Author's Notes: First of all, apologies for the delay. I had many things interrupting my normal schedule. I also have been lacking sleep greatly just trying to catch up sometimes. So I decided that I will actually slow down in creating chapters in order to improve the quality. I want at least one day to just settle down, work out the kinks in my techniques and just not write and only read a big bunch. Thus, a chapter might be delayed to once per 1.5 weeks.

To Bigreader: I have taken note of CAST and attempt to prevent future issues about it. I apologize in advance if I repeat the mistakes.

About the beta reader, I had tried that many years back. It crippled my writing spirit for months. I know what I'm bad but my solutions to solving them (which is reading a lot) are still inadequate. I'm planning to find fact more information and detail that helps me to describe. My vocab hurts a lot too.

Regarding the TNT in the barrel in Chapter 11, I believe that the addition is akin to improving the gunpowder quality and output. The size of barrel is twice the original size and that also includes its structural strength in the process. My 2 cents since I was studying towards electronics rather than material sciences so I'm not too well in depth regarding this.

Thank you for reading and reviewing.

Chapter 13: Black Madness

The next day was met with more thinking and research for the minds of intellect. Colbert entered his laboratory, having finished a few tasks. He placed his working materials on his desk and opened a connecting door to the shed. He enquired from his fellow researcher. "Jack, how is your progress going?"

Jack was working using his laptop. The generator was running noisily beside him. He turned to answer Colbert. "I've checked through a few references. We have two options of energy sources we can use. One is gasoline and the other is steam."

Colbert took a look at the laptop's screen. It showed a few images of different aircrafts of various sizes along with a list of technical information. "Which is your preference?"

Jack gave his opinion. "I believe we can achieve gasoline combustion if we want it. However I think steam is more feasible and less difficult to achieve. In order to create the gasoline version, we will likely need to design from scratch with reference to the Zero's engine. Steam's concept is much easier to design since we have less moving parts. Moreover, the coal for steam is more accessible for Halkeginia in general than gasoline."

Colbert agreed with Jack's assessment. "You're right. I doubt I can dedicate my time to produce gasoline for the long run even for this project. I do not want to imagine having a dozen of them." They decided their next step. "We'll use steam to propel our project. What kind of problems are you currently having in designing a steam engine?"

Jack turned to his notes that were beside him. "Well met, I did have a few holes that need to be filled up before we can go further." One of his notes showed the proper scale of their intended construction. It has a maximum value of ninety metres long, a hundred twenty metres of wingspan, forty metres wide and thirty metres tall. Jack had a concern about the lift required for the project. "How many wind stones do you need to propel a ship of this size and how long do they last?"

Colbert made his guess. "I'm no seaman but I approximate it to be about a hundred stones to travel from La Rochelle to Albion on a one way trip. I'll confirm the number."

Jack remembered the trip to Albion took about three to four hours of air travel by Slyphid. He cannot say the same for the airships which generally travel much slower. Direct comparison is not ideal in this case. "Hmm, I will need to calculate how much output we will need." He can use this value in order to determine whether the current design is capable of lift off and maintaining flight. "I will need some wind stones to get the values."

Colbert took a parchment and jotted down the list of project necessities. "I can have some prepared simultaneously."

"The sooner we have them, the better." Jack gazed at the shape of the intended wing design for the ship. "Sadly, I'm not well versed in the complex level of physics." Most that the complex ones he used were exhausted from the loaned textbook. The textbook has nothing with regards to aerodynamics. He and Colbert are on uncharted roads, relying purely on assumptions and tested results.

Colbert assured. "It's alright. I cannot expect you to do everything. I'll be glad to contribute wherever possible. After all, Romalia wasn't built in a day."

Jack remained relatively optimistic. "I believe though once we get this part done, the rest of it is relatively straightforward." He wanted to avoid any trouble in the process. "To be on the safe side, we can do a small scaled prototype test."

Colbert has similar sentiments. "That shouldn't be a problem. I'll add a healthy supply of coal and a furnace into the list." He jotted it down into his new list.

"Thanks professor, I appreciate it."

What order of advancement should I work on recreating? Despite the hypocrisy of changing the course of natural history through these advancements, they will be necessary to find a way home. I must aim to be discreet and minimal as possible.

