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Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story2 Chapter5

2007-06-07T13:55:49Z

Andyrobo60:

<b>Chapter 8: The Staff Of Destruction</b>

The second morning…

At the Tristain Academy of Magic, there was much commotion since last night just as though a wasp’s nest have been stirred.

Why? Because the staff of destruction has been stolen.

And it was brazenly stolen by using an Earth Golem to break through the wall of the vault.

The teachers of the Academy of magic, gathering inside the vault was speechless when they saw the gaping hole on the wall.

The inscription on the wall etched by Fouquet the Dirt Crumb says it all:
[I have acquired the Staff of Destruction. Fouquet the Dirt Crumb]

At this point of time, all the teachers at the academy could do was to gripe and whine
“It’s that thief that has looted the nobles clean, Fouquet the Dirt Crumb! How daring of him (1) to target the academy! “
“What were the guards doing?”
“Even if the guards are around, they’re useless! They’re only peasants! Speaking of which, which noble was supposed to be on duty last night?”

Miss Chevreuse felt anxious. She was supposed to be on duty last night. “But who would steal from the academy?”, so she thought while sleeping soundly in her own room instead of being next to the vault door like all nobles on watch duty must do.

One of the teachers immediately pointed out and said, “Mrs. Chevreuse! You’re supposed to be on duty last night! Am I right?”

Mrs. Chevreuse broke into tears and said,” I’m very sorry… Very sorry…”
“Even if you cried you heart out, would it come back? Or are you going to pay for it?”
“But…but I just finished paying for my house” Miss Chevreuse knelt down on the floor and wept.

Just then, Old Osman arrived. “Erm….This is not best time to be hard on ladies right?”
The fellow teacher who reprimanded Miss Chevreuse retorted, “But Osman, Miss Chevreuse failed in her duty! She was sleeping soundly in her bed when she was supposed to be on watch!”

Old Osman gently stroke his long beard while looking at the very shaken and stirred teacher.
“Erm… What’s your name again?”
“It’s Gimli! Have you forgotten?”
“Oh, right! Gimli! Well, Mr. Gimli, don’t get angry. Honestly speaking, how many of you here can say that you’re always vigilant throughout your tour of duty?” Old Osman replied
The teachers looked at each other and hung their heads in shame.
There was silence.

“Well, that’s the situation that we’re in now. Talking about responsibility, I think all of us, including myself; have to be held accountable for this incident. Why do we think that a thief could never infiltrate the academy? It’s it because of the number of magicians we have in the academy here that gives us the assurance that we won’t be attacked? This type of thinking is wrong from the start.”

Old Osman gazed at the hole on the wall and continued saying, “It’s because of our complacency that has given Fouquet the courage to trespass, and steal the staff of destruction. We’re all at fault.”

Mrs. Chevreuse looked upon Old Osman with gratitude and said, “Oh! Osman, Mr. Osman! Thank you for your benevolence. From now on I’ll look upon on as though you’re my father”
“Well, that… Hehe… Mrs…” Old Osman started to stroke Mrs. Chevreuse’s bottom.
“If that’s ok with you…. It’s up to the headmaster then.”

Old Osman, not want to put the blame on anybody, decided that was the best way to loosen the uptight atmosphere. After that he proceeded to clear his throat, with everybody remaining solemn waiting for him to speak.

“Well then, who were the ones who witnessed the theft?” Osman asked.

“It’s this three.” Said Mr. Colbert while pointing to the three persons behind him.
It’s Louise, Kirche and Tabitha. Saito is also present but due to the fact that he’s a familiar, he’s not counted as a “person”.

“Oh… It’s you guys…” Osman said as he looked at Saito with great interest.
Saito did not know why he is being stared at, but remained courteous nonetheless.

“Please tell us the event in depth.”

Louise stepped forward and described what she saw “Mm… A great clay golem appeared and broke the wall. The hooded magician standing on its shoulder went in and took something……
I think most probably was the staff of destruction...... After that the hooded magician rode on the golem and escaped beyond the city walls…… The golem in the end, become a big lump of earth”

“After that, what happened?”

”Later, all we saw was a lump of earth, with no sign of the hooded magician.”

“So… this is what happened…” Osman said while stroking his beard.

“Even though we wanted to carry on the chase, but without any leads we can’t. So…”

At this point of time Old Osman suddenly remembered a question to asks Mr. Colbert,” Ah, Where is Miss Longueville?”

“I’m not sure; I haven’t seen her since morning.”

“Where could she have gone to during these trying times?”

“That’s right, where could she be?

In the midst of those mutterings, Miss Longueville finally appeared.

“Miss Longueville! Where have you been? Something terrible has happened!” said Mr. Colbert
Anxiously

Miss Longueville spoke to Old Osman in a very cool and clam manner. “I’m extremely sorry to be late! I was doing investigations. So…”

“Investigations?”

“Yes. I woke up this morning; there was already a lot of commotion happening. When I went to the vault and saw the inscription on the wall made by Fouquet. I knew that the thief infamous throughout the land has struck again. Therefore, I immediately started investigations”

“You’re really very efficient, Miss Longueville.” Mr. Colbert then asked again in an urgent manner, “In the end, did you get any findings?”

“Yes, I have gotten hold of the whereabouts of Fouquet.”

“What!?” Mr. Colbert spoke with amazement. “Where did you get this information from? Miss Longueville.”

“According to the commoners around the area, they saw what it seemed to be like a person wearing a black hooded cloak entering an abandoned house in the nearby forest. I think that the person is most probably Fouquet and that abandoned house is most probably his hideout.”

Louise upon hearing that exclaimed; “A black hooded cloak? That must be Fouquet unmistakably!”

Old Osman too got psyched up and ask Miss Longueville; “How far is it from here?”

“By foot it takes half a day, if we using horses it should only take us four hours”

“We must report this to the Imperial Court right away! We must seek reinforcements from the imperial army!” Mr. Colbert shouted yet again.

Old Osman shook his head, stared at Colbert and with a vigor unfitting for an old man shouted; “You fool! By the time we reported his to the imperial court, Fouquet would have gotten away Scott free! Besides, if we can’t even handle such a small problem on our own, we’re not fit to be called nobles! Since the staff is stolen from the academy, then it’s the academy’s responsibility to get back the staff ourselves!”

Miss Longueville smiled, as though she was waiting for this answer all along.

Old Osman coughed for a while, and then started recruiting volunteers. “Now, we’re going to organize a search team to find Fouquet. Those willing to join, please rise up your wands.”

All of the nobles looked at each other awkwardly, and no one raised their wands.

“No one? That’s peculiar; No one wants to be known as the hero who caught Fouquet the Dirt Crumb?”

Louise was among those who lowered their heads but she decided to rise up her wand.

“Miss Françoise!” Miss Chevreuse exclaimed in surprise. “You mustn’t do this! You’re still a student! Please leave this to the teachers!”

“But all of you aren’t willing to help…” Louise muttered.

Saito looked at Louise with his mouth wide open. The rather serious look on Louise coupled with her gently biting her lips looked so stunning that it had captivated Saito.

Seeing Louise had raised her wand, Kirche too raised her wand, with a little reluctance though.

Mr. Colbert even more surprised, exclaimed; “Miss Zerbst! Aren’t you a student too?”

Kirche replied nonchalantly,” Well, I simply cannot lose to the Vallière family”

Seeing Kirche raising her wand, Tabitha did the same.

“Tabitha! You need not do this! This does not concern you at all!” Kirche said.

Tabitha just answered,” I’m worried.”

Feeling touched, Kirche looked at Tabitha with gratitude.

Louise at the same time also muttered” Thank you… Tabitha.”

Seeing the three of them, Old Osman laughed and said; “Well then, it’s all up to you all three now.”

“Sir! Headmaster Osman! I strongly object! We must not put the student’s life in danger!”

“Well, would you then go in their stead, Mrs Chevreuse?”

“Ah... Erm… Well… I’m not feeling very well recently, so…”

“They have seen Fouquet before plus, even though Miss Tabitha here is very young, but I have heard that she has already been conferred the title of chevalier (2) , am I right?”

Tabitha did not answer and just stood quietly.

All the teachers looked at Tabitha in astonishment.

“It’s that true? Tabitha?” asked Kirche in similar astonishment.

Even though chevalier is the lowest title that the Imperial family can confer to a person, Kirche is still amazed that Tabitha could attain it at such a young age. If it’s a title of “Baron” or even “Marquis”, the titles could be obtained by purchasing large amounts of land. However for a person to be called a chevalier, the only way is to render great service for the country. It’s a title that can only be conferred by merit.

Once again, there’s great commotion inside the vault.

Old Osman went on and looked on Kirche and said;” Miss Zerbst from Germania comes from a family of distinguished war heroes, and she herself has a very strong background in fire magic.

Kirche flicks her hair with confidence.

Louise, thinking that it’s time for her to be praise too, stands upright cutely.

