Zero no Tsukaima

Chapter 6: Long Spear[]

Dawn of the next day.

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

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

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

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

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

Unforgivable.

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

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

In every possible scenario, isn"t it always better to solve it earlier?

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

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

"Morning, brother"

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

Hearing Saito"s irritated curses, Julio chuckled.

"Don"t say that, we"re both familiars, shouldn"t we be friendly towards each other?"

"Jerk. You"re not the type I want to get along with. No one ever knows whatever is on your mind. What business do you have, coming here so early"

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

Julio neglected Saito"s unpleasant att.i.tude and beckoned.

"There are things we want you to see."

"Want me?"

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

"What about Louise?"

Julio shook his head.

"It"s only for your eyes."

Julio brought Saito to the bas.e.m.e.nt of the grand Cathedral, a place which intuitively made people feel suspicious. Past the spiral staircase downwards was a damp underground tunnel. Weak dancing fires illuminated the sides of the tunnel. Saito pressed forwards while feeling uncertain, and eventually reached a place completely dark.

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

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

"This really is a terribly creepy place. There aren"t any monsters, I hope?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Huuhhh?"

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

Julio took down the chains and grasped the handle to the door with force, giving a forced moan unmatching his face and pulled. Yet still, the door didn"t even bulge.

"This isn"t easy at all. Completely rusted. Are you going to help?"

Julio stuck out his tongue and hurried Saito.

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

The door lead to a pitch black room.

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

"I think it should be around here"

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

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

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

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

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

"This, what"s this"

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

"Impressed, eh?"

Saito did not even hear Julio"s words. He was completely crushed by the sight in front of him. What Saito saw lying on the shelves to his right, were guns.

Not any common gun you can find in Halkeginia.

The structure was obviously different.

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

"..."

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

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

ENGLAND

"It"s made in England."

That"s right, it"s an item from Earth. Saito then picked up another gun. This was a familiar gun seen in televisions and games, Saito remembered that, wasn"t that the famous Russian made gun?

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

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

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

Julio explained,

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

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

There were in total a few dozen of them.

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

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

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

"Why are these things here?"

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

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

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

Julio then pointed inside.

"This isn"t all."

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

"What"s that."

"See for yourself."

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

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

"E-even this kind of stuff."

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

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

"Tank"

Sitting there silently, the tank gave off an ominous presence. From it"s heavily layered grey paint like trams from the old days, one can imagine the era it came from.

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

"It"s a German Tiger tank!"

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

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

This tank is still alive, his instincts told him.

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

Saito growled.

"You"

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

Saito snorted.

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

"You know,you have the same destination as us. The holy ground conceals the reason of bringing items here. If you were to go there, you will find a way to go back, no?"

Hearing Julio"s words, Saito laughed.

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

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

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

"Oh oh, don"t misunderstand us. I never thought of making you listen to me. Our original intention was to gift these untimely work of art to you."

"Gift?"

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

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

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

"what do you mean?"

"In another words, this is your long spear."

"Spear?"

"Yes. Do you know the song?"

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

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

Saito nodded his head.

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

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

"Yeah, yeah."

Saito recalled Julio"s amazing skills with taming dragons at Albion. Even the leader of the dragon riders" squad René once said so himself.

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

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

Julio brought his face close to Saito.

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

"No matter at what angle, this doesn"t look like a long spear at all"

Saito said pointing at the Tiger tank.

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

"Whaaa?"

"Power depends on range. In terms of weapons, yes, the spear is made to defeat sword wielding enemies at a further range. The proof is that swordsman usually can"t defeat a pikeman. There"s no idiot charging and waving a sword around in battles nowadays because we all have guns. Swords isn"t limited to Delfringer, but to the most common self-defense weaponry. 6000 years ago, the most powerful weapon was a spear, the most useful and common defensive weapon was a sword. As times changed, weapons also evolved. To defeat enemies at an even longer range than spear new weapons emerged, eventually bringing us to guns and cannons. You people, however, seem to have brought guns to an even further stage."

