Reincarnated Devil's Strongest Hero Training Plan ~The baby he picked up has grown up so well that his father is confused~ - Volume 2 Chapter 10

Reincarnated Devil’s Strongest Hero Training Plan ~The baby he picked up has grown up so well that his father is confused~

Volume 2 Chapter 10   Boys

In the central part of the Onos Ruins, far from the entrance, Ekina and her group, thanks to Wasabi’s impressive performance as a high-level spirit rivaling any monsters in the area, had managed to explore smoothly and without any significant dangers. They had laid out a sheet in a coliseum-like area and were taking a lunch break.

From an outsider’s perspective, it looked like children were on a school excursion or picnic, and the newbie adventurers hunting in the ruins watched them with mixed feelings.

The coliseum’s interior was a spacious, open area, often used as a rest spot by other adventurers between hunts. Because of this, low-level monsters either couldn’t enter due to the high concentration of adventurers or were quickly dealt with if they did, making it an extremely safe zone.

Despite being an ideal resting place, having two five-year-olds, a ten-year-old, and a mysterious tamed scallop among the group inevitably made them stand out.

Among the newbie adventurers were some who had only recently registered. While an average eight-year-old couldn’t handle hunting grounds immediately after formal registration, there were still some who, though not quite adults, were just as inexperienced and struggled daily to make a living through their tasks.

With Ekina’s group visibly standing out, laying out a sheet and enjoying a picnic-like atmosphere with store-bought bento lunches, it was only natural that they drew attention.

These novice adventurers, scraping by on their daily quests, were at the bottom rung of society, unable to enjoy a comfortable life until they graduated from their newbie status.

Of course, there’s nothing inherently wrong with that. Many adventurers, often orphans or those with difficult circumstances, had to work alongside adults from a young age to survive in a harsh environment, striving not to be underestimated.

Starting from the bottom with no wealth was a given, and with continuous effort, rising through the adventurer ranks could lead to a glorious future. However, achieving such glory was a rare feat reserved for the few who could seize those opportunities, and no one, not even gods or heroes, could definitively deny their potential.

Nevertheless, for those living on the edge, seeing well-dressed, carefree children having a picnic would inevitably provoke resentment.

“Hey, why are these kids having a picnic in this sacred hunting ground for adventurers? Since when did this place become a playground for children? Are you listening, huh?”

Five nearly adult-looking boys appeared before Ekina’s group, with one well-built boy stepping forward, hand on his weapon, scowling as he intimidated them.

Upon closer inspection, they each had iron E-rank plates on their chests, and the leader flaunted a D-rank bronze plate, displaying their strength to intimidate the children.

Unfortunately for them, even the weakest among Ekina’s group, Abel, had the strength of a D-rank. It was laughable for these rookie E and D-rank adventurers to try and intimidate Ekina, Fradalia, or Wasabi, an advanced spirit.

The children usually kept their adventurer tags hidden under their clothes to avoid hindrance in combat, so it was understandable that the newcomers mistook them for ordinary kids on an inexplicable picnic in the ruins.

Sensing their intentions, the little mischievous girl, finding the situation amusing, continued eating her bento with a scheming smile, contemplating how to provoke the intruders further.

“Hey, who are these stupid-looking guys? Are they your school friends, sis? If they are, as your acquaintances, I guess I could share a bit of my lunch if they want some?”

Munch, munch, munch, gulp. Ekina made a show of savoring her lunch, intentionally flaunting the skewer of beef she bought from a food stall.

However, despite her teasing smile, Ekina’s eyes were sharp, missing no movement. She seemed to have a plan, even though Abel, less attuned to people’s emotions, thought she was merely playing and tried to intervene calmly.

“Hey, Ekina, stop it… It’s not a good idea to mess with people outside of our mission.”

“Abel is right. There were people like this in the academy too, but they just want to complain. Ignore them, and they’ll eventually leave satisfied.”

“Don’t push your luck, kid,” one of the older boys growled, clearly agitated by Abel’s unintended addition to the provocation.

The air grew tense, but Ekina seemed to have anticipated this, maneuvering the situation to her advantage. Smiling even more broadly, she moved on to the next phase of her plan.

“So, what’s it gonna be, guys? If you want to draw your weapons, go ahead. Do it in front of all these resting adventurers, if you can.”

Her taunting was bold, but she spoke the truth. The nearby adventurers, sensing the tension, had subtly shifted their attention to the scene. Should the boys draw their weapons against the seemingly defenseless children, they would quickly be labeled as rogues and dealt with accordingly.

Most onlookers were E-rank fledglings, less experienced, but among them were cautious D-rank adventurers, seasoned enough to recognize the threat. If these boys drew their swords against children, the nearby adventurers would promptly intervene.

Realizing they were outmatched, the leader of the group cursed under his breath and led his disgruntled friends away.

“Phew, looks like they’re gone. But Ekina, why did you provoke them like that? They might have attacked!”

As long as weapons weren’t drawn, it was just another typical squabble among adventurers. The surrounding adventurers wouldn’t overreact to mere threats, seeing it as a learning experience for the children. However, Ekina seemed disappointed that the boys hadn’t attacked, her eyes narrowing as she watched them leave.

“Well, that would have made it more interesting.”

“Huh?”

“Alright! Now that we have a lead, let’s follow those guys!”

Quickly packing up their picnic, Ekina began preparing for their adventure. Abel, still confused, could only watch in bewilderment. Fradalia, seemingly aware of Ekina’s plan from the beginning, had already started packing up, indicating her earlier intervention was part of the scheme.

“Wait, what… am I the only one who doesn’t get what’s happening?”

“Abel, you’re such a klutz!”

“I’m not a klutz! Be nicer about it!”

Ekina teased Abel, her childhood friend who was always trusting and kind-hearted. Despite her harsh words, there was a warmth in her gaze, showing she appreciated this side of him.

“Don’t worry, Abel. Actually, it’s these qualities that make you endearing to both Ekina and me. Please always stay the way you are; it’s more… enjoyable.”

“What do you mean, ‘enjoyable’!? And what’s happening now!?”

“Well, to put it simply, we’ve found a lead on our investigation. It’s just a possibility, but given their calm demeanor, the likelihood is very high.”

Fradalia, winking and placing a finger on her lips, explained the situation in simplified terms. If the boys had attacked out of anger, it would mean they genuinely disliked them. But their retreat suggested they had a purpose behind their confrontation, likely under someone’s direction.

Ekina’s ability to discern this at her age was remarkable, even in Fradalia’s experienced eyes. Although Ekina enjoyed watching Abel’s confusion, she decided to switch to a serious expression and focus on their mission.

“So, that’s the situation. We’ll follow those guys, keeping a distance so they don’t notice us.”

“Oh… okay! Got it!”

“Hehe, got it!”

With their meal finished and everyone on the same page, the trio moved closer to the heart of their investigation. Watching them from the shadows were the low-class demon and a dark elf with icy eyes but twitching ears, proud of her daughter’s competence. Their involvement, however, would come later in the story.