Thank you for reading my fanfic!
My mother language is not English so please be patient about the grammatical issues.
I don't own the Overlord(オーバーロードŌbārōdo?) novel or anime series created by Kugane Maruyama.
I don't own Zero no Tsukaima, or as many people call it The Familiar of Zero created by Noboru Yamaguchi
Please review it I know I will make mistakes what I will intend to correct and try to learn from my mistakes and improve myself.
Thank you!
Please enjoy the story!
After the summoning. Louise and Zero Rei walked to Louise classroom. In the lesson nothing important happened due to Zero can't go into the room physically because Louise insisted him to stay outside with the other familiars.
„Can I go in your lesson with you?" asked Zero Rei
„No you will stay outside with the other familiars," commanded Louise
„But I want to go in," said Zero in a bored tone
„No!"
„But…"
„It seems Louise you can't even control your familiar," interjected Kirche beside her walked Tabitha silently with a book and a staff on her hands.
„Shut up Zerbs!"
Kirche looked to Zero Rei and licked her lips. „At least he is handsome. But his expression could be better."
Zero Rei waved Tabitha and Kirche silently
„Good luck with him Zero Louise." with that she and Tabitha entered the classroom
„Is she speaking to me? It is best to not answer. If she wants something she will say again." Thought Zero Rei
Tabitha whispered to Kirche before they entered the classroom. „Dangerous. Don't anger him."
Kirche looked surprised to her silent friend
Louise can't hear this because Tabitha quite voice
Louise head flustered and looked with a killer stare to Zero Rei.
„Look what have you done!"
„What? I just stood here and waved to them." Zero Rei scratched his face.
„You made me look bad before my classmates! You are my slave and you will obey me!" Louise yelled while her head flustered and hit Zero on his chest with her petite hand. When her fist collided with Zero Rei chest. She started to feel pain and throbbing in her hand because Zero Rei passive nullification activated.
She grabbed her own wrist because of the sudden pain and started to squeeze to ease the pain.
„What are you made of!?" Louise's head seemed to grow more because of her anger.
„Bones, flesh,blood and skin just like you." Zero scratched his motionless face
„You seems strong." Louise looked pensive. „At least you will be good for manual labor." Louise anger subsided
„Ok." said Zero Rei with a bland One punch man face „This chick is crazy." sweatdropped Zero Rei.
„I don't want to make anyone suspicious so I will stay low. For now."
„At least while I stay outside I can try out a few of my abilities what focused on concealing and observation.
Zero Rei sat down on the ground beside the other familiar spirits. After this, the other familiars started to pull away from him slowly.
„Hm. Strange. They are trembling. What makes them react this way?" wondered Zero
The animals reacted that way because the high amount of passive killing intent what Zero Rei emitted. According to the lore. Who fight all of its life. Emmit some kind of aura of danger what the creatures can sense.
The animals, heteromorphic beings, and demihumans are more sensitive this radiance than others creatures. Of course, this ability could be used in an active way when the user intentionally emitting this aura from itself. When the user did this. The killing intent is much, much stronger than when it is just passively emitted. If it is strong enough. The user could even kill others with radiating his killing intent to the direction who is want to kill. The victims will die not because of they can't escape. But because they feel so threatened. They feel that amount of fear in their bodies, their organs stop functioning. Because their brain sends a stop command to them and they simply shut themselves down.
„It does not matter. Let's focus on my experiment."[Greater Conceal Presence] [Silent Cast: Tactical Observation]
The [Greater Conceal Presence] concealed the user virtual presence from the others. Of course, the user remained visible in a physical way. But it would become almost impossible to detect even with spells and abilities.
After that. His ability activated. The ability [Tactical Observation] worked similarly than the item [Mirror of Remote Wieving] in YGGDRASIL. But it was much harder to counter and detect.
Before his cybernetic eye. What was hidden under his eyepatch? Appeared the classroom in a live feed.
It was fairly weird to him. The classroom was smaller than a university auditorium but similarly furnished.
The room was almost full. Louise sat on almost the end of the pews. She and a few more student diligently taking notes. While others just chatted or did other things with each other. Typical high school life. The teacher was the middle-aged bald men with the spectacles. Zero Rei concentrated to the teacher because he wanted to hear what he is saying.
It was fairly interesting for him. The teacher spoke about the four elements. How they react to each other. But the main theme was the fire element.
„Maybe it is a fire related class." thought Zero
After a while. In almost the end of the lesson. When the bald teacher started to sum what they learned in his lesson. Zero Rei decided to scan the other buildings with his ability. What peeked his interest was that. How a green haired woman kicking a Gandalf-like old man at the ground. While the old man pleaded to the green haired woman to forgive him. Saying. „It will not happen again."
It was fairly amusing to him. He somehow forced a weak smile on his face.
„I almost forgot. I am an Automaton raced player. My face hardly shows any expression. However, with the advanced android race job maybe I could somehow re-learn to how to control my face at least a minimal level. It will be hard. Considering how hard I could managed to force this weak smile on my face. But I don't rush anywhere. I have time." he closed his eyes and rested his head on the wall behind him. Then terminated his [Tactical Observation] spell.
