Chapter 2: First Day
A strange ringing noise can be heard in the room. It continues to ring a few seconds until Saito woke up and get his PDA and stopped its alarm function. When he was setting the alarm last night, he was about to bother asking what time it is but decided not to and rely on guessing on how many hours left until dawn, his guess is about to be proven right by now. He then take a look at the sky through the window, the sky was about to be bluish indicating that it was about dawn. For a few minutes, as he look at the soon-to-be twilight sky, he assessed of what has really happen to him.
So I am really sent to alternate reality, not some hallucinations or a belly of some BETA.
The primitive technology might be a problem, then again is the technology level is really that primitive? Louise my 'employer' and my unintentional rescuer was a daughter of a duke. That doesn't sound that they were dirt poor and the fancy design in the room is already an indicator of wealth, which means the technology is probably from Renaissance-era to Industrial Revolution-era compared to my home-err home world. Perhaps they can create a fuel, though being a familiar I may get a privilege for it.
Also, I should probably take some research. If the creatures there are also familiars then I might be the only human familiar probably recorded in history.
Saito felt embarrassed and humiliated by thinking about that.
Another thing is to learn the local language- now wait a minute. Last night I'm talking French?! I barely knew some words through some people talking French and I just learned it all in a what? In a middle of sleep after I collapse? I guess their language coincides with them. I hope their alphabet is Roman just for the sake of easy reading unless the g-element on that airship is a sentient being and sent me in a reality where the language coincides with one of the recognizable language and then in a purpose to screw me the alphabet is entirely different. Oh crap.
Suddenly the additional alarm on Saito's PDA that was set just in case Saito fell asleep again rang. Saito rush to the PDA but careful enough to cause accident, he didn't want his literal first day on this world involving accidents caused by him.
'Munya~', the sound that came from the queen-size bed startled him a bit. Then again, it was not a sound of annoyance.
"Good Morning, Lady Louise." Saito greeted her hoping that the PDA's alarm did not thoroughly disturb her beauty sleep. She looks adorable though.
"What was that sound? And who are you?" Louise said in a slur voice.
"It was a device made to wake a person to specific time by using noises and I am Saito Hiraga. Do you remember?"
"Oh you, I summoned you yesterday, right?"
"Yes, milady" Saito was really convinced that he really just know how to speak French, obviously has something to do with magic. Magic subconscious programming Saito thought.
She yawned again. "Clothes" Louise ordered.
Without further ado, Saito went to the closet and searched where clothes were commonly put. Ever since last night's discussion, his duties were made clear. A personal assistant and bodyguard, the bodyguard part is going to be some problem aside from the obvious dangers, his combat-honed senses will allow him to potentially detect them and avert or prepare plans. Another thing is that the creatures, he could not fight a bear due to obvious reasons but his training aside from being a TSF pilot such as hand-to-hand combat and basic swordsmanship is the tip of the iceberg of his skill sets. Also, every time he touches a weapon, so far, theoretically, he suddenly feels power surging through his body. Strength, speed, and agility are what he can found so far. He suspects it has something to do that caused him to master the language. Last but not the least, ammunition supply, he currently has 60 .45 ACP rounds plus one in the chamber for his Colt XSE pistol, 30 rounds for his L96 sniper rifle, 150 5.56 NATO rounds for his AK, and as well as 150 rounds for his MP7, he has to find a way for someone to make him ammunition but he has to find a way to make mold for the bullet as well as making the primer which is essential for starting the combustion of the propellants. His TSF is going to have problems as well, if every hostile he come across takes one bullet of 5.56mm from his AK, then he probably has sufficient supply to defend his 'summoner' for the rest of his or her life.
"Is there anything you need ma'am?" Saito asked as he curled the uniform set over the edge of her bed.
"Underwear"
"Right"
With a dozen of second of searching, he found the pair and tosses it on the bed, with carefully applied force just not to hit Louise of course. Saito started to wonder why the nobility here are too lazy to dress get their selves dressed. As far as Saito knows back home, they only needed help if the dress takes too much effort and time and that is only done with people of the same gender unless the other gender is close to the person getting dressed.
His train of thought was interrupted when Louise mumble something.
"Clothes"
"It's on the edge of the bed ma'am" Saito pointed where it was precisely for good measure.
