1kOE5:

Thanks bot.

Master:

And I'll get rid of it soon, in the first chapters that cover the volume 3. I also can't wait, because after that I won't have more headaches writing Mr. "I hate this but will bear with it anyway, at least until I go back. However, I'll curse you in my thoughts". At first is entertaining, but gets kind of boring after a while.

Anyway, thanks for the comment.

The characters and the idea of Zero no Tsukaima do not belong to me. They are the property of the author of said work, Yamaguchi Noboru (Rest in peace)


"Partner, I feel like you didn't even try to find the place"

"I could've been looking for it for an hour, but that wouldn't change anything."

The morning had finally arrived and I was in the port of Newcastle. In fact, I was already aboard the Eagle, which would depart very soon.

I woke up about an hour ago. However, instead of immediately looking for the wedding's place, I took the liberty to stay in my bed for a while. In addition, the supposed search I said I would do, hadn't been different from a walk through the castle, which I did in order to don't get bored while waiting for the time to board the ship.

"Also, this ship is the only way to leave Albion. I don't want to take any risk."

Derflinger took a few seconds to respond.

"I still notice you slightly annoying."

"I just want to leave this country as soon as possible. I won't feel completely safe until I return."

"We better change the topic. Talking with you when you're with that attitude isn't very fun."

"I think the same. So, is there something you want to talk about?"

"Actually, yes. Listen. I have had a feeling for a while."

"A feeling?"

"Partner, they call you Gandalfr, right?"

"Yes. It's supposedly the name of the legendary familiar."

"You know, every time I think in that name I begin to feel that I am about to remember something very important.

"Something important?"

"Yes, but no matter how hard I try, I can't remember it."

"Probably you will remember it at some point. At least if it really is that important."

"Well, since we're all here, let's start with the ceremony."

While I waited for the departure of the Eagle, Louise and Wardes had already entered the chapel where Prince Wales, who wore a dress uniform, was waiting for them. It was obvious from her face that Louise was quite nervous. Wardes had gone to her room just a couple of minutes after she got up. As Louise was still sleepy, she didn't offer much resistance after the viscount told her it was time to get married and neither when he placed a wedding veil on her head. In fact, the passive attitude of the student made Wardes think that Louise wasn't against the wedding.

"Bridegroom, Viscount Jean-Jacques Francis de Wardes. Do you take this girl as your wife, and swear to love her in the name of the Founder Brimir?"

"I swear."

At that precise moment, Louise's brain began to work again.

"Bride, third daughter of the Duke of La Valliere, Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Valliere ..."

Then, while Wales read the oath, Louise reacted.

How come this ended like this?

She finally understood that she was only a minute away from marrying Wardes.

A series of emotions quickly appeared on her face: worry, confusion, doubt and finally pain. That last emotion caught the attention of Louise, who began to look for the reason for its appearance. The student thought in the people who would die that day, in the kingdom that would become ruins and in the person who was loved by the princess, who would die in just a few hours.

No...

However, she soon discarded all those options. Each of them made her uncomfortable, but she didn't think any of those things were reason enough to generate the kind of pain she was feeling. Finally, in Louise's mind appeared the face of a certain person.

Why him?

Eh? What's happening?

Everything I saw through my eye, literally out of nowhere, began to blur. Also, to complement the strange event, I began to felt like it was difficult to keep standing.

"Something happens to my eye."

"You must be tired." Said Derflinger.

"Bride?" Wales asked.

Louise panicked. From her expression, anyone could easily assume that she didn't know what she was doing in that place.

"Are you nervous? Don't worry, it's your wedding, so it's normal." Said Wales as he smiles. "I'll repeat it again. Do you take this man as your husband, and swear to love him in the name of the Founder Brimir?"

Louise was silent for a few more seconds. After that time and after assimilating the situation completely, a determined expression appeared on her face. She then took a deep breath and shook her head.

"Bride?"

"Louise?"

The student looked directly at Wardes and shook her head once more.

"Louise, are you feeling bad?" The viscount asked.

"No, isn't that."

"If today is a bad day, we can postpone it."

"No, what happens is that... I'm sorry, but I can't marry you."

"Bride, this is not the marriage you want?"

"Yes, that's right. I want to apologize to both of you for making you come here for no reason. The decision was painful to make, but now I'm sure I don't want to get married."

"I see." Said Wales. "Viscount, I'm very sorry, but it seems that the ceremony won't be able to continue."

Wales' words, however, weren't taken into account by Wardes. The viscount stepped forward and then held Louise's hand.

"I know you're nervous, dear Louise. It can't be that you are really rejecting me!"

"Sorry, Wardes. Before I yearned you and maybe even loved you, but now it's different."

Then, suddenly, Wardes' expression turned cold. He released her hand and instead grabbed Louise by her shoulder.

"The world, Louise! I'm going to govern it and for that I need you!"

The sudden change of Wardes caused Louise to be confused, as well as be somewhat frightened.