Old Osman is now in a pinch. There’s like nothing to praise about Louise…

“Ahem!” Clearing his throat, Osman veered his sight of Louise and said;” That... Miss Vallière comes from the prestigious Vallière Family, a family renowned for their magicians. And… She’ll be a promising magician in the future… and as for her familiar…”

And placing his gaze on Saito, Osman continued saying;” Even though he’s a commoner, he has defeated General Gramont’s son, Guiche de Gramont in battle. Old Osman thought to himself: And if he really is the legendary Gandálfr…

Fouquet the Dirt Crumb should not be a match for him.

Mr. Colbert also enthusiastically added; “Yes! Yes! Because he is the legendary Gand…”

Old Osman hastily covered Mr. Colbert’s mouth before he could finish his sentence. “A.. Hahaha… He’s talking nonsense! Haha!...”

Then there was slience again.

Then Headmaster Osman in a solemn tone spoke; “If anyone thinks that he’s more capable the mentioned three, please take one step forward.”

No one stepped forward.

Therefore Old Osman turned to the group of four and said;” The academy awaits the capture of Fouquet then!”

Louise, Kirche and Tabitha stood to attention and said,” We swear upon our wands to capture Fouquet!”

After that they pulled the edges of their skirts and made a curtsy. Saito also hastily followed. As he’s not wearing a skirt, he pulled the end of his jacket.

“Well then, get ready the carriage, and then set off right away. You must conserve your energy before you reach your destination.”

“Miss Longueville, could you go with them too?”

“Yes, Headmaster Old Osman.”

“I had wanted to go with them as well.” Miss Longueville said.

So under the lead of Miss Longueville, the four quickly set off.

Even though it’s considered a carriage, but in actual fact it was just a cart with wooden planks attached as seat. The good thing about it though is that if they were to be attacked, they could jump out of the carriage right way.

Miss Longueville is in charge of driving the carriage.

Kirche asked the silent Longueville who was concentrating on the reins, “Miss Longueville, this type of job could be done by a commoner. Why do you have to do it yourself?”

Miss Longueville smiled and answered; “It’s all right. I’m not a noble anyway.”

Kirche paused for a while, and asked again, “But aren’t you Headmaster’s Osman’s secretary?”

“Yes, I am. But Old Osman isn’t a person who is concerned by a person’s status when is looking for help. Whether is he’s a noble or commoner.”

“If it’s possible, tell me in depth, please.”

But Miss Longueville just smiled at Kirche. It seemed like she does not want to speak anymore.

“Just tell me please, even if it’s just a little.” Kirche pestered as she began leaning closer to Miss Longueville. Just then she felt someone grabbing her shoulder. It was Louise. Kirche then turned around and said; “What is it that you want, Vallière?”

“Forget it. Stop raking up someone’s past.”

“Humph, I’m bored, that’s why I needed some one to talk to”. Kirche replied while placing her hands behind her head and lay on the pole of the carriage.

“I do not know if this applies to your country. But in Tristain, it’s a shameful act to force someone to reveal something that he or she does not want to say.”

Kirche did not answer her. She got up and sat in a cross legged position and began saying; “It’s all because of your headstrongness that got me into this mess. Capturing Fouquet…”

Louise gave an angry stare at Kirche, “What do you mean by that? Didn’t you volunteer yourself in too?”

“If you had come alone, wouldn’t Saito be in danger too? Am I right, Louise the Zero?”

“Why do you say that?”

“Anyways, if that large golem appeared again, you’d surely run to the back and let Saito do all the fighting, right?

“Who would run away? I would use my magic for you to see!”

“You, using magic? What a Joke!”

The two started bickering again. Tabitha continued reading her book.

“That’s enough! Would you both please stop it?” Saito interrupted.

Kirche did a gesture and said, “Humph, I’ll stop. I’m not in the fault anyways.”

Louise bit her lips.

“Well then darling, this is for you.” Kirche looked at Saito seductively, and then placed in his arms the sword that she had bought for him.

“Wow, thanks.” Saito said while keeping the sword.

“I won that time round, you do you have something to say? Louise the Zero?”

Louise stared at the both of them and kept quiet.

Suddenly, it turned dark. The carriage had entered into the forest. The darkness and the weird smell present in the forest sent shivers to their spines.

“We’ll have to walk from here onwards.” Miss Longueville said. The groups then disembarked from the carriage, and proceed to the small path into the forest.

“I’m afraid of the dark and don’t like the feeling around here…” Kirche said while wrapping her arms around Saito’s.

“Could you not keep so close to me?”

“But I’m afraid!” Kirche said with exaggerated reaction. Anyone could tell that she was lying…

Saito, worried about Louise, glanced at her. “Humph” Louise turned her head away.

The group reached a clearing in the forest. It was roughly the size of the Vestri Court and in the middle was the abandoned house. The house was made of wood with a corroded stove. Next to it was a completely rundown warehouse.

The group hid behind the bushes and observed the house.

Miss Longueville pointed to the house and said, “From the information I’ve gathered, that should be the place.”

“Looks like no one’s inside. Is Fouquet really hiding in there?”

The group started discussing. The group used sticks to draw on the floor their battle plan. They all agreed that ambushing him is the best way. All the better if he is sleeping.

Firstly, they’ll need to scout around the house and know what is going inside. After that if Fouquet is inside the scout will need to draw him outside. Because there is not enough earth inside the house for him to create an earth golem. Once he’s outside, the rest would all use their magic against him without letting him have a chance to create his golem.

“So who is going to lure him out?” Saito asked.

Tabitha replied, “The one with the best reflexes.”

All stared at Saito.

“Me?” Saito Sighed. He drew out the sword that Kirche gave to him.

The runes on his left hand started glowing. At the same time Saito felt his body becoming as light as a feather.

Saito moved closer to the house and peered through the window in the house. There was only one room in the whole house, with a table and a reclining chair that was both covered in dust. There was also a bottle of wine on the table and in one corner of the room there was firewood.

There was no one inside and it does not seem to have any place to hide inside the house either.

Has he already left this place?

But their opponent is Fouquet, a triangle mage. So he maybe still was hiding inside even though it did not seem to be a hiding place inside.

So Saito decided to call everyone over.

Saito used his hand to make an “X” sign on top of his head, a sign that means the house is empty.

The rest of the group which were hiding carefully approached to the house.

“There’s no one inside”, Saito said while pointing at the window.

Tabitha waved her staff at near the door and muttered, “There’s no trap.” She then opened the door and went inside the house.

Kirche and Saito followed suit and entered the house.

Louise told the rest she would be standing guard and stayed behind.

Miss Longueville said that she would investigate the area around forest and disappeared.

Saito’s group that went into the house started to find any clues to Fouquet whereabouts.

Then, Tabitha found inside a box... The Staff of Destruction.

“The Staff of Destruction.” Tabitha said while waving it around.

“Isn’t this too easy?” Kirche exclaimed.

Saito looked at the Staff of Destruction and said with astonishment, “Kirche, is this really the Staff of Destruction?”

Kirche nodded and said, “Unmistaken-ably, I saw it once during my tour of the treasure vault.

Saito brought the Staff closer and examined it closed. “If I’m not wrong this is a …”

Just then, Louise whom was standing guard outside gave a chilling shriek. “Arhhh!!!”’

“What happened, Louise?”

Just as everyone looked outside the house, a loud sound could be heard. “Crack!”
Suddenly the house was without a roof, everyone looked up.

And in its place was a giant earth golem

“It’s an earth golem” Kirche screamed.

Tabitha was the first to react. Waving her staff, she stared chanting her magical inscriptions. A whirlwind appeared out of her staff and struck the golem.

After the whirlwind disappeared, the golem was unscathed.

Following Tabitha, Kirche took out her wand hidden in her cleavage and started chanting.

A fireball shot out of her wand and engulfed the golem. Even though the whole golem was on fire, it did not seem to be affected by the fire at all.

“It’s too tough for the few of us!” Kirche shouted.

“Retreat”, Tabitha said softly.

Kirche and Tabitha went different ways and ran out of the house.

Meanwhile, Saito was looking for Louise.

“Over there!”

Louise stood behind the golem and chanted something and pointed her wand towards the golem.

Something exploded on the surface of the golem. It was Louise’s magic! The golem realizing this turned around and faced Louise.

Saito, standing near the door of the house 20 meters away from Louise, shouted, “Run! Louise!”

Louise refused and said, “No! If I subdue this, no one will ever call me Louise the Zero ever again.” Louise appeared to be very serious. The golem tilted its head, pondering whether to deal with Louise or Kirche and Tabitha whom were escaping.

“Look at the size difference between you and the golem! You can’t possibly win!”

“You’ll never know if you don’t try.”

“It’s too hard! It’s impossible!”

Louise stared at Saito and said, “Haven’t you said this before?”

“What?”

“When you were badly beaten by Guiche’s Valkyries, you kept standing up and said, when you did not want to lower your head, you never will.”

“Yes... I did say that… but…”

“I also feel the same way. Even though I cannot accomplish anything, but this is a matter of pride. If I escape now, people will say that ‘because she’s Louise the zero, that’s why she escaped.’ “

“Does it matter? Let people say whatever they want!”