Almost instantly after that. The first student stepped out from the classroom door. Some of them looked at him and started to chuckle. Mostly the girls.
After almost all of the students left the classroom. The little Pinkett stepped before the sitting stranger who wore black duster coat.
„Get up."
„Why? Sitting here is so comfortable." retorted Zero Rei
Louise's head flushed. „Get up. I command you!"
„Ok. You don't' have to inflate you head so much. This time it is free. But next time I want the password."
„Enough your rambling. Come we retire in my room. It almost dusk."
„You are not hungry? It seems the lesson took tools on you." inquired Zero Rei
„I ordered my dinner in my room. A maid will bring it up."
„Do I get something to eat?"
„No. You are not obeying to me. So you will not get the meal at least a day."
„Ok. I am not hungry anyway."
„Fine then!" Louise puffed her cheeks
The dynamic duo after this banter listened in silence until the end of their little trip. Their way led through many wide corridors what adorned with lamps what seemed to produce light not by using electricity but magic. It resembled the [Continous Ligth] spell from YGGDRASIL but it was weaker. The walls in some places were adorned with painting. Sometimes there was a person in the picture sometimes a beautiful landscape. Not soon after the endless labyrinth of corridors. They arrived in Louise room.
Louise entered the room Zero Rei followed her.
They were in Louise's room. It looked about 12 tatami mats in size. If you treated the window as south, the bed would be situated on the west side, the door would be to the north, and a big wardrobe would stand to the east. All the furniture looked like valuable antiques. Louise had lead Zero Rei here once she had finished her lesson.
„Hmm. Those furniture seem very expensive. I wonder how much it cost to her parents."
„Nice place you have here."
„At least you have some sense of style." Louise puffed her nonexistent chest proudly
„So where I will be sleeping?" Zero Rei plopped down Louise bed and started to squeeze
„Pretty soft." he thought „I wonder what kind of material it is made of. It resembles silk but a little rougher."
Louise's face started to twitch because of her anger
„ I suppose we will not sleep in one room. That would be pretty weird don't you think? An older guy sleeping in a younger girl dorm room. I am many things but not a pervert you know?"
„GET OUT MY BED! YOU DOG!" Louise yelled angrily
„Ok. Ok. Geez. „ Zero Rei sweatdropped „Crazy woman." he murmured under his nose
„Then where I will go to sleep? I suppose you don't want to share your bed with me. You are a little young for me. Don't you think?"
„What do you think how old I am?" Louise's eyes started to twitch
Zero scratched his expressionless face. „Around 10-12. I don't know for sure. You must be some kind of genius if the teachers let you with other older students this young."
Zero Rei stood up from Louise bed.
„I am 16 you, idiot!" Louise threw one of her shoes in Zero Rei direction.
But the player just lazily sidestepped. The fastly flying shoe seemed it is caught in a time dilation field. At least it seemed like to his heightened senses „Calm down little pink. In the end, you may break something." when he said that he heard a big crash on the wall behind him. He turned around and saw Louise little shoe embedded at the wall deeply.
„Surely her insanity gave her this power. What a troublesome customer" thought Zero
„You surely have some strength in your thin arms. So. Can you show me at least where I will be staying if I decide to take your contract?"
Louise pointed the straw bale next to her queen sized bed
„Seriously. You think I am some kind of dog or cat?"
„You are acting as a dog so you are a dog. Subject closed! Besides. There is only one bed in the room."
„At least can I ask your name?" inquired Zero Rei
Louise elegantly walked to her bed and sat on it.
„Very well. As my new servant, you need to know my name. I am Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Vallière third daughter of the La Vallière family. You can call me master or mistress or mistress Louise. Now, what's your name servant."
„ I am Zero Rei the mercenary. Nice to meet you." he raised his right hand in a welcoming position.
„I think I just call you Louise. I don't really like long titles anyway. And this servant thing well." Zero Rei looked out of the window.
„I am no one servant. I am a mercenary as I said before. I only take contract request what I like and whose well paid."
Louise looked on the ground desperately. „This is my form. In all of those great familiar spirits. I managed to summon a nobody plebeian who is zero, not just personality wise but name wise too."
„So Louise is it?" Louise looked at him. „What is this familiar thing what you speak about?"
„A familiar is a lifelong servant of the mage what are determines the mage element affinity and power. 'Summon Servant' is used to call living beings from within Halkeginia. Normally, only animals or magical beasts are summoned. This is actually the first instance that I've seen it work on a person."
Zero Rei removed the white glove from his right hand and showed the runes to Louise. Then pointed at them with his other hand.
„At least. Can you tell me about these runes? They were not here before I arrived here."
"That's like a stamp that says you're my familiar."
Louise stood up and crossed her arms. This close, she was actually quite cute. Slender and well-proportioned legs, thin ankles. Now she seemed taller. Not much taller, at around 155 cm. Her eyes were like a curious kitten's, and her eyebrows traced a subtle line over them.
„I see. So this is some kind of summon. „
"I see you're still not used to formal speech. It should be, 'Is there something you wish to address, master?'" corrected Louise, one finger raised as if lecturing. The gesture was cute, but the tone was quite strict.