"Dress me"
Saito just sighed. He realized to himself that sooner or later, holding off the BETA horde was more convenient than this.
Still, better than the BETA. Saito mentally shrugged as he started to dress his boss.
As Saito and Louise left the door, he made sure that his PDA is securely on his pocket so he can remotely interface with his TSF and see if anything happens to the machine itself or the supply containers. None so far, Colbert only takes some brief staring at the machine. He was thinking on how to clean his TSF, since it's going to be a problem especially the stench. Suddenly he heard a door open. Saito spared a glance just for the sake of knowing Louise's hall mates.
What he saw, was a lady with flaming red hair. She was much taller than Louise and roughly the same height as Saito. She has a flirtatious aura and an attractive face and a bust line that Saito assumed that if it was high-explosive and both was simultaneously detonated, it can atomize a most of main battle tank's turret if it didn't have armor upgrades.
The top-two buttons were undone exposing the cleavage. 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. He wondered how exactly old is Louise.
When she saw Louise, she grinned broadly.
"Good morning, Louise."
Louise returned the greeting with a frown.
"Good morning... Kirche." The lady that was named Kirche is now looking at Saito.
"Awww, that must be baby of the golem." Kirche's statement surprised both of them. But Saito realized that he can make a fool out of anyone at the academy by having them sticking with the mistake that he was the baby of a golem. He mentally grinned, and put a hand to the back of his head trying to look embarrassed.
"I'm surprised you did not make him cry, Louise. Otherwise the golem would probably attack you and teach you a lesson." The redhead added.
Saito resisted the urge to chuckle at that.
"Kirche, where the hell did you get that idea?" Louise asked, though there were hints of annoyance.
"Well some says he was, but of course, it's too absurd…" Saito was wondering why the hell she is saying that. "The more possible thing is that he is a passenger of the golem, though some say he was devoured, but golems don't devour people. So Louise, is that man is your familiar?"
The redhead's question made Louise jerk a bit. "How did you know?"
"Because, he was the only one who reacted when you try to bind the golem. Though golem doesn't feel pain, and there are no runes visible, despite of its color, somebody else would notice that the glow of the runes etching, so the only one that is most possible to be the familiar is him." The redhead trivially replied.
Saito remained silent, but of course being mistaken for a baby of the golem is just too absurd and only the only ones that will believe it are airheads that can't even recognize the importance of educational institution.
"Your right, Kirche" Louise replied.
"Oh, I see, though the golem's design is amazing, the design is majestic despite of its otherworldly appearance. Where did you come from?" The redhead asked Saito/
"Japan" Saito replied stoically.
"Japan huh? Never heard of that."
"Never heard of Tristain too, never seen it at any maps we have."
"I see, so someone from an unexplored world. I knew that Halkegania should try to explore the new world rather than preparing for war that comes annually. They never know what civilizations and cultures are established there. And by the way, my name is Kirche Augusta Frederica Von Anhalt Zerbst, I am from Germania."
"A neighboring country, I presume" Saito replied.
"Yes, we are just next to Tristain. By the way, you must be an Earth-class mage right?"
"No, I'm not a mage, and the golem is just a war machine. Please don't ask how it works, too complicated to explain." Saito has no plan to explain how his TSF works.
"Oh, I see, so you're a commoner. Well in this place, you have to be able to cast magic just to be a noble."
"I see, so this academy is full of—"Saito noticed something, and draw his pistol. Ready to drill it full of projectiles that have a diameter of almost half an inch on any weakness he can conceive, should it prove to be hostile of course.
What he saw, was a large, dark red reptilian. Fortunately, Saito has never encountered any BETA strain that has resemblance on the creatures he is looking at right now. Else, he would have put 5 rounds rapid on its head, making a very bad impression on the very first day.
Both the girls made a mild shriek in surprise. "Put the gun[i] down, commoner. He is not hostile." Kirche ordered. Saito complied by lowering his gun but ready to retaliate to anything hostile action that may sprung up.
"This must be the first time you saw a fire lizard, I presume?" Kirche's tone was a bit more casual and serious than her previous one.
"Yeah, I thought some of the monsters that I was fighting yesterday managed to get here. Else this place is totally screwed if they were able to organize their standard vanguard unit composition."