“But I’m a noble. Nobles are people that can use magic.” Louise tightened her grip on her wand.

“And nobles will never turn their backs on their enemies.”

The golem decided that it will dead with Louise first, it raised its leg, preparing to squash Louise.

Louise raised her wand towards the golem and started chanting again…

But it has no effect on the golem at all. Even though Louise used ‘fireball’, but it failed.

A small explosion occurred on the golem’s chest and small fragments of earth fell out from the golem’s chest. The golem was not affected by the attack at all.

Saito grabbed his sword and dashed towards Louise.

Louise saw the golem’s foot getting nearer and nearer. She closed her eyes and prepared for the worse.

At this instant, Saito approached her at the speed of a whirlwind held her and rolled away from the golem’s stomp.

“Do you really wish to die?” Saito gave a slap on Louise’s face. “Pak!” Louise looked at Saito, stunned.

“To hell with your noble’s pride! Once you die, nothing really matters anymore! Idiot!”

Tears began to flow out of Louise’s eyes like a waterfall.

“Please don’t cry!”

“But… but I cannot take this lying down…I’m always being treated like a fool by others…”

Looking at the crying Louise, Saito felt hapless.

Being constantly called “Zero”, being treated like an idiot, no one could take that lying down. He recalled his fight with Guiche. Louise cried too that time. Even though Louise is stubborn and haughty, but in reality she actually hates fighting and she’s not good at it too.

She’s only a girl… Louise’s beautiful face is now covered in tears, just like a crying child.

But this was not the time to console her. Saito turned his head over and saw the golem raising its fists, ready to pound on them.

“Can’t you even console me little?” Louise protested as Saito carried her and escaped.
The golem chased after them, even though the golem was nowhere near agile, its speed was still on par with Saito.

The Wind Rhyme Dragon landed in front of Saito to help in their escape.

“Get on.” Tabitha said.

Saito placed Louise on the dragon’s back.

“You too, quickly!” Tabitha said to Saito with urgency unlike her normal self.

But Saito did not get on, instead he ran towards the golem.

“Saito!” Louise shouted.

“Fly away now!” Saito shouted.

Tabitha stared at Saito emotionlessly for a while, and was forced to make Sylphid fly up as the golem was approaching them.

Bang!

The golem’s fist smashed onto the place Saito stood on. Just in the nick of time, Saito jumped and evaded the blow. The golem removed its fist from the ground and a crater a meter wide was formed.

Saito mumbled to himself, ”Don’t cry if you can’t take it lying down. Stupid! This really makes me feel like doing something for you!” Saito faced the golem and said, “You better not look down on me! You’re just a lump of earth!”

He grabbed hold on his sword and said, “I’m Louise’s familiar!”

“Saito!” Louise attempted to jump down from Sylphid which was in mid air, but was grabbed by Tabitha.

“Please save Saito!” Louise pleaded.

Tabitha shook her head.

“Impossible to get near.”

Whenever Sylphid tried to get near, the golem would try to attack it. So Tabitha was not able to get near Saito at all.

“Saito!” Louise shouted again.

Louise saw Saito wielding his sword in a stand off against the golem.

The golem moved and gave a punch. The fist turned into steel halfway through. (3)

Saito seeing this used his sword to block the attack.

Pang! The sword broke from the hilt upon impact.

Saito was stunned. Was this sword really made by Germanian alchemist Lord Shupei? It’s totally useless!

Without a weapon, all Saito could go was evade the golem’s attack.

Seeing Saito in a pinch, Louise was desperate. Isn’t there anyway to help him? Just then, Louise noticed the “Staff of Destruction” held by Tabitha.

“Tabitha! Pass that to me!”

She nodded and passed the Staff of Destruction of Louise.

The Staff of Destruction had an unusual shape that Louise had never seen before.

But since Louise’s magic did not work, all she could depend on now was the Staff of Destruction.

Louise closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Opening her eyes again she said, “Tabitha! Use levitation on me.” And jumped off the Sylphid’s back. Tabitha hastily casted “Levitation” on Louise.

Under the effect of the spell, Louise slowly descended and facing Saito and the golem waved the Staff of Destruction.

Nothing happened at all. There was no response from the Staff of Destruction.

“Is this really a magical staff?” Louise shouted urgently.

Are there any special requirements in order to activate it?

Saito looked at the descending Louise and was shocked. Why did she come back? It would be better for her to stay on the dragon!

At the same time, Saito saw the Staff of Destruction that Louise was holding.

Looks like Louise did not know how to use the staff and she just waved it around…

Saito rushed towards Louise.

If we could use this, maybe we could defeat the golem!

“Saito!” Louise shouted to Saito who was running towards her.

Saito grabbed the Staff of Destruction away from Louise.

“I don’t know how to use this!”

“It’s to be used like this!”

Saito grabbed hold of the Staff of Destruction, took out the arming handle, opened the rear cover and pulled out and extended the inner tube out.

…Why do I know how to do this?

But now this is not the time to think.

He pulled up the telescope sight on the inner tube and aimed.

Seeing his proficiency in handling the Staff of Destruction, Louise was too shocked to say anything.

Saito placed the Staff of Destruction on his shoulder and pointed the front of the staff towards the golem. Due to the short distance between him and the golem, Saito decided to aim directly at the golem.

As the distance is very close, the arming range (4) might not be reached and therefore even if hits directly, it might not explode.

Forget about that, just try it! Saito thought while shouting at Louise, “Don’t stand at the back of the staff, there will be a back blast!”

Louise hurriedly moved out of the way.

The golem approached closer and closer to Saito.

Saito released the safety lever and fired the weapon.

Following which, a loud sound came from the staff and a projectile with wings flew towards the golem.

A huge explosion occurred once the projectile came into contact with golem.

Saito instinctively closed his eyes.

A deafening roar occurred and the upper body of the golem crumbled and flew out in all directions, causing a rain of earth.

Saito slowed opened his eyes.

As the smoke from the explosion cleared, only the lower body of the golem was left standing.

What was left of the golem took one last step forward and knelt down. It finally stopped moving.

Then slowly from the waist, what was left of the golem crumbled… and returned into what it originally was – earth.

Just like last time, the golem was reduced into a lump of earth.

Louise, whom witnessed everything, felt her legs weakened and sat onto the floor.

Kirche, who was hiding near the bushes, came running out.

Saito finally gave a sigh of relief.

Kirche hugged Saito and said, “Saito, My darling! You did it!”

Sylphid which was carrying Tabitha descended. Tabitha looked at the lump of earth and asked, “Where is Miss Longueville?”

Just then everyone realized that Miss Longueville was missing.

Just then Miss Longueville came out from the forest.

“Miss Longueville! Did you find out where Fouquet was controlling the golem from?” Kirche asked.

Miss Longueville shook her head.

The four of them started searching the lump of earth for clues. Saito looked at them, and then looked at the Staff of Destruction. Thinking to himself: Why did this thing appear in this world?

Just as he was thinking, Miss Longueville took the Staff of Destruction away from Saito.

“Miss Longueville?” said the puzzled Saito.

Miss Longueville widened the distance between the group and then said, “Great job, people!”

“Miss Longueville!” Kirche shouted. “What’s the meaning of this?”

Louise stared at Miss Longueville, too shocked to say anything.

“The one controlling the golem was me all along.”

“What? That means… You’re…”

Miss Longueville removed her glasses, her once gentle expression has changed into one full of killing intent.

“Yes, I am Fouquet of the crumbling earth. The Staff of Destruction is really powerful; it can defeat my golem in just one hit!”

Fouquet held the Staff of Destruction on her shoulders like Saito did just now.

Tabitha waved her staff and began chanting.

“All of you don’t move! I have the Staff of Destruction pointed towards you. Drop your wands now.”

They have no choice but to obey. Without their wands, they could not cast any magic.

“Mr. agile familiar, please drop your broken sword too. You’re a threat to me if you’re holding a weapon.”

Saito obeyed her orders and dropped the sword.

“Why?” Louise asked angrily.

“Hmm… I’d better explain to you all in order for you all to rest in peace.” Fouquet said with a coquettish smile on her face.

“I had gotten hold of the Staff of Destruction, but I did not know how to use it.”

“The way to use it?”

“Yes. No matter how I waved the staff or applied my magic on it, there was no response at all. That makes me frustrated. After all, if I do not know how to use it, it will be only useful as a decorative item. Isn’t it?”

Louise wanted to dash out towards Fouquet, but was stopped by Saito.

“Saito!”

“Let her finish.”

“How considerate of you, Mr. Familiar. Then I would continue. Since I did not how to use it, the only way was to let other people show me how to use it.”

“So therefore you brought us here.”

“If it’s the students from the academy, there maybe a chance that someone knows how to use the staff.”

“If neither of us knows how to use the Staff of Destruction, what would you do?”

“If that’s the case, you all would be squashed flat by my golem. After that I would bring the next group of students here. But thanks to you, I finally know how to use the Staff of Destruction.”

Fouquet smiled and said, “Even though the time spent with you all was short, but I’m really happy. Goodbye.”