„What does being familiar entails?" asked Zero Rei with a flat tone
"Firstly, a familiar is able to grant its master an enhancement in vision and hearing."
"What does that mean?"
"That means what the familiar sees, the master can also see."
"Oh."
"But it seems that doesn't work with you. I can't see anything."
„Luckily. She most likely went insane if her senses become as sharp as mine suddenly. I still don't quite adjusted for my new super-heightened senses. And the only thing what prevented me to go either insane or break down completely. Because of my new super-heightened senses, the fact is according to the game lore the automaton race like undead immune to mind control and mind-affecting effects."
"Also, a familiar will retrieve items that its master desires. For instance, reagents."
"Reagents?"
"They're catalysts used when casting certain spells. Something like sulfur, or moss..."
„I see."
"But you won't ever find me stuff like that, will you? Considering you don't even know what kind of reagents there are."
„I know most of them."
„Basic chemistry. My second hobby besides modern weapons. I mostly lived in the game so I Imported into the game numerous books and media products. Thank you, cash items. I hope they can be used here." thought the mercenary
Louise frowned irritably but continued talking.
"And this is most important of all... A familiar exists to protect its master! The task of protecting them from any and all enemies is a duty of the highest priority! But that might be a little bit problematic for you..."
„Why do you think that? inquired Zero Rei
"...A powerful magical beast would almost always defeat its enemies, but I don't think you could even beat a raven."
„Who knows maybe I am more than I seems." Zero smirked inwardly
" I don't think so. That's why I'm only making you do things I'm fairly sure you can do: laundry, cleaning, and other miscellaneous tasks."
„That's not nice from you. I am pretty sure I am capable more than that. For an adequate payment of course. Or I could simply try to find my way home."
"Sure, sure. In fact, I'll be glad if you do. Because when you return to your so called world, I'll be able to summon a new familiar. And as for the payment.
You will not get any payment. You only got billet and accommodation. It is more than most of the plebeians could say so be glad I am so indulgent in your direction."
„I could leave her. Here and now. But I sense she is afraid of something. Besides that, I am in an unknown world. I don't know how their world work. Culture,government, religion etc. I need more information before I could leave her"
„Hm. I see. It will do for a while. But later we will speak about the other points of the contracts."
„There is no other points. You are my servant and you will obey me. That's it."
"But. Right then, all this talking has made me sleepy," said Louise with a great yawn.
She then brought her hand up to the top button of her blouse.
One by one, the buttons came undone.
Soon she was down to her underwear.
„Do you really want to change to nightwear before me? Do you don't have shame" pointed Zero Rei to her in an expressionless face?
Louise answered as if it was the most obvious thing. "I'm going to sleep, so I'm getting changed."
„Then say and I will go outside for the time being. You are weird." Louise shot him a killing gaze.
"Why?"
„Because you are a young lady. Young ladies used to have some sense of shame. And this is a little awkward."
"It's not awkward at all."
„You don't have shame at all? It does not bother you an unknown guy is watching you while you change to your nightwear?"
"A guy? Who? I don't need to think anything of being watched by my familiar."
„Seriously she sees me as a domestical animal. This is a little sick. It is like they are stuck in the middle age."
"Oh, and these. Wash them for me tomorrow." Several items came flying over to land softly beside him. He picked them up, wondering what they were.
A lacy camisole and matching panties. White, too.
„She sure had some kind of fetishes," Zero Rei thought as he started to inspect Louise panties
„And why I suppose to wash your underwear?"
Louise was pulling a large nightgown over her head. And in the dim light thrown off by the lamp, he could see the outline of her figure. While he could make out every detail with his heightened senses if he wanted, it didn't seem as though she was embarrassed. It was kind of disappointing.
"Who do you think is going to support you? Who do you think is going to give you food? And just whose room are you going to sleep in?"
"You're my familiar, right? Laundry, cleaning, other menial tasks - they're naturally your job."
„At least she is determinant." Zero sweatdropped inwardly
„You don't say the magic word."
„What magic word. You know magic? You are a noble?" a picture of horror settled on Louise's face
Zero Rei leaned forward to Louise's face „No I am not I assure you. But every good mannered child knew this word in the world where I came from."
Louise stare intensified.
„The word is: Please."
„As if I say this to my servant whose job is to serve my needs. Now go was my laundry. And wake me up tomorrow morning when the sun rises."
He commanded Zero
After this. She wrapped the blanket around her and fallen asleep immediately.
A shroud of darkness descended upon the room.
Outside the window, the two moons shone down mysteriously.
„Then it's time to explore the nearest area." with this he jumped out of the window without a second thought. It was strange he does not felt his usual fear from the height. He felt he could jump out and land safely no matter the height.
While he feels he activated his [Conceal Presence][Invisibility Generator] and [Fly] spell. Immediately his falling stopped and for his command, he started to descend higher and higher. Zero used these spells very casually like he used back in the game. The wind blew continuously his black duster while he descended and after that.
He looked at the two glowing moon. One of them was larger than the other. They glow in a light pink and blue color.
„At least the sight is beautiful." he forced a smile on his face. Then he spotted the blue haired brunette who is riding in her blue dragon.
He decided to follow them. Of course, they could not sense him because the spells what he cast before.