"I see, so those blood in your golem were from those creatures you are talking about?" Kirche has a tone of curiosity in it.
Saito just nodded.
"By the way commoner, you must have a name right?" the redhead asked.
In Saito's head: Yeah I have a few letters and some numbers, or just a serial number. Seriously? How can you tell a person from other person conveniently without a name? Oh right…
"Saito Hiraga" Saito forewent the surname first just in order to avoid confusion.
"'Saito Hiraga' a strange name, you are really from the unexplored world." With that, the redhead made her leave.
Saito noticed Louise that she was fuming. "Ma'am, we- you might be late for your breakfast."
With that they left.
-Hallway leading to the Dining Hall
-Morning
-Day of Arrival + 1
"Lieutenant, when you say monsters, you mean that your homeland is being invaded?" Louise asked.
"Yes, milady. Though we are pushing back after few decades, we are not alone from that war though. Other nations are under attack by that damn swarm. "Saito made a pause so Louise can absorb the information. "The war machine that I operate is crucial on every doctrine against them. The one I was using was a third generation one that is designed by my homeland." Saito though is currently planning how to explain everything, including coming from a world without magic.
"You mean there are several variations?"
"Yes, like breeds of dogs and horses. Mine was exclusively designed for us Royal Guardsmen. Its designated name was Type Double Zero Takemikazuchi." Saito made a glance at Louise who is glancing back in return, frowning with matching aneurysm. "Something wrong, ma'am?"
"Nothing"
Alviss Dining Hall
Saito take a look at the dining hall, there were three long tables and judging by the occupants of the tables they have color-coded cloaks. His educated guess tells him that all tables are separated by their year level which explains the color-code cloak. All the tables were magnificently decorated.
So far, Saito was amazed but did not show it.
"Tristain's Academy of Magic doesn't just teach magic…" Louise started to explain.
"I see."
"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."
Saito remained silent and think about the place where he is now. This place is more fitting for a dystopia, and people here, the nobles, are spoiled and anything negative they have. The main reason why he thinks about it is because if a person with a magic is a total douche and power blind because of magic. So far, it's an assumption he has to learn more about this place before going to a final conclusion.
"Normally, a commoner like you would never set foot inside the Alvíss Dining Hall, be grateful that you have a privilege to do so."
"Right, by the way ma'am what is an 'Alviss'?"
"It's the name of the little people. See those statues over there?"
"They were well made. I guess they move at night or some other time."
"A good guess, they dance at night." The two then moved to one of the tables. "Pull out my chair." Louise ordered.
Without further ado, Saito pulled out Louise's chair. Saito wondered how he is going to eat at this place considering the customs, cultures and protocols here.
"By the way, I requested the kitchen staff to prepare you with food. It's over there, tell them your name and they will give you food. Come back here when you are through with your food."
"Thank you, ma'am. I'll be back as soon as I finish my breakfast." With that Saito headed to the kitchen, eavesdropping at the student's chatter. He has to resist the urge the chuckle at their stupid assumptions which is quickly proven wrong by their chat mates.
Tristain Academy of Magic
Earth Tower, some classroom
Morning
When Saito and Louise get there, the teacher is not there. It reminded Saito of his school days where he is late after break. Speaking of break, Saito has a cold welcome by one of the kitchen staff, a head chef. The chef thinks he is some noble considering he has a golem, but when he said that he is not a mage and a noble and the golem is just a war machine. The chef apologized for his cold reception, and gives him a good stew. He said that there is a lot of leftover that is not eaten by them and told Saito to don't mind it. The chef's obvious hate to the nobles gives him more idea about Tristain. So far Saito doesn't want to be on the worst living condition in this new world since he is from a well-developed country and a family of bourgeois, no more, no less. His family has served different regime starting from the Meiji era. It was a military family by his world's standards.
Saito reminded himself that he is out of the warzone, but he has to find a way for a real vacation since he needs to relax himself just to orient himself to a somewhat less dangerous environment. Keyword 'somewhat' since Kirche talked about war that usually comes annually. And since Louise is a daughter of a high ranking official, that makes her a target and a leverage material.
