somewhere.

"I see. Ruruk, your defeat of the demons was truly commendable."

"I'm honored."

"I also want to express my gratitude, Ruruk-san. The Adventurers' Guild has confirmed the defeat of three demons. We're currently discussing with the headquarters how much reward money should be given for the subjugation."

"If we're talking about rewards, the town should contribute as well. Tamerik, please let me know first when you hear back from the Guild headquarters."

"Understood."

They don't need to give us a reward.

We're not struggling for money, and more importantly, they're after Saaya. It's not an exaggeration to say that we're the ones who involved them.

As I was about to decline,

"That won't do, Ruruk-san. As a proper adventurer, even if you don't need it, please accept the reward money once. If you really don't need it, you can donate it afterwards."

I suppose that's true. It wouldn't set a good example for other adventurers.

Branch Manager Tamerik lightly tapped the table and raised his voice.

"More importantly, what exactly happened last night? They say a giant demon broke through the gate in the outer wall and ran straight here. We lost consciousness due to some abnormal status, and when we came to, there were three demon corpses lying around. We're quite confused."

"Well, about that—"

I broadly explained what I had witnessed.

For now, I kept quiet about Viscount Montarc's involvement in guiding the demons and that Saaya was their target. There's probably no benefit in mentioning that.

After I finished explaining, Count Babel folded his arms and groaned.

"Hmm... Movement using shadows, and a body that hardens when injured. The racial skills that demons possess are troublesome. Especially the movement. No wonder they weren't caught at the checkpoints."

"That's right. By the way, Count Babel, may I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"Is Viscount Montarc safe?"

"...Ruruk, how much do you know?"

Count Babel's eyes flashed intensely.

Combined with his original face, it was incredibly intimidating.

I also kept my words vague.

"I have a general idea of what the demons were planning."

"I see, if you know that much, then it's fine. Viscount Montarc is currently isolated in the dungeon beneath my mansion. But don't misunderstand... it's for his own safety."

"Did the other nobles find out that he was behind this?"

"No, they don't know yet. He confessed to me and was about to tell the other nobles, but I stopped him and restrained him. Even if he was threatened, if the royal family learns that he colluded with demons and caused this incident, the Montarc family would undoubtedly lose their title."

"I see. And you don't want that, Count Babel?"

"As a nobleman, he's below par due to his weak and easily influenced personality, but as a pharmaceutical merchant, he serves the country better than anyone else. As a nobleman myself, I'm simply choosing what's best for the country's interests."

All for the sake of the country, huh.

I appreciate that he doesn't obscure his criteria for judgment.

"But will it be alright? It seems Viscount Montarc's wife was taken hostage. What will happen when she's released?"

"Don't worry about that. His wife is safe. I just received word from the messenger I sent to the Montarc household."

"Is that so?"

I breathe a sigh of relief.

If that's the case, it's just a matter of whether the viscount can bear the weight of his guilt.

From here on, Count Babel's persuasion will be crucial.

Whatever happens, it seems there's nothing more I can do from this point.

"Ruruk, my subordinate has caused you trouble. Let me offer my apologies and gratitude."

"It's fine. More importantly, Count Babel, I know it's a bit late to ask, but is it alright to be having this conversation in front of Branch Manager Tamerik?"

What Viscount Montarc did this time could potentially be considered treason against the state, depending on the circumstances.

Is it really okay to let an outsider hear about plans to cover it up?

Such concerns were dismissed by Branch Manager Tamerik with a troubled expression.

"Unfortunately, I'm already an accomplice to the count."

"What are you saying? You were more than happy to cooperate."

"Well, that's... Viscount Montarc has always helped me with his wife's medicines. Besides, I'm from the Adventurers' Guild. I'm not originally from this country, and I don't comment on the intricacies of noble society. Even if I did say something, I don't think the count would listen anyway."

"Hahaha! You understand well!"

Count Babel slaps Branch Manager Tamerik's back, who had a distant look in his eyes.