The blue haired brunette and her dragon did some kind of exercise in the air while the blue haired girl cast water and ice related spell to make it more spectacular.
Sometimes. He was so close to them he almost breathed in their necks.
„It seems they don't have any kind of sensing capability. She and her dragon are the two strongest here according to for my previous measurement. Back in YGGDRASIL if I was this close to an another player or NPC. They could easily sense my presence if they used basic level sensor spells and abilities."
He watched them for a while then he decided this was enough for now and descended toward the ground.
He disabled his invisibility field and fly spell. And entered the building to explore it.
Almost all of the corridor in the building seemed almost the same. It was simply boring. After a few hours wandering.
While he wandered he met two teens. A blonde haired fop and a younger girl. It seemed the fop tried to seduce the young girl with a perfume.
He wandered all night.
Suddenly he collided with someone while he looked elsewhere. Zero Rei looked before himself.
Before him, there was a young girl around of the age 17. She wore black and white maid outfit what emphasized her body proportions.
Because of this, she dropped the laundry what she carried.
Hurriedly she stood up and bowed to Zero Rei. „Oh. I am sorry my lord. I didn't see you coming."
Zero forced a weak smile on his synthetic face. „It is no problem. Besides, It was my fault. And I am no one lord."
„But you are a noble…" Siesta said in a trembling tone
„I never said I am a noble. I am Zero Rei by the way." He leaned forward to Siesta face „Nice to meet you."
Siesta blushed because of her sudden embarrassment. „I-I am Siesta. Nice to meet you too. You are the servant what Miss La Vallière summoned?"
„Well. You could say that. But I am more of a mercenary. We did not clear the details of my contract with Miss La Vallière. Yet."
„I see."
Zero Rei looked the mess what their collision caused. „I am sorry the mess what I caused to you. Let me help you clear it."
„N-no that's not necessary. Really," she said in a highly embarrassed tone.
„Nonsense. I caused this trouble to you. At least let me help you clear it up."
Siesta nodded and smiled. „If you insist."
They started to clear the laundry from the floor.
„So Siesta how does it feels working here?" asked Zero
„It is mostly ok. If we don't consider that how the nobles sometimes treat us."
„It is that bad?"
„Yes. Sometimes I even cry myself to dream because of they treat us, commoners."
„I am very sorry to hear this."
„But I am not sad. My family counting on me at home. So I can't just give up. This gave me strength day after day to endure the nobles behavior."
„That's very admirable. If you need anything. Let me know."
With that, they finished the laundry packing. Zero Rei picked up the laundry basket.
„Do I help you to carry it to your destination?"
„T-thank you mister Zero. But that will be not necessary. I will manage."
„Ok. But don't forget. If you need any assistance. Don't hesitate to let me know."
Siesta blushed and smiled to Zero Rei „T-thank you Zero. I will."
„One last thing."
„Yes." Siesta looked him with a great amount of curiosity.
„Can you tell me which way is Miss La Vallière room. I am afraid I am lost a little bit while I explored the inner corridors of the building."
„Of course." Siesta nodded. „Follow me."
With that, Siesta led back Zero Rei to Loise room.
„Thanky ou for your help Siesta. See you later. Don't be a stranger." he waved her and forced a weak smile on his face.
„I-I will not. Goodbye, Zero."
„Goodbye, Siesta."
Then he retreated Louise room.
He spent his remaining time until dawn to close his eyes and try to relax a little bit.
The dawn came not soon after this.
First things first, he flung the blanket off Louise at morning.
"Wh-What? What's going on!" she said in a panicked tone
"It's morning, rise and shines little Louise."
"Huh? O-Oh... Wait, who are you!?" Louise yelled in a slurred voice. Her expression was vacant as she trailed off into a pitiful mumble.
„Zero Rei."
„It seems she is not a morning person."
"Oh, the familiar. That's right, I summoned you yesterday, didn't I?"
Louise got up and yawned. Then, she ordered Zero:
"Clothes."
He tossed her the uniform that had been draped over a chair. Louise began to sluggishly undress.
"Underwear."
„Get that yourself I am not your butler."
"They're in the lowest drawer... Of that closet... Over there."
Holding his tongue, he went and opened the indicated drawer. It was packed full of underwear.
„It seems she loves lacy underwears. Strange, Crazy girl"
Grabbing a pair at random, he threw it over his shoulder without looking back.
"Clothes."
"I just gave them to you."
"Dress me."
„As I said before I am not your butler. What Are you? A two years old to need help to dress?"
He looked at Louise. Only to find Louise sitting sleepily on the bed wearing nothing but the underwear he had thrown at her.
Louise pouted in displeasure.
"You must not know because you're a commoner, but nobles will not dress if a servant is available."
„I don't care dress yourself. I will be outside if you need me."
"Right then. As punishment for being a disrespectful familiar: No breakfast," Louise declared, raising a finger triumphantly.
„I don't care. I am not hungry anyway."
With that. He walked to the door, grabbed the knob and left the room.
„Come back you dog!" Louise's head flustered because of her rage. „Come back! Dress me! I am your master!"
After he left the room he saw three identical wooden doors along the wall.
