Baka-Tsuki - User contributions [en]

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter7

2012-05-10T08:33:23Z

64.134.238.189: /* Chapter 7: World Door */ weapon update "ak rifle"=AK-47

===Chapter 7: World Door===

In accordance with the pope coronation ceremony, The Knight Corps of the Water Spirit was practicing with high vigor in the courtyard. From outward performance they were called to escort Henrietta who will attend the ceremony. But in reality, the true aim was to seize the enemy of both Henrietta and the Pope. That's why they were in high spirit when they found out.

“For this honored duty Her Majesty has chosen us!!“

Malicorne shouted, and immediately following were loud cheers.

“Stop the conspiracy from the evil villain Galia that is endangering His Holiness, the Pope!”

Once again, the voices of the young pupils echoed.

“To stop the conspiracy!“

Except with the affair of Void, Henrietta had explained the measures that will be taken to the Knight Corps of the Water Spirit gentlemen.

“Something has targeted the Pope.”

In the next upcoming ceremony, the plan was to intimidate Galia to attack so they could be labeled as Heretics.

When that moment comes, Romalia will take all efforts to seize them.

Henceforth, the Knight Corps of the Water Spirit were doing their best to provide backup forces.

The Enemy, Galia, the one that will be labeled as Heretics, will most likely use demonic forces. (the actual literal translation would be evil tools)

That's why the Knight Corps of the Water Spirit of Tristain will be extremely careful.

Because the order came from Henrietta directly, the Knight Corps of the Water Spirit's morale rose to the culmination point. But of course the main reason they became so is because it is a good chance to restore their disgraced honour in the Magic Academy. If they successfully accomplish this mission, they could come home with triumphant looks!

However...... after the other day in Albion when battling Myoznitnirn, and having tasted the combat power of the enemy, the Knight Captain Guiche couldn't help but feel uneasy.

That Guiche, who before couldn't calm himself down, continued to give instructions while gazing at the sky.

The knight gentlemen created a simulation of the actual battle by using big golems as sparring partners. Any line class mage can make earth golems of this size. These sparring partners were used to land magic attacks.

“Come to think of it, are you well Saito?“

Guiche with a worried voice asked Saito who was standing beside him.

Ahead, the Knight Corps of the Water Spirit who were using a big golem as an enemy model, launched magic attacks. Some hit and some missed. “Yes, I have successfully landed an attack." "No, it's mine”, that kind of commotion. The Knight Corps of the Water Spirit “Ondine” desperately tried to become as strong as possible for the next upcoming battle. Although it is probably a futile effort, whatever magic talent they may possess.

As to be expected for a line class level golem.

Those mortals don't even have a clue what kind of magic will be used by the Galia forces...... or Myoznitnirn.

“Whatever, it is futile, probably. But the efforts those guys give to achieve results is quite admirable.“

Calmly analyzing the differences in the combat ability, Saito said that. ''Truthfully, I don't want to involve them. But since it is an order from Henrietta, there is no helping it. These guys also have their pride as a part of the imperial guards forces. As for me.......''

''I had withdrew the objection stances I made for the plan to retake the holy land. If by any chances Galia really makes a move..... then at all costs, the plan must succeed no matter what.''

“At any rate, I will figure out something when the time comes.“

Saito said that while feeling the weight of the AK-47 and Derflinger he carried on his shoulder, as part of his protecting duty, Saito and his fellows were permitted to use any special weapon in the temple warehouses.

It's better if I could have some of these weapons, and so Saito chose the Russian-made Ak-47. This guy has the most destruction power, Derflinger told him so from the instinct he perceived.

“I too have to do the best of my ability....... that gigantic marionette knight from that elf. Perhaps this time, if I manage to live, I can find a way home.”

As for Guiche, he continued gazing at the sky.

　When it was the time for lunch break, the gentlemen of the Knight Corps of the Water Spirit were full of sweat, and tiredly walked to the dining room. In a seat inside was Louise, who waited for Saito and fellows. When she saw the figure of Saito in the middle, suddenly her cheeks showed signs of being displeased.

With that angry mood, she took a seat besides Saito.

“Still in a bad temper?”

Of course I am, Louise thought.

The one who will confront the enemy directly is not Henrietta or the Pope, she understands that fully. Even though the person that bears the most dangerous task is him. ''Could you show just a little sign of dissatisfaction?''

I understand, we have to settle the score with Galia's Void user. But........

Right now, I can't give much contribution. Since I am still recovering my will-power.

With a strong tone, Louise said.

“Hey.”

“Huh?”

“Try to value yourself a little bit!”

Saito laughed when Louise said that.

“What's with you, is it strange?”

“That's not it..... I think it's reversed.”

“Eh?”

“See, you acted as a discarded chess piece in the Albion incident once before.......”

When Louise remembered, her cheeks blushed. Then with a strong appearance, glared back at Saito.

“You follow me!”

Louise who was stretching Saito's ear, stood.

“Ouch! What's with you?!”

Leaving the dining room, she pulled Saito to the corner of the corridor, and with a strong tune yelled.

“You know! The degree of dangerousness is different from that time! Perhaps even more dangerous. Understand, the enemy this time is an insane Void user..... Even if the three Void users on our side joined forces! Certainly, he will still come. Until now, they have continued attacking, so this time they will surely come!” (not very sure with translation in last sentences)

“Hey, you know, you've changed.”

“What?”

“The you in the past, whatever the princess ordered, you would obey.”

“Hey, listen seriously!”

“Aye aye!”

“...You are conceited. I'm sure looking from past experience, you are thinking it will be alright. What a crude way of thinking. Not only you, that goes for the Princess and the Pope...... You can't help but think that. Don't mess with me! Eee, Certainly it's you who stopped the 70,000 soldiers of Albion and defeated that elf. But.... that was done with tough luck. One wrong step and we would be a corpse.”

“I know that a hundred times better than you. The one who did the fighting was me, so I understand it well.

