Zero no Tsukaima:Volume7 Chapter10

Chapter Ten: The Place of Courage

On a little hill drawn on a map…The dawn brought forth light to the darkness. The view slowly expands, and the grassland below 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 him. Although he had been riding all night, the boy felt energetic throughout his entire 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.

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

“You are not going to use the horse?" The Sword 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 Gandalfr 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 exaggerate. Don’t get too hopeful, in reality, it was 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 dead, at least lie to the very end.”

On the horizon of the grassland, we can see the advancing army. Although 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 fear shaken voice, “Ah, why must I 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 I was saved by Guiche’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 is the same. Aim for the commanding officer, strike down the head, and the body will fall into chaos. You can probably buy them a day or so.”

Saito nodded, holding Delfinger tightly. The Mark on his left hand begins 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 bumping 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 was 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 was 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 Gandalfr, right?”

Deflinger murmured lowly, “Um hum.”

“But…all that strength is only external, in reality I am not really any stronger inside. But there is nothing I can do about it, although I am Gandalfr the legendary familiar, my body is 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 it is all 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 Gandalfr, or Saito’s own bravery, or something else…

Saito charged toward the army of 70,000.

The first group of Albion soldiers who found the charging hero was not Forward Guards, but the owl familiar belonging to the artillery/firearm commander. Because he didn’t believe the Infantries, so he decided to personally investigative the matter.

After he verified the situation through his owl, He immediately ordered the firearm squadrons to prepare to fire, because normally during the course of a march, firearm troops do not keep their weapons loaded.

“What? Only one person?”

He was surprised when he found out there is only one person, but he became shocked once he saw the boy’s speed.

It is not a speed that can be achieved by a human on foot.

The forward cavalry also made the same mistake? (strange translation)

Because in the mistake with the estimation of speed, just as they stopped the opposition charged right past them. Before the cavalry can even draw their weapons, they were knocked off their steeds.

The only thing the fallen cavalry men can do is hear the sound of the enemy’s footsteps, the speed is so fast, they could not even see their foe’s image.

Before the soldiers finish loading their weapons, the enemy is already in front of their leader. It is a person armed with a large sword.

The commander in reflex tried to pull out his wand, but was sent flying by the sword. Something hit him hard on the side of his head, the commander instantly lost conscious. (Something about the next group closing in on this familiar is the Airborne Knights, the grammar is horrible). They used magic to track Saito’s movement, then released a barrage of magic.

Knives of wind, Lances of Ice, and balls of fire flew in waves toward Saito, but were instantly absorbed by the sword. The Knights stared in shock, but did not stop their magical assaults. The Firearm commander ordered his men to scatter; in the instant he made that order, a wind blew next to him, where the wind struck, his wand was snapped in half, and a foot slammed into his stomach. Ribs shattered, the pain was so strong the officer could not cry, and quickly fell into a coma.

Deflinger asked Saito, “Why didn’t you kill them?”

Saito threw back a short reply, “I am not a soldier.”

“What do you mean?”

“No matter allies or enemies; I will not count them as puppets?” (translation questionable) Delfinger listened, and only let out a long sigh.

Saito danced, dodged, and struck left and right, which caused massive chaos within the enemy formation. Fighting alone turned out to be extremely advantageous. To prevent friendly fire, the enemy did not dare to use firearms or projectiles, also, with the speed of Gandlifer, nothing in this world can catch up. But…the Magic from the other side is extremely Gosu.

The endless barrage of magic, although Delfinger could absorb them, but the amount of magic delivered is certainly above normal, and slowly the sword begin to lose the ability to handle them. “Ugh!”

“Left hand?”

“Hum, damn…I can’t move it anymore.” Saito could only wield Delfinger with his right hand, his left shoulder took a deep wound, and a part of his body is now charred by flame, which came from the fireball the exploded near him. Although the situation is grave, Saito still charged forward, bravely stood tall surrounded on all sides. Due to the attacks by Magic and weapons alike…Saito’s injury became graver every second. Ridding on his (untranslated Magicial beast) is the unit’s commanding officer, kicked his beast, and prepared to charge. But a sword knocked him off his mount, he saw his (untranslated name) struck down, in that instant, his own legs were shattered, collapsed on the ground.