After a while, Louise grew impatient and dressed herself up.
When she left the room, she saw Zero Rei leaned the wall beside her room.
„So you can dress yourself up. This is a progress."
„Shut up! No food for two days."
„I don't care. I have been without food for a longer time."
Louise's head grow. But suddenly she shocked herself back from another of her outraging moments.
One of the doors opened, and from inside appeared a girl with flaming red hair. She was taller than Louise, roughly the same height as Zero. She gave off a strongly flirtatious aura. Her face was attractive, and she sported a captivating bustline. Her breasts were like melons.
The top two buttons of her blouse were undone, highlighting an impressive cleavage which impulsively drew the eyes in. Her skin was tanned, giving her the look of healthy and natural beauty.
Her height, skin color, bearing, and breast size... It all made for a strong contrast with Louise, who lacked in those charm points.
When she saw Louise, she grinned broadly.
"Good morning, Louise."
Louise returned the greeting with a frown.
"Good morning... Kirche."
"That... is your familiar?" Kirche asked somewhat mockingly, pointing at Zero.
"That's right."
"Ahaha! So it really is a human! That's amazing!"
Zero Rei greeted her with a wave of his hand.
"It's just like you to summon a commoner with 'Summon Servant.' What else to expect from Louise the Zero?"
Louise's white cheeks flushed scarlet.
"Shut up."
"I summoned a familiar yesterday, too. Unlike a certain somebody, I was successful on my first try."
"Really."
"And, if you're going to have a familiar, it should be a good one, like this. Flame!"
Kirche called her familiar triumphantly. From her room, a large, dark-red lizard slithered out. But suddenly the lizard-like creature retreat back to her room.
„What are you doing Flame. Come out. Don't be shy."
Slowly the fire lizard came out from Kirche room and stood behind her while he trembled all along.
„Ah. A flame salamander. May I pet it?"
„Go ahead!" said Kirche proudly while she pouted her chest upward emphasizing more her impressive cleavage.
Zero approached the trembling Flame. „Don't be afraid little buddy. I will not harm you." with that he slowly and gently stretched his hand toward Flame.
The creature cautiously sniffed it then lit itself to be petted.
„Strange. Flame had been never acted this way for everyone."
„Animals always wary of me at first," answered Zero. Then stood up.
„You have a magnificent companion. Miss…"
„I am Kirche Augusta Frederica von Anhalt-Zerbst. Nice to meet you Mr..."
„I am Zero Rei. Nice to meet you, Miss. Zerbst."
„What a strange name. „
"Put a chain on it or something! It's dangerous! And just what is a fire lizard?" Louise interjected
"Don't worry. As long as I order it not to, it won't attack. Aren't you the scaredy-cat."
Kirche put a hand to her chin and tilted her head teasingly.
The creature was at least as big as a tiger. Its tail was tipped with flame, and its mouth emitted sparks and embers.
"That's right! A fire lizard! See, look at the tail. A flame this vivid and large means it's without a doubt a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! It's like a brand! Collectors can't even put a price on these!"
"That's nice," Louise said, her voice bitter.
"Isn't it? It matches my affinity perfectly!"
"You are a fire mage then?" asked Zero Rei
"Of course. After all, I'm Kirche the Ardent. The ardent of gently smoldering passion. Everywhere I go, I have boys falling for me. Unlike you, right?"
Kirche puffed her chest out proudly. Not wanting to lose, Louise did the same, but the difference in volume was just too striking.
Despite this, Louise glared at Kirche. It looked as if she really hated losing.
„Amusing. It seems they are rivals." thought Zero Rei
"Well then, I'll be off now."
She stroked her flaming red hair back and dashed off. The salamander followed her with a cute shuffling movement that looked odd with such a large creature.
As she disappeared, Louise shook a fist in her direction.
"Ooh, that girl gets on my nerves! Just because she summoned a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! Argh!"
„You get me. Cheer up!"
"Why should I cheer up! You can determine a mage's true power just by looking at his/her familiar! Why did that idiot get a salamander, while I got you?"
„Actually you did not get me yet. First, you need a written contract with me. And after that, you become my contractor if I accept the terms and agreements. Besides, you are human too."
"Comparing mages and commoners is like comparing wolves and dogs!" Louise exclaimed haughtily.
„I see. So how it goes here."
„Exactly."
The Academy of Magic's dining hall was the tallest and centermost building on the premises. Inside, three extremely long tables were arranged parallel to each other. Each one looked like it could easily seat a hundred people. The table at which Louise and all the second years sat was the middle table.
It appeared that students could be identified by the color of their cloaks. Viewed from the entrance, everyone sitting on the left-hand table looked a little older and wore purple cloaks — third years.
The students sitting on the right-hand table wore brown cloaks — first years.
Every single mage on the school grounds, students, and teachers alike, gathered here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
On an upper level, he could see teachers enjoying the pleasant chatter.
All the tables were magnificently decorated.
Numerous candles, bunches of flowers, baskets full of fruit...
„Hm. Not bad." Zero Rei looked around. „I see better and more magnificent in YGGDRASIL. But it is not bad nonetheless."
"Tristain's Academy of Magic doesn't teach just magic, you know."
