Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter10

Chapter 10

A The place of courage

On that little hill drawn on a map…The dawn brought light to the darkness. The view slowly expands, and the grassland below slowly grew larger and larger.

It is recorded on the map, a rural area approximately 50 miles outside (un-translated city)

After a whole night of riding, Saito finally arrived here. A light excitement covered Saito. Although he had been riding all night, Saito felt energetic across his whole body and fatigue was restored by the morning light.

In the morning fog, slowly, slowly and accompanied with the shaking of earth, a great army appeared.

Saito stood up, and slammed his hand against the horse he had been riding. The horse which had been chewing grass idly was suddenly shocked, and fled in the direction where Saito had come from.

“You are not going to use a horse?’ The Delfinger on Saito’s back asked.

“That guy has a life too, it is not just some tool”

“You have such a good heart, partner.”

Saito asked Delfinger, “Didn’t you say before, the Gandlifer was able to defend a thousand foes alone? 70,000 shouldn’t be a problem right?”

“That is what they say, but it is only a legend, so people tend to extrigrrate. Don’t get too hopeful, in reality, it is probably less than a thousand.”

“….why are you like this? Lying to me like that. If you lied to me, don’t tell me the truth. We are already lost, at least lie to the very end.”

On the horizon of the grassland, we can see the advancing army. Althrough it is an army of 70,000, due the fact they are not marching abreast, it does not appear to be as large. But in reality, all 70,000 are there.

Soldiers wielding weapons, Mages armed with spells, Cannons, magical man-beasts, (untranslated something pulling monster?) Dragon Riders…Riders riding transforming beasts(not sure about this one).

Saito asked with a fearsome voice, “Ah, why must I have risk my life to charge into that mob?”

“Why are you asking the obvious? Because our ships have to retreat, so we have to buy time.”

”No…I am not talking about this…But, forget it.” Saito let out his breath.

“Last time was saved by Guchie’s mole, but this time there is no escape.”

“No we cannot. No matter what just charge in, in a situation like this no matter which direction charging in is the same. Aim for the commanding officer, strike down the head, and the body will fall into chaos. You can probably hold out for a day or so.”

Saito nodded, holding Delfinger tightly. The Mark on his left hand begin to glow.

“Let me tell you something, Delfinger.”

“What is it?”

”Can I tell you a story from my childhood?”

“Sure.”

“I once saw an old lady being harassed by some punk near a train station, something about the old lady bumped into them. But that time I was just a little chibi, if I wanted to stop them I couldn’t, so I only stood by and watched. That time I thought, if only I were a little stronger, but at the same time, I also sighed. Because even if I was stronger, it does not guarantee I would have won.”

“True”

“No mistake, I am stronger now, there cannot be any excuses. That time because I had no strength, so I had the excuse to not to do anything. The excuse that I was not strong enough, so I didn’t help. But now, I've lost that excuse. Because I am now very, very strong. No matter what, I am Gandlifer, right?”

Deflinger murmured lowly, “um hum.”

“But…all that strength is only external, in reality I am really not any stronger inside. But there is nothing I can do about it, although I am Gandlifer the legendary familiar, my body is suddenly, shaking, I really don’t have any mental preparation. This type of situation is really not for me. Protecting everyone’s honor, I really don’t like it! Scared to death, I am really afraid! *****”

“Partner, you are really someone truly brave!”

“This kind of personality will only lead to trouble, fast.” (Unsure) Saito thought about it, Courage, isn’t this what all is about?

“Hey, Partner.”

“What?”

”Am I going to die?”

“Probably.”

The boy became silent, Delfinger decided to raise his spirits, “If it is going to be like this, then go out like a hero!”

“Why?”

”Because otherwise it will be a waste.”

Four hundred meters in front of them, they can see Albion’s forward assault force.

Suddenly his body begins to move by itself, they would never know if this was the power of Gandlifer, or Saito’s own bravery, or something else…

Saito charged toward the army of 70,000.