“Then why did you promise to help without thinking!? I'll say it again, it's you who charges the enemy directly. Whether it's Henrietta or the Pope, they are not the true fighting potential, isn't it!? Julio is not weak. But after all, that person's combat abilities is Windalfr Command Beast..... When the fight really begins, in the end, his familiar will do the fighting!”

With a depressed voice, Louise says.

“.....Do you really understand that? When the fighting begins, certainly the one who charges to the front is you, Gandalfr [Shield of God] they called it. But..... in the end, you are just a single human. Be it the Princess or the Pope, they cannot act like a shield.”

Saito mimicked looking troubled. While gazing far away, says.

“I...... until now.......... when I was living in that world, never thought for whom I will live for, not even once. But when I came to this world. I am not the past me. Yes, I think it's something like that.”

“What are you mumbling?”

“Let's say, living for one's own self, thinking for the best of my own convenience. Living by ignoring everything else,that would only result in regret, understood? If we see thoroughly, this world does not differ too much with that world in this manner, even though in that place there is no magic. Somehow, it's something like that, that's why I thought it was okay to do my best.”

Saito!”

“Right. Until now I was always thinking for whom am I living for? I always couldn't understand that. But when I came here.....”

Saito fixed his gaze at Louise.

“I more or less pretty much understand that; for who am I living for, so I won't run away. But when I was alone facing danger, I think I would run. Perhaps that's a foolish act. What could be gained in fighting? But, that's not it. When the person I like is endangered, I will fight.”

Louise's cheeks blushed.

But......... I can't lose here.

“I want to always be together with you.”

That's how a boy would be thinking; they didn't want to lose in an unimportant fight. Those words he said should be some kind of persuasion, but he can't find the right words.

“Saito....” when she rose her face, from behind there was a call.

“Louise.”

Agnes was there when she turned around, looking at Louise.

“You are called by her Majesty. Bring the Founder's prayer book, please come as soon as possible!”

Louise's face stiffened, still continuing to glare at Saito.

“Please wait for a little bit. I haven't finished talking yet!”

Mentioning that, Agnes walked away.

Meanwhile, Saito had left wanting to go back to the Cafeteria. Ah, if I may say a word, I don't want to meet with those eyes. That was my true intention.

Afternoon came with the same menu of training, aimlessly wondering, impatiently running until the sound of panting could be heard, it was Colbert.

“Yo, sensei, something wrong?”

“It works! It works!”

“What works?”

Colbert looked excited.

“Notebook (hiragana) computer is working!”

“What did you say?”

Saito replied with a high pitched voice.

Since have been prepared in Colbert room before, in front of Saito was a round looking object, a huge black battery.

“How could this thing......”

Could it be yesterday that Julio brought the weapon from that warehouse to here? But Colbert shouldn't have known that yet.
　
But soon after, his doubt vanished.

“This thing here..... is from dragon raiment, that aircraft you called, wasn't it?”

Colbert said that, with an expressionless face.

“This is?”

Saito found it hard to believe what was in front of him. Now that I think about it, after inspecting more carefully, that thing may be similar to present days battery, only bigger and far older.

It roughly resembled the batteries that are used in present-day cars and motorcycles. Inspecting more carefully, there is the logo 'Mitsubishi Battery model 3 stepping 2, June Showa years 18.'

This is part of the zero fighter, it couldn't be wrong.

“Is by any chance...... This battery was used.”

But Colbert shook his head

“No...... it is not like that. Listen, you once said, the notebook (hiragana) is moved by electricity, but right now the power has been depleted, so it won't work, true?”

“Yes.”

“Now the source of electricity from the notebook (hiragana) should be this, true?”

Colbert took out a battery from the notebook.

“Yes. That has been depleted.... it doesn't mean it can't be charged. But there is no consent it can connect to anything in this world.”

“I always thought about this. What could we do to provide electricity to your notebook (katakana) battery.”

Colbert talked excitedly, showing a similar attitude to that of any scientist who had successfully reached a conclusion after a series of experiments and want to publish it to the world; seemingly in a trance.

“First of all, note what electricity was used by that aircraft! It is a speedometer tool, navigation tools, and that engine which was rotating by oil to create power. And the one that provided all of that electricity is this box in the center.
“I see!”

Saito looking excited too, made a fist.

“Then in this aircraft, this box is precisely the device that was providing electricity! If that thing were to rotate continuously, electricity would be made and if we connect it to this box, the aircraft's life will be renewed.

“Then... the zero fighter dynamo is used to connect with this! Magnificent!”

“No, that is impossible.”

Colbert quickly shook his head.

“Why?”

“How should I say it, it's the same electricity. But the electricity needed to move this notebook (hiragana) and the one that is used for moving that aircraft is different. A more complicated electricity type is needed. If we forced it to connect with that electric box, it could break.”

“........Ah, then what should we do?”

Colbert's smile resurfaced.

“Use magic.”

“Magic?”

“The fundamental task is to gather the electricity in this box. To create electricity, what is the gradient? When I noticed that, I studied the mechanism on how that aircraft battery works. Doing a comparison, what is the factor that created the electricity and what is not? By investigating the components, at last.... I reached a conclusion to put it into practical use.”

“So, you mean.....”

“Right! Artificial gold! If I provide artificial gold, the depleted electricity in this device can be filled again.”

“Sensei! That's wonderful!”

Being moved, Saito hugged Colbert.

“Ahaha! Then, Saito-kun!”

“Yes?”

“If we can provide the electricity, shouldn't the notebook work?”

Meanwhile, having arrived at his Holiness', the Pope's room, Louise knocked on the door.

“Enter”, the pope answered. The door opened. Sitting in the chairs were the Pope, Julio, and Henrietta.

In the corner of the room, Tiffania stood timidly.

“At last.... we have been waiting.”

Vittorio stood and welcomed Louise. On his finger, there is a ring that reflected the light. Louise continuously starred at that ring.

Vittorio fondly brushed the ring in his finger.