Kirche feeling hopeless, closed her eyes.

Tabitha and Louise closed their eyes too.

But Saito did not.

“You’re really brave.”

“Well, actually it’s not bravery.” Saito replied.

Fouquet pressed the trigger just like Saito had before.

But the magic that happened just now did not happen again.

“Huh? Why?” Fouquet pressed the trigger again.

“It has only one shot; it won’t be able to fire again.”

“What you mean one shot?” Fouquet shouted deliriously.

“Even if I explained, you will not be able to understand. That thing is not a magical staff from your world.”

“What did you say?” Fouquet dropped the Staff of Destruction and took out her own wand.

Saito moving as fast as lightening, delivered a blow to Fouquet’s stomach with the hilt of his sword.

“That is a weapon from my world. Hmm… To be precise, it’s called an M72 rocket launcher (5).”

Fouquet fell onto the ground.

Saito then picked up the Staff of Destruction.

“Saito?” Louise and the group all stared at Saito.

Saito answered, “We’ve caught Fouquet and retrieved the Staff of Destruction.”

Louise, Kirche and Tabitha looked at each other, then ran towards Saito.

Saito, with mixed feelings, hugged the three of them together.

Kaze no Stigma:Volume1 Chapter2

2007-06-06T14:09:22Z

Andyrobo60: /* 4 */

== Chapter Two - The sudden disaster ==

=== 1 ===
“Not ready yet? Until what time do we have to wait, Hyoue?”

“— — Please wait a little longer,” Hyoue replied towards the seemly impatient person.

Then, that person closed his eyes pensively and walked away. The wind was blowing against Hyoue. Within the blowing wind was the air still with the ki of youma, passing through beneath Hyoue’s palm. The ki of youma that passed beneath his palms was like an air that would swallow anyone, no matter whom.

When it was discover the slices of meat of the 3 people it was already dawn, this unbelievably serious situation strongly shocked the entire Kannagi clan.

This is a certainty, using speed that surpasses the speed to cover your ears, killing 3 defensively prepared people without alerting anyone.

In order to understand the situation, the Fuga Clan were summoned, thus Hyoue himself gather the youma ki in the air to understand who the enemy is.
“hmm”
“T—, This is….”

Sounds of concentration. Hyoue used the reappeared youma ki, without missing any that passed through the palms, then gathering it together. This is a very cold air. Even for the very famous jutsu practitioners provides sufficient reasons to fear it.

“This is from fuujutsu, this is created by a jutsu practitioner that is in a completely different category from us the Fuga Clan, entrapping the 3 people in the wind “kekkai” and then killed.

The report of Hyoue isn’t something beneficial, and could be easily understood from settings of the place.

“This kind of things I understand, but who did it?!”

“If you required a detailed report, I hope more time is allowed…” facing this inquiry Hyoue made this indistinct reply.

“Then quickly go do it, you guys can only act...”

“All be quiet!”

Given Juugo angry voice all jutsu practitioners became silent, in substitution only Juugo’s condolingly voice.

“Is it like that, good job, you can retire. — — right, how’s the health of Ryuya?
At that instance, Hyoue appeared surprised due to the Suzerain’s concern over his son’s health.

“Yes… If he quietly recuperates there shouldn’t be any problems. Although he can no longer recover to the level to be working for the Kannagi clan anymore. This unworthy son, is really an embarrassment.”

Given Juugo’s words of gratitude, Hyoue bows .

“Yes… Thank you very much. I will go give indications to my subordinates, for I will retire….”

“Then please, I await your reply, Hyoue.”
The captain of the Fuuga family bows silently and then leaves.

The enemy is a fuujutsu practitioner that deeply hates the Kannagi Clan. Using some reasoning, everyone thinks the name of one person; the name of the man of the one that coincidentally at this time returned to Japan.

“It’s Kazuma! The strength he obtained for revenge, and then returned to Japan! Comrades, let’s kill the betrayer Kazuma. Let’s find him without delay, and then kill him!”

The person that made such an aggressive voice is the previous suzerain, Yorimichi. Even though he has retired, he still has an air of the previous suzerain. The entire clan intensely dislikes him, although he is the only one that doesn’t know.

“Oto-san, first to clarify, we don’t have evidences that Kazuma did this.”
Juugo seriously said in order to defect Yorimichi's tirade.

“You! Who else if it is not Kazuma…”

“[Previous Suzerain], please hold silent. From when you open your mouth to speak such words it is not possible for us discuss the issue.”

Facing Yorimichi with ear impairment, Genma coldly looks on. In those eyes appears aninsulting look that cannot be hidden.

Facing this person that has no strength except for scheming ability and was chosen suzerain. Genma from the depth of his heart condescends him.

In Yorimichi’s thirty years as suzerain, the strength of the Kannagi Clan has hit rock bottom. Given Yorimichi inability to control the representative sword of the Kannagi Clan, and his incapacity of passing the sword to someone else; resulting in it being deeply buried in the warehouse before Juugo’s accession to the suzerain position.

Of course this Genma was not thinking about such foolish item.
Genma’s notion is that the strongest jutsu practitioner should be one that succeeds the suzerain position; therefore Genma does not hate the suzerain, Juugo, only that his own strength isn’t enough in comparison.

Previously, he wanted to prepare his son to be next suzerain, even though it is not really a scheme, he just wanted to train and prepare Kazuma with the strength to become the next suzerain.

Though Yorimichi doesn’t really have any such thoughts as beliefs, he only has the ambition for power. This is what Genma thought. Logically, no matter how Genma tried to hide his thoughts, those thoughts are revealed when he further enraged Yorimichi.

Even though they are of a close family/blood relationship of uncle and nephew, the loathing between the two again deepens.

“Y, You want to shield Kazuma? No, I should say that is your scheme? Allow Kazuma to go outside the country to learn jutsu then kill off Juugo and Ayano, then allow Ren to succeed the position of suzerain?

Yorimichi turned the arrowhead towards Genma. This kind of bad will was almost materializing like “sticky things connecting items together”, allowing the crowd to start agitating.

“That kind of idea only comes from with “low moral fiber.” 
For Yorimichi’s such sayings, the almost insulting provocation, Genma didn’t contradict —— because the reply would be extremely disrespectful.

“Oto-san, that’s enough!”

Juugo wouldn’t allow the continuation of such insulting diatribe; therefore he forcefully hurried the people to take him away.

“The [Previous Generation] is tired, please return to your room to rest.”

“Wait, Juugo! Genma is not to be trusted! If you don’t listen to me, sooner or later you will regret it!”
Yorimichi was carried away like luggage. That harsh voice slowly decreases in volume until nothing is heard.

“Really sorry for the insulting diatribes of my father, with regards to me please forgive him.”

Juugo puts his both hands on the tatami in a slight bow. Genma replied indifferently, “I didn’t pay attention; the reason for such words is the previous generation caring deeply about the Kannagi Clan.”

With an exchange of looks, understanding the others reasoning they smiled at the same time, and with that they understood that chatting time is over, now is time to enter to serious points.

“Like the previous suzerain has said, the timing is too much of a coincidence. It is better to meet again and have a discussion.”

Genma from the start maintain his silence, seems like he doesn’t want to discuss about his son.

“Would Kazuma easily submit to our instructions?”

“If he doesn’t submit, we will use strength to bring him here. Even though he has obtained strength, that person is Kazuma. 2 or 3 people will be more than enough to capture him.”

“….That’s good then. The selection of person in charge of the assignment will be your responsibility. No matter what, it is necessary to quickly bring back Kazuma.”
“Understood”

Even though Genma received an order to capture his own son, Genma was tranquil comparable to facing someone else.

“Ayano-sama has returned!”

The serious expression on Juugo’s face started to relax, and Genma wore a highly energetic and fierce look.
Not even waiting a little, she just appeared.

“pah” and she pulled slided the door, collecting everyone’s look towards that direction.

“I home, Oto-san! Ehh… What’s going on?” 
Appearing on scene was a sufficiently commanding young teenage girl, asked when she saw the atmosphere of the gathering. That black hair that almost reaches the back, flowing straight and sideways created by the movements of her head, simply represents the blooming of a bishojo. At the same moment, the “dark and cold” atmosphere had completely vanished. That is a spiritual energy that comes from within that in one breath cleansed the atmosphere of the room.

The appearance of an unclear enemy who killed some people at home. Those people that have been discussing this situation nonstop, now is like facing a blinding light, that uncomfortable and distressing feeling is completely vanished.

Like before the rays of the sun, all the movements in dark are not allowed to exist. Only right there was the person that has the ability to vanquish the dark with spiritual powers not beneath the powers for light, the next suzerain in waiting owner of Enraiha person.
That’s person is Juugo’s daughter, Kannagi Ayano.

“How’s the report, Ayano?”
Juugo was testing his daughter with a serious expression, like when asking other people. This is best way as a father to direct his daughter; at least this is what Juugo thinks.

“Excuse me”
Ayano at that moment also finished bowing.
“The youma that was release was completely vanquished.”

