Author's Notes: First of all I would like to apologize for the delay. I had some computer issues that need to be dealt with. Even now I managed to get this done on time by dedicating 16 hours of my time today of Monday. Currently it is 2.09 AM and I am feeling very tired so I apologize in advance if I missed out any mistakes.

To Malix2 and Deofiro, you have my thanks for actively supporting me. It feels good to be able to read people's appreciation of the story.

The next chapter is probably due today next week but I'll try to restore it back to the original schedule however I can by cramming more hours into this. I hope you enjoy the read and review thank you.


Chapter 11: The Depths of Blue


The situation had intensified into a conflict per the directions of the captain of the Tristain firearms squad. Jack cracked his knuckles. "You're going to regret taking your option here."

Saito picked up the sword. "I'll have to convince you otherwise." He settled into a stance. His left leg was out front with his body slouched slightly lower. He held his sword behind and lowered akin to the samurai posture.

Jack meanwhile stood his ground, left foot a single step forward. His stick was held up high in a similar position to kendo. They both eyed one another, trying to predict each other's opening move. Saito can slash or stab. Jack can parry or likewise counterattack with another slash.

The opening attacks would count on the milliseconds of the reaction. Their spiritual auras are already clashing against one another. Agnes looked at both of them. They looked primed ready to kill. She yelled. "Begin!"

They both charged towards each other. Saito slashed. Jack slashed. Their swords clashed at the middle. They both stared into each other's eyes as the wooden sticks grazed at each other. Saito tried to abuse his greater experience in sword play by pulling back suddenly. Jack did not buy the bait, only moving forward just a step and he turned it into a swipe.

That swipe was ill aimed, letting Saito dodge it easily by ducking under it. He has his chance! He lunged forward. His blow was stopped short by a wooden buckler that appeared on Jack's right arm in that instant. The angled defense caused Saito's attack to be deflected. Sensing immediate counterattack, Saito kept his forward momentum and to the side to gain some distance. "Not fair!"

Jack presented his defense as he likewise regained his posture. "It wasn't mentioned in the rules. The only rule is that I can't kill you!" Saito glanced to Agnes who simply nods in accepting Jack's defense. Saito grit his teeth in response.

Alexia didn't the developing battle. They both will definitely get hurt. She protested towards Agnes. "We have to stop this!"

The captain of knights shook her head. "It's important to let them resolve their point of view. Otherwise the problem will never be pulled out from the roots. Your attempts through diplomacy and dialogue didn't work. This is the strongest measure that most people would not even fathom of using." Alexia warily looked on to the battling familiars. Louise likewise was getting worried.

Jack took the initiative this time. He slashed from below left to his top right. Saito deflected the attack and attempted to counterattack. The attack was thwarted by a hasty block, pushing Jack a step back. Jack regained his ground and pushed Saito back. They struggled against each other's blows. Saito didn't have Gandalf's technique and physical boost to rely upon. Jack had the advantage of creation protection but his techniques were lacking, allowing them to be deflected easily. They both can be considered evenly matched. Saito said as their sticks collide. "I didn't intend to take your chance!"

Jack tried Saito's first trick, pulling back for a quick counter. "Intentions do not matter. The end results do!"

Saito didn't buy the bait either. He stepped forward and attempted to hit the left shoulder from above. "If that's the case, does genocide matter since it's only a mean to an end?!"

Jack parried the strike and pushed the swords downwards to strike the grass below. "We have no right to change their future!"

Saito shot back at Jack. "You're just going to let them all die?!" He pulled his stick back and tried to read Jack's focus.

Jack gave no quarter, looking back straight in the eyes. "Death of one is a tragedy. Death of thousands is a statistic."

Saito argued against Jack's idea. "Even Alexia is a statistic?!"

Louise noticed a twitch of the left finger. Jack answered in a calm clear manner. "Yes. She has accepted the risks. She will suffer the consequences of what she has decided."

Saito felt motivated, he felt motivated to beat up Jack's ass. "How can you be a cold bastard?!" He shot forward for a low slash.

Jack was unmoved with Saito's anger. He stepped aside, avoiding the swipe by an inch. "History is tragedy. I've known enough." He had read plenty of history to know this. Human had warred with one another for hundreds of years. Death and destruction was common when summed up throughout humanity's current lifespan. This trend has never changed.

Saito refused to accept that. "You may know tragedy but it's not right to let it be!" He slammed down on the ground, braking and skidding a little. He shot forward and slashed again.

Jack stepped back, avoiding the swipe to the head. "The world is a tragedy! How are you going to stop every tragedy from happening? If you help one side, the tragedy only moves on to the other side! Isn't that a paradox to what you're trying to do?"Jack counterattacked by stabbing the stick. Saito cursed his position as he took the hit.

Louise cried out in worry as Saito stepped back. Saito breathed a bit of the pain away. "True, I cannot stop all tragedy." He held on to his stick and raised it to an upright position. "However if I do something about it now, I can prevent the tragedies of the future."

Jack narrowed his eyes. "What can one man do which thousands can't?" Thousands of people strived for peace in their own ways throughout the decades. They received recognition and fame in the history books for their efforts. Yet, the very core of the problem was never solved.

Saito refused to give in to Jack's thinking. The world is not that desolate. It has its hopes and its joy. "I'm not alone. I have Louise, the Void mage. Together, we are stronger! We can prevent what tyranny has happened to our world!"

Jack sought the flaw in that plan. "To remove tyranny is to create tyranny of your own! You plan to destroy everything that's in your way!"

Saito tightened the grip of his fists. "That's wrong." He crouched down and lunged forward. "It's to protect everything that we treasure!" Jack was caught off guard by the increase in speed. "I will break those words of yours apart!" Jack created a shield on his left arm but Saito was already prepared for that. He stepped forward and using his front left foot as a pivot, he spun. Jack couldn't respond in time against the slash towards his stomach.

The stick struck hard, causing Jack to bend forward. Saito used his knee and struck the same spot again. Jack staggered back and Saito took further advantage. He let go of the stick and using a hand to support Jack's back, he punched again and again. "And!" Saito put everything into this finisher. "I will replace it with my own!"