First, I need to set down an area of focus. What is the most important factor I need in order to assist with the quest for Earth? A high power radio will be very useful to maintain contact with the Academy from the Zero. I should be able to reverse engineer the design if I get Saito to explain to me the internal components of the Zero's radio. Then again it might not be possible due to the electronics needed. Scrap this.

Back tracking the technology, a good alternative is electricity. It would support immensely with the former with less drain in long term resources and time to manufacture the fuel. Given already that the generator components are already capable and working, the most important measure is the source that will drive it. Using steam is probably the best option available and would probably allow easier advancement to steam engines. Water power and geothermal is still a viable option but finding the perfect building sites is going to be troublesome.

Jack was interrupted from his work by a voice. "This is the Dragon's Plumage." Jack turned his head slightly to get a look. The woman is a blonde with red eyes. Sharp edged rimmed glasses fitted atop the equally sharp nose. She commented to no one in particular. "It appears very distinctive."

Jack repeated for practically everyone who sees the aircraft for the first time. "The Dragon's Plumage's real name is the Zero." He made a mental note to do something about it in the near future. He also included adding more windows and better ventilation for more privacy. As of now, the hangar door is open to let the air in or it would be a sauna inside.

The open door led to the entrance of woman. She finally noted his presence. Her eyes demanded answers. "You are?"

Jack faced her and introduced himself. "I am Jack Tetsuya."

The woman introduced herself in return. "My name is Eleanor de La Vallière." She recalled a fact. "I've heard about you. Your name is a hot topic among the commoner researchers. You are that supposed off worlder." She scanned him with her eyes from top to bottom. "Looking at you, I don't think you're any different from us."

A Valliere, Louise's elder sister then. He noted her confidence, a little excessive to his taste. Jack turned his attention back to the laptop. "Your concerns aren't of mine. I'm just searching for a way home."

Eleanor saw him working with the laptop. Her inquisitive nature demanded her to enquire. "What is this device?"

Jack kept his explanation simple. "It's a computer. It is a device capable of performing a number of tasks."

Eleanor was not impressed. "It doesn't seem very capable." There are few devices that have its method of operation hidden from common view.

The woman's arrogance was getting displeasing for Jack. He decided he'll have some fun. He searched for a particular file that he hadn't finished seeing for some time. "It is quite capable of doing many things. For example in my world, it is commonly used to provide entertainment." He played the video and tilted the screen to let the Valliere see. "Watch this."

The blonde raised an eyebrow as it started playing the video. She noted how the screen was black, not being impressed at all. Suddenly a female ghost shot out towards the screen with a scream. Eleanor pulled back with a gasp. She jabbed a finger at the screen. "What kind of monstrosity is that?!"

Jack sniggered as he pause the video, leaving the ghost's bloody face for Eleanor to scrutinize. "It's called a movie. That is a made up character. You're watching a movie that is supposed to scare you."

Eleanor de La Valliere was pissed. "How dare you take me to be a fool?"

"Ah sis, you shouldn't be too uptight." An equally tall woman with orange eyes spoke in a casual tone. Her pink hair had two small locks at the front that dangled down to waist level. She turned her focus to Jack. She wore a white dress. "May I know your name?" She then gestured to herself. "My name is Cattleya de La Valliere, a pleasure to meet you."

Her elder sister warned. "It's best you stay away from him, a commoner that does not know his manners."

Jack shot back. "On the contrary, I believe she should stay away from you, a woman that does not know courtesy and respect." That made Eleanor glare at him.

Cattleya chuckled. "I guess this is the way to bring it to an open honest working relationship." Cattleya clasped her hands together in a polite manner. "I best not disturb your work, have a good day." She turned for the door as her elder sister followed. Jack closed his eyes and sigh.

This is so troublesome.

After finally settling on a tech of choice about ten minutes later, Jack turned his attention to his other projects. That took him out of the Academy and to the capital city. His objective is to find several contacts for the wooden construction of the airship. Given the nature of the ships, the shipyards are not constrained as to Earths shipyards of being at the sea. As such, the capital is the best place to start his search. He said to his companion. "I'm certainly fine of taking care of myself."

Alexia waved him off. "I know you're fine. I'm also coming along to get a few things for my family. Father's illness is still sticking around. I thought getting a few extra herbs will be helpful." With the training being conducted by the Musketeers, all classes were cancelled.