"Right..."
"Almost all mages are nobles. The saying 'nobles achieve nobility through the use of magic' is a foundation for the education we receive as nobles. Thus, our dining halls must also be fitting of a noble's status."
"Understand? Normally, a commoner like you would never set foot inside the Alvíss Dining Hall. Be grateful."
„Sure. Whatever."
„Enough of this, pull out my chair, will you? You're not a very competent familiar," Louise remarked, crossing her arms and tilting her head, which made her strawberry-blonde hair ripple. "Oh well, ladies first." Zero pulled Louise's chair out for her. Not because he wanted but because his inner gentlemen said it to do it.
Louise didn't even thank him as she sat down. Zero also brought over a chair to sit on.
Louise pointed to the floor, where a bowl had been placed.
"It's a bowl."
"Yes. It is."
„So you want me to eat on the floor like some kind of dog. Don't you? And besides this, you said I will not get food ate least two days. You changed your mind?"
„ What is the problem with that. Now get down and eat. You know, familiars are supposed to stay outside. You're only in here on the floor because I specially requested it."
"Oh, Great Founder Brimir, and our lady, the Queen, we thank you for this humble meal that you have graciously provided us this morning," the harmonious sound of a prayer sounded. Louise joined in as well, closing her eyes.
„Yeah. Humble meal. Of course."
„I will pass it thank you." with that he stood up and started to walk away. „I am going to wait for you outside. See you later." he waved her while he walked away
„Ungrateful dog." Louise murmured under her nose.
After Louise finished her meal she met Zero Rei who leaned against the wall outside the dinner hall.
„Come. We will go to lesson."
„So. Now I am allowed to go in your lessons? At least it is a progress."
„Shut up!" Louise frowned „Last time you couldn't come in due I was not have permission to bring you in."
„I see. Still, it is a progress," he said with a bland face
The classrooms in the Academy of Magic were similar to university lecture halls. And like everything else, they were constructed from stone. The lecturing teacher stood at the lowest level, and the seats were arranged upward like stairs. When Zero and Louise entered, every student in the room simultaneously turned their heads towards them.
And then the laughter began. Kirche was there as well, surrounded by a group of boys.
The familiars that everyone had brought along were a varied bunch.
Kirche's salamander was curled asleep under her chair. There were students with owls resting on their shoulders. From a window, a gigantic snake peered into the class. One boy whistled, and the snake withdrew its head. Other than those, there were also ravens and cats.
„What is that purple eye thing?" pointed out Zero
„A bugbear."
„It does not resemble either bug or a bear."
„It is called that I don't know why."
Zero Rei took a seat next to Louise. Louise glared at him.
„Is there a problem?"
"That's a mage's seat. Familiars aren't permitted to use it."
„I don't care. To be left to sink or swim."
Louise head flustered and wanted to hit Zero but she stopped herself.
„Fine. I don't care."
Louise glanced at him but didn't say anything this time.
The door opened, and the teacher entered.
She was a middle-aged woman dressed in a voluminous purple robe and wearing a hat. She had a plump, round face with a friendly expression on it.
The woman gazed around the classroom and spoke with a satisfied smile.
"Well, everyone, it seems that the Springtime Familiar Summoning was a great success. I, Chevreuse, always enjoy seeing the new familiars that are summoned each spring."
Louise cast her eyes downward.
„Are you a new student?" asked Chevreuse while she looked at Zero
„No. I am not. I am Zero Rei. Nice to meet you! I summoned by Miss. La Vallière."
"My, my. You've summoned quite a... peculiar familiar, Miss Vallière," she remarked as she looked at Zero. The comment was fairly innocent, but the classroom exploded with laughter.
"Louise the Zero! Don't go around grabbing random commoners off the street just because you can't summon anything!"
Louise's long strawberry blonde hair billowed as she stood up. She raised her cute voice in anger.
"No! I did everything properly! He was all that appeared!"
"Don't lie! I bet you couldn't even cast 'Summon Servant' properly, right?"
The other students chuckled.
„Shut up or I will make you," said Zero Rei with a loud but calm tone. While he radiated a small amount of his killing intent around him. Every student looked at him with a terrified face and stopped laughing.
„The classroom is the place of learning not laughing. Shut up and let the teacher start the class. And you call yourself nobles. Pathetic." Everyone glared at him with terrified eyes
„Thank you, Mr. Zero."
„Don't mention it." Zero hissed away the praise
Louise looked at him with a look of disbelief.
„He has protected me. But why? I was rude to him at the whole time. Why he is protecting me?"
Now then, let's begin the lesson."
Chevreuse coughed heavily and waved her wand. A few pebbles materialized on her desktop.
"My Runic name is 'Red Clay.' Chevreuse the Red Clay. This year, I will be teaching you all the magic of the Earth element. Do you know the four great elements of magic, Mister Malicorne?"
"Y-Yes, Mrs. Chevreuse. They are Fire, Water, Earth and Wind."
Chevreuse nodded.
"And combined with the now-lost element of 'Void,' there are five elements in total - as everyone should already know. Of the five elements, I believe Earth holds an extremely important position. This isn't just because my affinity is Earth, nor is it simply a personal preference."