Saito gave an upper cut. Jack was thrown back to fall onto the grass. Jack struggled to get up but he couldn't due to the pain. Saito winced as he rubbed his hurt knuckles. Agnes counted to three before she declared. "Saito wins the battle!"

Alexia rushed to her familiar. She looked at the Jack that was in pain. "We need a water mage here!"

Agnes sees otherwise. "That will not be necessary. He just needs to rest and he'll be fine." She towered beside Jack. "You've lost. Are you going to fume over it?"

Jack breathed his answer out. "No." It was a bit of a struggle to speak given how his jaw had been smacked hard.

Agnes went on with her plan. "Saito has now beaten you. You will not argue against his decision, understood?" Jack could only give a slight nod. She turned to Louise. "There you have it, problem's solved."

Louise huffed in disapproval. Even so she remained glad. "It's inappropriate but I suppose it works."

Agnes revealed her next agenda. "I shall return to the capital. The firearm troops will be the only one bringing you new orders from the Queen." She eyed Louise and said before leaving. "You best not bring your shameless familiar near the Queen." She was gone before Louise could ask any further.

Louise turned around and looked at her familiar. "Saito…what did you do?" It had the sight of sly and death. Saito didn't have any time to reply when he saw his incoming death. "Explosion!"

KABOOM!


It is morning. The birds were quiet today. The morning mists have faded away already. Saito now stands before Principal Osmond in the older man's office. Osmond had called for him regarding a matter. The Principal gestured to the large brown chest on his desk. "We have found a few things that are unfamiliar. Our records have found nothing about them." Saito opened the chest as Osmond asked. "Are they perhaps from your world?"

Saito confirmed it. "They are." Saito ruffled through the contents. "There's so many." He looked up to face the aging man. "Where did you find this?"

Osmond explained the source of the materials. "They were found at an aristocrat's manor."He stood up to get another look at the chest contents. "What is their purpose?"

"About their purpose…" Saito looked around and whispered into the Principal's ears. The Principal's eyes perked up before settling down.

Osmond cleared his throat as he nods. "I see. We should put them to good use."

Meanwhile somewhere else, Alexia pondered over a separate issue. "While I understand that you have gotten over Saito but…" She pointed to Jack's seat and to her surroundings. "Why are you in my class?"

Jack had recovered from the beating he received overnight. They were seated in one of the Academy classes, particularly at the back. With elbows on the table and hands clasped together, he raised an issue against his master. "Is it a problem for me to pursue further knowledge in magic?"

Alexia answered, settling herself against her chair. "That's not the problem but don't you usually read the books in the library?" It was his lair for that sole reason. It would be a wonder if Jack had not read over half of the library by now.

Jack reasoned. "Some things are only known personally. A teacher also helps reinforce one's understanding along with supplement of text."

Alexia doubted it. "That is true…yet I still don't believe you." The door to the class opened, ending all conversation.

Osmond entered, bringing the class to silence. He announced as he gestured to the door behind him. "Class, we have a new teacher here. Please welcome her."

The new teacher entered. She is five feet six inches tall. She has navy blue eyes. That colour suited her grey hair and white skin. Oval rimmed glasses rested on her sharp nose. She wore a purple dress with the black cloak signifying nobility. The clothes looked a little tight due to the size of the womanly attractions at her chest. She introduced herself with a voice sweet like honey. "My name is Monique de Victorine. I am a triangle made and I specialize in water magic. It's a pleasure to meet you all." The class returned similar sentiments. Maybe a little more excited ones from the boys.

The Principal settled three books on the main table. "Very well then Miss Monique. I'm sure the class will accept you fine. Have a fun class." The Principal took his leave.

Jack heard the male student behind him. "She's hot..." He tuned it out and turned his attention to the class.

Miss Monique stood behind the main table. She leaned forward slightly as she asked. "Well then, tell me what have you learned so far." That caused uproar of responses from the boys. Conversation and chaos collided and the new teacher chuckled to that. Seeing that, Alexia suddenly had a dislike to the woman. She didn't know why but she just did.

"I see you're all very eager to learn. Very well then, we'll start off with metallic alchemy." Alexia gave a glance at her familiar. Jack was looking straight on at the teacher. His right hand was jotting notes. She knows he was definitely focused on the learning part. Maybe a little too straight… It ruffled her as she reached for her quill.

Their teacher clasped her hands together. "Metals can have various properties. Some metals are strong. Some are more flexible. A skilled earth mage is able to form a useful metal given a particular need." She stepped forward, closer to the students. "Now then, how do you differentiate the making of different metals?"

A student raised a hand. "We make different metals by controlling the flow of willpower."

"That's good." Monique's smile was angelic. "This way we can have metals of different properties and take the one of best trait."

Jack raised a hand. Eyes turned to him before he contributed. "It is possible to relatively achieve a number of those desired properties all in one piece of metal." It sparked whispers among the students.

Monique looked at him "Ah, you must be Jack. Your name could be heard within the researcher community."That brought a gasp of surprise from some of the students. From others, it was death glares. Alexia similarly frowned. "Please do explain why you believe so."

Jack answered. "It is due to the physical bonding or the combination of different metallic elements."

A student had a difference of opinion. "Metals just can't combine with each other!"

Jack ignored that student and went on by reasoning. "On Earth, we do have our methods. It involves various electrical, chemical and heat processes that allowed us to extract and combine different materials from other natural resources."

Their teacher continued on by asking. "How can you combine these metals into one?"

Jack decided to take a simple more effective approach to present his knowledge. "If I may come forward and present some information." She gestured to the board, letting him to take the stage. He stood up and walked down the steps. Eyes turn as they watched him, a non magician to present something that will likely baffle them. Alexia already knew it will.

"Everything in this world is made of very small things called molecules. These molecules can be divided into elements. Every element in the world has its own property." Jack retrieved a piece of white chalk from the table. He started drawing various circles and lines in between them. Within the circles, he started writing labels that were not understandable for it is in English, not in any Halkeginian language. "The combination of metals and other elements using various processes is able to create a finished product which we call an alloy that has different effects and properties compared to the original."