“Hmm, good job.”
As a jutsu practitioner, after finish reporting to the suzerain, Ayano innocently continue questioning.
“Then, what had actually happened, oto-san?”

“Hmm——, previously 3 people have been killed and nobody had noticed. This is a serious situation!”

Although they were distant relatives, Ayano quieted after hearing that 3 people from the family had been killed. “A serious situation” wasn’t that “3 people have been killed” instead it was because “nobody had noticed.”

This was not some callous sentiment, but it is an understanding of what is of primary importance. A girl of only sixteen year old, who has such a strong will and discipline, is surprising.

“Nobody saw that fuujutsu-shi?”
“Of course, there is a suspect.”

Faced with Ayano’s questioning, Juugo replied heavily.
“It’s Kazuma”

“Who’s that? That’s?”

Faced with this kind of close and revealing speech, Juugo’s “sun vein” furrowed.

“Think carefully about your older cousin’s name. “Successor Ceremony” betting Enraiha who fought with you.”

“Older cousin… Could it be the Kazuma that left the family 4 years ago? Could that be label as a fight?”

Given his daughter’s direct words, Juugo secretly spied on Genma’s expression to see if there were any changes. Even though the inner feelings are not apparent, even the outer unreadable appearance of Genma had no change at all.

“Right, I heard that he left the country… and trained there. Later he became a fuujutsu-shi?”

“That’s how it is, supposedly returned to Japan recently, and changed his name to Yagami Kazuma. Yesterday, he met with the killed Shinji during a job, where he beautifully completed it. It seems like in these 4 years he trained very hard.

“Kazuma… Looks like he hates us…”
Finally remembering, Ayano said looking towards a distant place.

“It could be like that”
Genma replied with a void of facial expression.

“But, even though it is like that, we can’t easily kill him. If it was done by him, we need to use his life to pay for the crimes.”

“If?...”

Ayano turned her glance toward Genma, Genma without any change accepted Ayano’s look. The one that disinherited Kazuma and the one that provided the reason for the inheritance cross their gazes.

The first to avoid her look was Ayano. Without regards to strength as jutsu practitioners, life experience is immensely surpassed. In reality, even with careful searching (she’s) still void of self-confidence in order to win.

After stopping unsatisfied challenge/look , Ayano look towards Juugo.

“Then, what will be done? Defeat him?

“Now we haven’t decided whether it was done by Kazuma, anyways, we would like to meet with him and discuss it.”

Faced with his daughter’s simplistic and dangerous words, Genma deeply felt the danger.
Even though she has the Enraiha’s overwhelming power, Ayano no matter what she is doing tends to resort to violence. Genma frequently hopes that as she is the next suzerain she would have less impulsive way of thinking.

“Now is not time for you, wait until there are other missions to be done.”

“…Yes”

Faced with a barely compliant daughter, Juugo said condolingly.

“You have just finished a mission, you must be tired, today get some good rest.”

“… I understand.”

Even though it seems like it is not acceptable, Ayano still obeys what her father has said. After “bowing”, rapidly leaves the room. Until the “door” closed, Juugo didn’t blink, releasing a deep unhappy expression about her.

“……………This stubborn daughter.”

Juugo seemly saying “not acceptable” and sighing deeply. Even though it is with this kind of strict speech manner, the care and love for her daughter no matter what is hard to hide.

This two people have said the sayings for many times. To put it correctly, Shingo, due to his younger brother’s death has a burning fire for revenge. Takeya, no matter how many times you tell him to pay attention to his orders will still forget it, said he was nagging 

They are waiting for the report, and then immediately go towards Kazuma’s direction. 

=== 2 ===
For the information network of the Kannagi Clan to find the place Kazuma was staying was really simple.

To find him the next morning didn’t really require any special methods, because he used his own name to register at the hotel.

So given Genma’s command, two jutsu practitioners were sent.
Yuuki Shingo and Oogami Takeya were the strongest jutsu practitioners of the branch families. Even though they have opposing personalities, they are great friends. This combination excluding the main family can be said to be without rivals.

From Genma viewpoint, he has thrown in the two strongest cards on hand. But, possibly the selection of oldest son of the Yuuki family can be said as deadly mistake. Why, because this man has absolutely no desire to convince Kazuma.

“Kazuma, you “bastard”, I will cut you ten-thousand pieces.” (Note: there is one character, I think in Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean that is equal to ten-thousand. Historically ten-thousand is also a big number, can also be infinite.)

“If he is dead, it will become problematic. At least let’s leave him with the ability to talk when we take him back.”

As they wait for the upcoming report, they will directly head towards Kazuma’s direction. Of course, they have absolutely no desire to persuade him. At least they didn’t have this kind of desire, but what they never contemplated was that they would be ones assaulted.

“Still not ready yet?”

“It’s going to be ready soon.”

This kind of discussion cannot satisfy them at all; don’t know how many times they have repeatedly asked. Given that the two of them are waiting to receive the same report, they should know it doesn’t matter how they ask… .

“What the “hell” are they doing, those useless Fuga clan! It’s only that one person Kazuma, can’t they easily bring him over!”
Shingo reprimanded angrily, in reality they have turn the arrowhead towards the Fuga clan.

“This is worrying, Fuga clan might even be connected to this situation.”
Takeya forcefully said some pretty words to sway Shingo, Fuga shielding him isn’t impossible, using words that attack them, in order to change the attention of Shingo is certainly welcomed.

Thinking momentarily, Shingo grinded his teeth angrily and said.

“damn, they only have slightly sharper senses, what is there to be complacent about.”

“Don’t say it like that; they are just a bunch of sad people with non-discussable/nil fighting power. Even failing to do something simple, very pathetic?”

“That’s right, hahaahahahahahaaaaa…”

Just like Takeya have wished, Shingo have completely forgotten about the issue to reprimand. Hearing this sudden liberated laughter, Takeya has a thought — — Not like what was heard 10 seconds ago “Still not ready yet?” Similarly he feels very slow and lengthy.

“Incoming, in the area right head about 500 meters, looks like he hasn’t noticed.”

Suddenly, amidst the conversation between the two a voice appears. This is a jutsu used by Fuga clan called “Method of Summoning/Calling Spirits” used for sending the voice.
This allows the wind to carry the voice, even works for large distances.

“Coming, won’t leave him no limbs, neither legs nor arms, burn it all. Let’s attack!”

This was not voiced for anybody to hear, only Shingo’s mumblings to himself. This can be seen from the hatred-filled eyes; certainly really problematic.

Even though they didn’t continue their discussion how to punish, at least put up some resistance, that’s how he thinks. Until he’s half dead, could slowly torture him besides what was mentioned before, there’s plenty more.

Takeya slightly separated himself and quickly glanced, being with someone this dangerous, his thoughts from inner self a certain divide. 

Just like that a divide in the friendship, appears Kazuma.

Facing that with no alertness, completely nonchalant——viewed from their perspective—— walks along Kazuma, Takeya in order to alert him shouted.

“Long time no see, Kazuma!”

“ah, the successor from the Oogami?”

At that instance, to connect your recollection and present needs time. But, Takeya is waiting for that instance.

It’s this kind of prideful self-elevation that results in lagging concentration.

“Know why we are looking for you?”

Takeya pressures that Shingo with blood-filled eyes ready to release fireballs, using a condescending method of speech.

“Nope, completely don’t understand”

Kazuma reply could be described as “couldn’t be more direct”, but also apparently has some percentage of challenge. By crunching his head and neck and making a certain exaggerating and sarcastic action, then shook his head in denial, predictably piss Takeya off enough for veins to be showing.
Takeya succeeded in controlling his anger, and recovering his cool begins to explain.

“Yesterday night, Kannagi Clan had three jutsu practitioners killed.

“uhmm ——, and?
And like with all the authority Kazuma asked pressuringly.

“The one that killed was a fuujutsu-shi.

“……………………..”

“……………………..”

The environs were surrounded by silence. Warm wind blowing through the dusk “Tree-Shadow” Road  , the red leaves lightly started to dance, shining upon by crimson sun the red leaves are dyed even a darker shade of red, this is the beauty that appears before the darkness controlled world.

“……………..”

The first to open his mouth was Kazuma’s side, compared to silence, it seems like he further detest being stared by men.

“So what is the matter?”

“The suzerain has things to ask you, follow!”

“It wasn’t me! Finished!”

The instance after saying such words and was thinking to leave, Kazuma suddenly bounced horizontally
outwards, an instance before in the space where Kazuma existed, without touching anything appeared a fireball.

Kazuma —— doesn’t know why Takeya —— looks towards Shingo , consequently Shingo using a deep, like a natural born deep voiced snigger.

“hmhmhm, what’s the matter, you finally did it? Then, there is no other way besides using power to suppress!”

At the same time of the shout, surrounding Shingo tongues of crimson begin to burn and dance.
The flames that appear at the same time as the yell, even though connected to Shingo’s body, the clothes were not burnt. Shingo had surprisingly unthought-of carefulness.

Like the flames that continue to move on his body, Shingo was so happy that his lips were slanted, and said in like a proclamation.