Jack questioned. "I presume that you will not require my assistance for some time?" At least she can spare him the time to get his things done before helping out.

Alexia said. "I'll be fine. Get your things done and we'll meet back here." They split ways. Jack headed towards the political guilds area. She went towards the established commercial area. Her travels didn't take much time. She found the herbalist store by a corner. It was considerably big in order to store the various kinds of medicines in large shelves that are twice the height of the average man. She stated her needs to the old man with round rimmed glasses.

The old man noted her father's symptoms and said. "Ah Missy, you've definitely come to the right place." The herbalist climbed up the small ladder to reach the top shelves. "Treating illnesses early and properly is a very important step to avoid it getting worse."

She said as she leaned against the counter. "I'm glad that I'm here then."

The man stuffed several types of herbs into two boxes, a large one with a small one. "Here you go. Remember, your father has to take these medicine three times a day after a meal. I recommend you mix it with some tea, they make it a very appealing taste." Alexia paid her sum and hefted the boxes. Both boxes together, it towered slightly over Alexia's head.

While light, she had some difficulty looking the way she was going. Maybe I did take a bit too much to carry. The top parcel of her stack slid off and plopped onto the ground with a clack. She cursed her luck. Ah, great.

To her surprise, a brown haired man with a blue cloak bent down and picked up the parcel. He was a young one, older and taller than her but he was not too old either. He passed it to her. "You dropped this."

Alexia said with gratitude. "Thanks." The man went on as she continued on to the rally point. She didn't have to wait for Jack was already there. She enquired of her familiar. "Are your things done?"

Jack answered as he took the two boxes. "They're done. Shall we return to the Academy?"

Alexia was worried about something. "The cloud's turning dark." On the contrary, it was already black and it weighed down on them.

Jack made an estimate. They would not be able to get back to the Academy before the rain starts. He suggested. "I think we will need to stay in the capital for tonight. It wouldn't be wise to return to the Academy all wet and risk illness." She agreed with him and they seek for shelter.

Alexia read the signboard as rain started to pour. "Charming Fairy inn…that's an odd name." They didn't have time to find any other option.

Jack felt a particular feel of danger as they entered. He voiced it out. "I have a bad feeling about this."

"Welcome!" The boss of the inn greeted. He has black hair, a thick beard and mustache and orange eyes. He was wearing a purple undershirt, revealing his muscular body and strong arms and black shorts. The man had thick red lipstick and a lot of body hair on his arms, chest and legs. "What would you like to have tonight?" The inn's staffs of girls were wearing skimpy outfits of various colours that revealed much of their shoulders and legs.

Jack's dread had been realized. He felt horror crawling in his bones. "My assumptions have never been much truer."

Alexia dismissed his worries. She answered the oddly dressed man. "Anyway, we need a room for the night. I think we will need something to eat as well."

The response was filled with enthusiasm. "No problem Miss!" The man slid up next to Jack. "Since the night's early, how about having some drink and fun?"

Jack shivered as he backed away. "Please do get away from me."

The boss wrapped an arm around Jack's back. "You don't need to be such a spoilsport. Love makes the world go round! Tres Bien!" Alexia felt cold sweat glisten down her spine. Should she sympathize or should she be grateful that Jack was the target?

By night time, it was still raining within the capital. The inn had a shortage of rooms due to the rain but the two managed to get one up in the attic. The room was a bit small for two but they could bear with it for a night. There is a single matter to be noted. Alexia pointed out. "There's only one bed…"

The issue was dismissed by her familiar. "I guess we'll follow the usual arrangement."Jack raised his hand.

She touched his hand and shook her head. "No, let's share it." Jack looked at her, seeking surety with his eyes. "Yes, I'm sure. I can't let you have the floor every time." He didn't argue.

Alexia shifted slightly in her position. "It's a bit tight."They could squeeze in only if they slept back to back. They shared the pillow which fortunately was large enough.

Jack was concerned for her being. He didn't want any trouble with her past. "Isn't this uncomfortable for you? I am certainly fine having the futon."

Alexia said. "It's fine."

Jack wasn't entirely assured but he left it to his Master's hands. "If that is the case, have a good night." Jack closed his eyes and was asleep instantly.

"Good night." She returned in kind. She leaned slightly against his back. She felt calm. Somehow, he's the only guy that she felt comfortable being close to. She didn't really know why. Perhaps it's just the Master – familiar bond. She closed her eyes and entered the world of dreams.