The shapes and lines were dead on in bringing confusion to the class. Louise was trying to crack her head at understanding the alien like text and drawings. Kirche was not interested in the equations and instead was looking at Jack. Tabitha looked at the drawings and continued staring. The boys were more distraught, looking rather jealous instead of enlightened due to the amount of attention Jack is getting from their new teacher.

Alexia rolled her eyes as Jack went on to this scientific quest. "If you add a percentage carbon to iron, you can improve the strength of the alloy which we call steel." He proceeded on to draw a simple diagram of a sword's blade. He started drawing circles within the blade. The circles have two different sizes, the smaller ones filling in between the larger ones. "The reason to this is due to the nature of how these elements bond. The molecules of different elements have different sizes and thus the smaller ones fill up gaps within the molecular structures of the larger ones that bond between each of its own. This reduction of gap also reduces the amount of microscopic hollowness of the blade that provides that improvement."

The class was probably getting headaches from the mind rape of senseless information. Monique did not appear to be baffled by Jack's work. "Oh my, that's some interesting knowledge you have. Perhaps we can talk more about it after the class." Jack nodded in agreement before returning to his seat. Alexia plopped her face onto the table in resignation.


"In order to reward our students who had contributed valiantly in the defense of Tristain, a group trip to the ocean will be conducted." That was what the Principal said in the morning. Now the second year students had traveled to land which borders between Tristain and Germania. The blue ocean is in sight with an inn to accommodate visitors.

The students were brought to the beach by the principal and a small team of student facilitators. The girls were wearing pink bathing suits that reached down to the ankles. The boys wore blue shirt with white stripes and blue pants as their bathing suits. They were also accompanied by a very important guest. The Queen and a bodyguard stood by the corner. The other bodyguards are likely out of sight, protecting from afar.

Saito, also dressed in the blue bathing suit disapproved what he saw. "That is not a swimsuit at all."

Guiche, standing beside him noted Saito's displeasure "What do you mean?"

Saito couldn't wait for their reaction. He smirked in response. "You'll see." It will be in moments.

Osmond gathered the attention of the students. "Before we begin, the Queen has a word to say."

The newly crowned Queen Henrietta de Tristain, likewise dressed in a bathing suit began her speech. "Everyone, thanks to your efforts we have protected our lands. I would like everyone to enjoy themselves for today." She finished off with a smile. "Let us all enjoy this together." The crowd of students applauded with enthusiastic agreement.

"Now to start things off…" The Principal gestured to a large chest sitting on the sand. "All girls please change to what's in the chest." Curious faces exchanged glances among the girl.

Montmorency was the first who took out one of the items in the chest. She had the shock of her life. "What's this?!"

"That's what a real swimsuit looks like." Saito whispered into Guiche's ear. The blonde boy was surprised and in turn had a fizzle in his chest. The girls started surrounding the chest and were promptly given a lifestyle shock. The boys too had a shock and for a totally different reason.

Osmond explained the reasoning for the generally perceived absurd clothing. "In this area, one must give prayer to the Spirit of Water before entering." That raised a collective surprise from the girls. "As it is tradition, there are special uniforms for the priestesses."

Louise took out one of the swim wear. The bright colours and shapes all look extremely inappropriate. "Why do priestesses need to wear such special uniforms?"

The girls took out various uniforms from the chest. Alexia turned pale when she saw that. "We have to wear….that?" Wait, let's rephrase that. She turned ghost white. "Seriously?!"

Kirche teased as she went through a few choices. "You better take your pick quickly!" Tabitha went in and took her pick quickly. Louise looked through before she reluctantly made her choice.

Alexia was draught at the possibilities. "I'm not going to wear this!" Her sentiments were likewise shared by a few of the other girls.

The Principal saw the protests and hidden underneath his beard was a smug. He had already accounted for it. He prepared two uniforms and knelt before the Queen and her guard, Agnes. "My Queen, if you were to wear this, I'm sure the girls here shall surely follow you. I insist."

The Queen looked at the uniforms for a few seconds. "I accept." She turned to face the crowd of students. "When in Romalia, do as the Romalians do. If it is to give prayer to the Spirit of Water, I will gladly change into it."That made one in the crowd to shudder.


"Come on Alexia! You don't have to be so shy!"Kirche teased as she rapped against the changing room door. All the other girls were already done and only particular girl is left. The fiery redhead wore a black swimsuit. Tabitha was wearing a blue swimsuit as she stood beside the door, still avidly reading her book.

"No!"Alexia cried out behind the door. She had locked the door and is praying to Brimir for a miracle.

Kirche tried to persuade the shy girl. "If you don't come out quietly, we'll have to drag you out."Tabitha said nothing, leaving her taller friend to deal with the problem.

Alexia refused. "You will have to drag me over my dead body!"

"You know Alexia…the Queen has even accepted it and changed." She warned of the consequences. "If you refuse, you are being inappropriate." That inappropriate would probably actually mean nothing to the Queen but it might not be the case within her social peers.

"Uwuu…" Alexia groaned as she was put into a dilemma. To do or not to do, that is the question. She sighed and relented. The door opened and she stood out in a green coloured swimsuit. It had fabric of small beads that dangle from hip down to her knees. It was the most modest one available that she can grab.

Kirche whistled as she teased further. "I wonder what Jack would say if he saw you like this."

"Ridiculous. That's what he would say!" Alexia huffed as she left them for the beach. Kirche giggled as Tabitha merely followed her while still reading. The guys remained in their standardized normal bathing suits. The girls were wearing swimsuits in various colours and designs. She felt being gawked at from multiple fronts, particularly by the boys. She covered her face with her hands. "This is so embarrassing!"

The girls having gathered in full, Osmond moved on with the next step. "We'll now begin the purification ritual for the Spirit of Water. First splash each other with water to cleanse each other." He kicked started it by splashing some of the ocean water at them. The girls cried out from it. Osmond cheered and directed at the same time. "Everyone start splashing each other!"

Sensing a chance for payback, Alexia smashed a hand into the water and splashed the ocean water all over Kirche. "How's that?!"