“The other day... Only one, the fourth ring, has been returned to my finger.”

“Then your need with me is.....”

“Could you hand me the founder prayer's book, please?”

Louise took a glance at Henrietta. Henrietta gave a big nod.

“The power of the Founder's prayer book is to discover a new spell. By using the national treasure of Romalia, the “Fire Ruby”, it is possible to get a new spell.

“What kind of spell?”

Louise asked. Could it be really helpful this time for the incoming battle?

“It's not a spell for battles. Are you familiar with “Observe” magic?”

“Yes.”

Wind elemental magic, distant viewing type, able to see far away. In mister Ostmand's room, there is an “observing mirror”, which is a magic tool.

“Observation is a really handy spell, but it will not help the fight directly.”

“My spell type is similar to that. However, the vision shown is different...... It's not Halkeginia's scenery”.

Louise felt a little disappointed. It's not able to watch the enemy movement in detail, if it can't do at least that, it is useless.

Noticing the disappointed face on Louise, Vittorio continued to persuade.

“Each element of Void has its own uniqueness. It's not part of the four element system..... However, it's diverged among us. It seems my basic type is a movement element. Either my familiar or the spells I use are like that. Yours is offensive.”

“Then how about Tiffania? Or the Gallia void user?”

“At this time, we are yet to know. But it's related to divination. That's what we want to find out right now. Then your Majesty, Queen Henrietta......”

Henrietta nodded, and took a ring.

It's the Wind Ruby.

Various unfortunate fates befall on this ring. From Albion's royal family Wales, to Saito, to Henrietta..... The wind treasure has changed owner a few times. Henrietta walked to the corner of the room, making for Tiffania.

“Y, your majesty?'

“Please receive this.”

“Bu, but.....”

Tiffania's face reddened, ashamed. Henrietta took Tiffania's hand.

“This ring has always been passed down from Albion's royal family...... Except you. Right now, there is no one else that has that bloodline. This has been destined to be placed on your finger. Rise, are thou not a Void user?"

With that said, Tiffania received the Wind Ruby, carefully inserting it on her finger. Tiffania's white, beautiful skin matched perfectly with the wind ring.

Now, Vittorio said, facing Louise's direction.

"Brimir's secret is just like the treasures that were packed in a casket. Each treasure (magic) is different. And the rings...... are the key to opening that casket. I wonder what kind of treasure that will be shown by Miss Tiffania. Miss Tiffania, please open the Founder's prayer book."

Louise remembered the words she once said to Tiffania.

“What I need to do is just read.”

So, does it apply to another Void user too? Louise's heart wondered, and Vittorio answered.

“The treasures did not choose four Void users. Such is the reason, however, we are brothers.”

Hereupon, What kind of spell will be discovered by Tiffania?

Once before, I have discovered a new spell........

Louise handed over the Founder's prayer book to Tiffania. Biting her lips, Tiffania received it.

Taking a deep breath for gathering courage, her big breasts moved up and down. And then with a determined look, Tiffania opened her eyes. Resolute to face any destiny that may lie.

Slowly, Tiffania opened a page.

One page, one page, Tiffania continued to turn pages.

“Is there any inscriptions that you can see?”

Tiffania shook her head.

“No.... nothing.”

“Seems like it's not your time yet.”

Tiffania leaked a sigh, a sign of relief.

“Then, it's my turn now.”

Vittorio received the Founder's prayer book from Tiffania, with a similar hesitation to see, and opened it.

However...... this time a page in the Founder's prayer book started radiating bright light.

Vittorio was illuminated by that dazzling light, the dignity of the fifth saint was shaken. Meanwhile, Julio, with the same ever modest look, crumbled to the floor.

“Your Holiness..... oh, your Holiness......”

Henrietta, was amazed at that shining light.

Louise too, couldn't say anything, continued watching that scene.

That moment witnessed the other users gain Void.

The second Void user, Pope Vittorio.

Inside the light, Vittorio read the characters that appeared.

“Upper center in the middle page. World Door”.

Saito plugged in the source of electricity. With the sound “Beep”, the notebook start to operate.

Characters began to appear on the LCD screen, Colbert held his breath.

“What a fine, beautiful display.”

“Now, we are still in the process of booting.”

For Saito, it has been one year since he last saw this screen naturally; his pulse beat fast. The OS logo was shown..... and the Desktop screen appeared.

“It's fortunate. This machine is not broken.”

Like a child, Colbert watched intently at that bright screen.

“Then, Saito-kun.”

“Yes?”

“What kind of thing can this device do?”

Saito looked troubled. That will be a difficult explanation.

“For example, internet....”

“That was what you said before, many many thing can be found to gather information, the functionality of this thing, right?”

“Affirmative.”

“With all honour, could you demonstrate it for me?”

“I'd love to, but I think there is no connection.”

Saito said. This is a different world, it's impossible to connect.

“Whatever, for the sake of truth, let's try it?”

Nodding, he understood. Saito opened an application to test the connection.

Meanwhile in the Pope's office, the sound of the spells being chanted vibrated in the room.

Yuru.eru.nawashizu.pooba.shirumari.......

Louise was gazing intently at the performance.

The name of the spell that was chanted, spinning her head trying to remember.

“World Door."

That is...... that is, by any chance?
　
Could it be......?

　
Hagasu.eoruu.peoosu.......

　
The Pope finished reciting the spell. The power of Void like always took some time to finish chanting, moreover, it exhausts will power.

And then....... swinging the staff so it pointed to the air.

The first time that was shown....... something that resembled a small dot, a speck.

Like a sparkling light of a crystal, floating in the sky...... that kind of scene.

Gradually, that tiny thing turned bigger and bigger until it reached the size of a hand mirror.

“Mirror....“

There is a vision in that mirror..... No, it couldn't be a mirror. The vision that is being projected is not a vision that I have ever seen. Tall, rows of tower..... a vision of a different country.

“This is.....“

Louise muttered.