“If you can’t speak about it then it is questionable, burn off your arms and legs! Lessening the weight will make it easier to transport around! Won’t kill you now, but you can’t continue living in such a humiliating condition? After the suzerain finishes his questioning I’ll be nice and kill you! Within one week! Use this time for you to fully regret living. I want you to know! Killing Shinji, absolutely cannot allow you to continue living untroubled!”

Assuming the future will be like that was his words were saying. But, Kazuma facing crazily laughing Shingo, looked as if he was watching some rare animal, asked very seriously.

“Kannagi Clan has recently given food to this kind of thing?”

“—No, Ahh….hu….”

Takeya really had no reply. Considering himself to be normal, did want to recognize that the thing with him is the same kind.

“That person usually adores Shinji, now he hates you who killed Shinji is quite within reason.”

“That’s why I said it wasn’t me.”

“Then please go and clarify everything with the suzerain.”

“I am no longer part of the Kannagi Clan, if he has business with me tell him to come look for me himself, please pass it like that to him.”

“… Negotiation is broken then, it seems.”
In order to make good the words, Takeya raised his “ki”. He then directed the surrounding dancing fire spirits to dance with his self-conscious.

The surrounding temperature was raised enough to be felt by the skin. Even though the fire spirits haven’t materialize, the surroundings have evidently changes in physics.

Seems like frightened in faced of such elevated fighting spirit, scores of red leaves continually fluttered down, the bright red leaves before touching Takeya’s body instantly changes to ashes and floated off.

Still Kazuma, like before, stood there with hands in the leather jacket watched the two of them. It seems like he has no desire to confront the Kannagi Clan, of course it is hard to see from that kind of pose.

“This is the last opportunity, yield humbly to us, Kazuma.”

Faced with Takeya last ultimatum, Kazuma raises his middle finger and says.
“Take a good look at yourselves before coming.”

“Die!!!!!”

“You idiot!”

At the instance of starting the jutsus, the two believed that victory would be certain. Because in the clan the two of the strongest class attacking at the same time. No matter what kind of strategy Kazuma had, face with kind of massive power is useless.

But——
Poou! 
The fireball from Takeya hand, suddenly instanteously explodes. Above the sound, the fireball in his credulity had such a big categorical runaway explosion.

The fireball that left Takeya’s control, was like a wild animal with its tooth pulled. Even with the protection of the fire spirit, it is still no possible to shield the crash of the explosion’s force.
Instantly the force of the explosion hits the entire body, Takeya was simply KO.

(W,What? What had happened…? Shit, Shingo, leave….)

Even though “Leave the rest to you” this kind of saying, but Shingo similarly lost his conscious, because on his face the black and blue continuously pulsed.

Kazuma returns his hands back in the pockets of the leather jacket; lower his head at the two people. After releasing a condescending grin, he walked right by the two unconscious person’s side.

Even though it seems like he wanted to directly leave, at that time Kazuma stops his footsteps. Then as if he felt something, looked towards the trees where no one is at.

“If you want to pick a fight with me, I won’t be merciful!?”

At the same time of this warning, one of the trees separated. Without any noise from the chopped tree following the break slowly slid down.

Already forgetting to hide the body, stood dumbly staring at Kazuma, then Kazuma turns to leave. The guarding jutsu practitioner was fearful. The one that was lured was himself? The prey we were hunting is this frightening thing——?

=== 3 ===
“Seriously, oto-san worries too much. I alone is enough don’t know how many times this has been repeated. When will he acknowledge me? Am I this untrustworthy?”

“The suzerain acknowledges ojo-sama’s abilities, only as a father he simply worries about his daughter.”

Confronted with the disgruntled Ayano, the man of fortieth generation/years-old cajoled.

At this time, Ayano was ordered to a certain temple in the city of Yokohama Yamate, to strengthen the weakening seal inside. The day before the accident, encountered the employer of Kazuma —— of course, single mindedness heading to location to vanquish the spirits, and not understand the reason. '''! '''

Upon arrival to the location discovered the seal has deteriorated to point beyond the previously assumed limits. Ayano immediately destroys the idea of the resealing, instead decided to eliminate it. Then without any testing she immediately ripped off the seal.

Popular saying was. “This method is faster.” 

People without significant confidence in ones own ability would not say something like that, certainly the two men that accompanied her also know that she has the necessary ability to go along with such self-confidence.

Certainly, Juugo also knows that she has this kind of ability, but such worries of a father are within reason. Even describing Juugo as stupid or foolish, most of times he sends two or more people to protect her.

“Don’t mix the work with private life, is frequently lectured no matter when. Don’t follow your own desires and do things, Uncle Masato?” 

Still discharging her annoyances, Ayano faced that guy —— the younger brother of the Yuuki family head, complaining to Masato.
“Because he is the suzerain, he cannot mull over such minor issues.”
In this manner on Masato’s thin face appeared a smile and laughter. As a member of the branch families, he certainly wasn’t thinking about the consequences. But, it seems like Ayano hasn’t really noticed or cared.

This man——Oogami Masato, although possessing a strength greater than his older brother, disliked scheming for the position of family head, so went off to Tibet to train like a eccentric person.

When he returned to Japan he was given the “Protect Ayano” mission. Juugo has a high regard of him, and from the first time Ayano went on a mission he continually was responsible for this kind of protecting job.

Certainly, Ayano also has good feelings about this easy-going relative. Due to the surrounding people’s princess like treatment of her, faced with Masato’s kind of causal attitude is quite refreshing for her, furthermore it feels very good.

Consequently “Uncle Masato, ojo-sama this kind of terminology, is like a real family without any separation.

“Maybe it is to allow the younger jutsu practitioner to learn, this kind of reasoning is still possible. Isn’t that, Takeshi… Takeshi?”

“Ahh, Yes!?”

The young jutsu practitioner using admiring eyes staring at Ayano —— Oogami Takeshi’s uncle hollered many times before he finally paid attention.

“Did you not hear… Stopping staring stupidly at Ojo-sama, be prepared, it is not known when the seal will be released.”
“Yes, I have understood! Just like what Uncle have said! To be allowed to watch Ayano-sama striking fighting method is really a great honor!”

In order to not screw-up in front of Ayano, Takeshi uselessly shouts in a loud voice. In that stare at Ayano, appears compared to respect, has more admiration and reverence. For Takeshi’s generation of jutsu practitioners, Ayano has existence of a goddess. Hoping to watch her striking manner from close by guarding is something everyone will accept.

“Yes——It’s——like——this?”
“Yes, it’s like that!”

The exhilaration to be able to talk to Ayano is something seen through Takeshi’s entire body language. Of course, Ayano doesn’t like being seen like that. Seems like herself is being separated from being “normal”, changed to something she can’t wait.

No matter what, no matter how it is explained is useless. That’s only Takeshi’s simple, compared to himself much stronger and beautiful existence, means of showing deference.

“Ah, forget it. … It’s about time.”

Ayano sensing the expanding ki of the youma, relaxingly turns herself towards the main hall. Mini-skirt starting to flutter and dance.

Now recalling, why would Ayano be wearing her high school uniform.

This is not only to allow her to normally attend a high school.

Because if you think about it, the best suited outfit for a high school student is the uniform. So Juugo, especially focused on this point, used within his the range of abilities added the best class of defensive spells.

The material, in order to allow better transpiration, was the best type of silk. That is during the process of fabrication air is mixed in, furthermore everything is made from expensive materials.

A result by inputting great amounts of money and time, a high school uniform; it is not wrong to say that it is a work of art. Its cost could be comparable. It could be said that is enough to buy a car, no, not really, correctly said it can buy a luxury house without being wrong.

Of course Ayano pays attention to this outfit —— not towards its capabilities —— because it is a gift given by her father —— so she frequently wears this outfit in combat.

Wearing this outfit that can be said as the world’s most expensive combat outfit, protecting Ayano, watching as the seal is about to be broken, took a deep breath, then moving and warming-up her own inner strength.

Pah!

The clear sound of clapping starts to vibrate the space. When the two close palms were opened, in between the two palms appears a flaming line. Then Ayano grasp it with her right hand, making a horizontal outwards swinging motion.

The around 1 meter burning line, at that instance materializes, a crimson red sword.

This is a no blunt side, having two edges bright crimson red sword. The [body] of the sword is surrounded by a golden flame, releasing vivid beauty of a light. Just like that, as beautiful as one will imagine. 

That sword is the Kannagi Clan’s supreme treasure, Enraiha. That is Kannagi Clan founder, [huh], rewarded by King of the Flame Spirits passed down defeating devils/evil of treasured sword. '''!'''

Ayano lifts upwards the Enraiha, then adds her left hand to grasp the sword making a downward stroke. Along the path of the stroke, appear spreading golden pieces. Then instantly and prettily stopping the sword before her eyes, no matter if it is done ten-thousands times or hundred thousand times, it is a beautiful motion that can be forgiven.

A vase that has already approached its limits, with a “pong” bursts open. Even faster than the falling pieces, a white light shoots towards Ayano.