Once again, Chevreuse coughed heavily.
"The magic of Earth is very important magic that governs the creation of all matter. If it wasn't for Earth magic, we wouldn't be able to produce or process necessary metals. Raising buildings from large boulders and harvesting crops would also involve much more work. In this manner, the magic of the Earth element is intimately related to everyone's life."
„Interesting. They only using. Four. No. Five. Element for their magic. Their magic system is completely different than the tier based magic system what we used in YGGDRASIL."
"Now, everyone, please recall that the basic magic of the Earth element is 'transmutation'. While there will be people here who have already learned this in their first year, basics build foundations, so let's review it once more."
Scene Change: Tristain Academy of Magic: Libary
Mister Colbert, a teacher who had dedicated twenty years to Tristain Magic Academy, was by now a mainstay figure.
His Runic name was "Colbert the Flame Snake," and, naturally, he was a mage specializing in fire magic.
Since the Springtime Familiar Summoning a few days ago, he'd been concerned about the commoner boy that Louise had summoned. Or more precisely, he'd been concerned with nothing but the runes that had appeared on that boy's hand. They were rare runes indeed, so for the last few nights, he'd confined himself to the library and had been researching various texts.
Tristain Magic Academy's library was located in the same tower as the dining hall. The bookshelves were unbelievably tall, about thirty mails in height, and the way they were lined up against the walls was a spectacle to behold. And rightly so, since this place was crammed with the history of everything following the creation of the new world in Halkeginia by the Founder Brimir.
Colbert was now in a section called "Fenrir's Library" that only teachers were allowed entry to.
The ordinary bookshelves, to which students had free access, didn't hold any answers that could satisfy him.
He Levitated up to an out-of-reach shelf and scanned it intently for a particular book. His efforts were rewarded as his gaze fell upon the title of the book. It was a very old text which held descriptions of the familiars that had been used by the Founder Brimir.
His attention was focused on one particular paragraph written in it, and as he read on in fascination, his eyes grew wide. He compared the book with the sketch he'd made of the runes on the boy's left hand.
"Ah!" he gasped in surprise. At that moment, he lost the concentration necessary for maintaining his Levitation and almost fell to the floor.
Holding the book in his arms, he hurriedly descended to the floor and ran out of the library.
His destination was the Headmaster's Office.
Scene Change: Tristain Academy of Magic: Osmond office
The door was thrown open with a slam, and Colbert rushed inside.
"Old Osmond!"
"What is it?"
Miss Longueville was back at her desk, sitting there as if nothing had happened. Sir Osmond had his arms behind him and turned to face the visitor with a serious expression. That was certainly a quick recovery.
"I-I-I have some big news!"
"There is no such thing as big news. Everything is but a collection of small events."
"P-P-Please take a look at this!"
Colbert handed Osmond the book he had been reading just before.
"This is "The Familiars of the Founder Brimir," is it not? Are you still going around digging up old literature like this? If you have time to do that, why don't you think up some better ways of collecting school fees from those slack nobles? Mister, err... What was it again?"
Sir Osmond cocked his head.
"It's Colbert! You forgot?!"
"Right, right. Now I remember. It's just that you talked so fast I never really caught it. So, Colby, what is it about this book?"
"Please take a look at this also!"
Colbert then handed him the sketch of the runes on Zero's left hand.
The moment he saw that, Osmond's expression changed. His eyes took on a solemn light.
"Miss Longueville, would you please excuse us?"
Miss Longueville stood up and left the room. Osmond spoke only after he confirmed she was properly outside.
"Explain this to me with every detail, Mister Colbert..."
Scene Change: Tristain Academy of Magic: Alvis dining hall:
After the lesson Zero, Rei and Louise headed to the dining hall.
Louise gathered all of her courage and cut before Zero Rei. „Why?.."
„What why?" asked Zero Rei with an expressionless face
„Why did you protected me against the others? Why did you do that after I treated you?"
„I hate bullies. I hate primitive people," he said blandly
„But they are nobles and you are just a commoner. Why did you protect me? A noble."
„And what makes them noble. Where they born. Their heritage?"
Louise looked pensive.
„They are mages," Louise said shyly
„And what? It makes them better than other people? Please excuse me to said this. But your government system is total bullshit."
„Nobility not comes from your heritage or the capability of cast magic. But the capability and practice of the seven main virtues. Chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, patience, kindness and humility."
Louise looked dumbfounded
„But ever since I arrived here I am not seeing anything else but ignorance,oppression, lust, and anger. Not a single positive quality. That means you and your little band what you call nobility is further from the true nobility than you could possibly imagine." He pointed the dumbfounded Louise forehead
„I am going to wander a little bit. Think about what you heard. Bon appetite to your lunch."
He placed his gloved hand under his duster coat. Opened his inventory. A void of blackness swallowed his hand. He grabbed an energy bar from his inventory. Then started to eat it.
„At least my inventory works at it intended."
After a while, he arrived the dinner garden part.
„It is a pretty nice garden." Zero looked around. Then he noticed an interesting thing.
The blonde fop whom he met last night yelling with Siesta. The maid whose he met last night.