Julio exclaimed patting the Tiger tank.

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

"Your sampling pool is too small, I guess"

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

Saito felt his chest thump. So this is what they call the spears. His Zero Fighter, that rocket launcher, are all here due to Founder"s Brimir"s magic.

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

"Alright, because of this reason we gift these to you. These items will never be used in our possession, we can"t imitate and produce more, we don"t know how to repair them when they wear down. No matter how powerful of a gun this is, if you can"t ma.s.s produce it, it"s meaningless. Honestly, we can"t even make these bullet sh.e.l.ls right. Your world really holds unimaginable technology. You are even more incredible than elves!"

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

"Yeah. What else did you think? At the holy land there"s a cave. Should be a cave made from void magic. Must be. Therefore, I believe if we went to the holy land, you"d be able to find a way to go back. In other words, your home is the same as our objective, isn"t it?"

Saito shook his head.

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

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

"You"re really stubborn! But that"s what I like about you! So, wanna go get a drink with me. This time I wouldn"t give you a hard time. I know a place with lots of pretty girls! Come and enjoy Romalia"

Saito glanced at Julio helplessly, then paced outwards.

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

The steel "spears", which seemed to be prepared just for him, waited silently in the dark for their turn in war.

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

For the pope, who had always been up to his neck with formal matters, the time when he prayed was the only time where he could relax himself. The hall was situated at the second floor of the Cathedral. Commoners were, of course, forbidden to enter. On the sides of the entrance to the hall, two holy knights stood guard to protect the praying pope.

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

"What is it"

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

"The Pope is currently praying."

"Then please let me wait here."

"Have you reserved?"

"No"

"Then I cannot allow you to stay here."

The guards waved their staffs in a way indicating he should leave. Despite their conversation and actions, Colbert didn"t leave at all. One of the holy knights worriedly whispered to the other one, in case this was some famous celebrity.

"May we have your name."

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

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

Just as the knights were about to point their staffs at him, along the corridor came a short golden haired lady knight. She wore a tunic suited for moving around instead of the dress she wore when she first arrived.

Though her face looks no more than a teen"s, she was wearing a cape. From the cape alone, one can deduce that she was a n.o.ble.

"Miss Agnes."

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

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

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

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

"Uh"

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

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

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

"Isn"t this Miss Agnes. Are you alright?"

Agnes looked at Vittorio in the eye and said.

"I have issues I wish to ask your holiness"

Vittorio nodded.

"Towards Tristain"s firearms captain"s inquiries, I guess I"ll have to make time to answer then. Ah, you too."

Colbert seemed to be hinting something important and said.

"There are items I should return to your holiness"

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

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

"Please, take a seat."

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

"Please excuse my rudeness. May I ask if your holiness know of a lady named Vittoria? She was a female who escaped 20 years ago to the village of Protestants, D’Angleterre."

Vittorio nodded.

"I do. She was my mother."

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

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

Vittorio chuckled.

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

The next to kneel was Colbert.

"Your holiness. Please give me your punishments."

"Why?"

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

Agnes sorrowfully claimed,

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

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

"No more!"

Agnes stared at Colbert, but Colbert continued,

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

Vittorio looked at the ruby. His eyes widened, but immediately returned to peace. Slowly stretching his hand out to receive the ring, he then wore it on his finger.

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

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

"Thank?"

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

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

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

"But, your holiness, I"ve taken your holiness" mother"s li--"

Vittorio looked at the ring and said,

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

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

Those eyes gave off a sense of zealousness towards his religion, nearly to the point of madness.

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

"Your holiness."

As if reminiscing something, Vittorio closed his eyes.

"Left behind, I had to work harder than anyone else. To prevent others from saying things behind my back just because I had a mother who had the wrong religion, I buried myself in studies of theology. Because of my efforts, I was awarded my current status."

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

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