"I'm not necessary for that."

"I need you! I need your power!"

The fear that the student began to feel slowly increased. She never expected to see Wardes act that way. Louise, by simple instinct, tried to get away from him.

"Have you forgotten what I told you? You are just as powerful as the founder Brimir, you have a great future ahead of you! You just don't know of your talent yet!

"Wardes, what are you talking about?"

What the hell happens to my eye?

"What's wrong, partner?"

I didn't pay attention to Derflinger's words. I was totally focused on the strange sensation that had appeared in my eye and that was slowly starting to bother me more. Then, suddenly, the vision of my left eye returned. However, what I could see through it wasn't normal. I literally seemed to be seeing a place where I wasn't at.

Wardes? A chapel? Perhaps…?

"Partner, don't ignore me."

During the first night I spent in Halkeginia, Louise had mentioned to me how a magician could see and hear the same things his familiar could. I thought it could be another skill of Gandalfr but there's wasn't a way to be totally sure. However, what I could assure was that I was watching the wedding ceremony of Louise through one of my eyes.

Why…?

Despite having the intention to think more about the reason, something else caught my attention.

What is happening there?

Through my left eye I could see Wardes pushing Wales. The viscount seemed incredibly angry. Then, instantly, an idea formed in my mind.

Is my eye showing me this because Louise is in danger?

If that was the case, it was obvious that the most correct thing to do would go to help her. However, I didn't move.

You must be kidding, the ship is about to leave.

Also, despite not knowing when the battle would begin, I was sure it would start at any moment. And worst of all, the person whom I would have to deal with if I went to help Louise was Wardes. Considering the duel we had, I was aware that the odds weren't in my favor in a straight battle.

Maybe if I just go and get her out of there ... No, with Wardes there even escaping will be difficult.

Immediately I started thinking about ways to go and rescue her. A couple of options didn't seem like bad ideas, but before I could think more deeply about it, a question came to my mind.

Why should I go?

Even in the best case, I was sure that I couldn't return with Louise before the Eagle depart. Not only I would have to deal with a Square mage like Wardes, but also with the army of rebels that would arrive soon. Going was almost the same as committing suicide.

I was about to escape from this damn place, why did this have to happen now?

While I was seriously doubting about what I should do, two things happened. First, it was made the announcement that the Eagle would depart in the next few minutes. It was obvious, I couldn't escape on the ship if I went for Louise. The second thing that happened was another strange feeling. Everything that I could hear in my left ear began to distort as well. It was evident what was happening.

Damn it, damn it.

I took my hand near my mouth and started to bite the side of my index finger in a sign of nervousness. Besides, without my noticing, I raised my other hand to scratch the back of my left hand.

"Derflinger."

"What's the matter, partner?"

"What would happen to a familiar if the magician who invoked him die?"

"Viscount, that's enough. Behave like the gentleman you are."

Wales couldn't longer stand the attitude he was observing and intervened. However, the viscount didn't bother to deal with him. Wardes merely hit the prince's hand and then approached Louise again.

"Louise, you are necessary for me!"

"I don't have any talent!"

"I have told you many times that you have one! You just aren't aware of your power!"

Louise tried to get away from Wardes' grip. However, the viscount's strength not only prevented her from releasing herself but also caused her pain.

"I'd rather die before I marry you! Now I understand that you never loved me! You just pretended to love me for a power that I don' have! It is cruel to want to get married for a reason like that!" Louise shouted angrily.

Wales placed his hand on Wardes' shoulder in an attempt to stop him. The knight, in response, pushed the prince, who fell to the ground the next instant. Then, after taking a couple of seconds to stand up, Wales got up and took out his wand.

"Viscount, take your hands away from Miss Valliere right now or I will be forced to attack you!"

Wardes finally released Louise to then force a smile.

"Won't you marry me even if I beg you, Louise?"

"No, you're not the person I want to marry!"

The viscount shifted his gaze.

"So this will be your answer after all the efforts I made during this trip." Wardes said calmly. "Well, it can't be helped. I guess I won't be able to fulfill this goal."

"Goal?"

Wardes' smile took on a sickly semblance.

"Right. I had three goals and unfortunately, I will have to conform with just two of them."

Louise felt a chill on her body.

"What are you talking about?"

"My first goal was to have you. The second, get Henrietta's letter, which should be in your pocket."

Louise got scared.

"And the third goal..."

After listening to Wardes mentioning the letter, Wales understood everything. The prince began to recite a spell. Unfortunately for him, Wardes had already taken out his wand, and the only he had to do was release the spell he recited beforehand. Wardes' sword began to shine and in a swift movement, the viscount pierced Wales's chest.

"D-damn it ...! Reconquista..."

Blood gushed from Wales' mouth. After seeing what happened, Louise cried out.

"The third goal was to kill Wales."

The prince fell to the ground.

"Are you a noble of Albion?!"