Not a scene of Halkeginia.

Could it be..... this is.......

The name of the spell is resurrected.

“World Door.“

“This vision..... could it be......“
　
Vittorio satisfied, returned a nod.

“Right. A world different from ours. The world where flying machines are made....... the place before us gives a sense of extraordinary technology, the home-world.”
“That is...... Saito's birthplace.“

Louise continued to stare at Saito's home-world. Those tall looking towers..... many towers forming rows is a city, Louise has never seen scenery like this.

No, it is not an ordinary tower; those high uniformity, from looking at those, there is no similar tower like this in any of Halkeginia's castles.
　
That highly refined art of the walls..... many of them are made from glass that seemed to sparkle, reflecting the sun light. Even with magic, it is impossible to archive this, truly an art.

I wonder how many of them stand there.

Tiffania too, her eyes wide-open, continued gazing at that vision. Henrietta too, looked at that vision with anxiety. As for Julio, he showed signs of satisfaction just by watching these ladies.

Vittorio continued to say:

“The spell I used right now only reflects The World, not even past this point. Nevertheless, the true strength of The World Door spell is different. If that spell is really used, the gate to that world can really be opened.“

　
After the demonstration had been shown...... the sphere of reflection vanished. That spell only lasted for 10 seconds....... But even with that, surely it was a most exhausting will power. At any rate, the gate to a different world can really be opened......

Louise ran.

“Hey Louise, where are you going?“

That figure, Julio said that.

“It's been decided, hasn't it? To tell Saito about this! A way to go home has been found!“

“Oi, oi!, if you do that, I would be troubled.“
　
With a smile on his face, Julio said that.

“What do you mean?“

“I, Look at the fact that he came from that world. He once said before, 'in the holy land, there is a possibility that I may find a way home'. If you told him this magic, the only reason that he would come would be moot, wouldn't it?“

“How could you!?“

“That is not the only problem.“
　
Vittorio interrupted.

“This World Door, quite a spell that requires exhausting will power. For the sake of showing this to you, a small door was made....... If we want to make a bigger door, for example: sufficient enough for him to enter, I'm afraid that would take all of my will power. My Void ability, if it was not for Halkegenia's sake, I can't use it; I have to preserve this power. For the sake for him to go back home, if only for that reason, I can't use this spell.“

“But! But!“

Louise was drawing near to Vittorio.
　
Julio, who widened both his hands, said.

“Besides that Louise, can you really bear it if he really goes back home?“

"....Eh?“

“Wouldn't you be troubled too? If you said to him to go home....“

Louise took a blow.

“Louise, you don't want to part with him, right?“

Louise began to shiver.
　
Seems now Louise began to grasp the situation.

''About myself..... that didn't want to part with Saito. That time, when I thought he was dead....... What did I do actually? I attempted suicide by jumping from the fire tower, wasn't it?''

''Do I dare to take the choice to part with him forever?.''

''I don't want the second time that I can't meet him.''

''Can I bear a situation like that?''

''Now I remember, I didn't think seriously about this matter.''

''How many times have I said to him that I will find a way home for you. Actually, I haven't thought deep about the meaning of those words.''

''In reality, if Saito could really find a way to home..... I'm trembling right now''.

''The chance of Saito having a girl, that thought really scared me!''

To the pale looking Louise, Vittorio continued.

“In the long lifespan of a human, we will endlessly make choices. Miss Valliere, living for the sake of love is right. Wishing for his happiness is right too...... I don't think it is a shame to choose any of them. Perhaps I will too, choose for my sake. In the religious teachings, consideration to one of the party is not a wrong thing. That's what I think.“
　
Henrietta too, says to Louise with a painful voice.

“Louise, in choosing the option, we took the meaning the other options we discarded. No matter what it takes, Saito-dono can't go home. Moreover, wisely thinking, he has not come to this world just to inspect it. But... Even if it's for the sake of your love, his parents will be abandoned. In the end, he returns for justice, I think. “He can't go back home”, it's not a shame if this cruel conscience is ignored.”

Henrietta continued talking.

“Listen carefully, no matter how many times you have been saved, do not think only for yourself. Think for the sake of the future of Halkeginia. For our ideals, his strength is needed..... Please think carefully and make your judgment wisely, Louise.“

“Saito-kun.....“

Dumbfounded, Colbert dazed at Saito, asked.

However, there was no reply.

Saito's vision was stuck on the notebook computer.

There.... A sign on the browser telling him it's connected to the internet.

It's connected.

How could it be?

I don't think it could be connected.

Saito's fingers were moving the cursor from the taskbar.

Entered the web-mail address, and then clicked.

In just a few seconds, one by one, mail flowed continuously.

It was direct mail. Some from his friends.

But, the most frequent was from...... his mother.

It couldn't be counted how many there was actually.

Once a day, it could delivered two or three times.

He opened the latest mail.

''To, Saito.

''It's been a year since you have been gone.
''
''Right now, where could you be?''

''We have been asking many people to find you, but still you can't be found.''

''I am hoping, somehow this mail can reach you, so the fee always payed.''

''Today, I made your favorite, hamburger.''
''
''Like when cutting an onion, tears flowed.''

''"Are you well?''

''I'm so worried just thinking that.
''
''I can't think anything besides that.''

''Whatever you do, I couldn't care.''

''But please show your face.''''

Saito opened the next mails one by one.

There is not much change on the display screen.

Most of the mails' topics were worrying about Saito's disappearance.

Eventually, the link got cut off.

Saito was just dumbstruck opening this large quantity of mail.

*Drip*, tears dropped to the display screen.

“Saito-kun, that is.....“

“It's mail."

“Mail?“

“A letter. From my mother.“

Colbert held his breath. Without waiting for the next words, Colbert exited the room.

Rushing out from his Holiness, Pope's room, Louise ran.
''I want to meet Saito.''

In the end, Louise submitted to their will.

After that long conversation, in the end, a conclusion has been reached.