These two seem to get along quite well.

Perhaps because his back hurt from being slapped, Branch Manager Tamerik moved his chair away from Count Babel and turned to me with a bitter smile.

"And I have one more thing to tell you, Ruruk-san. With this, you and your party have defeated five demons... officially four. Depending on the circumstances, there's a possibility that your adventurer rank might change."

"To A-rank?"

"No, to S-rank."

Branch Manager Tamerik answered immediately.

Skipping A-rank and going straight to S-rank?

Come to think of it, what were the conditions for becoming S-rank? I've never heard of them.

"According to the Adventurers' Guild regulations, the recommendation conditions for S-rank are the ability to save a city-level crisis single-handedly as a party, and/or having achievements equivalent to that. Even if a party was G-rank, if they meet these conditions, they can be promoted to S-rank. However, since all members of the party would be immediately certified as S-rank adventurers, the promotion involves considerable deliberation and selection, as well as individual tests by the Guild Master. In your case, Ruruk-san, your achievements are undeniable, so I'd like to put in a good word with the Guild Master, but..."

Branch Manager Tamerik looked at my face, trying to gauge my reaction.

Hmm, S-rank, huh.

It seems there would be no restrictions on the quests we could accept, but if you ask whether it's necessary, I'm not sure.

Besides, S-rank quests are rarely available unless you go to the royal capital.

"Also, according to the regulations of the Mataisa Kingdom, those promoted to S-rank are granted honorary titles by the royal family. That means titles without inheritance rights. In exchange for not being granted land, you receive preferential rights at various national facilities and exemption from tax obligations. What do you think, Ruruk-san?"

"I'll have to decline that."

I'm not interested in titles to begin with.

Right now, I still (nominally) hold succession rights to a duke's family, so I probably won't be granted a lower title. If my brother Lalahaine inherits the title and has children, I, as the younger brother, would lose succession rights, so granting a title would be possible, but either way, titles come with obligations.

I have no intention of being bound by the noble society of this country.

Saaya probably doesn't need it either since she has succession rights to a viscount's family, and Elen wouldn't want a title from a country with discrimination against beastfolk.

If that's the case, there's only one answer.

To live freely.

That's the promise I made with Roze and Ruruk.

"There doesn't seem to be much benefit in becoming an S-rank adventurer in this country, so I'll decline. Of course, I'd like to be promoted to A-rank if possible."

"Understood. I'll report that to the Guild Master. However, Ruruk-san, you really don't have any desires, do you?"

Branch Manager Tamerik seemed amazed.

I sensed an atmosphere that suggested we were nearing the end of what needed to be discussed.

Ah, that's right.

I need to go pick up the Star Grizzly meat from Jason the butcher before noon.

"If we're done talking, we have somewhere to go after finishing our tea. We might set out on a journey soon."

"You're in a hurry. What do you plan to do with the reward?"

"Please keep it with the Schreine viscount family. We'll come back to get it eventually."

"I understand. Then, Ruruk, before I forget, here's this."

What Count Babel handed over was a small bag.

I was relieved thinking it wasn't money because it was light, but it contained a robe and a ring.

"They were found in the garden. Aren't these belongings of your baggage carrier?"

That's right.

It's Roze's robe and the item box ring.

The recognition interference formula had already disappeared, and it had become just a plain black robe. I've always been curious about what material it's made of.

Intrigued, I take a look.

[Robe of King Wolf Skin: "Holy Relic" class equipment]

...Yeah, I'll keep this safely stored away.

"There were rumors about a Mystic King, what's the truth?"

"Well, rumors are just rumors."

Indeed, she was the Mystic King.

But now, she's in my heart.

"I see. Where did she go, leaving only her belongings? I haven't seen her today."

"She set out on a journey. We said our goodbyes last night."

"...Is that so. I'm sorry."

After that, Count Babel didn't ask anything more.

I put on the item box ring that was with the robe on my right index finger. It was a bit big, but when I put it on, it shrunk to fit perfectly. What a convenient feature.