"Yes. The truth is that I am a member of the noble faction of Albion, Reconquista Wardes."

"Why? Weren't you part of Tristain nobility? Why would you join them?"

"We are the first heralds of the future of Halkeginia. We are the union of nobles without national borders. Halkeginia will be unified in our hands and together we will restore the Holy Land."

"You weren't like that before! Why have you changed so much?"

"It's been the years, several accidents and the destiny. Even though the person you met changed, my nature it's the same. By the way, you talk too much."

Louise tried to run when she saw Wardes move his wand. However, the knight's spell hit her anyway. The student fell to the ground after receiving the impact.

"Help…!"

Louise's face went pale. She tried to get up, but her legs didn't respond.

"Nobody can hear you. You only can bow your head in defeat."

Wardes generated a new gust of wind that threw Louise against the wall. She fell to the ground moaning in pain. Tears began to appear in her eyes to then fall down her cheeks. However, despite the pain and the words of Wardes, she didn't stop asking for help.

"Help... ple...!"

The scream was interrupted. To the surprise of Louise and Wardes, a part of the wall on which Louise was leaning was knocked down. About four meters away from her, I went through the hole that had opened. After seeing me, Wardes lowered his wand with which he was about to recite a new spell. Once I entered the chapel completely, I put a runic paper on the wall.

I had to come to a damn country at war.

Without bothering to look at Louise I started walking towards Wardes.

I endure those idiots who pretended to be happy despite knowing they were going to die.

From my pocket, I took out the bottle of ink that Tabitha had given me. Immediately afterward, I raised it to my mouth and drank its contents.

I left the Eagle to have to come here.

Wardes raised his wand again. However, unlike before, he pointed in my direction. While he was doing that, I started making a series of symbols with my hand.

And I had to use two damn free spells to get there on time.

I took out Derflinger and point Wardes with him.

"Let's finish fast with this."

Even though Louise was feeling a great pain all over her body, she was conscious. I wasn't seeing her, but I could feel that she was watching me. However, I didn't turn to see her. As I had said, I wanted to end the fight as soon as possible. After all, I was sure the rebels would attack soon.

I activated Reinforcement and immediately after went towards Wardes. I moved Derflinger quickly with the intention of hitting him. He, as expected, moved his sword to defend himself. Unfortunately for him, due to the extra strength I got from my spell and the surprise of it, Wardes wasn't able to maintain his position. The viscount was thrown against the wall the second after receiving my attack. Without losing a second I activated the same spell again and went straight to Wardes. However, as I got closer, my arms began to tremble.

Wardes, after recovering from the pain, soon noticed that I was approaching. Once he did it, he quickly moved aside to dodge Derflinger, who went through the wall

Damn.

The viscount didn't take more than an instant to make his next move. After jumping quickly to my direction, he used his sword to try to pierce my chest. However, thanks to a quick reaction, I managed to use a Repulsion spell against him. Without a foothold, Wardes was thrown several meters back. Taking advantage of the time I gained, I pulled Derflinger off the wall and launched myself at the knight again. When I shortened the distance between us to only three meters, I threw Derflinger against him with a huge strength. Wardes by simple reaction used his wand to deflect the sword. Then, he began to move his body to position himself to counterattack. However, he did not manage to do it in time.

I activated for the third time Reinforcement. The viscount had taken into account the speed I acquired with that spell. But he didn't expect my second spell that I was able to use quickly, thanks to didn't have to hold Derflinger. An invisible force generated by Attraction caused Wardes to move in my direction. Without the time necessary to move his sword, he only was capable to watch my fist hitting his stomach. The knight was thrown again several meters only that due to the punch received, his body fell entirely to the ground.

The short assault ended there. Wardes was on the floor, but I didn't go near him. Instead, with some slowness, I went to pick up Derflinger. The viscount, who started to get up with a bit of difficulty, didn't notice it, but I was panting a bit. Taking into account only the physical damage it was clear that Wardes was in worse state. However, in less than a minute I had used five spells, which was a significant amount compared to what I was used to.

He endured it much better than I thought.

He had crashed against a stone wall, been hit by a Repulsion spell and received a direct punch in the stomach, which was boosted with two spells. I had expected him to be in worse shape after that damage received.

"You simply don't run out of tricks. Right, Gandalfr?" Wardes asked after getting up.

I didn't answer.

"Can I ask you what are you doing here?"

I just stood still to try to catch my breath. I was reconsidering the options I had. That was normal since Wardes had exceeded my expectations in terms of resistance. Unfortunately for me, he hadn't planned to let me rest. Wardes didn't take long to run in my direction.

It only took a few seconds to notice my disadvantage. The only thing I could do was defend myself. There were a couple of occasions when I could try to attack the viscount, but I was prevented from doing so. Not for lack of reaction or speed, but for a constant doubt, a doubt that Wardes easily realized. A smile of arrogance showed on his face.