''However..... wasn't the actual circumstances of the choices mostly related to myself?

For the sake of the world, they said... but in the end, didn't it turn out for my sake?

Because I want to be embraced.

Because the existence of myself is miserable, I want him to accept me.''

When she returned to the dining room, Saito's figure couldn't be found anywhere. Hearing from his fellows in the Knight Corps of the Water Spirit, he has gone to Colbert-sensei's room.

In the direction of Colbert room. In front of the door, there was Colbert, who crossed his arms. Louise approached him, inquiring Colbert.

“Sensei, Saito.....“

Having been asked, without saying anything, he pointed to something.

And then, in the vision visible from the door gap... there was a silent figure in the center.

“.....Saito?“

Saito's body was frozen in front of the desk. In the surface of the desk there was something. Louise remembered that strange looking machine. When Saito came to this world for the first time, he showed that thing to her.

Saito's shoulders were shivering.

He's crying.
[[Image:ZnT13-225.jpg|thumb]]

“Sensei, what happened, really......?“

With a small voice, looking troubled, Colbert explained.

“You see that device...... that Saito brought from his world....... somehow, letters can be delivered.”

".....Letters?“

That machine seems like one way or another it could do that.

“.....From whom was the letter sent?“

“It seems from his mother. Seems a sensitive topic.“

Louise receiving a heavy blow to her head, was shocked.
　

''Didn't Saito say before...

That he didn't have any family?
''

''“But....“

But immediately, Louise noticed.

Saito was lying.''

''Saying he didn't have a family was a lie too.

''Why?''

''I know.''

''To not burden me with responsibility.''

Dumbfounded, Louise stood blankly.

Then, Louise's tears start to flow in her eyes.

''Saito, even lying to the extent of hurting himself...... but right now, what did I do to him?

''Even without it being said, I want to be cured from this guilty feeling by being held by Saito.''

“I..... why I was such a coward like this.“

A silent cursing voice, whispered by her.

“Miss Valliere?“

Bewildered, Colbert's voice asked. But his voice didn't reach Louise. He remembered what Saito once said.

''“I more or less understand, for whom I live right now.“

That's why, Saito lied...... Because he was thinking of the most important thing.
''
''Despite of this, did I myself think for him too? The best for his sake.

Even right now, I want to be comforted by him. That's why I came here......
''
Louise ran.

“Ah, wait, Miss Valliere!“

Colbert called, trying to stop her, but without turning back, Louise continued leaving.

Rushing over to her own room, lying down on the bed.

Gazing at the ceiling, thinking.

“I...... what is it, that I should do?“

Then I too, will do my best to think of something, for the sake of this boy. What is it that I can do for him?

And then, Louise continued thinking.........

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Talk:Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter6

2012-05-10T08:30:45Z

64.134.238.189:

I wonder if it's my lack of translation for the past week or the author, but this chapter seems pretty long.

Taking a break before I continue on this.

Happy Readings! :D
[[User:Wildk|Wildk]] 13:01, 19 February 2012 (CST)

If you can post a bit better info about the guns I can try to do a better job describing them in English. For an "automatic" I threw in M16 as it is another well known gun (it and the AK47 already mentioned are probably the two best-known assault rifles in the world) that can fire on full auto or 3-round burst. "Roulette" sounds like they are trying to describe a wheel-gun which is slang for a revolver (since the chambers can spin, also this is the type of gun used in "Russian Roulette" where one loads a single bullet, spins it, then points the gun at their head and pulls the trigger). Finally i changed "handguns" to say "semi-automatic handguns" to clarify a bit since a revolver is a handgun as well.
-Chris

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter6

2012-05-10T08:21:39Z

64.134.238.189: /* Chapter 6: Long Spear */ Updated the section about guns to make more sense in English

===Chapter 6: Long Spear===

Dawn of the next day.

"Uhh", Saito rubbed his eyes and sat up straight.

After that last night no one spoke anymore, the dinner naturally ended as well.

At his side Louise was still in a deep slumber. Probably exhausted from yesterday's incident. After the dinner, Louise was contemplating all the way until she reached her room, where she jumped inside her bed immediately.

Saito was thinking, putting what he had said at the beginning aside, about the plan of involving the Gallian King which he'd have no complaints.

Using force to threaten elves, he'd have no interest in that, but as for the Gallian king, it's another issue. There's no one worse than that person. To satisfy his own desires, he assaulted Louise and Saito, killed Tabitha's father, drove her mother crazy, and made Tabitha go through hell literally.

Unforgivable.

Logically, Louise should have thought about this way as well, why would she ever disagree.

He couldn't come up with a good reason. The Pope's plan is certainly dangerous, but it's much more assuring than not knowing when you'd be assaulted. Besides, as soon as this matter ended, there would be no reason to fear an attack anymore.

In every possible scenario, isn't it always better to solve it earlier?

Just as Saito was thinking in this direction, someone knocked on their door.

Saito opened it, just to face Julio with heterochromic eyes, smiling.

"Morning, brother"

"There's no such relationship between you and me!"

Hearing Saito's irritated curses, Julio chuckled

"Don't say that, we're both familiars, shouldn't we be friendly towards each other?"

"You jerk, is not the type to want to be friends. No one ever knows whatever is on your mind. What business do you have, coming here so early"

Saito never liked Julio much from the start. Because of his compliments at Albion which made Louise blush. Someone who has jealousy as profound as Saito is determined not to give Louise away.

Julio neglected Saito's unpleasant attitude and beckoned.

"There are things we want you to see."

"Want me?"

"Yes. It's about to be ready."

"What about Louise?"

Julio shook his head.

"It's only for your eyes."

Julio brought Saito to the basement of the grand Cathedral, a place which intuitively makes people feel suspicious. Past the spiral staircase downwards is a damp underground tunnel. Weak dancing fires illuminated the sides of the tunnel. Saito pressed forwards while feeling uncertain, and eventually reach a place completely dark.