The morning was met with more uncomfortable moments for Jack. That was thanks to the owner, which was identified to be Mr. Scarron during breakfast. To Jack's relief, they were out by early morning. Just before noon, they had returned to the Academy. Alexia heard about an incident from Montmorency. Apparently there was an attempted thievery of valuable goods in the Academy. However it was settled within the night itself with some investigation from Saito and a few others. Alexia did wonder what happened to Saito in the process, his face met with obvious bruises.

Alexia, Kirche and Tabitha now hang out at courtyard. Alexia was curious about her counterparts as she fiddled her fingers on the white table. "I wonder how the boys are doing."

Kirche replied. "Tristain's going to launch an attack soon isn't it? Poor them." The casualties of the Magic Knights had been painful. These students will likely replace those losses and will be in the thickest of fighting.

Alexia's war experience strongly reminded her. "I'm not getting myself involved this time."

Kirche pointed out. "Even if Louise goes on with them or perhaps if Her Majesty asks for your presence?"

"Well…that would put me in a tight spot. I guess I have no choice then." Alexia surmised her demise. "Speaking of which, where is Louise?" The others had no idea. At that moment too, Jack appeared by a corner and she asked him.

Jack shook his head. "No, I have not seen her." He spoke of his problem at hand. "I can't find Saito and Colbert." They too did not know where they were. He asked for a favour. "If you see them, let them know that I'm finding them." He left them and continued his search.

Kirche licked her lips. ""That's odd. They've seem to have disappeared. Hmm…it's a mysterious thing." She speculated. "Perhaps it's another secret mission?"

Alexia rolled her eyes. "If it is, I'm not going to get involved this time." That secret mission demanded so much from them.

Tabitha disagreed with the theory, eyes still on her customary book. "They aren't."

Kirche questioned her partner for the insight. "How can you tell?"

Tabitha answered, still unmoving. "Slyphid."

Kirche figured out the rest. "Slyphid didn't see them leaving eh. It turns me on to find them."

Alexia settled back against her chair. "Have fun."

Boom

The earth shuddered. Alexia laughed. "That has to be Louise. Your chase is over." Kirche fumed a little over the lost chance for entertainment.

Jack worked his mind as he walked down the hallway. He managed to find Saito and Colbert which were apparently on a treasure hunt of information down in the deep levels of the Academy. He can't be bothered about the possible information since the entire place supposedly collapsed an hour ago.

How can I convince that captain on the benefits of electricity? It has no immediate benefits until I can get tech in place. Radio is not going to work. Telegraph landline is impossible with a floating island. Those kinds of setup will need years to implement. A cup of coffee or tea will help. He heard someone call his name. He turned around. "What is it Miss Monique?"

The grey haired teacher asked. "Would you like to have some tea with me?"

Jack answered. "That shouldn't be a problem. I was about to have something to drink as well." Some sugar in his head should speed things up.

The rest of their conversation continued in the dining hall which is empty. With drinks at hand, Monique sparked off their topic. "I heard from Colbert that you are from another world."

Jack leaned an arm on the table. "Indeed I am."

Monique leaned slightly back, sipping from her tea with the saucer in her other hand. "How is your world like?"

Jack gave a nod. "It's a fine world. On Earth, we have various differences. Our world is much expansive, having explored the entire planet. There are people with different colour of skin and languages with their own unique cultures. We have our problems but they usually are solved diplomatically and not by force." He didn't add mostly.

Monique settled the cup and saucer onto the table and enquired further. "I see. Your world is quite advanced yes?"

Jack drank from his tea. "We are advanced quite significantly in terms of science when compared to your world. Our world however does not use any magical elements or some of your fauna but we have equivalents to fulfill those roles."

Monique narrowed her eyes. "That means your world has some dangerous weapons."

Jack didn't want to give the wrong impression. He settled down the cup. "It's true that we have weapons that can decimate nations with the push of a finger. However, they act as deterrents to war and encourage peace."

Monique looked with disapproval of the notion of such a concept. "Weapons are still weapons. They still hurt people. I also heard a deal that you will be introducing some of them here. Are you really planning to bring such things into this war?"

Jack resolved her worries. "No, I aim to bring some more beneficial technology other than weapons, something that would help me to find a way back to Earth."