"What's wrong, Gandalfr? Afraid to kill someone?"

Damn it.

I had been naive. Before leaving the Eagle, I imagined that I could fight without restrictions if I wanted to, but that wasn't the case. Every time I imagined myself piercing Wardes with my sword a chill ran through my body and kept me from moving. I really had been naive to think that I could end a life so easily. I hated the idea of dying, but also it was too hard to force myself to kill someone.

Damned.

And the worst of all was that Wardes had noticed.

"You noticed that your master was in danger and you came to help her, isn't it?" Wardes said. "But the only thing you'll get is to die along with her."

I finally used the sharp part of Derflinger to attack Wardes. Unfortunately, it was an attack without strength, so he hadn't has any problem blocking Derflinger. The viscount then took some distance to later use his magic to rise in the air. Wardes recited a spell at full speed and after releasing it, a powerful gust of wind came towards me. By simple reflex, I activated Air cannon to delay his spell and thus have time to move. However, the clash between the two spells didn't even last a second. Seeing me completely overcome, I was sent to fly against the wall by his spell.

Too strong…

After our duel, I assumed that I couldn't beat Wardes in a direct fight and what had just happened had only confirmed my suspicion. The only chance I could think of to defeat him was to use Teleport to finish him immediately. Unfortunately, I doubted that I could do that. Wardes wasn't naive and if I disappeared, he would be completely attentive to his surroundings. And worst of all was the problem which he had already realized, my unwillingness to force myself to kill him. I couldn't make up my mind to end a life, at least not in such a sudden situation.

But that doesn't matter. I thought as I got up.

However, since the beginning, I hadn't planned to defeat him, but to escape with Louise. The main preparation for it was ready. All I needed was to create an ideal situation to be able to achieve it. Wardes' resistance caused me to throw away what I had planned, so I needed to resist until something else occurs to me.

There must be something I can do, but...

"Partner, I remembered!"

Derflinger's sudden scream caused me to frighten a little.

"Remember? Remember what?"

"It was so long ago that I had forgotten. Ah ... what memories."

"Talk fast or shut up. This is not the time to prattle."

Wardes repeated the last spell he used, but unlike the previous time, the distance between us gave me enough time to move on time. After activating Reinforcement I made a diagonal jump forward. Being cornered against the wall was something I wanted to avoid.

"I will show everyone how great I'm and from now on no one will be able to ignore me." Said Derflinger to then start shining.

This sword went crazy.

"Partner, don't dodge the next spell. Use me to protect you."

"What?"

The viscount began to recite the same spell for the third time.

"Trust me."

Another powerful gust of wind came towards me.

"Just do it!"

You better don't make a mistake. I thought at the same time that I moved Derflinger to block the spell.

What happened after that left me completely amazed. The powerful wind that threatened to make me hit the wall was absorbed by Derflinger in just a moment. Then, the brightness of the sword intensified. The viscount couldn't hide his surprise either.

"Derflinger, you..."

"This is my true power, partner. I am the nightmare of all magic. I'm the great Derflinger, the left hand of Gandalfr."

Wardes' face became more serious.

"Apparently you're not an ordinary weapon." Said the viscount. "I guess I can't keep taking this lightly."

After saying those words, Wardes began to recite a different spell. Once the enchantment was over, four copies of him appeared out of nowhere. In total there were five enemies in front of me.

"Just so you know, these aren't mere illusions. These copies aren't only equal to each other, they also have the same strength as me."

And just when I thought things were going to be easier.

At the next moment, one of the copies took out a white mask, which he put on after. It didn't take me long to understand that the masked man who had attacked us was only one of Wardes' copies.

The battle didn't postpone any longer, one of the Wardes came towards me while reciting a spell, which generated a whirlwind that surrounded his sword. I was able to react in time to block the attack, but the second after I did it I noticed a second copy approaching me to try to pierce my head with his wand. Already occupied with one of the clones, I knew immediately that I couldn't stop that attack in a normal way.

The sword came dangerously close to me, but didn't contact me. With some difficulty, because I was holding Derflinger, I activated two spells of Paralysis. Taking advantage of the time I gained, I finally decided to attack.

If it's a clone...

With enormous speed, I moved Derflinger and pierced the chest of the Wardes who came to attack me first. If there was one thing I could be sure of, it was that he wasn't the true viscount, so attacking him was something I managed to do. However, that didn't prevent an uncomfortable sensation from crossing my body after piercing the copy with the sword.

As soon as I saw the first clone disappear, I started to turn with the intention of attacking the second one. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to do it. To my great surprise, the effect of Paralysis had vanished. Without the necessary time to turn completely, all I was able to do was move my head to evade his resumed attack. Finally, I took a strong leap backward to get away.

It was supposed to last longer.

Paralysis had lasted much less than I thought. I had applied a little more energy than the usual, but even that wasn't enough. The duration of the spell could be strongly influenced by the difference between the runic energy between two wizards. With that in mind, I immediately concluded that the magic of the nobles also had that same effect.