Julio picked up the lit up firewood hanging on the sides of the wall and proceeded.

The surroundings seemed to be chilly. Turns out icy air was blowing from the interiors.

"This really is a terribly creepy place. There aren't any monsters, I hope?"

Saito said, hugging his body and rubbing his shoulders. Julio chuckled.

"Perhaps. Perhaps not. After all, this is a cemetery left behind from the ancient eras. It's also the reason why this is constructed."

"Oh so it's a cemetery. You have really taken me to some horrible place."

Saito complained but continued to follow Julio with a trembling body into a fairly wider area. Inside this circular shaped, cylindrical shaped place, was a rectangular steel gate. It was covered entirely with red rust and layers of dust. To believe that it was still in use would be surprising.

"So? You brought me here to look at a grave? I'm not especially fascinated to look at these stuff in the early morning"

"Somewhat. Though say this is a cemetery, what's sleeping inside is not a person."

"Huuhhh?"

The steel door was heavily sealed. Inserting the key brought along into the gigantic lock, then, "Clack!", a loud unlocking sound echoed throughout the tunnel.

Julio took down the chains and grasped the handle to the door with force, giving a forced moan unmatching his face and pulled. Yet still, the door didn't even bulge.

"This isn't easy at all. Completely rusted. Are you going to help?"

Julio stuck out his tongue and hurried Saito.

Sucking his own lip in, Saito reached out his hands to the door. Giving everything they've got, the door, after a loud "Bang!", gave away. Dust brew everywhere, making Saito caught by surprise choke and cough.

The door leads to a pitch black room.

Julio raised his torch up high, but the interiors were just as dark. It seemed that the room was quite spacious. Julio started to search for the magic lamps positioned on the walls.

"I think it should be around here"

"What do you want me to look at. If it's a normal grace then I'll really be angry"

"Alright, alright, you will definitely be frightened. Ah, here we go!"

Julio placed his hand inside the magic lantern and pressed down the switch.

And so, all the other lights inside the room lit up simultaneously.

From the darkness a room as large as two churches came out of no where.

"This, what's this"

Seeing the items placed inside, Saito was too surprised to breathe normally.

"Impressed, eh?"

Saito did not even hear Julio's words. He was completely crushed by the sight in front of him. Lying on the shelf on the right, are all guns.

Not any common gun you can find on Halkeginia.

The structure was obviously different.

Saito tried and lift one up. It seemed kind of heavy. When holding it, the marking on his left hand started to glow.

"..."

Saito looked at this gun speechless. Under the fine quality of the wooden covered barrel, protruded a box shaped magazine. Throughout the entire Halkeginia, there is definitely not a gun with rapid fire like this one.

Saito looked at the belly of the barrel. Familiar Latin characters jumped into his eyes.

ENGLAND

"It's made in England."

That's right, it's an item from Earth. Saito then picked up another gun. This is a familiar gun seen in televisions and games, Saito remembers that, isn't it the famous Russian made gun?

"That's it. An AK-47."

He unplucked a magazine from the English rifle. The bullets were filled up to the top. Next to the rifle lay an M16, revolvers, and various semi-automatic handguns.

There were in total around 10 modern guns. Although inside some of them were damaged, but a number of them were still gleaming brightly stainless from rust.

Julio explained

"Although we have used a statis spell to preserve these as soon as we found them, some of them broke, or even worse, into pieces"

On the shelf next to this one, were all old guns. They included musket guns and matchlock guns currently in use by Halkeginia. The only difference is, from the look of the words inscribed on the guns, they were all items from Earth.

There were in total a few dozen of them.

Progressing even further down the shelves, placed more ancient weapons. All sorts or swords, spears, crossbows, even a boomerang. However these sorts of weapons were already indistinguishable from Halkeginia's, though the katana made Saito realise that these were also once part of Earth.

Next to the handheld weapons were all sorts of other stuff. There was something like a cannon, and even a rare thing like a rocket launcher. However, these were all broken down.

Sprawling on the ground the head of a fighter jet aircraft was also quite intimidating.

"Why are these things here?"

"In the eastern lands, our spies have started collecting these things a few centuries ago. On that side, we occasionally find these kind of items. To transport these things under the elves' noses sure was a tough job."

Saito remembered Seista's great grandfather. He too was Japan's navy fighter pilot. According to legends, he also came from the eastern lands.

"I say the eastern grounds, but more accurately, it should be weapons found near the holy grounds."

Julio then pointed inside.

"This isn't all"

Illuminated by the dim light, a small hill shaped item sat there covered by a cloth. Shouldered by the light, it seemed just like a tent.

"What's that"

"See for yourself"

Julio calmly walked forward, unpeeled the cloth. The fabric dropping onto the ground triggered a storm of dust.

Peering through the flying dust, the silhouette of the object gradually appeared, making Saito once again speechless.

"E-even this kind of stuff"

It was a humongous metal box. The heavy steel plates assembled as a box overwhelmed Saito like a two-storey building.

Furthermore, on top of the box, a long barrel extended outwards.

[[Image:ZnT13-179.jpg|thumb]]

"Tank"

Though its intimidating ominous presence, the tank sat there quietly. From it's heavily layered grey paint like trams from the old days, one can imagine the era it came from.

On the tank's side was a distinctive white cross. The turret carried a white "324" number and its badge.

"It's a German Panzer!"

Saito once made a model of it when he was small. Seeing it really brings back a lot of memories, but to see the real thing was an unimaginable chance. This is completely irrelevant to the props used in movies. The real tank is intimidating, sturdy, gigantic, heavy. The zero fighter plane gives people a sumptuous feel, but this war machine delivers raw power and shock, deeply imprinting a sense that it was made purely for destruction into everyone's minds.

Saito gently skimmed the exterior of the tank. Icy cold, the dark steel surface chilled Saito's hand. In the darkness, Saito's inscriptions on his left hand flickered brightly.

''This tank is still alive'', his instincts told him.