"Ara…you're certainly a naughty girl!" Kirche accepted the challenge and splashed back. The two traded blows of water as the beach was filled with fun filled splashing between the girls. The battle between Kirche and Alexia had escalated when they both had struck Louise simultaneously by accident. It then became a three way fight with girls screaming with fun and joy.

From the side, the old principal enjoyed his viewing session of the young girls in action. "I've never been gladder to be alive than today."

Saito was similarly overjoyed at the ongoing show with a smug on his face. "This brings back memories." It was just too long since he had seen something like this.

Guiche felt blessed to have witnessed it. "Saito, you're from a wonderful country."

Another student standing beside them named Malicorne could not express how happy he was. "I feel like I'm in heaven."

Saito goaded. "More extreme ones than those exist too."

"Are you serious?!" Guiche was shocked yet overjoyed to hear it. He proposed as he pulled his hair back. "Then we must move on to the next stage to see our priestesses provide great worship to the Spirit of Water." The other facilitators similarly agreed and began stage two.

The Principal clapped, grabbing the attention of the crowd. "We will now move on to the next phase of the ritual." Osmond gestured to another chest. "We will now need you to change into these." Again Montmorency was the first to take out another uniform. It was even raunchier with more revealing of the flesh.

When Alexia saw it, she collapsed onto her knees. She was horrified as all spirit left her. "Oh Brimir…please spare me."

Kirche slapped her back. "Cheer up, you'll get used to it." On the contrary, the other girls groaned.


Meanwhile the girls moan over the new uniforms, Jack and Colbert started some final checks for their work in progress. They had also traveled with the group to the ocean. For them, it was not to enjoy the ocean but instead involve themselves with more research. As Jack had put it, it was simply more effective in providing more environmental variables for testing. Secondary to that were his duties of being a familiar. He has a contract and he is enforced by Alexia to come with her. Now, they work in the open field near the inn with a large tent to take shade under.

Jack worked the controls of the Zero. The hydraulics is working. The gauge also appears undamaged. He called it out. "Most of the gauges appear to be in working order." They also managed to fix the oil leak on the wing where the Zero had taken damage during the battle of Tarbes. "We'll start the test."

Colbert nodded as he stood in front of the engine. "I'm starting the engine now." He used his magic to twirl the propeller. Jack started the engine and it roared to life. The plane tried to move but it was held to a complete stop by several metal stands that encompassed both wings and the rear end of the body that Jack created. The Zero will not be moving an inch.

The engine kept to a steady pace as Jack listened carefully to the noise. He couldn't hear anything that sounded out of the ordinary. Satisfied, he yelled over the noise of the engine. "Let's increase the output to maximum!" Colbert nodded as they moved to the next step of the test. Jack moved the throttle to maximum. The engine roared louder to maximum speed. After a solid three minutes, Jack slowly lowered the throttle and turned off the engine. The Zero had passed the test. Jack said as the propeller came to a stop. "Our repairs should be enough. The maximum speed and endurance test should confirm it."

Colbert written a note in a checklist he was holding. He finished as Jack climbed out of the cockpit. "Having you around makes understanding the Zero a much easier task."

They head for the tent for a break. "You have the rune to thank." Jack now had something else on his mind to check on. "How is the progress of the design I sent to you?" Jack had a side project underway. If it proved successful, it would give Jack valuable means to get answers.

Colbert settled the checklist onto the table. "The blacksmiths are taking a look at it. I don't think that they can make the parts as precise to your scales. They will still try their best."

Jack accepted the possible discrepancy. "Some error should have no noticeable harm as long the parts can fit together." That was from what he understood from the book. Real testing can only tell whether it will be the case.

Colbert nodded. "It's almost unbelievable that lightning can have so many different types of properties." Jack had brought a book of his for onsite reference. Colbert had taken a look and while he could not understand the language, he felt the vastness of information within the text.

Jack read the checklist. "It's only natural. Earth had a head start in researching such matters since we do not have magic." The Zero has at least six tests to be conducted before he can certify it fly worthy. It would probably take another week by Jack's estimates to get them all done and that already are optimistic predictions.

Colbert settled down on a chair beside Jack. He took a swig of water from a bottle. He had an idea and he ran it by Jack. "Is it possible to make a large airship to fly with your combustion concept?"

Jack questioned for details. "It is definitely possible. How large do you want it to be?"

Colbert drew a sketch. It showed the relative difference in size between the Zero and his desired ship. Jack approximated it was about three times larger on average, equivalent to the standard size of an actual medieval ship. He gave a nod as he confirmed. "It is definitely possible." Large airline jets such as the Airbus A380 are already a working example. He just needs to be able to replicate it.

Colbert was motivated on Jack's answer. "That's good. Perhaps making a ship like this can inspire other researchers to strive harder."

Jack predicted. "I think that we will need to get some calculations done but we can sort them out by using the Zero as a test bed to get the numbers." It will take painstaking work but it can be done. It can be done.


"How was your first day?" Jack asked as the door behind him was closed. Alexia had changed into a blue nightgown. She had her hair down without the ribbon and she settled her normal clothes onto the bed. This room had a double bed and Alexia was having the one nearer to the window.

Alexia spat her opinion. "It was horrible." She clearly had a bad aftertaste as she opened the cupboard that was beside Jack's table. "I can't believe I have to wear such embarrassing clothes to provide offerings to the Spirit of Water."

Jack raised an eyebrow. That was the first time he heard of such a thing. "Spiritual matters are out of my interests." He flipped another page of his book that he had been reading since dinner. "I can only offer you my condolences."

Alexia looked at him and narrowed her eyes. "That makes it sound as though I was already dead."

Jack corrected himself. "My apologies." Jack rephrased. "From the sounds of it, you were close to dead."

Alexia was not amused. "That's not funny." She opened the door of the cupboard that was leaned next to the window. "It is a weird ritual, having to play a few games as offerings to the Water Spirit."

Jack reminded as he read a section of the page. "As I told you, spiritual matters are out of my league. Perhaps you can refer to Colbert for something more substantial."

She turned back to her clothes on the bed and stuffed them into the cupboard. "Thank goodness that I lost the competition. I don't want to think what the next ritual dressing is."