Damn it, if I could have eliminated one more... I guess there's nothing left but to try it now.

I decided to try to exhaust Wardes so I could escape. However, despite Derflinger's newfound skill, that wasn't longer possible. The viscount's copies had complicated the situation too much and, fearing that things would get even worse, I decided that the only thing I had left to do was try to escape. The main spell was ready, but I needed something else to complement it. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to distract Wardes for the necessary time.

What spell should...?

"I'll admit it, it's a pity that I didn't talk to you after the duel. It would have saved me a lot of trouble if I had done it."

The remaining four Wardes had reunited side by side.

"However, your face says it all. You're running out of options, isn't it?"

I clicked my tongue when I heard those words.

As soon as I finished that brief thought, two of the Wardes moved toward me. With no chance to block those two attacks at once, I activated Water Prison on myself to create an improvised shield. The spell managed to contain both swords, but unfortunately for me, the assault did not end there. The two Wardes immediately used a spell on their swords to then attack again. The water sphere, unable to resist the new attack, blow up. However, as I anticipated that result, I activated another Reinforcement to give a jump backwards at full speed. Finally, I stopped less than a meter from the hole I made when I arrived.

There isn't other choice. I'll think about something later.

The four Wardes began to approach. As soon as I noticed that, I made a sign with my hand and activated the runic paper that I had put on the wall before fighting. Immediately afterward, the same number of copies that I created in the duel against Guiche appeared at my side. At first, I was surprised to have generated only three copies, but it took me only a moment to understand why.

I see. It's not that this isn't useful, but... I thought as I gasped.

After turning to see Wardes, I realized that he wasn't surprised.

"So those with are the copies you used in the duel with De Gramont."

"Did you know them?"

"Unfortunately for you, I did have the opportunity to talk with him and he told me about the duel you both had."

Wardes hadn't only heard about the spells I used in that duel, but also the way I used them. That wasn't strange since I talked to Guiche about the runic papers the night we arrived at the port. In fact, since the viscount only knew about my runic papers but not about my free spells, he supposed that I had hidden several papers in the chapel and for that reason, I could use magic constantly.

"Also, I don't think it's wrong to assume that in that duel you used Gandalfr's power for the first time. From having problems dodging his Valkyries to later move so fast that you disappeared from his sight is proof enough."

The four Wardes came together to attack at the same time.

"In this fight, you showed many tricks I didn't know, but this isn't one of them. In fact, as far as he could tell, those are just illusions, aren't they?"

Immediately, the four Wardes went against me. The plan the viscount had in mind was simple, each copy of him would attack one target. Once he knew who was the real me, he was planning to surround me with his clones. However, things didn't go as he expected. Inside the chapel, the sound of four pairs of swords clashing each other was heard.

Whatever, I guess I'll have to conform with this.

Before activating Illusion I thought that thanks to the new runic papers I would generate a huge amount of copies. That was why for a brief moment I felt a little fear seeing that I had only created three of them. The plan to take advantage of Wardes' bewilderment to escape together with Louise wasn't possible anymore. Also, for a moment I imagined that the spell had been a failure. However, after concluding the true improvement of the spell, that fear vanished. It was worth mentioning that my concern was still present because despite partially balancing the fight, I was aware that I was still at a disadvantage.

Wardes quickly recovered from his surprise and continued the fight. Each copy of me was managing to keep his opponent busy. The size of Derflinger was useful for blocking most attacks without the need for large movements, and its ability to absorb the spells that the viscount or one of his clones used was also extremely useful. Unfortunately, none of those two factors helped to put the fight in my favor. Again, neither I nor my copies had an opportunity to attack. And what was worse, we were reaching our limit.

I can't win just with this. What should I do?

I could certainly use another spell, but I was wondering if it would really be a good idea. I had used too many runic papers in a very short time, my panting was proof of that. Also, even if Wardes didn't know it, my body was becoming more difficult to move. If I activated another runic paper my clones would also be affected by the expenditure of energy. Even if I could defeat my opponent, the sudden exhaustion could cause my copies to be defeated.

Four simultaneous spells?

My copies thought the same way I did. And just as that idea occurred to us, we discarded it the next second. Although it was possible to do, it was too risky. The energy expenditure could be too much. Finally, added to these problems, there was still the constant problem of having the will enough to kill.

Maybe.

I was feeling cornered.

Maybe if it was just me.

With practically no options, I began to consider leaving Louise behind. What I had planned before was no longer possible. Exhaustion was impossible to ignore. Finally, I and each of my copies had at least five cuts caused by attacks that we weren't able to completely block. It was obvious that it was only a matter of time before I was defeated.

There doesn't seem to be another way. I thought at the same time that blocked a new attack. Sorry but…

Unconsciously I glanced in a certain direction and after doing so, I noticed something that caught my attention. Louise still hadn't managed to stand, but she recovered enough strength to reach for her wand and raise it. After reciting a spell, an explosion directly hit the copy of Wardes I was fighting against. The clone didn't take long to disappear.