The classroom was just like back in the Royal Guard Academy and most college institutions back on home, well homeworld. The lecturers table was on the lowest level while the students' row of seats was arranged upwards like a stair. As he and Louise enter the room, the students turn their heads at them. Saito was not very estranged about this since he is a former student himself.
And then the students begun murmuring about rumors about him, Kirche on the other hand was surrounded by a group of boys, who were just chatting that is obviously about him. Due to the fact that Kirche was surrounded by boys and her pose, Saito can tell that she was being wooed by them. It didn't take a genius what student stereotype Kirche was.
The familiars in the room were a varied bunch of creatures. Kirche's Flame Lizard is curled asleep under her chair, some owls that are resting on their respective masters' shoulders. There was a giant snake peering through the window, one of the students whistled and the snake withdrew its head. There were also ravens and cats. What took Saito's attention the most are this strange creatures. One is a lizard with six legs. Another one is a huge floating eyeball, the latter reminded Saito of mutilated people.
Saito took a sit beside Louise, but with a distance between them. Louise on the other hand was supposed to bother that only mages seat there, but because of the fact that Saito was human and not some dog, she let it slide. Besides, it's only her who sits on that part of the classroom.
A moment later, the teacher entered. She was a plump middle-aged woman in purple robes. The teacher gazed around the room 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." The teacher then looked at Louise and Saito. "You have a strange summoning Valliere, Professor Colbert told me that it was a war machine piloted by this man. Is that true?" the teacher named Chevreuse asked while pointing her hand to Saito.
There was another round of hushed murmurs. Louise is wondering how the class would believe her, however Saito took the initiative.
"It is true that it is a war machine, I operate it. It's too complicated to explain how it exactly works." Saito confirmed the rumors he got from his eavesdrop some people are intelligent enough that they can tell it's a war machine not a golem. Because if it's a golem, why bother keeping someone inside. The only thing that disproves their theory is that how can they operate from the inside without obscuring their vision. They were also claims that he was a mage, which was disproven by the absurdly large amount of metals, and the sophistication of the work.
"But you use magic to do most of the work, right?" One of the students asked.
"No, I'm not even a mage." Saito replied in a deadpan.
"Hah! A commoner! Just something that came only done by you, Zero!" A chubby student said.
The entire class broke out a laughter. Saito realized that when he mentioned the entire designated name of his TSF, she is not confused. She was angry if the way they calling her 'Zero' are an indication to go by.
"It seems you still never wooed a girl, Malicorne the 'Common Cold'" Louise shot back. The chubby boy, apparently named Malicorne, stood back at this.
"'Common Cold'? I'm Malicorne the Windward! I haven't caught any cold!" The chubby boy replied, ignoring the first part of the statement that he replied at.
"Well, your hoarse voice sounds exactly that you caught one!"
Malicorne stood up and was about to launch another volley of insult but when he is about to make a sound, a clay come out of nowhere in his mouth. Malicorne instantly got the message and sit down, ignoring the class who is stifling their laughter.
"As you can see, my runic name is the red clay. Thus, I am Chevreuse The Red Clay. This year, I will be teaching you the magic of Earth Element. Do you know the four main elements of Magic, Mr. Malicorne?"
"Yes, Mrs. Chevreuse. They are Fire, Water, Wind and Earth."
The professor nodded. "And combined with the now-lost element of 'Void', there are five main elements total. Of all five elements, Earth holds an extremely important position. This is not because of my affinity of Earth, nor because of personal preference. The magic element of Earth is an important magic, it allows us to form the ground to create large structures, and improving agricultural work such as harvesting crops with the help of Earth magic. Earth magic is intimately related to everyone's life. And with good knowledge of engineering you can create buildings such as this or something bigger. But that would be taught in the tertiary education."
Saito analyzed what Mrs. Chevreuse said. First, is the element of 'void', it appears that their current knowledge, assuming their scientific level is primitive, is just like his homeland former belief that the world is created by this five elements. Another thing is the use of Earth magic on building structures, since none was able to create a large crane to efficiently transport materials across the building sites, not to mention the ability to create steel beams as part of the foundation to create tall buildings. Again, that is assuming their scientific level. Another thing is the reliance on it when it comes to agricultural work. Perhaps, they have an equivalent of a tractor.