He walked towards them. Suddenly the blonde guy raised his hand to slap Siesta but Zero Rei caught it in the air.
„A proper gentleman should never hit a lady. Or your parents did not think that?"
„Let me go, filthy commoner," yelled Guiche
Zero Rei turned to Siesta „What happened Siesta?"
„I-I just gave Lord Guiche back the perfume what he dropped. I swear." interjected timidly Siesta
„She gave you back your perfume. This should be rewarded not punished don't you think?"
„She stained my and two ladies reputation and ashamed me before the others. But commoners like you could not possibly understand this. Anyway, why should explain this to you."
„Let go my hand and get out my way before I will punish you too!" he said with a furious and arrogant expression on his face
„He is two timed her girlfriend with an another first-year student." interjected the chubby blonde
Zero let Guiche hand of then placed his hand in his pockets. „So you two timed. Shame on you. But why do you punish Siesta because of it? It is pretty primitive."
"It would seem that you don't know the proper etiquette for addressing a noble."
„I don't care," said Zero while Siesta trembled in the background.
"Very well. Then I shall teach you a lesson about respect. A perfect way to relieve some stress."
Guiche stood up.
„So what do you want to do? You want to take a relaxing nap?"
Guiche turned in the other direction.
"Are you running away?"
"Don't be stupid. I can't taint the dining table of nobles with the blood of a commoner, can I? I'll be waiting at Vestri Court. Come once you're finished."
Looking excited, Guiche's friends stood up and followed him off.
One person remained, though as if to make sure Zero didn't go after them.
Siesta gazed at Zero, her entire body quivering. Zero spoke with a motionless face.
„Don't worry. I don't kill him. But naughty kids sometimes needs a good spank.
"You... You're going to get killed."
„Why is that?"
"If you truly anger a noble..."
Siesta dashed off in a hurry.
Louise ran up to him from behind.
"Hey! What do you think you're doing?! I saw all that!"
"Yo, Louise."
"This is no time to be "yo"-ing me! How can you just go promising duels like it's no big deal?!"
„It is not a big deal. He is arrogant, aggressive, greedy and lustful. And he is just as human as everyone else here. His blood is colored crimson like everyone else when you shed it. Anyway, everything dies if you do enough damage to it so don't worry about it."
Louise sighed and shrugged disappointedly.
"Apologize to him."
"Why?"
"If you don't want to be hurt, go and apologize. If you do it now, he might forgive you."
„I can't do that sorry." he turned away from Louise
"Just do it."
Louise fixed Zero with a firm look.
"No way."
"So stubborn... But you know what? You can't win. You'll be badly injured. Actually, you'll be lucky to come back alive with just injuries."
„I don't fear death. I've had worse."
"Listen, a commoner can never beat a mage!"
"There is always a first time." he said Louise with a flat tone „So where's this Vestri Court?"
Zero walked off. The friend of Guiche's that had been watching Louise and Zero's exchange pointed with his chin.
"This way, commoner."
"Aaah, jeez! Really! Why does this familiar keep going off and doing stuff on its own?!"
With that, Louise chased after Zero.
Scene Change: Tristain Academy of Magic. Vestri court
Vestri Court was the central garden situated between the Wind and Fire elemental towers. Being located to the west, the Court didn't receive much sunshine, even in the middle of the day, but it was the perfect place for a duel.
Right now... the place was packed with people who had heard the rumors.
"Gentlemen! It's a duel!"
Guiche lifted his artificial rose high, eliciting a loud cheer from the crowd.
"Guiche is going to duel! His opponent is Louise's commoner!"
Waving his arms about, Guiche acknowledged the cheering.
And then, as if finally noticing Zero's presence there, he turned to face him.
Zero and Guiche stood in the middle of the Court. Guiche glared to Zero. Zero just staring him with a bored uncaring expression.
"First of all, I commend you for coming here instead of running away!" Guiche remarked in a sing-song voice, as he twirled his rose.
Zero Rei is not answered just continued his bored stare.
"Right then, let us begin," said Guiche.
„It's roughly ten paces between us. Let's see what's you got," he smirked inwardly
Guiche watched Zero with a leisurely smile and flicked his rose.
A petal floated down as if dancing in the air...
And became the armor-clad shape of a female warrior.
Its height was about the same as a person's, but it appeared to be constructed from some hard metal. Under the pale sunlight, its skin... its armor gleamed.
It stood stoically in Zero's way.
„Hm. A summon. I sense the magic is barely holding it together. It is not even level five. Pathetic."
„So you fighting with your constructs. So be it."
"I am a mage, therefore I fight using magic. Surely you have no complaints?"
„Do as you like. I don't care." Guiche head reddened because of the anger.
then he regained his composure and started to smirk "I guess I forgot to mention earlier. My Runic name is "the Bronze." Guiche the Bronze. Accordingly, my bronze golem "Valkyrie" shall be your real opponent."
„I don't care let's get over with this. I have things to do."
Guiche frowned. „Very well. Valkyrie attack!"
The warrior-shaped golem charged towards Zero.
It's right fist headed towards Zero face.
Siesta who watched all of this from the crowd covered her eyes before the bronze Valkyrie fist could collide with Zero.