Even now…

Even in her condition, she didn't hesitate to help me. At that time she hadn't a way of defending herself, so catching the attention of Wardes could even be considered a suicide in her situation. In fact, what happened next was the most evident outcome. After taking into account the copy that had been defeated and a possible new intervention by Louise, the viscount knew what he should do. Unlike me or my clones, Louise wasn't only a much easier target to kill, but also a potential threat because of her position.

The three remaining Wardes separated from my copies and immediately went to attack Louise. My clones reacted quickly and not only managed to intercept two Wardes, but also shoot them down with a tackle. Unfortunately, the remaining Wardes, who had already recited a spell on his sword, managed to dodge the copy that planned to attack him and also position himself just a few meters from Louise.

I started running, but it was obvious that I wouldn't reach him in time. Louise, meanwhile, began to recite a spell, but it was impossible that she could finish it. All I could do was watch as Wardes got closer and closer to the student.

Damn it.

There wasn't another option. Without the possibility of reaching Wardes by a normal means, my remaining copy activated a new free spell, Teleport. Wardes positioned his sword to give Louise a stab. However, from one moment to another, in front of him appeared my clone who placed his weapon in the same way. Both bodies were pierced and the next moment, they disappeared.

Well that was useful, but...

Without the enough will to make a lethal attack, the situation had been completely ideal. Both stabs occurred immediately after Teleport, so my copy didn't even have time to doubt about the risk of ending a life. In fact, in a certain way, I regretted that it hadn't the real Wardes the one attacked Louise, because I didn't believe that a similar situation would be repeated.

I swallowed slowly.

In addition, there were two other problems. The first one was that my body was about to yield. Using Teleport caused me and my copies to weaken us even more. On the other hand, Wardes had already seen the spell, so taking it by surprise wouldn't be possible anymore.

Whatever.

As I did at the beginning of the fight, I launched into the attack. I had two clones left, while Wardes only had one. Also, I had Louise as support. However, I was sure I couldn't ignore fatigue for much longer. Taking that into account, I knew I needed to end the fight as soon as possible.

I ran where my closest clone was to support him. Upon arriving, our opponent was overwhelmed, but that lasted only a brief moment. The Wardes against whom we fought, after realizing that our attacks lacked strength, decided to go on the offensive. He blocked an attack of my copy and took the opportunity to push me down with a kick. My clone, seeing itself at a disadvantage, was forced to activate Reinforcement to keep his position. Immediately I started to get up, but before I could manage to do it, something else happened. In the middle of the struggle that was taking place, an explosion hit the Wardes that had attacked me. Once again, Louise released one explosion to help me.

Once the Wardes that was hit by the explosion disappeared, my clone began to run towards the true viscount. After standing up I tried to follow him, but I wasn't able. I only managed to take a couple of steps before my legs stopped responding. After that, I fell to my knees.

Damn... not now.

I needed a few seconds to recover the mobility of my legs. After that, I started moving again to support my copies, but it was too late. I managed to stand up just at the moment when the real Wardes finished with my two clones, which succumbed to exhaustion. Once my copies disappeared, the knight turned to see me.

"I must congratulate you." Wardes said while panting. "You really gave a good fight."

I watched Wardes' body carefully. He certainly had eliminated my clones quickly, but he didn't get away unharmed from the confrontation. Apparently one of my clones had gained the courage to attack Wardes with the edge of his sword. The viscount, not expecting that, ended seriously injured. Anyone could know that the deep cut on his right leg, which was shedding a considerable amount of blood, would make it difficult for him to move.

"But this ends here." The viscount finished saying.

Despite trying to sound intimidating, Wardes didn't generate the same aura of danger as at the beginning of the fight. In addition to the cut on his leg, he was still hurt by the blows he had received from me and, like me, the viscount had used a lot of spells. It was impossible that he wasn't exhausted.

This is bad.

However, even with all the damage received, the balance wasn't completely in our favor. Unlike me, Wardes was a knight who had fought a lot in his life. And while he had risked his life during all that time, I had only participated in duels which were strictly controlled to avoid fatal results. That was the factor by which Wardes could do what I didn't, attack without the fear of ending a life.

"To win..." I started to murmur.

"You must stop doubting, partner." Derflinger said.

"I know but…"

"You won't get alive out of this if you don't attack with the intention of killing. I know you can't get used to the idea, but you don't have another choice."

I took a deep breath.

"If my clone did it ... I'll manage to do it one way or another. Now..."

I needed a way to make a definitive attack. I had an idea in mind, but I wasn't entirely sure it would work.

"One won't be enough neither two."

I was tired and seriously doubted that I could continue moving if I used many more spells. However, there wasn't another option. Using only Teleport wouldn't be enough, I was sure of that. While I was thinking about that, Louise, who regained the strength to stand up, placed herself beside me. With her wand in hand, she began to recite a spell.