As I was impressed, a strange sensation mixed with my body's senses.

It was a feeling I'd never experienced before, as if the depths of my body were connected to somewhere else.

I notice a change in my status screen.

[Item Box: Owner is Ruruk Muuteru. Ownership inherited from Roze]

...Ah, Master.

You even left something like this for me?

Thank you so much for everything. I'll use it carefully.

I'll check the contents later.

Though I don't think I'll use Roze's personal items without permission.

"Huh? Master, you've changed a bit~?"

We left Count Ketaaru's mansion and visited Jason the butcher in the south district.

We received all the Star Grizzly materials as promised, and for some reason, Jason thanked us as we left the shop.

There are many things I want to do, like testing magic tools and investigating the capabilities of the "Eye of Fiction," but before that, I summon our cute little one as a familiar. I left her alone for a night, so she might be lonely.

Punisuke said this as soon as she saw my face and jumped at me.

"Can you tell, Punisuke?"

"Yes! Master, you've become stronger and more sparkly!"

Maybe it's because she's a familiar, but she seems to understand somehow.

While petting Punisuke, I say,

"Sparkly, huh. I hope you'll sparkle soon too, Punisuke."

"I want to! I want to be with Master!"

You adorable little thing~

We slowly returned to the inn, buying skewered meat and dried sweet potatoes from street stalls for Punisuke, who hadn't had breakfast yet.

"Hey Ruruk, what are we going to do now?"

"Mm. Roze gone."

The young girls ask anxiously.

Until now, we've been traveling according to Roze's plans. As disciples, we just had to follow along, but from now on, we have to think for ourselves and decide where to go.

However, our immediate goal is decided.

"I'm thinking we should head to the Bargia Dragon Principality first. Or rather, it seems like that's our only option."

"Mm, sensible."

"Why?"

Saaya tilted her head in question.

Elen answers briefly.

"Demons, hate Bargia."

Since the age of gods, dragons have been the natural enemy of demons.

The Bargia Dragon Principality, being the territory of the Dragon King, should be safe to take Saaya to for now.

We don't know how Saturn learned about the destruction factor, but it must have been through magic or mystic arts, so I'd like to develop a barrier formula that can repel detection spells while we're staying in Bargia.

When I added that, Saaya clapped her hands.

"I see, that's a good idea. I hope the food in Bargia is delicious too."

"Mm, important."

"Yummy food!"

The growing kids prioritize their appetites.

After returning to the inn, packing up our room, and preparing for the journey, we checked out. Since they had taken care of us for a long time, I gave a generous tip to the manager who came out to see us off.

Now, let's go say goodbye to various people.

"We need to go to the Schreine house too."

"Thank you, Ruruk. Father will be happy!"

They're family, after all. We can't skip them.

We left the inn and headed straight to Viscount Schreine's house.

I heard that the gate in the outer wall was destroyed due to the demon attack yesterday, so I thought there was a possibility that the viscount might be out volunteering again, but it seems he was exhausted and resting. He responded to us immediately.

When we told him we were leaving town, a theatrical farewell scene unfolded between Saaya and the viscount.

After watching such a touching scene that would make all of America cry, I was once again made to swear to protect Saaya.

Of course, I swore on my soul.

After saying goodbye to the Schreine viscount family, our next destination is the Adventurers' Guild.

Almost everything we've done in this town, except for Saaya's case, has been as adventurers. While we were in Stoania, our main activity was dungeon exploration, so this has been a proper experience as adventurers, and we're especially indebted to Branch Manager Tamerik.

I already told him we were leaving town earlier, but I should also let him know we're heading to Bargia.

"Ruruk-san! Over here!"

As we entered the guild, the usual receptionist spotted us quickly and waved us over.

There seem to be more people than usual.

We approached the receptionist while feeling the gazes of those around us.

"I heard the news, you defeated many demons, right? Everyone's talking about it!"