The commander for the firearm division ordered his men to prepare for a maneuver, thinking to surround this wind like enemy in an instant, but the enemy leaped over the formation, and struck the commander’s head with his sword, sending the man instantly into oblivion.

The young commander in charge of the Archers hastily ordered his men to fire, but the arrows could not reach their foe, but instead struck down his allies instead. In the chaos he manages to hit his foot. The chaos with the forward guards became progressively worse. General Hawkins received reports that completely boggled him. The communications he received were completely a mess.

Some say, the enemy is a single rider.

Some say, the enemy is a Magician.

Some say, is a part of the enemy army.

Some say, is elvish Magic Knights.

Some say, is a elvish division…etc

But, the general, a veteran who survived a hundred battles felt it is a single foe.

An enemy with the speed of the wind,

A foe with the strength like fire,

A obstacle unshakable like the stones of earth,

A opponent elusive like the wave of the sea.

“Such a Gosu,” General Hawkins remarked with a low voice.

Just as Saito broke the wand of an officer of middle rank, the boy spotted a group of mages. Since so many mages were protecting a single individual that mean…

“That guy must have a pretty high rank...” Delfinger added. But even through Saito heard him he could not do much, his body begin to be paralyzed by the pain. Very soon he wouldn’t be moving t all. Saito must save the energy from his breathe.

Just to take down one more Officer…

Just to cause more havoc.

Just like this to extend the time, just even one minute, one second, must be taken.

This was Louise’s task.

A task my own beautiful master volunteered.

Saito looked at the enemy horde’s commander Mage (translated incomplete)

General Hawkins stared at the wind blasting toward him.

Truly amazing speed.

He pulled out his Wand, chanted his Magic, in one breathe he summoned a Saber made of Wind. But… the enemy’s agility dodges it. He could only see the enemy’s blade, flying toward his head.

General Hawkins can only see the shadow in front of him, as if trying to brand it under his vision. His Riders struck the enemy full of Magic bolts, each attaching itself on to that swordman’s body.

Although so many bolts should had been fatal, but the wind like warrior never slowed.

The Swordman pushed his blade forward, almost (translation incomplete) slamming into (the general’s name). The blade’s tip reached within 5 cm of his face.

But it did not struck Hawkins’s face.

As if time suddenly stopped, the Swordman’s movement stopped, Hawkins used his wand to knock the sword away, and the unknown Blademaster hit the ground with a thud.

“Your eminence! Are you ok?”

“General Hawkins!” One of the Knights rode by.

“I am alright.” He answered.

“Combat is over, give me the report”

Very quickly, the report came. It is absolutely unimaginable a single warrior was able to cause such damage. Lower command, Upper command echelon had 14 wounded, the enlisted infantry estimated injured were around two hundred fifty. The loss apparently, from the entire army’s angle, is within the limit of acceptable. But it is effects were significant. The strong Forward guards are now in complete chaos, in the fog of war, many were injured by their own friendly fire, and the story [Everything was caused by a single sword man] and spread among soldiers like wildfire, greatly damage the morale of the troops.

The forward commander reported with a bitter face: “I am afraid it will take a while to reform the forward command, at least for several hours.”

Also, stories continue to spread amount the troops, which greatly decreased the army marching speed. The enlisted soldiers were afraid the enemy may hide another swordman like the one before.

One of the lower commanders slowly murmured to General Hawkins: “I am afraid we cannot continue today’s marching objectives. If the situation continue, we will have to waste half a day…no, entire day of time”

Hawkins lowered his head.

He got off his horse, walked near the fallen swordsman, and took in stock of his looks.

“He is just a boy.”

The body on the ground is a black haired, very unusual looking boy.

Looking at him breathing still weakly, but his body clearly took enormous amount of magical damage, it is only a matter of time. Hawkins wanted to summon a water mage, but after so much injury, it is only extending his suffering. Not even magic is infinite.