The door knocked, catching their attention. Alexia turned around and opened it. It was Louise. Her eyes were dead serious. "Alexia, we need to talk."


The next day, it was meant to be a highly exciting day for the boys. It would be the perfect time to see some ladies in scanty clothes. Alas, it was not meant to be. The girls have realized their act and have begun their ploy to thwart them. Montmorency acted as a representative, informing the boys of the pain and injuries that they accumulated the day before.

Additionally, she lured the facilitators to a far narrow path of rocks one by one with various reasons. From there, it would be phase two where the girls will capture the boys. First victim was Saito and he never found out that he was fooled until the last second. Second was the principal. Another and another of the boys were rounded up easily like a pack of sheep in single file being guided into a pack of wolves.

Soon enough, all the boys who were involved in the act were rounded up. There was Louise, Kirche, Tabitha, Montmorency and Alexia towering over the boys who were tied up to a large rock. Even the Queen and her guard are present and they were not amused. Louise gave a sly grin as the girls cheered. "The plan is a success!"

"While this is a celebration but this was taken too far." Agnes was not amused.

"You're really going to regret making me wear those things!" Alexia was the only one wearing her normal uniform. The others had gotten used to their swim wear. She had a lot in store for the old pervert man and boys. Even if he was her principal, he was not getting away with this. She flexed the whip which caused the boys to shudder in fear. The girls began their revenge.

The guys were now dressed up in clam shells and brown dried grass skirts. The boys too had some bruises for their faces as an extra. Montmorency taunted. "How do you feel like giving prayers to the Water Spirit?"

Suddenly, the still surface of the ocean was shattered with a loud splash. A large shape silhouetted against the shower of water that fell. Kirche pointed at the monster. "What kind of monster is that?!" It was a large octopus, larger than them in height alone by two fold.

The large octopus reached out its arm and grabbed Montmorency by the ankle. It pulled, causing her to slip and fell fully in the tentacle of the octopus. She screamed as she was hanging upside down.

"Montmorency!" Louise yelled as she moved forward to try freeing her friend. Her efforts were futile and caused more harm instead. She too was caught in the tentacles of the octopus which now started sliming all over their bodies. Lousie screamed.

Tabitha spoke as she closed her book. "It's a perverted one…"

Agnes moved towards the octopus, bringing a hard punch at one of the tentacles. The soft nature of the aquatic flesh allowed it to absorb the blow easily. She grits her teeth as another tentacle captured its third victim. Queen Henrietta cried out. "Agnes!"

Struggling in the octopus's grip, Agnes warned her queen away. "Your Highness, don't come any closer!" It was not to be for the octopus also captured the Queen of Tristain.

Malicorne was dreaming. "I wish I was those tentacles…" Saito meanwhile cursed his tied up position as he tried to free himself.

Alexia cursed her predicament. "My wand is in my room!" The others also have similar predicaments. Only Tabitha appeared to have brought her staff.

Tabitha concentrated. She sent a tornado that slammed head on against the squid's face. The squid was enraged by the attack and it squeezed its victims tighter which elicited more screams.

Kirche noted the lack of strength within the spell. "I know you can cast something stronger!"

Tabitha responded. "Too strong and it will hurt the others." Kirche bit her lip. It was on thin ice. Too little and it's not enough. Too strong and there will be no one to save. Before Tabitha can adjust the strength of her magic, the squid monster struck. Kirche and Tabitha too were captured. That only left two free tentacles of the octopus.

Alexia backed up against the rocks. She struggled against the strong grip. She felt the tentacles sliming all over her. "Don't you dare molest me!"

"Finally!" Saito exclaimed as he managed to break the ropes that bind him. He reached for Derflinger and rushed forward. The water was slowing him down to a crawl.

Derflinger advised. "Run along its leg! It's much easier to get to it!" Saito agreed, leaping onto one of the squishy slimy arm and ran along it. Seeing the pesky disturbance, the squid tried to catch him using a tentacle. Saito didn't bother to dodge and instead cut the tentacle into pieces.

"I won't let you hurt them!" Saito yelled as he leapt forward and slashed six times in midair. The tentacles holding Agnes and Henrietta were cut to pieces, freeing them. He landed on the tentacle again and sprinted closer to the other side.

The squid tried to shake him off by moving the tentacle but Saito compensated his balance as he ran, sticking to the improvised moving platform. Saito dragged the tip of the sword along the tentacle he ran on, slicing the skin and flesh. He lunged forward, his slashes seen as flashes of light.

Tabitha, Kirche and Alexia were freed and they splashed onto the ground. Saito struck a kick in the squid's face which was already in pain before jumping up and sliced the last arm the squid have and freeing Montmorency and his lover Louise.

Saito caught Louise in mid air and landed softly into the water. The squid monster fled. Is that tears on its eyes? Saito couldn't tell. Having Louise safe and sound in his arms was good enough. He said to Louise. "I'm sorry for what we've done. We'll never do it again."

"Saito…" Louise had no answer to him. Someone else did have an answer. Alexia looked at her wet clothes and groaned. It has been two days of hell.


For the others, it had been an interesting experience. Saito is now working on giving them another experience. "The octopus balls are about ready. Do you mind calling the girls for me?" Saito requested as he flicked two pieces of fried octopus balls off the makeshift pantry and onto a plate. They were about to have dinner using the chopped octopus flesh by the beach. The girls were doing something behind an outcrop of rocks. Saito had been cooking while Jack was reading beside him.

When Jack had heard about the large squid, he was baffled at why the monster would appear on the beach at that time. It was simply not capable of moving around efficiently on the beach. He closed the book. He prefers to focus on the now, particularly the fried octopus. He didn't have such delicacy for a long time. "Hmph, you owe me extra two pieces." Jack left the boy to finish cooking and went behind the outcrop of rocks.

Jack turned around the corner. He saw Louise standing by the rocks. She was wearing a very scanty bikini made of clam shells. His footsteps had caught her attention and she turned. Misfortune arrives for the string for the top snapped. The clam shells top fell.