"Well, yes. Were you asked about it again?"

"Yes, I was... I'm glad you came, Ruruk-san..."

Well, of course, she's the receptionist in charge of me in this town.

Good job, thank you for your hard work.

I took out some regular medicine from my pouch and offered it to her.

"I'm sorry. As thanks for all your help... I don't know if this will be useful, but please take it."

"Could this be a High Potion? Ehhh!"

"If an important adventurer under your care gets seriously injured, please use it."

"Important... um, uh..."

The receptionist looked at me with teary eyes.

Maybe she got dry eyes from her daily work. Really, good job.

Ignoring that, I get to the main point.

"Is Branch Manager Tamerik back? We're leaving town, so I thought I'd say goodbye one last time."

"Eh, Ruruk-san, you're leaving!?"

The receptionist stood up in surprise.

The gazes of the surrounding adventurers gathered again at the commotion.

Embarrassed by her unexpectedly loud voice, she sat back down.

"S-sorry... Ruruk-san, really?"

"Yes. We're thinking of heading to Bargia."

"I see, so that's why this... No, Ruruk-san is an adventurer after all. You're free to travel... *sniff*"

The receptionist looked dejected.

From behind, the two young girls pinched my back.

Even though it shouldn't hurt due to my status, for some reason, it does.

"So, what about Branch Manager Tamerik?"

"Ah, I'm sorry. The branch manager hasn't returned yet. I was told he won't be back until this evening."

"I see."

Well, he's the person in charge of the guild in this town. He must be busy, especially now with the demon attack incident.

Then we shouldn't trouble him.

"In that case, please just pass on the message that we've headed to Bargia. We've already said our goodbyes this morning, so just the message is fine. Also, I'll check if there are any quests in the direction of Bargia."

"Yes, understood... Ah, that's right, Ruruk-san."

The receptionist, with slightly teary eyes, glanced at Elen and Saaya behind me.

"Now that Saaya-san has joined and you've gone from a duo to a trio, we'd like you to decide on a party name for your group."

"Ah, that's right. Please wait a moment."

I took the young girls to a table near the quest board.

A party name, huh.

I completely forgot about it, but from now on, we'll be working as these three people and one creature. We'll need a title for various situations.

Any name would be fine, but let's decide on one that we won't be embarrassed to be called by.

At times like this, it's only natural to rely on the young girls who love naming things, rather than me with my lack of sense.

"So, I hereby call to order the first party meeting. The agenda is our party name."

"Yay! Clap clap clap clap!"

"Mm, clap clap."

"Yay!"

"I'll say this beforehand. The party name can't overlap with already existing parties, so anything too simple will be rejected. Also, names of famous people or monsters are rejected."

"Boo boo."

"Mmm..."

Now then, young girls and slime-kun.

Bring forth your candidates. Of course, I'm the judge.

Saaya immediately raises her hand.

"I've got one!"

"Go ahead, Saaya-kun."

"'Love Nest' would be good!"

"Rejected."

"Boo boo."

Are you serious?

We'd only feel embarrassed every time we have to say it.

"Mm."

"Go ahead, Elen-kun."

"'God Slayer.'"

"Rejected."

"Mm..."

No, no, gods are objects of faith for the people. We're not killing them.

Adventurer Elen seems to have awakened to waves of killing intent.

"Here!"

"Go ahead, Punisuke-kun."

"'I Love Master!' is good!"

"Ugh... I want to approve it, but I have no choice but to reject it...!"

"Aww..."

The feeling is nice. The mood is very happiness wonderful.

But it would be too much of a punishment game to have to say it.

After that, candidates like "Circle of Vows," "Destruction King," "Everyone's Favorite," "Road of Promise," "Ultimate Magician," and others that would be embarrassing to say out loud kept coming up.

Regarding "Everyone's Favorite," the young girls and I writhed in agony while having nosebleeds.

"It might be presumptuous for me to say this since I can't think of anything at all, but I'd like something a bit more stylish. Something that would have dignity even if we become famous and people talk about us."