Ayano from the front makes a downward stroke with Enraiha, and then goes forward to attack. Attacking that white object that produces a sound “like the sound produce when the water is evaporated by a flat frying pan”.

“Sticky stuff…!?” 
Ayano faced with the string that was smashed by her and said mumbling.
Then changed her vision to the inside of the main hall, there was a few points like something like lights. That thing slowly moves forward, and then reveals its own appearance.

“Wah…”

Ayano inadvertently surprised, that thing that appeared is ——

Having multiple eyes, beyond eight feet, the entire body covered with dirty yet rigid fur, a segmented animal producing sounds, “kulah, kulah”, as its legs moved. When you see its full appearance, no matter whom, will feel shivers not due to cold. Really is a horrify spider freak.

“Earth Spider huh... Need help?”

“Not necessary”

Ayano immediately replies. Even though it produces a very disgusting feeling, but now is not the time for complaints. Seems like she’s more afraid of disappointing her oto-san, compared to that, fighting against spiders or cockroaches is nothing in comparison.

(Come here…)

Summoning fire spirits do not need chants and such. As if following Ayano’s thinking, fire spirits itself assemble, flying into Enraiha. Along the sword blade the flame, the light transformed to even brighter.

With the range that’s reachable by her awareness, Ayano continuously summoning spirits. Juugo don’t know how many times instructed her many times, don’t be like other jutsu practitioners, it is not commanding the spirits, you can’t be too arrogant.

“They and we have same level of existence.” 

This saying is frequently repeated by Juugo, spirits are the means to safeguard the existence of the world’s order. Because the Kannagi Clan have contract with the spirit king, therefore the spirits are only helpers.

Of course Ayano also understands, her own strength is borrowed. Only to seal or vanquish the inconsistencies in the world’s order that the power is gifted for a short period of time.

That’s why it isn’t ordering them. Because knowing such matters are not necessary. If the known the correct way of thinking, fire spirits will certainly answer.

Like having respect for the world, it’s not in order to obtain huge powers and being arrogant, Ayano no matter when always calls like this: “Please, lend me your strength….”

“V… Very formidable….”

Takeshi watches dumbfounded, this enormous number of spirits gathering on Ayano’s body, the amount of spirits he can manage is only one small portion of this in comparison. For him it’s the first time seeing the main family’s power, the difference is between the sky and the ground.

“Ah, formidable, right!?”

Just like show off his own condition, Masato said smiling.

“Even though we recently said it, no matter how hard we work, we won’t be able to reach such levels.”

Already forgotten his uncle’s reply, Takeshi one again looks at Ayano.

Ayano holding the Enraiha, continues to confront the earth spider.

(What should be done… looks like can’t get close…)

Even though enough spirits are already summoned to destroy the earth spider, but given this long distance really don’t have the confidence. Even though Enraiha is an ancient sword for [summoning], but to using a sword it is necessary to employ it to its fullest potential.

In other words get close, from a close distance to puncture or split the earth spider, then from inside its body burn it completely.

(Of course if that was done, certainly from the cut’s aperture will fly out adhesive matter… after the explosion fragments will all fly towards the body… if it’s female, after opening its skin, there might be hundreds of spiders coming out… No———!)

Just thinking about it makes the hairs stand, inside Ayano starts complaining bitter. If Takeshi could read Ayano’s inner thoughts then, maybe the thoughts of reverence might be corrected can even be said. 

The earth spider seems to capture the currently mulling Ayano’s openings; “palapala” using the long legs changed his body moving forwards.

“You want to escape!?”

Suddenly towards the chasing Ayano, from the tail spits out white silk, at the same time Ayano pulls up Enraiha to face it.

From Enraiha emerges an golden flame, even though it burned the spider’s web, but because of the blockage by the silk, Ayano still could not get close to the earth spider.

Then Ayano only could stop, focus her mind. Then she took a deep breath tuning her ki, calmed down.

(This kind of things can’t do any kind of obstruction, kill it in couple seconds.)

Then bringing up the Enraiha, then with her full strength performed a downwards swing. Golden Flame ——the highest level of fire of purification, not only completely burned the earth spider’s web, then closed-in directly at the earth spider itself.

Pong!!

With the sounds of explosion, the in the explosion earth spider is surrounded by flames.

“Got…Gotcha…?”

But as Ayano dubiously mumbles while looking into the flames, appearing into her vision was only a white cocoon-like object. What really surprised Ayano, the “pishpiish” sound that splits open.

Pang!

Just like a thin layer of glass shattering, from the middle the cocoon splits open, that earth spider completely without harm again appears.

Probably the web contained some special component that could block spiritual energies, then using that covering its body to hide, avoiding the purifying powers to be completely purified.

“It’s, it’s quite formidable, hu…”

Ayano said using a sing-song voice. At first glance seems very calm, but carefully studying will discover her “sun-vein”  has already risen.

Even though this was not a full strength strike, but was completely deflected, Ayano’s self-confidence certainly was hurting a lot.

“Only a little bug don’t be so haughty ——!!”

Resonating Ayano’s anger, an even greater amount of fire spirits was gathered, even though there is no materialization, but in the vicinity, already gathered the equal spirits to a volcano opening.

“Then… regretting it now?”

Accompanying anger, Ayano already entered selfless state. Composure has completely been commanded by anger, and then transformed into strength.

Continously summoning stronger, even stronger spirits. This time it isn’t directed releasing towards one area, but given immovable strength of mind, at the same time directly releasing in one direction. 

This time Ayano holds Enraiha in a direction perpendicular to her body, then seriously chasing it, took a deep breath, then with sharp kiai releasing it.

“Haa!!”

At that instance, the flame flew into the earth spider’s body. Then the abdomen expanded and exploded, changed it into a miniature torch.

In this seemly small torch, can be described as gathering the entire area’s fire spirits. The explosion of the fireball became even bigger, this time the earth spider is certainly transformed to ashes.

Afterwards nothing was left, spider’s body pieces and the youma spirit around was completed purified. Right now, the temple where the youma was vanquished was full on a “special air” that only temples have.

If attacking from the outside can be defended, then simply attack from the inside. Even though describing is easy, to actually do it is close to something impossible.

This is like what the world’s own close relationship with the spirits. That’s right, like the life force/life activity of living beings.

In the body living beings that have water, cannot be uninfluenced by the water spirits, and those living beings that have heat, within the body resides fire spirits.

For example, just like the youma, even though it materializes, it can’t escape this rule.

In ordinary circumstances, to control the spirit residing within the body is impossible.

These kind of infinitely close to a living beings’ survival instinct involves enormous willpower, the origin of life can be said to not allow anyone to control.

Even for a genius, can’t control it so easily according to one’s likings. But, in this world, no matter when there are people entire day saying “logical boundaries” foolish and sad humans.

“Heh. It’s this kind of thing.”

Ayano releasing a pleasing smile, turn around in order to go back.

“Then, let’s go!...”

During this dialogue that couldn’t continue, Ayano stupidly stares at the two’s body language. Probably the bigger body is Masato, on his left is Takeshi. From the clothes it should be right.

But——

(How come there’s no head…?)

These two guys, the taller one both hands still in the pockets, the other one seems not able to control his exhilaration, in front of his chest holding a fist, standing naturally.

When you look at it and there’s no head, doesn’t seem like an odd situation.

So Ayano looks toward the ground, there is two round objects entering her eyes. Ayano stumbling, seems like about to fall, close in and kneeled, then lifted it onto her knees. Even though it’s quite heavy, but as Ayano smelled the odor of the guy that she really liked, smiled. Ayano, from very young fought together, taught her the ways of survival/existence, hugged the head. Quietly mumbles.

“Uncle… head… fell down… uh…’

On Ayano appears sad smile, and then tries to put Masato’s head back on. Although thinking by doing this, he will return to life, stubbornly forcing the head back in.

Like mocking Ayano this kind of useless actions, hidden an unseen sword blade, lightly carves Masato’s body. In one second, this big body was separated into hundreds or even thousands slices of meat.

Because the heart has stopped pumping a while ago, so the fresh blood did not fly out from the sharp cuts.

But, although there is no sound of blood flow, nor the sounds of flesh breaking, still abnormally gives a person a feeling of reality.

Under the blowing of the wind, Masato’s body without sound was taken apart. Like gone through a paper shredder the pieces of meat, like flower petals dancing in the sky.

In the instance of the image, Ayano watched as if frozen.

Drop.

Accompaning the like water droplet sound something drops on the face, Ayano unconsciously tries to remove it.

That is a bright red piece, still has some remaining warmth of a meat slice. When understood what is carried on here fingers, Ayano’s consciousness seem to be passed through a filter, small amount of recovering.

“No.”

That is once a part belonging on Masato’s body. But those miserable remains no longer can be described as a corpse.

“Don’t want!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

At this moment, Ayano screams as far as can be heard.

“Kukuku—————“

That sound, even though it can vibrate the air, this snigger sound, it wasn’t directly sent into the brain. If you want to describe it, accompany this “snigger” are the strong feelings. This kind of derision towards one opponent’s “awareness”, seems like it provoked Ayano, it’s just that annoying.