"…" Louise was in total shock. Denial, disbelief, horror happened at once for the petite girl.

"…" Jack had full view of Louise's chest.

"…" Louise started shaking as she gasped.

Jack broke the silence and ensured his death. "You need more nourishment."

Louise covered her chest with an arm and reached for the wand resting on a stone beside her. Following the incident, every mage now had their wand within reach. "Idiot!"

Explosion!

The explosion alarmed Saito. Saito ran towards the source of the explosion. "Jack! What happened?!"He saw what Jack saw. "Lou…"

"IDIOT!"

Explosion!

Explosion!

Explosion!

Explosion!


Jack was sitting alone by the campfire on the beach. They had made it as part of a night time celebration. It was found to be unromantic for someone like Montmorency. Saito was probably being punished by Louise somewhere else. Kirche and Tabitha were at their dorms, enjoying a good cool night by the steps. He heard a voice behind him. "Jack…How…how do I look?" He turned around and had a sight to behold.

It was Alexia. She was wearing a white bikini. He could see her lean body and supple skin. She wrapped her hands around her chest with a red face. It threw Jack off his composure. He regained it instantly and answered. "You look fine." She sat down beside him, appearing to be embarrassed.

She wasn't comfortable wearing it. "My normal clothes were wet and the others are already dirty. I had to wear this for the meantime." Alexia and Jack watched the fire. Jack looking away was giving Alexia a little ease. She spoke of her suspicions. "These types of clothes are from Earth isn't it?" It was too alien, even of any culture within Halkeginia.

Jack nods. "It is common wear by women by the beach." He didn't fancy going to the beach in the past. Too much heat for no purpose he can enjoy.

Alexia rolled her eyes. "I knew it. Your people have no modesty."

Jack snorted to her accusations. "I blame your female nature to flaunt skin."

Alexia stared at him with a raised eyebrow. "Are you saying that we women are perverts?"

Jack gave his reason. "It is natural for women to promote themselves in order to attract men and create offspring for future generations." Alexia continued staring at him. Rather than get in further trouble, he added. "Imply my words as you wish. It would be pointless to further resist."

Alexia nod, using her hands to support her lean backwards against the sand. "On the bright side, at least my clothes don't get all the sand." Jack was now staring at the night sky, still silent as ever. She asked. "Are you feeling okay?"

Jack glanced slightly in her direction. He sounded calm. "If you mean from the spell Miss Valliere casted on me, then yes."

Alexia replied as she narrowed her eyes. "It was your fault to begin with."

Jack sighed. "I would like to argue against that. It was her decision to put on something already unsuitable for her stature. It was only natural that an incident such as that to occur."

Alexia smirked. "Those are just excuses."

Jack was not content at letting it be. "While she may be a young girl, Miss Valliere is the void mage and should have some professionalism." A pink haired girl in her room sneezed.

"You don't have much experience with girls don't you?" Alexia settled her hands onto her legs. "At least I can be assured that you're not some pervert like Saito." A black haired boy beside his master sneezed.

Jack replied. "There isn't any need to. Simple dialogue is sufficient to get things done."

Alexia disagreed. "That's not always the case."

Jack closed his eyes. "Complication brings trouble."

"That's partially true." She noted. "You have been avoiding the question."

Jack spoke his mind. "I'm just thinking on how to go back."

She rested her head on her knees, settling her hands on her tibia. "You're not angry about losing to Saito right?"

Jack raised an eyebrow. "I couldn't care less. It would be better to put my focus on something more beneficial."

Alexia smiled. "Good. I have enough of dealing with such problems."


The next day was a tiring one. The pack up and return to the Academy wasn't easy given the amount of tools and the weight of the Zero itself. They now work on the next issue. That is the purple ring in their possession, the ring of Andvari. After recovering it from the Academy vault, it was now in Saito's hands.

Saito's face was bruised from some unspeakable event. Jack presumed it was from the night before with all the racketing going on. He took a look at the ring. "I suppose we will return it." It was best to be done with it as soon as possible. Saito and Louise will travel to Lagdorian Lake to return the ring. Jack meanwhile will continue working on getting the Zero fully restored. The trip would take only a day at latest.

The four were at the stables, finalizing the plan. Jack would have started for the shed if for not the plan was shattered. Captain Agnes arrived on horseback in a hurry. She gave ill news to them. "The Queen's been kidnapped!"

As the three others were surprised, Jack made some changes to their current agenda. "Saito, Louise. I assume you both can handle it. I'll deliver the ring."

Saito nodded. Jack wasn't much of a fighter. He is better suited to finding Henrietta. "Of course we will."

Jack mounted a horse. "Good, we'll be returning this ring and I have a few answers to find." Alexia likewise mounted a horse. They took off with their horses to Lagdorian Lake. The Void mage and Gandalf talked with Agnes about the incident before making their own preparations.

The trip to Lagdorian Lake was relatively short and peaceful. They traveled at a leisurely pace which will take a few hours. The clouds were starting to turn dark. Jack estimated they can finish their task and head to the town at the most pessimistic presumptions. Thus he had no worry about that. Jack however was curious about one other thing. "I alone will be enough for the task. What interests you to follow me?"

Alexia answered casually. "While you are capable but I'm your master so I have some responsibility to keep an eye on you." Jack writes it off and they reached the lake. The water level had receded significantly. The flooded town was repaired and repopulated by its citizens. Jack tied up the horses by the tree line which felt noticeably further from before.

Alexia queried as she looked at the lake. "Do you have any idea how to call the Spirit?" Last time, they had Montmorency who summoned the Spirit.

Jack gave his idea. "I think a good yell will do. Otherwise, maybe a big explosion albeit barbaric will suffice." Alexia rolled her eyes in response. Jack turned his attention to the body of water. "Hear me Spirit of Water! I am Jack Tetsuya and I seek your presence! I have brought something that you desired!"

His call was heard for a blob of water emerged from the lake. The blob shaped into a humanoid form before it spoke. "I remember you human. What do you want?"

"I've come to complete a contract." Jack reached into his pocket and took out the prize. "This is the Ring of Andvari." He declared his intention. "As per the conditions of contract made between you and Saito Hiraga, we return you this ring." Jack tossed the ring into the lake. The ring sunk and was promptly received.