Alexia entered the dining hall. The two adults turned to see her. Alexia said with a gesture of the hand. "Jack, I need you."

Jack finished his cup. "I apologize for the sudden departure."

Monique shook her head. "It's fine. Let's have some tea again sometime. I would like to see you later tonight if it's possible actually." Jack gave a nod before he left the table.

Jack left the building to catch up with his master. "What do you need me for?"

Alexia directed her needs. "I need you to arrange a delivery of the herbs to my father's estate."

Jack frowned. "That is something simple. It shouldn't be a problem for someone like you to handle."

Alexia was adamant. "I just need you to do it. I have more important matters that need to be dealt with."

Jack doubted it. "You're still not over her are you?" When Alexia didn't answer, he took a turn down another hallway with a mocking tone. "Your will be done."

Jack checked the time of his watch. It was nine in the night now. Jack arranged his things on the table and prepared to leave. Alexia, still in her regular uniform noted his preparations. "You're off to see Miss Monique again aren't you?"

Jack disliked her demeanor towards her teacher. He decided to confront her about it. "What's wrong with you?"

Alexia scowled. "What do you mean what's wrong with me?"

Jack spoke his mind. "You're having issues with Miss Monique. I don't understand why you have such a case."

Alexia denied it. "I don't."

Jack pressed in. "Then why are you so eager to get me away from her?" They both were glaring at each other.

Before his master could answer, the door was kicked open. A man with black shirt and a green cloak yelled as he aimed a wand at them. "Get out!" Jack heard screams by girls from down the hallway.

He pulled his hand backwards to conceal it. Putting their argument aside, Alexia gestured to Jack. No. He understood why. The other girls in the dorm were likewise being rounded up. It was too great of a risk to attempt a break out without getting anyone of the girls injured. They surrendered and the whole dorm inhabitants were led out of the dorms by a dozen men. The destination was the Academy's dining hall.

Jack risked a glance around him. He saw plenty of girls in their nightwear. He saw the Principal and Julio apprehended as well. He barely managed to see Miss Monique and the other teachers in the likewise predicament. While he couldn't see everything, he could extrapolate from it. Everyone is a hostage. This is not good. What is their agenda?

Agnes analyzed the situation calmly. The attack to their dorms had managed to be thwarted. Even so, that left several dozen students, mostly young girls at the perils of the attackers. The hostages were rounded up and congregated at the Academy's dining hall. The attackers bunkered down in a tight defense, ceding full control of the rest of the Academy. Fortunately the kitchen and cleaning staffs were not attacked, minimizing the count of hostages by a few dozen.

She has a dozen warriors available. She already had a messenger dispatched to inform the war generals given the importance of this matter. Reinforcements will at the minimum take hours to be diverted since the bulk of the Tristain army is already heading to the coasts for the invasion of Albion. In the meantime, she needs to do anything possible to stop this.

Inside the building, the hostages kept quiet with their hands tied up tightly by rope. The man in charge had white hair. He had a black shirt with purple cloak that had an irregular pattern at the collar. More importantly were the eyes. His right eye was covered by a right metal plate. His left eye showed a pure white cornea. The man had a scar on the right eye over the open eye. The head of the attackers called out. "Red Fang."

"Blue Nail." An answer came out from the group. Eyes scanned around to see who spoke. Miss Monique stood up with her hands tied up. She walked up to meet the man face to face.

The man undid her bonds. "Thank you Menvil." The release of Miss Monique bewildered the captives.

The Principal demanded what they all wanted to know. "Miss Monique…what's the meaning of this?"

A girl within the group called out. "She's one of them!" One of the henchmen at the back yelled, making the girl cry out into silence.

Monique straightened out her long sleeves, flexed her wrists and took off her glasses. "That's right. I'm with the Albion Spy Network." She pulled her hair behind her neck. "It was a pleasure being with you."

The Albion boss barked a laugh. "She did a good job alright. It made our entrance here so easy." They had struck at the weakest point of the night patrol on the information given beforehand. Once they got in undetected, it was simple.

Osmond closed his eyes, feeling betrayed. "Some things are too good to be true."

Julio threw a verbal punch. "Instead of deciding the victor on the frontline and barging in like this…it appears Albion is pretty desperate."