Hawkins looked down on the boy, whispered "I am really jealous."

"Huh?"

"A single warrior stopped an entire army....in the words of history long gone, he is a [Hero]; I wish I was not merely an general, but a hero."

Hawkin's voice trailed off.

His sub-commander nodded as well.

"What you say is right, but situations like this is results of war, a pity he was an enemy of ours."

"Although an enemy...not even an noble...but I believe he should receive the highest honor and respect."

"I understand your point."

General Hawkins and the Sub-commander both saluted the boy.

"Let's bury him with honor."

He gave his order to his troops.

In that second, Saito's body leaped.

"What the hell?"

Saito's body reached his old speed, and vanished into the forest.

* * *

Louise awoke and found herself on the deck of the (untranslated vessel name) Because of the wind brushing her face, as well as the sound of the ship, she finally woke up. (Untranslated name, Mactorion?) and Guchie were staring back at her face.

“Wow, Louise is awake!”

”Good! Good!!”

Seeing friends nodding their heads unstopped, Louise asked in a surprised voice: “I…why…?”

“We don’t know. When the vessel departed I found you sleeping here.”

“…Here, this is a ship?”

As she watch the moving scenery for a few minutes, Louise suddenly remembered a very important task, suddenly jumped off.

“I, I must go stop the enemy army. I have to prevent the Albion army from catching up!”

Manticorn and Guchie both stared at her with surprise.

“Stop the enemy?”

“Yup! I have to delay the enemy to buy us time to retreat.”

“We already retreated.”

“This is the last vessel from the Port of (untranslated).”

“…Oh?”

Louise looked confusingly as she stared from the forecastle, as the continent of Albion became smaller and smaller.

“How is it like this? What happen to the Albion army that was chasing us?”

“They said only a little longer, they didn’t catch up with us.”

“Good, Good, this means we can get home safely.”

“But when we get back, there will stay be a lot of trouble.”

Mantiocrn and Guchie stared at each other, then the two start laughing.

What really happened?

Why did the Albion Army slow their march?

In that moment…she suddenly remembered something important.

She cannot see Saito anywhere.

Louise ran around the ship in a circle, then met Siesta and her family on the forecastle.

“Miss Louise…you woke up?”

“Don’t talk about it! Where is Saito?”

Siesta’s face turned white upon hearing this.

“I was waiting for you, Miss Louise upon your fully awakening, I wanted to ask you, shouldn’t Saito-san to be with you?”

Louise shook her head, looking at her worried face, Siesta became paler every second.

“Miss Louise, where is Saito-san? Where, please tell me!”

In that moment, they heard two soldiers talking behind them.

”I heard from a buddy from another vessel, they said they saw a single person rode off to stop the Albion Army.”

”Haha, don’t laugh, it is just one person, what can he do?”

Louise walked near one of the soldiers and asked, “What you just said is it true?”

The soldier was surprised he was questioned by nobility, and showed a face full of shock and stammered, “Yes, yes. But I don’t if it is true or not, someone else told me this story, that part is true.”

Louise’s face lost all colors, instantly the color of blood withdrew from every inch of her body. It must been Saito. It is impossible to be wrong. I don’t know what he did to made me fall asleep, then drop me off on this ship…then went off against the Albion army.

The little girl collapsed on deck and screamed “SAITO!!!”

“Miss Louise, what happened??? Please tell me, tell me!”

Louise (this sentence is untranslated)

“SAITO!!!”

Louise screamed, jumped over the railing, and then tried to jump toward the ground.

“HEY! HEY! YOU WANT TO DIE??”

Guchie and Mantiocorn said the situation, and grabbed her before she could leaped.

“LET ME GO!!! I AM BEGGING YOU LET ME GO!!!”

“NO! There aren’t any of our men on the ground anymore.”

“Let me go..”

Louise’s wail and howls echoed across the Albionian sky.

---

Back to Chapter 9

Return to Main Page

Forward to Epilogue