"Impressive. Even installing cannons on a wagon. Not only is it huge, but it also comes with intricate switches! This is what we call an untimely piece of art. So? Did it leave an impression"

Saito growled.

"You"

"We, not only with these kind of weapons, but have also encountered people like you a countless number of times. Yes, it all started a few centuries ago. As for who and what kind of person you are, we are completely familiar with."

Saito snorted.

"Is that so. Forget it, it's pointless to keep this secret anymore. True, I do come from the other world. So what. It's very nostalgic, that's all. What are you trying to plan again?"

"You are the same with the land of our objective. The holy grounds conceals the reason of bringing items here. If you were to go there, you will find a way to go back, no?"

Hearing Julio's words, Saito laughed

"What, so that's what you were thinking. Like I said previously, I do not intent to change my point of view. Threatening with the powers of void to steal land, I have no interest in getting involved. The plan about the Gallian king is another issue, I will not accompany you to do that kind of things."

While it may be true that seeing items from Earth have made Saito nostalgic, but it is no more than the effect of seeing Japanese items at a museum in a foreign country. It is not enough to dissuade him.

"Alright, let's leave. Coming to Romalia from somewhere so distant, I do not want to spend my time standing around at this kind of damp place. There's a lot of sightseeing to do."

"Oh oh, don't misunderstand us. I never thought of making you listen to me. Our original intention was to gift these untimely work of art to you."

"Gift?"

"Uh-huh, in both reasoning, you are also the lawful owner of these weapons. First, these things came from your world. Reasonably, they are all yours to begin with."

Julio raised his index finger, which was soon accompanied by his middle finger.

"Another reason. This reason is even more important. These are all your stuff, Gandalfr"

"what do you mean?"

"In another words, this is your long spear"

"Gun?"

"Yes. Do you know the song?"

Julio sang a song with a clear loud voice. He definitely lives up to his title of being the choirmaster. His tone was very impressive.

''The left hand of God is Gandálfr, the ferocious shield of the lord. His left hand wields a large sword and his right hand wields a long spear, protecting me with endless vigilance.
The right hand of God is Vindalfr, the kind-hearted flute of the lord. He dominates all beasts of life, leading me through earth, sky, and water.
The mind of God is Myoznitnirn, the book that carries the crystallization of thought. It carries all knowledge and provides advice whenever I am in need.
There is one more person, but remembering its name gives me trouble…
Taking the four disciples, I came to this land…''

Saito nodded his head.

"Uh, I've heard of Tiffania singing this before."

"I am Windalfr, can control all sorts of beasts. Including women. Actually, women are not as easy to deal with as beasts."

"Yeah, yeah."

Saito recalled Julio's amazing skills with taming dragons at Albion. Even the leader of the dragon riders' squad '''Lune<魯尼>''' once said so himself.

''That guy, even though he's a priest, he really knows how to handle a dragon.''

"Next is Myozunitonirun. That suspicious Gallian lady, who can freely use magical items. You know, you have dealt with her a few times already. She brings unpredictable fear! In normal battles she could be called the strongest. Ahh, creepy woman! That kind of lady I'd have to say no thanks!"

Julio brought his face close to Saito.

"Lastly, you are Gandalfr, capable of freely using any kind of weapons. Also the last one, I know it's not clear, but it's irrelevant right now, is you. You! Wasn't that in the lyrics? Sword in the left hand means Delfringer, while this, is the long spear in your right hand."

"No matter at what angle, this doesn't look like a long spear at all"

Saito said pointing at the Panzer.

"Gandalfr's left hand uses a sword to protect his master. The remaining right hand is here to attack the enemies. Sensibly, it would have been holding the most powerful weapon people of that time could think of."

"Whaaa?"

"Power depends on range. In terms of weapons, yes, the spear is made to defeat sword wielding enemies at a further range. The proof is that swordsman usually can't defeat a pikeman. There's no idiot charging and waving a sword around in battles nowadays because we all have guns. Swords isn't limited to Delfringer, but to the most common self-defense weaponry. 6000 years ago, the most powerful weapon was a spear, the most useful and common defensive weapon was a sword. As times change, weapons also evolved. To defeat enemies at an even longer range than spear new weapons emerged, eventually bringing us to guns and cannons. You people, however, seem to have brought guns to an even further stage."

Julio exclaimed patting the Panzer.

"Don't you feel amazed? Why are all the items from your world weapons, not everyday items"

"Your sampling pool is too small, I guess"

"Perhaps. Founder Brimir's magic still remains today at the holy grounds, and will occasionally gift us with items like these. Connecting the dots, these weapons awarded by Brimir, should belong to Gandalfr's possession. Therefore these are your stuff, Gandalfr."

Saito's chest thumped. This is the long spear. The zero, that rocket launcher, all here because of Founder Brimir's magic.

Moreover, his presence here is probably due to the same reason.

"Alright, because of this reason we gift these to you. These items will never get to used in our possession, we can't imitate and produce more, we don't know how to repair them when they wear down. No matter how powerful of a gun this is, if you can't mass produce it, it's meaningless. Honestly, we can't even make these bullet shells right. Your world really holds unimaginable technology. You are even more incredible than elves!"

"There's a door on the holy grounds?"

"Yeah. What else did you think? At the holy land there's a cave. Should be a cave made from void magic. Must be. Therefore, I believe if we went to the holy land, you'd be able to find a way to go back. In other words, your home is the same as our objective, isn't it?"

Saito shook his head.

"If I ever wanted to go back, I will use my own methods to get there. Although you have your own reasons, but in my point of view, I do not want to align myself with the enemies of elves. Those who hurt other people are another matter. Anyhow, this I'd gladly receive. They may become useful in the next battle. Besides, I know someone who likes the company of these kind of items. I bet he'd be overjoyed."

Julio shook his head and rested his hand on Saito's shoulders.

"You're really stubborn! But that's what I like about you! So, wanna go get a drink with me. This time I didn't give you a hard time. I know a place with lots of pretty girls! Come and enjoy Romalia"

Saito glanced at Julio helplessly, then paced outwards.