"Are you trying to provoke me kid?" The man took liberty of having a glass of wine. "This doesn't concern me. I'm just doing what my master told me to do."

Julio sent another jibe. "I see. Indeed, money can motivate the army."

Osmond hissed a warning. "Julio, it's dangerous to tempt him!"

Menvil looked at Julio for a moment. "First, let me tell you this. Don't make life difficult for me and I'll let you guys live." He heard a whimper from the hostages. It agitated the man. "Shut up!" It wouldn't stop. He stood up and walked to the source, Montmorency. He kneeled and touched her face. "Do you wish to be reduced to ashes?" Montmorency shook her head as she struggled to control herself. He let go and turned back to his wine.

Osmond tried to negotiate with the Albion warrior. "You only need a hostage right? Please take me and release the students."

Menvil appeared reasonable to his request. "Sorry, but I need more than just you."

"If that is the case, I offer myself." Eyes went to Eleanor who had stood up. "I'm the eldest daughter of the La Valliere family. My father is in charge of this country's army." Her eyes show refusal to accept anything else. "Do you have anything to say now?"

Cattleya stood up as well. "I'll be your hostage too. Please release the others."

"Brave but it's still not enough." Menvil respected the two women for putting themselves at risk. "I need all the lives of these girls of the Royal Families in order to persuade your Queen to a ceasefire."

They hear a yell from outside the large oak door. "People in the canteen! I'm from Her Majesty's Musketeer Squadron. We have you surrounded! Release the hostages! If you surrender amicably, we'll let you live!"

"People from the Musketeer squadron eh..." One of Albion men commented. "We have the hostages in our hands."

Menvil had similar sentiments. "We obviously have the upper hand. Why would we throw such an advantage away?" He pulled out a metal scepter with a red jewel in its centre.

Monique spoke her suspicions. "I think they're up to something else." She turned to Jack and asked. "What do you think Jack?"

Jack politely refused. "I have not been in a hostage crisis situation. I would not know."

Monique disagreed, giving a sly smile. "Oh please, you are a smart man. I'm sure you can figure it out."

The voice beyond the door yelled again. "People in the canteen! No, Albion's henchmen! What exactly is your motive?! This isn't any government or army training ground! It's just a normal Magic Academy!"

Monique sighed as she accepted a spare wand from one of the henchmen. "That's what she said…"

"Exactly!" Menvil turned and aimed his staff at a window on the first floor. A red ball emerged from the tip, becoming brighter and brighter. He shot a fireball that blasted the entire window and the surrounding rock apart. He then fired another shot at another window on the ground floor slightly to the left. As he sensed, two Tristain Musketeer was blasted off and lay sprawled on the ground. Big gaping holes showed the darkness beyond the building.

Apparently his attacks had triggered a cache of explosives to detonate the chunks of the wall. Menvil made his argument. "Henrietta's Musketeer Squadron! Stop your futile struggle! You said this is a normal Magic Academy right? Then what are you doing here?!"

He yelled to the gaping hole. "To deal with Tristain, we have to deal with their talent of the future! Am I right?" Following no answer he turned his attention back inside. "Let's try killing someone first. Who should it be?" He gazed his eyes with glee. The girls turned away when he looked at them, hoping that they wouldn't be chosen. Menvil grabbed Julio by the hair. "First will be this fellow. This will prove that we're serious about it!"

"Stop it!" Agnes entered the building through the broken wall. She charged immediately towards Menvil. Behind her, her musketeers charged in pursuit to engage with the other henchmen of Albion. Jack wanted to move but was held back by a sharp dagger made of ice behind his neck. Miss Monique smiled in confidence as the two sides battled.

Menvil aimed at Agnes. "Do you really think you can defeat me?" He shot a human sized wall of fire towards her. She dodged to her left but not everything was unscathed. The tip of her pistol was melted, making it completely useless.

Agnes tossed the gun aside and reached for her sword. "How could I ever lose to a despicable fellow who uses hostages as a threat?" She lunged forward but the man anticipated the attack easily.

He dodged to the left before stepping back to avoid a disemboweling slash. "Personally, I don't really like the idea of taking hostages." He cracked a sickening smile. "It's better to burn everything down. In the past, I'd reduce a whole village into a pile of ashes. It was a wonderful sight, seeing the flames engulf everything. That's the excitement of the battlefield!"