The Spirit of Water spoke. "You have my appreciation of your efforts in short notice."

Jack refused to take credit. "Thank Guiche De Gramont. He was the one who managed to recover it." Jack now revealed his second intention of coming here. "If you have the time, I'd like to ask some questions."

The Spirit paused for a moment before granting his wish. "You may ask."

Jack began his enquiry. "How much do you know about items that come from another world?" The Spirit of Water has a lifespan many times beyond a normal human. The Spirit will likely know some things that can be useful on going back home.

The water spirit answered. "I have seen a few. My reach may be far across the world but there are places where I do not have eyes. There is likely more."

Jack filed that away. "Have those that you saw survived?"

"None of them lasted the age of time. They are only husks to what they were and that was when I took notice of them." That meant none of them are recoverable.

Alexia noted two people on a horse across the lake as Jack continued questioning. She recognized the similarity of the clothes the two wore as they dismounted. She spoke her thoughts out loud. "Isn't that the Queen?"

Jack spared a glance before he agreed. He ended the conversation with the Spirit. "Thank you for your time. I think we have something else to deal with for the moment." The Spirit's water body vanished as they turned to the new matter at hand.

They moved around the lake as the two figures started to walk into the lake. It is the Queen in her royal clothes and carrying her wand / sceptre. Her kidnapper was a blonde man with blue eyes. He wore a blue coat, black undershirt with white trousers and black boots. The kidnapper also had a sword ready on the left side of the belt. Alexia aimed her wand and demanded. "Release the Queen you kidnapper!"

Her Highness Henrietta was surprised to see her. "Miss Halcyon, it's not a kidnapping!" She tried to clarify. "I went willingly with Prince Wales!"

Both Jack and Alexia were surprised by this new development. Louise said she had witnessed the prince of Albion's death. Alexia kept her wand aimed. "It can't be. Isn't Prince Wales dead?"

Before the other party could answer, a drone could be heard. Jack recognized it and was alarmed immediately. He looked up to the sky and he confirmed his dread. The Zero was in the air and circled around in a lazy pace. The Zero isn't ready yet! As he thought of it, the Zero's engine shut down. He felt his heart plummet with the Zero.

Saito managed to glide the fighter using his ailerons over the lake, landing on top without damage. It floated to the shoreline as Louise rushed out the cockpit and onto the ground. "Your Highness!"

Jack glared at Saito. "You had to fly the Zero although it's not ready yet. You really are a big troublemaker."

Saito said as he got out the cockpit and onto solid ground. "It was kind of necessary."

Jack was not amused. "Kind of? The Zero could have suffered irreparable damage if it was flown when it's not ready!"

Alexia cut them off to point. "This isn't the time to talk about that." The kidnapper Prince of Wales is more important to handle for the time being. Jack had to agree and they turned back to the escalating situation.

Louise tried to reason with her Queen. "Your Highness! Prince Wales is dead!"

Henrietta denied it. "He's not dead! He's right here before my eyes!" She gestured to the man behind her. "How can he be dead?!"

Prince Wales affirmed Henrietta's doubt as he placed a hand on his chest. "Exactly! How can I be dead when I stand before your eyes?" His expressions were cocky, totally unlike a royal.

Jack switched vision. On the contrary to standard living beings, Jack could see into every single bit of Prince Wales. He could see the swirl of magical energy that was around the heart. Jack provided evidence against it. "I can see through him. He is certainly not a living being." It made no sense. "How can a dead man be standing here?"

"The Ring of Andvari!" Louise had the answer. "It must have been used to resurrect his corpse! It's not the real Wales!"

Henrietta snapped. "Louise! Stop talking about strange things! You know him too! The Wales before his death! This is the real Wales!"

Wales demanded with an irritated tone. "Now, how about getting out of the way?" The others were apprehensive of what to do next. They have to rescue the Queen that does not want to be rescued.

The decision was taken away. Slyphid made a sudden entrance by landing to the right of them. Kirche said as she got off. "Yo."Tabitha likewise got off and Slyphid took to the skies again. Kirche raised her wand and prepared for battle. "I don't know what's going on but from what I heard we have to take you down."

"Talking is pointless." Tabitha casted a spell and sent a barrage of small icicles to the Prince. The icicles made their mark clean through to strike into the tree behind the man. The strike had stabbed large holes all over the upper body that would be many times fatal. Henrietta gasped as she witnessed the fatal attack.

"It's useless." The dead man said. The holes regenerated flesh and no sign of them was visible seconds after. "Your attack is totally incapable of wounding me."

Kirche shot a burst of flame. "How about this?!" Tabitha added strength to the spell by fusing the fire with her own wind. The spell was stopped short by a green magical barrier emerging from Wale's hands.

Wales pulled out his wand and aimed. "Didn't I just say it's pointless?!" He sent a strong burst of wind that shattered the united defense of the magical duo. The two girls were sent sprawling into the trees as Tabitha's staff dropped to the ground with a clunk. Rain started to fall heavily, bringing a dark mood into the ambience.

Louise yelled as the two fell unconscious. "Kirche! Tabitha!" She turned to Henrietta. "You saw it didn't you? He isn't the same with the Wales you once knew!"

Henrietta shook her head in denial as she tightened her grip on her sceptre. "No! That can't be possible!"

Saito had enough. They need to stop Wales before anyone else gets hurt. "Let's go!" Saito took into a charge as he unsheathed Derflinger. Jack followed behind as Gandalf activated. Alexia prepared a gust of wind and sent it over the two familiars to Wales.

Wales analyzed the two vectors of attack with battle experience in a heartbeat. He blocked the strike with his barrier and he casted another spell immediately with Alexia as his target. Alexia screamed as she was smashed down onto the ground. He reached to his sheath and withdrew a claymore.

Louise cried out. "Alexia!" She tried to talk with Henrietta again. "You have to stop this!" Saito and Wales met up close front. Jack had taken his Crescent Halberd and swung it in an arc towards the former prince.