As soon as he was about to leave, he turned back.

As if waiting to wage war, waiting for him to steer quietly in the darkness, the steel spears prepared for him.

Pope Vittorio is used to praying at the hall alone everyday after breakfast. This is what Vittorio calls "free time".

To the pope always up to his neck, it could be said that this is the only time when he can peacefully enjoy and pray. The hall is situated at the second floor of the Cathedral. Commoners are, of course, forbidden to enter. On the sides of the entrance to the hall, two holy knights stand guard to protect the praying pope.

As soon as Colbert approached the doors, the guards raised their staffs.

"What is it"

"My apologies, there are some business I wish to discuss with the Pope."

"The Pope is currently praying."

"Then please let me wait here."

"Have you reserved?"

"No"

"Then I cannot allow you to stay here."

The guards waved their staffs in a way indicating he should leave. Despite their conversation and actions, Colbert didn't leave at all. One of the holy knights worriedly whispered to the other one, in case this is some famous celebrity.

"May we have your name."

"I am a teacher from the Tristain magical academy, Colbert Jean."

The knights snorted in disapproval. A mere teacher, how could they let him disturb the Pope praying.

Just as the knights were about to point their staffs at him, along the corridor cane a short golden haired lady knight. She was not wearing the dress when she first arrived, but a long coat where she can easily move around in.

Though her face looks no more than a teen's, she was wearing a cape. From the cape alone, one can deduce that she is a noble.

"Miss Agnes."

The knights greeted the captain of Queen Henrietta's firearms squad. Agnes nodded to them in return.

"Do you also wish to discuss with the Pope?"

"Yes", Agnes nodded her head, then turned towards Colbert.

"Looks like we're here for the same thing"

"Uh"

Colbert took a deep breath, grasping the ruby in his pocket tightly. Seeing that Colbert is an acquaintance of Agnes, they did not trouble him any more and returned to their positions.

After around 30 minutes, the door opened. The knights bowed.

Once Vittorio noticed someone waiting for him, he appeared to sigh.

"Isn't this Miss Agnes. Are you alright?"

Agnes looked at Vittorio in the eye and said.

"I have issues I wish to ask your holiness"

Vittorio nodded.

"Towards Tristain's firearms captain's inquiries, I guess I'll have to make time to answer then. And, the mister here also"

Colbert seemed to be hinting something important and said.

"There are items I should return to your holiness"

"Is that so, looks like both of you have very important reasons. Then let's not stand here, come to my office"

At his office, Vittorio sat on his chair and welcomed.

"Please, take a seat"

Agnes, however, did not take the offer but instead went directly into the main subject.

"Please excuse my rudeness. May I ask if your holiness know of a lady named '''Vittania <維特莉亞>'''? She was a female who escaped 20 years ago to the village of Protestants, '''Takuni <丹古爾提爾>'''."

Vittorio nodded.

"I do. She is my mother"

Agnes's face seemed to distort a little. Rare tears surfaced in Agnes's eyes and knelt one knee on the ground. Colbert, in contrast seemed to have blood drained out of his face.

"I was right, from the first sight of your holiness I noticed. Your face, was too similar with '''Vittania''''s. Your holiness, please accept my gratitude in stead of your mother. My life was saved by your mother. Our village was burned down to ashes by the despicable conspirators. '''Vittania''' lost her life over saving me."

Vittorio chuckled.

"Is that so, good. Saving someone even at her last moments."

The next to kneel was Colbert.

"Your holiness. Please give me your punishments"

"Why?"

"That lady, the one who used fire to burn your mother to death, was exactly me. I would never have thought it was your holiness's mother. How cruel fate is. It must be God's wish for me to accept your holiness's punishments that I came to Romalia."

Agnes sorrowfully claimed

"It was an order wasn't it? You have not sinned. Those who did were the ones issuing the orders. Besides, I have already executed those who gave orders with my own hands."

"But! But! The one who did this was me! My right hand waved the staff! My mouth sang the spell!"

"No more!"

Agnes stared at Colbert, but Colbert continued

"This, is your mother's ring. Please take this back and give me your verdicts"

Vittorio looked at the ruby. His eyes widened, but immediately returned to peace. Calmly reaching out his hand to recieve it, Vittorio wore the ring on his hand.

The ring slowly slides in, fitting perfectly on his finger.

[[Image:ZnT13-193.jpg|thumb]]

"I must thank you. This ruby of flames have not touched my fingers for 21 years"

"Thank?"

"Yes. Perhaps you may not know, but we are currently looking for this ruby. I never imagined it would return to me in this way. Today is a great day. It's really a great day."

"Then if you will, your holiness, please punish me"

"Why, why must I give you punishment? I should give you my blessings, not a punishment."

"But, your holiness, I took your holiness's mother"

Vittorio looked at the ring and said

"She was a weak person. Scared of her son's god-blessed power, took the ring and escaped"

Colbert and Agnes focused on Vittorio. In his eyes, there was no fury at all towards the murderer of his mother.

All his eyes gave was a deep, almost blinded insanely, religion.

"She was obsessed with the heretics, her beliefs were mistaken. Not only this, she escaped her fate. Executing her with your hands, it could be said this is God's verdict to her."

"Your holiness"

As if reminiscing something, Vittorio closed his eyes.

"Left behind, I had to work harder than anyone else. For the cause of not having anyone pointing at me for having a wronged mother, I studied everyday in theology. Because of my efforts, I was awarded of my current status."

Vittorio placed his right hand on Colbert's head. Colbert felt fear towards the Pope's unnatural religious belief. Refusing human emotions, only yearning for God, this male seem to hold something deep inside him.

"Therefore, I will not give you punishment, hereby I give you my blessings. Mister Colbert Jean, may you have God and Founder Brimir's blessings"

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| Forward to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume13_Chapter7|Chapter 7]]
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