It depends on you.

In a one on one confrontation, she wouldn't have a chance to beat Wardes. However, she didn't need to defeat him, only generate an opportunity for me. I fixed my eyes on Wardes again and waited for the inevitable.

Louise and Wardes, who had already finished preparing their spells, stared at each other for a few seconds. Then, at the same time, both released their attacks. A gust of air soon reached Louise. However, being a much weaker gust compared to the previous ones, the only thing it managed to do was to push Louise back. Wardes, on the other hand, was directly hit with an explosion. The viscount, who fell on his knee, also was pushed back a couple of meters.

My reaction was immediate. Once the knight stopped moving, I used Teleport to appear above him. Wardes noticed my disappearance in an instant and began to quickly look around. The viscount looked up, down, at his sides and behind him; but he couldn't find me.

After seeing Wardes' wound, I knew that the knight would have trouble moving. Therefore, when I saw him fall on his knee, I used an extra spell after teleporting, Reduction. With his injured leg, Wardes couldn't stand up. That, added to the hat he wore, generated a blind spot that I couldn't have taken advantage of if I hadn't reduced my size. Finally, when I was in the right range, I activated Reduction again to return to my original size.

Too weak.

Use three spells in just a moment had weakened me too much. As I felt my grip on Derflinger loosen, I activated one last spell, Reinforcement. My condition would be even worse after the spell's effect faded, but I didn't have time to worry about that. With the temporary strength I acquired, I strengthened my grip on the sword and began to move it towards the viscount. While doing that, I felt how my arms began to tremble slightly.

If I don't do it now.

An image appeared in my mind. For a brief moment, I saw myself failing my attack to then be killed by Wardes. After that image disappeared, I closed my eyes.

Wardes heard the sound of Derflinger cutting the air. Unfortunately for him, his weak body didn't let him move in time. All he could do was hope that my will wasn't enough to let me kill him, but that wouldn't happen. My eyes were closed and unable to see what I was doing, I didn't slow down my attack. The result happened the next second. Derflinger cut Wardes' left arm completely, but unfortunately, I didn't have enough strength to cause a lethal wound to his torso.

After my attack, I used the last of my strength to turn my body and fall on my back. Wardes, on the other hand, practically without strength, fell to his right. From the ground, the knight began to wallow in a vain attempt to get up.

"Damn..." I heard Wardes murmur.

I had released Derflinger and my body practically stopped responding. However, with extreme difficulty, I turned my head to see the knight. Wardes was crawling with the only arm he had left. Then, I remembered it. I moved my eyes in the direction of the other person in the chapel, Louise. At first glance, I could see that she was exhausted, but standing and with her wand in hand, she was in better condition than anyone else in the place.

"Louise, finish him!" I shouted desperately.

Louise took a few steps forward. Then, after stopping, she raised her wand slowly and recited a spell. After a few seconds, an explosion hit Wardes' body, who couldn't help but scream in pain. The student didn't waste time and without hesitation, repeated the spell three more times. After each explosion, Wardes' voice became weaker and weaker. Then, suddenly, he began to speak again.

"It seems that... I could only fulfill one of my goals."

From the tone of his voice, it was obvious that even talking was getting difficult for him. However, that didn't prevent him from continuing.

"But don't think you won. Neither of you will escape from Reconquista's army. I'm sure you can already hear them."

Wardes was right. Both Louise and I could hear the sound of explosions and a few battle cries. In the midst of that brief distraction, Wardes recited one last spell. The body of the knight began to float and to go to the hole that I had made when arriving. Louise, after realizing that, recited a new spell to stop him, but, due to her fatigue, she couldn't do it in time. Louise's last explosion hit the wall a second after Wardes disappeared from view. A few seconds later, she started walking towards the hole, but it was too late. After Louise stuck her head out and looked around, she turned to look at me. She shook her head slowly from side to side. Wardes had escaped.

This can't be. He escaped. Even after the number of free spells I used, he escaped.

Louise, then, walked up to my side.

"Are you okay?"

After I heard that question, I put my nuisance aside. I knew that there wasn't much time left.

"I don't think I can get up without help."

Upon hearing my response, Louise knelt next to me to help me. However, I stopped her at the next moment.

"Before that, pass me Derflinger. Without the power of the runes, I won't be even able to move."

She turned her head and after seeing the sword, she reached out her hand to grab it. However, before handing it to me, she turned to look at Wales's body.

"The Prince…"

"I doubt he's alive. If he were, he probably would have tried to help us."

Suddenly, Louise got up and walked towards the corpse of the prince. Naturally, I was angry about it. Not only because she didn't give me Derflinger, but also because I considered that was a waste of time.

"What are you doing? We must hurry."