It appears that they rely on magic too much. His homeworld on the other hand has to find a way for more convenient ways. Simply put, small work input but bigger output. Perhaps, not having magic has something to do with that.
Lastly, the teacher mentioned 'engineering' and 'tertiary education'. It appears that they have an equivalent of college here. He wondered if he they have the technological capability to recreate his equipment's parts and other supplies.
"Now, everyone, please recall that the most basic Earth magic is 'transmutation'. While there will be people here who have already learned this in their first year, basics build foundations, but let's review it once more."
Chevreuse flicker her wand at the pebbles and chanted something inaudible. The pebbles glowed and when the light dimmed away, the pebbles are now sparkling yellowish lumps of metal.
Saito's brow shot up. Transmutation back home was attempted by the Greeks in ancient time. This one just turned pebbles into somewhat gold-colored metal. The Greek philosophers, the one who is researching at it even expected turning urine into gold. However, none was able to make an actual transmutation but it made way to branch of science, Chemistry as anyone back home know today.
"Is that g-gold, Mrs. Chevreuse?!" Kirche leaned forward over her desk.
"No, it isn't. Its just plain brass. Only Square-class mages are able to transmute gold. I am, *ahem* merely a triangle-class mage." The professor replied in a professional yet humble manner.
Saito noted this 'square and triangle class'. Perhaps it has something to do with ranking. Judging by the statement that square class can transmute gold, then it is probably that triangle is lower to an unknown extent.
"Transmutation is the simplest and most basic earth magic. So Ms. Valliere, would you like to give it try?"
"Errr…Professor," Kirche's voice was concerned. "I don't think it's a good idea."
"Why not? The professor asked.
"It's dangerous, professor. Valliere…well…"
"Oh, I'm sure it'll be fine. I've not seen her capabilities yet, but the other professors tell me she's a hard worker." Chevreuse said. There were a few snickers at the class. Saito noticed that the students are preparing for something.
"That's…just it. Louise isn't she fails at everything she casts…" Kirche said.
Shaking visibly Louise stood "I can do it!" The pinkette then nervously made her way to the lecturer's table. The professor gave way for her. Saito noticed that one of the blue-haired girl with glasses stepped outside while everyone else looks ready to pounce or something.
As Louise is in the middle of performing the transmutation, all students ducked under the tables as if someone chucked in an armed grenade inside the room and took cover.
What Chevreuse experienced is the Murphy's Law. If something bad may happen, it will happen. And the professor tempted it as explosion occurred right at her and Louise's faces. Pandemonium occurs.
Saito's combat honed experience as well as 'extra training' kicked in. He drew his pistol and took cover by the edge of the row of the table so he can move quickly with minimal obstacle while having an adequate cover. He scanned the entire room looking for the one responsible, since he assumed somebody has the mind to do it, probably a terrorist. He noticed though that the slow-motion was not just adrenaline but it appears to be along with the power surge he experienced last night. Using this new found power, he took advantage of it to scan through the pandemonium. Suddenly, he noticed Kirche popping out of cover and pointed a finger at Louise.
"That's why I told you not to let her do it!"
"Jeez, Valliere! Save us some grief and just quit already!"
A soot-blackened Louise rose up slowly. She noticed Saito approaching and stop by at Mrs. Chevreuse. He crouched by and put two fingers into her wrist, which is actually checking for pulse. Not every student in the academy knows about it though.
The pulse rate was not very fatal but it still needs medical attention. "Somebody call a medic!" Saito then realized that they may not know what a medic is and quickly corrected it. "I mean a healer!" One of the students complies and rushed outside. "Does anyone know first-aid?" Saito asked. One of the female students, a blonde mage with a drill hair and a large forehead approached. Declaring that she knows first-aid was unneeded. "She needs easier breathing right now. You know how to loosen the neckline right?" The blond drill hair girl nodded to his question. "Good, tend to her while I tend to the other one." Saito then headed to Louise, who is wiping herself with a handkerchief.
"You okay?" Saito asked in a genuinely concerned voice.
"I'm fine." Louise replied hoarsely.
A moment later, there was a vehement comment from some of the students which summarizes of Louise being a Zero and a failure mage. Saito felt sympathy for her. Suddenly he realized, he will protect her, and help her as much as he could, simply because she saved his life.