"Dignity, huh... I got it. How about this?"

What Saaya suggested was exactly the name I was looking for.

When Elen heard it, she immediately agreed with "Mm, perfect." Only Punisuke didn't seem to understand, but we'll explain it to her gradually.

"Alright, then let's find a suitable transport quest for Saaya and set off."

"Yeah!"

We searched for a quest that G-rank adventurer Saaya could take, and found a transport quest to a place between Restamia and Bargia, taking the request form.

We returned to the receptionist, and after Saaya made the request, we applied for the party name.

"Registration complete. Well then, Ruruk-san, I look forward to seeing you again someday."

"Yes. It's Saaya's hometown, so we'll be back before too long."

"Yes! Have a safe trip! Take care!"

And so, we departed from the town of Shaboom.

A lot has happened, but a new journey is about to begin.

Let's share everything, both the hardships and the joys, with everyone.

I whispered softly.

"Well then, I'm off, Master."

Ruruk Muuteru.

Elenora.

Saaya Schreine.

And so, the last disciples of the Mystic King set out on their journey from here.

■　■　■　■　■

"Come on, stop crying."

A colleague was speaking to the receptionist who was quietly shedding tears behind the Adventurers' Guild counter.

"But, but..."

"Well, he was such a young and amazing adventurer. I understand how you feel, but he's an adventurer after all. We can't tie them down."

"Yeah... I know."

"So, did those kids finally decide on a party name? What did they choose?"

"Um, this."

The receptionist showed the registration form to her colleague.

The colleague glanced at it and tilted her head.

"What does it mean?"

"I don't know... but..."

"I see. I don't understand it, but it's a name that suits them."

The colleague smiled and then patted the receptionist's back.

"Come on, wipe your tears and get back to work. It's going to get busy from now on!"

"Yeah. I know."

The receptionist pasted the registration form on the inside of the counter.

She placed it discreetly where it could always be seen, but not visible to other adventurers.

The registration form had the party name and its members written on it.

The party leader was Ruruk.

The members were Elenora and Saaya Schreine. Punisuke's name was listed as a registered familiar.

"Look, a young person has come."

"O-okay. Hello. This is the Adventurers' Guild reception. How may I help you—"

The receptionist glanced at the registration form and resumed her work.

At the very top of the registration form, prominently displayed, was her favorite party's name.

There, the newly decided name was written.

[Rozewill].

[Heart Section → END NEXT → Dragon Princess Edition]

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Author Notes:

  [Tips Afterword - About the Skill "Numerology of Myriads":

  There are no plans for this skill to reappear, hence the unveiling of its background settings.

  The "Numerology of Myriads" skill embodies the concept of a number that cannot be distinctly defined, akin to the notion of 'uncountably infinite.' This self-transformative skill can evolve in two directions: either towards physical or mental formlessness, ultimately reaching a quasi-divine state of immortality. Additionally, its negative form involves a solidification into a permanent, unchanging state, effectively leading to a human's death once assumed.

  Background:

  The origins of this skill are intricately linked to a young girl during the era of the gods, a time when life had yet to settle on this planet. Among the many prototypes of today's races working under the gods in heaven, the Creation God Kianus, deity of time and space, selected prototypes from various races to inhabit and adjust to this primal world. A human prototype girl, with less adaptability compared to other races, failed to cope with the planet's unstable environmental changes and returned to the divine realm in a tragic state, having succumbed even to microbial toxins. Moved by pity, God Kianus apologized and administered a robust program to heal her. Eventually, she recovered and volunteered to return to the planet, where she developed a unique resistance to all environments, enabling her to survive until the planet stabilized. After many millennia, as other prototypes either returned to heaven or perished, she alone persisted until her soul's lifespan concluded, returning to the cycle of reincarnation upon the planet's completion. In honor of her devout service, God Kianus preserved her legacy as the skill "Numerology of Myriads."]

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