Louise ignored my words and kept walking. Once she reached Wales, she crouched. After looking at him for a few seconds, she grabbed the prince's hand. Her body didn't let me see what she was doing, but I could see how she put something in her pocket after a few moments. Finally, she stood up and came back to me to later hand me over the sword.

"Thank you." I said as I got up with Louise's help.

There was a bit of annoyance in my tone of voice, but that was something Louise didn't notice.

"Well partner, what is the plan?" Derflinger asked.

"We'll go to the port. Probably it will be one of the last places where the rebels will reach. Once there we will hide until I regain enough energy to cast another spell."

"And then?"

"We'll go out from there."

"Are you talking about jumping?!" Louise exclaimed.

"I can fly, remember? I only have to activate the spell when we are close to the ground. It's the only idea I have."

Louise nodded after a few seconds.

Once I was able to get up completely, I leaned on Louise and started using Derflinger as a crutch to not fall again. Both of us began to walk slowly to the hole in the wall. However, when we were only a couple of meters away from it, a noise behind us made us turn around. At that precise moment, from the ground, the head of an animal appeared.

"Is that...?"

"Guiche's familiar?" Louise completed.

The animal left the ground completely and after a few seconds, a person appeared too

"Verdandi, you're amazing!" Guiche said to hug his familiar later.

A moment later, the blond magician finally noticed us. Then he asked us a question.

"What are you two doing here?"

Just in time. I thought as the relief began to run through my body.

"The questions is, what are you doing here?!" Louise exclaimed.

"After the battle against Fouquet, we took a break and decided to follow you. After all, the honor of Princess Henrietta depends on this mission, right?"

"And how did you get here? This place is in the sky."

"That was thanks to Sylphid." Kirche answered after she also came out of the hole. "We didn't know where to go when we arrived in Albion, but when Verdandi started to dig, we just followed him."

Then the mole came quickly to Louise. Once it reached her, Guiche's familiar began to smell the ring that Henrietta had given Louise.

"As you can see, because of its love for jewelry, Verdandi followed the smell of that ring. He arrived at La Rochelle for the same reason."

Louise smiled relieved.

"Anyway, we should get out of here. The army of the rebels is about to arrive."

"Wait. What happens with the mission and where is viscount Wardes?" Kirche asked.

"We already have the letter. Wardes was a traitor."

"I don't quite get it, but if everything is done, then it's okay. Let's get out of here." The redhead said.

Guiche, who finally realized my condition, walked towards me to help me.

"Thank you." I told Guiche.

He simply smiled in response. With Guiche's help, I didn't have much trouble going down the hole. Finally, Louise, who was the last person to come down, covered the hole with one of the large portrayals that were hanging on the wall.

"Please, try to bear with it, my pretty Verdandi. It will only be until we get to Tristain."

When we came out of the hole, all we could see were clouds and a girl riding a dragon. Tabitha and Sylphid were waiting for us at the exit. Without wasting time, we all ride Tabitha's familiar, with one exception, Verdandi. The mole, instead, had been held by the mouth of the dragon. Immediately after, Guiche's familiar let out what resembled a shout of protest, so the blond student tried to calm it down with his words.

I didn't pay much attention to that little fuss. I was totally exhausted, so moving my body was quite difficult. Never in my life did I think I would be in an even similar condition. In fact, all the bad mood that I had ended vanishing due to my exhaustion. In a certain way, I was too tired to be angry.

Right now... I just want to rest.

"Thanks for saving me." I heard Louise whisper suddenly.

I glanced at Louise after hearing her words. As I looked at her, a sense of calm began to grow slowly in my body. I couldn't help but feel happy knowing that we were both finally safe.

"Thank you too for helping me." I replied.

After giving a last sigh of relief, I closed my eyes to rest. Due to the enormous fatigue, I didn't take more than a few seconds to fall asleep. Then, slowly, my body slid enough to be at the same level as Louise. A moment later, I laid my head on her shoulder.

After feeling me next to her, Louise turned her head slightly so she could look at me, which she did for a long time. All the things that she had to inform Henrietta were going through her mind: Wardes' betrayal, the death of the prince and the victory of Reconquista. However, with the passing of the seconds, while she was seeing me, all those concerns vanished and were replaced by another emotion. A warm sensation in her chest soon appeared. Finally, Louise also gave in to the exhaustion and rested her head on me. A moment later, she fell asleep.


Finally, volume 2 covered! Now I can finally advance with the next one

1. I think it was at this point when I began to feel good every time I left Aztor in bad condition. I don't know, but somehow I think it's satisficing after he accomplishes something.

2. Just one more chapter to then reach the chapters 13 and 14. Gosh, finally. Oh, but first I need to rewrite those chapters... Well then, at least I'll improve them.

3. Finally, soon I'll be able to say bye to the sour facade and begin with a relation improvement. Although the advance until this moment hasn't been zero. The last paragraph of this chapter at least shows a significant esteem from him to her.

4. Anyway, as usual, thanks for the favs and follows.

Thanks for reading.