Zero no Tsukaima:Volume1 Story1 Chapter1

Translators Note

Cala's note: Anything in italics should be given a second look at the meaning/wording.

Second part will come tomorrow.

Second Half of Chapter 01

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"That's impossible." "But why...?" "Because, you've been bound by a contract as my familiar. It doesn't matter if you come from the countryside, or even a completely different world as you've said. Once the bond is established, it cannot be undone," "You gotta be kidding..." "Look, I don't like this either! Why did I have to be stuck with a familiar like you--?!" "Well then, send me back." "Are you saying you're really from another world?" asked Louise, seemingly still perplexed. "Yeah." Saito nodded. "Show me some proof." Wincing at the pain where he'd just been kicked, Saito stood up, and opened his bag. "What's that?" "Notebook computer," replied Saito.

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The surface of the recently-repaired notebook gleamed with reflected light. "I've certainly never seen something like this. What kind of magic item is it?" "It's not magic. It's science." Saito pushed the power button, and the computer came to life with a 'whirr'. "Uwah! What is that?!" Louise gave a surprised yelp, as the screen flickered on. "The notebook screen." "It's pretty... What element of magic does it use? Wind? Water?" "Science." Louise stared at Saito with a blank expression. Clearly she didn't get it. "So, what kind of element is this 'science'? Is it different to the four elemental powers?" "Argh, enough already! In any case, it's not magic!" Saito waved his hands around wildly. Louise sat on the edge of her bed and dangled her feet. Then shrugging, she spoke with an unconcerned look. "Hmm. But that's (note: possibly referring to the element association?) the only thing I don't understand." "Why? Is there something like this in this world too?"

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Louise stuck out her lips in a pout. "No, but..." "Then just believe me! There's nothing to understand!" Clutching at her own long hair, Louise just shook her head. "Alright! I'll believe you!" "Really?" Crossing her arms and cocking her head, Louise made an annoyed sound. "Only because you would've went on about if I didn't say so." "Well, it doesn't matter, as long as you got it. Now, send me back?" "I told you, that's impossible." "But why?!" Worry was etched on Louise's face as she answered Saito. "That's because, there's no spell that can connect this world to your world." "Then how did I end up here?" "I don't know how!" Saito and Louise glared at each other. "Listen, I'm being completely honest when I say there's no such spell. Most people don't even know that another world exists."

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"It obviously does, if I'm here!" "The spell of summoning, [Summon Servant], is used to call living beings from within Halkeginia. Normally only things like animals or fantastic creatures. This is actually the first instance that I've seen a person summoned." "Stop talking about it like you're not involved. In that case, cast that spell on me one more time." "Why?" "It might return me to my world." Looking discernably perplexed, Louise tilted her head to one side. "...That's won't work. [Summon Servant] is strictly a one-way spell. No incantation of any kind exists to return a summoned familiar back to where it was brought from." "Whatever, just try it." "It's impossible. And I can't even cast it now." "What? Why!" "...Using [Summon Servant] again is..." "Yeah?" "Completely ineffective unless the familiar you first summoned has died." "Has what?"

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Saito's body froze. "Would you like to die?" "Err... I'll pass." He hung his head. His eyes trailed down to the runes that had been inscribed on his left hand. "Oh, that?" "Yeah." "That's like a stamp that says you're my familiar." Louise stood up and crossed her arms. If you looked closely, she was actually really cute. Slender and well-proportioned legs, thin ankles, and not too tall at a height of 155cm. Her eyes were like a curious kitten's, and her eyebrows traced a subtle line over them. If Saito had met her through the message boards of a dating site, he would've hopped and leaped for joy. But alas, this isn't Earth. Not matter how much he wants to go back, he can't. Saito choked up at this thought, and his shoulders drooped. "...Yeah, alright. For the meanwhile, I guess I'll be your familiar." "Come again?" "What, you got a problem with that?"