Faced with situation of the appearance of the enemy, normally frequently training the body and the spirit, Ayano, instantly enters fighting mode.

Then burying deep within the feelings of anguish, substituting a feeling of animation and anticipation.

Changing the arrowhead of the anger towards the opponent, and especially challenging the opponent.

“Come out!”

Already surpassing the limits of anger, on the face of humans that already cannot be expressed. But Ayano seems to determine it can, looks upwards.

There exists ''that thing''. In the front on a branch where a huge tree stands a human shadow completely not fearing dangers, right hand in the pockets of his clothing.

Because that is place of little light, was not able to clearly see the opponents face, but it doesn’t really matter anymore. The out flowing evil ki already told her “This is the enemy.”

Ayano silently swings Enraiha upwards.

There is no need to know who, nor the need to accumulate strength. Only calmly mix in the killing intention, and then kill it with one blow. This kind of sharpened killing intention transformed into flaming sword blade running upwards.

Lightly, clearing moving without regards to weight, that thing avoids the flaming sword blade. Then flies onto the roof, then a leap. Afterwards, again looks towards Ayano, ''that thing'' slowly moves the body. Seems to say chase away.

This is clearly a luring kind of motion; Ayano bravely accepts this kind of provocation.

(Even it is a trap still no matter, will absolutely annihilate you.)

Deep within submitting to such type of anger, Ayano already change into a rampage only for revenge.

=== 4 ===
In the sky suddenly appears ki of youma.

“Hmm…”

Kazuma suddenly looks towards the sky, it seems like in order for the strength to not spread, it is gathering bit by bit in the sky. Suddenly a wind blade flashes, there really is no time to even defend, and even flying backwards to escape took the full effort.

The wind blade passes right by the still rolling Kazuma, then slightly corrects its angle, with one stroke separated into two pieces the Fuuga practitioner, Shingo, Takeya the three of them.

“Wait, Wait a second!!”

Kazuma without thinking yelled, this would changed the situation into something unthought-of.

(I, I was actually ambushed?)

To face an ambush situation, actually is first time this had happened. Further, it was an ambush by a wind spirit? No matter who had summoned it, gathering this degree of wind spirit, it is impossible that Kazuma didn’t feel it. No matter how great of a fuujutsu-shi, using fuu-jutsu cannot deceive Kazuma. This question is not simply the difference in distance in abilities, but the rules are simply that this.

But, now occurred an impossible situation. Kazuma immediately broke off his thoughts, focus towards the thing in the sky.

“What’s… that thing...?”

Really small, maybe a thing smaller than 20 mm, was floating in the sky about 20-30 meters above. Nearby five risen things fly out.

“One’s hand…? Doesn’t seem so, red leaf…?

No matter how you look it doesn’t seem like it’s flying in the sky, it’s not controlling the wind. In a questioning look, suddenly Kazuma discovers what that thing really is.

It’s a human hand. A strange human hand is flying in the sky. Even recognizing it doesn’t solve anything, still can’t change that 3 people have been killed.

(Anyway, first let’s defeat it!)

Using only a voice that can be hear by himself mumbles, what looks like a hand flies into the upper sky —— then disappears.

“Wait! What are you actually thinking!?”

Kazuma then protested towards the wind spirit, this is clearly against the agreement. But, the spirit only has uncertain sound, and couldn’t tell Kazuma the actual place of the disappeared hand.

“What is going on…”

The miserable condition in front of his eyes —— the divided into two portion Fuuga practitioner and the separated corpses of Shingo and Takeya —— if like this, it seems just like it was done by Kazuma.

Spirit disobeyed the covenant? —— impossible.

To Kazuma, if he heard this kind of situation from someone else, would be quite skeptical of the correct mindset of the opponent. That’s why what just happened is a very irregular situation. 

Spirit does have cognizant qualities. [Original Rules] —— it’s when the world was first created, don’t know by whom, towards this existential world created immutable laws—— and to obey it, allowing this world to remain this kind of shape and reality. Just like the bees have to live in a beehive, just like one part of itself recognizes him, one part even though it has intelligence is still impossible that it thinks. Of course, it’s impossible for it to have the type of free will to break a covenant.

If the spirits had the free will to move about, then the laws of science will be broken. The world will be destroyed within 3 days.

All the wind spirits will obey Kazuma. [What belongs to Him] This kind of covenant certainly reflects this kind of meaning. For example—— 
“That’s impossible…”

Kazuma thinking of the worst scenario, weakly sighs saying.

(There’s someone like me? No way…)

Just thinking about it brings shivers not from cold, but it can’t be said as good luck —— no matter what, Kazuma doesn’t want to think that—— but right now it’s not the best time to stop and think.

Because he sensed a huge fire spirits coming towards here.

(This time even Infrit has come? Crap, when has Japan become world of youma!? Note: Infrit is the name of fire god.)

Even before finishing talking, appeared a situation that Kazuma could not have predicted.

Appearing is a shoujo. Accompanying the red fire and eyes where resides that hatred-filled fire, holding in the right hand accumulated power is ——

“Kazuma —— !!”

The strength of the fire spirits gathered in the right hand has already crystallized. Ayano seems to in that instance made up her mind.

Chop!!

Entering the rapidly retreating Kazuma’s eyes is, Ayano swings the red sword. For his clan, more important compared to everything else. Also the thing that made his life very chaotic.

Kazuma, when faced with the godly sword no matter what would like to escape, sees this, yells.

“Enraiha !? Are you, Ayano!”

Only answer is a sword flash from the Enraiha, faced with filled with killing intent and not listening to anything Ayano, tries really hard to explain.

“Hey, hey wait a moment, misunderstanding! Wasn’t killed by me… hey, you should listen to what other people are saying!”

Flaming white fireballs continuously approaching, Kazuma continuously dodging and saying, but Ayano seems like completely not hearing it.

Because the esteemed Masato got killed, Ayano is already too angry and has already forgotten herself. Really have no time to listen to people talking. Furthermore, given what her oto-san told her that this is guy is quite suspicious.

Dang!!

“Hey!!!”

Believing already evading the fireball suddenly together it explodes, then blocking Kazuma’s retreat. Then noticed, Ayano using the explosion time sealing off the way, appears in front of his eyes swinging the Enraiha.

“Uncle’s revenge !!”

“!!”

That motion a two part strike which wants to split Kazuma like a bamboo, escapes by shifting his body sideways, then from the top using his palm pressuring the sword handle. Facing Ayano who’s with fiery anger, face filling with blood yells.

“Oto-san —— Genma died?”

But before finishing saying such, figured out there was a mistake, even though Ayano and Genma’s relationship isn’t so bad that it can been seen from the outside, certainly if Genma were to die, Ayano would not be getting revenge for him.

A person appears in his head, a man, “uncle”, from the Oogami family that Ayano is very close to.

The name probably was —— like !!

“—— pong” 

Suddenly Ayano butted her head upwards, and then heavily hit his chin. Because of his pondering, his reflexes are slower, even though it was quickly evaded, but still the hit caused his head to be dizzy and painful.

Even though dizzy, but he still calmly asked.

“Oogami Masato died?

But Ayano faced became even more somber, further forcefully focus more strength into the Enraiha in her hand, from a distance it can be clearly seen.

(Seems like the opposite effect is done…)

Shruggin his shoulders, faced with a person filled with anger, having no more questions to ask. Faced with this confused by anger little girl no matter what is done is useless.

But, she can’t be killed. If he hurt her, probably the fool’s father, Juugo, would completely recognize him as an enemy. This needs to be avoided. 

This is not because he fears Juugo, who is the Kannagi clan’s historically strongest jutsu practitioner. But it is because as “Kannagi Kazuma”, Juugo can be said to be his only friend. In order not to not create sorrow to him, so there is only one method.

“Ah—— Ayano-chan? I’m —— leaving then, the issue with cleaning up the corpses will be left to you. Then see-ya.”

Prettily avoiding the completely tenacious approaching flames, Kazuma decides to escape.

“——Wait, Wait a second!”

Kazuma with his back towards Ayano who wants to stop him leaps up, then surrounded by wind flying upwards about 10 meters, then suddenly disappears.

“What—— where at?”

Right on top of, the still looking around, Kazuma floats along.

Employing the air to change the reflection rate of light, becoming see-through just like wearing a transparent robe. If look closely one can see the parts where there’s waves created by high heat, but for Ayano, who is being controlled by anger and has forgotten herself, she didn’t noticed.

But Kazuma didn’t take pleasure in watching the troubled Ayano, but was thinking about what to do later on.

What is realizable now is that the guilty person who killed Shingo and Takeya no matter how you described it is Kazuma, furthermore also killing Oogami Masato.

(They want to enter complete war with the Kannagi clan? If that’s the case it might be quite interesting, allows people to get excited… then, how will it progress?)

hehe, hmmhmmhmm.

Kazuma burst out laughing. Kannagi clan and the mysterious fuujutsu-shi, two strong things already assaulting his life, of course Kazuma cannot ignore this.