Saito kept Wales's blade occupied and the halberd struck across the hip. Henrietta gasped as the halberd became stuck at the spine. Wales smirked as the Halberd shattered to pieces. The wound regenerated as Jack backed off.

Jack tried to guess a solution. "Let's try if cutting him to pieces will work." Saito slashed multiple times at Wales but the prince defended the strikes with a single arm by redirecting the attacks with grace.

Henrietta demanded from her childhood friend. "Louise, as Queen of Tristain I order you to let us pass! I order you! Get out of our way!"

Louise argued. "I cannot accept that order! Just look at him! It's impossible to survive such fatal attacks!" Saito tried to strike for the wand arm but Wales twisted his torso, letting the blade sweep past. Wales tightened his wand arm and punched Saito in the gut.

Saito was thrown backwards a full metre. He clutched his stomach as he got up "He hits hard." Jack realized that he will never be able to fight up close if Saito was having trouble. He changed his options, changing to the silver revolver and a buckler.

Jack fired a shot which Wales dodged by a hair's breadth. He told Saito. "I'll buy you an opening." He fired again and again which Wales dodged with unnatural speed. Saito charged along Jack's left. Wales thrust his wand arm as he crouched low with a step to the side. A wind spell was sent Jack's way which was blocked by the buckler. The impact felt akin to a sledgehammer. Saito was now within melee range again and slashed at Wales.

Wales knew he was at a disadvantage of being in a brawl while Jack had free reign of doing anything towards him. Wales rushed to Jack. Saito yelled as he moved to intercept. "I won't let you!" Wales suddenly spurt faster, slashing at Jack from above. Jack parried with the buckler and Saito managed to defend the second attack by interjecting Derflinger in between.

It became a big close quarter fight. Wales was pinned in between both of them. He parried Saito's attack to the shoulder and with the other elbow, slammed Jack's revolver arm away. The bullet zoomed across his back but it did no damage. He turned to slash at Jack while using his back to slam Saito away. The buckler absorbed the hit but it cracked, signifying imminent failure.

Jack pulled back half a dozen paces away as Saito swerved around to block Wales from rushing Jack. He knew he needed more firepower if he wanted to blast the entire head apart. He decided to add it into his weapon. He poured energy and changed the size of the revolver's barrel to twice its size. The ammunition too was twice the caliber and twice the deadliness. He added a touch of TNT within the core of the bullet. The extra weight cost some stability but if he can get a good shot, it will be enough.

Saito managed to give that chance. He ducked extremely low under a slash for the chest. He swung Derflinger up, slamming Wale's claymore up and away from his grip. Saito yelled as he body slammed Wales before stepping aside. "Now!" Jack raised the oversized revolver and aimed the sights. He had a clear shot and fired. His hands jerked back from recoil as the bullet flew to its target only to be stopped short by a wall of ice. "I will not let you lay a hand on my Wales!" Henrietta declared as she aimed her sceptre at them.

Wales took his chance and recovered his sword. Saito was forced to back off. Wales held Henrietta's hand with dedicated assurance. "That's right. Nobody will stop us!" The magical strength surrounding the two royals intensified. A large spear of ice was formed. The wind howled around it, priming it ready to fire. Jack prepared for the attack and formed the shield platform he once did at La Rochelle.

The large spear of ice was shot at subsonic speeds. Ice is a fragile thing yet steel has lost. The shield shattered into metallic fragments. Jack could feel the metal shards that sliced his flesh as the impact of the wind came next. It tossed them onto his back with various cuts. He could barely get up from the damage and most of it was already absorbed by the shield. One more hit will take me out. Saito likewise was in a mess but he appeared to be in better shape.

Taking advantage of the disorientation by the attack, Wales casted a spear of compressed wind and shot it at the fighting two. Saito dodged to the left but Jack couldn't dodge the strike. That was too fast! Before the spell hit, Jack felt himself pushed away to the side. He saw a flitter of a cloak. Alexia was thrown away and into the lake. He felt his vocal cords voiced. "Alexia!" He had no time to spare a second as he got up to dodge a sharp piece of ice flying by his neck. Henrietta started sending a rain of icicles towards them. Only Gandalf's superior speed managed to intercept them.

Seeing this, Wales changed tactics. The winds and the lake started raging due to a build up of magical energy. Wales bellowed as he moved their wands together in sync. Jack saw the energy tip of the wands grow into a raging ball. "The Triangle of Water and Wind!" The combined spell completed itself to become a powerful element to deal with.

Jack cursed their luck. "A tornado?! You have to be joking!" The strength of the hurricane intensified by drawing mass of water from the lake before it started moving in their direction.

Derflinger broke his silence and advised. "Girl, open your secret manual!" Louise reached to the Founder's Prayer book. The book which always had hidden its secrets now has unveiled words. She read it and understood what needs to be done. She started chanting.

Saito knew what they have to do. "We have to protect Louise!" He charged at the tornado using Derflinger. He clashed against the powerful element of nature to a short gridlock. The tornado started skidding Saito back across the muddy ground. Jack held Saito in place with his own body. He conjured two metal sticks and stabbed them into the ground. Inside the soft ground, he changed the tip to spread out across the soil akin to tree roots. They provided anchor as the two held on against the tornado. They grit and pressed hard to hold on the onslaught. Saito felt his grip failing. "I can't hold it for much longer!"

He didn't need any further. Louise completed her incantation. She aimed at Wales. "Dispel!" Her wand emitted a wave of light. It speared up to the sky before bringing down a thunder strike directly on its victim. Prince Wales felt the strike and for once felt pain that the body of undead cannot. The rain and storm of wind also came to a stop.

Henrietta cried out as the moving corpse cried it out screaming. "Wales!" At the end of the spell, Wales fell backwards onto the ground. She rushed to his side along with Louise. Jack looked around. Kirche and Tabitha had awakened albeit unable to stand yet. That left one missing.

Jack turned and dived immediately into the lake. After a moment, he burst to the surface with Alexia the grip of an arm. He tugged her back to the shoreline with quick precise strokes. He settled her down and lowered his ear to her nose. Jack widened his eyes as he confirmed the worst. Alexia had stopped breathing.