Agnes widened her eyes as she realized. "You…You…""You burned my hometown…Danguteal…" She stepped back for some space. "The arsonist…was you?!"

Outside beside a large bush, three students, one teacher and a familiar discussed their options in the situation. They had seen Agnes launch an assault into the building. Saito who recommended them to hold back said. "We need a plan." He could hear the clash of weapons inside the building. "The hostages are a priority." Agnes's forces would be too occupied to rescue them.

Kirche had an idea. "Someone needs to jump in and be a decoy. The rest can go in and save the rest."

Tabitha disagreed with that idea. "Barging in like that is suicide."

Louise noted the important criteria for something like that to work. "They must be able to fully attract the enemy's attention."

Kirche added. "That and be able to buy enough time for the others to get things done." She just realized a thing. "Aren't Agnes and her troops already the distraction? We should just get in there!"

Colbert stopped her from reaching her wand. He took over the plan. "Wait, I have a method to deal with the current situation." He looked to all four of them. "I need Saito with me. The rest of you keep eyes in the tower. We cannot have one of the abductors leave the canteen!" Following his authority, they accepted Colbert's plan and went to work.

Agnes declared. "You were the captain at that time!"

"Sorry but that's wrong." Menvil corrected. "I was only Vice Captain at that time. The Captain is the Flame of Snake. That guy is even cold blooded than I am. He engulfed everything in flames!" He gestured to his face. "I've been looking for that man! He is the one who left this permanent scar on me!" He tightened his left fist. "All I ever wished for is to burn him!"

Alexia hissed. "He's a psychopath…"

Menvil continued that role. "The captain who burned down Danguteal was simply too amazing! He burned the village with just one spell! It was truly beautiful!"

"I'll kill you!" Agnes declared her anger as she attacked again. Menvil grinned. The woman was attacking out of anger, making her strategy nonexistent and instead on clear hack and slash. The larger man stepped back and side each slash that came his way. When the time was right, he use his metal scepter to guide the sword aside and moved in to the swords weak zone.

Jack turned his attention to the woman holding him by knife point. "Monique…Oblige me a little. Why are you here?"

"Since you had a cup of tea with me, I'll answer." Monique explained her role. "Since the battle of Tarbes, the Albion generals knew that Tristain has a superweapon within their grasps. I was sent here to investigate about it and find its weaknesses."

Jack recalled her events with him. "That's why you asked for a look at the Zero. That's why you asked about Earth."

Monique agreed with his suspicions. "That is part of it. I'm sure that Void mage isn't around here. I think we need to call her out." Monique had an idea on how to call out the Void superweapon. She turned her eye to Alexia. "What better choice than her good friend here?"

Jack snarled. "Keep your hands away."

Monique smiled in contrast to his. "I have struck a nerve. A loyal lapdog you are." She turned to face the boss. "Menvil, do you fancy to accelerate our schedule?" The man struck Agnes in the gut before raising his scepter to launch more fire magic. Agnes sacrificed the sword, leaving her defenseless. She dropped to her knees as she could feel the full blow to the gut.

The captain disarmed, Menvil laughed. "Of course I don't mind! Why would I throw away a chance to burn something so sweet?" Monique dragged Alexia across the floor to the centre of the room.

Jack scowled as he worked his brains out. The other warriors that Agnes led in were likewise being taken out. The engagement however had dropped the bandit count to less than half of its original number. Is this the right time?

Monique leaned forward and asked her former student. "Do you have any last words?" Alexia kept silent in defiance.

I have no choice. Jack easily freed himself from the ropes by forcing energy between the molecular bonds. The rope snapped loudly as Jack raised his hand towards Menvil. The revolver was ready when his aim was true. He pulled the trigger thrice. The revolver roared with the echoes of the building.

His aim was true, sitting only a few metres away from the fire mage. Someone was faster, raising a barrier of ice. The bullets embedded themselves into the hard ice before the ice shattered. Monique lowered her wand in her right hand. "I've expected you to do something as such." She pointed her wand at Jack, intending to finish him off.

Someone stopped her. "Wait, leave him be." Menvil smirked. "I want to fight with him a little bit."

Jack took the chance to stand up. "You are quite confident or quite stupid to throw away such an advantage." He chose his weapons, a revolver and the steel shield. He aimed the gun but Menvil was already a step ahead. Flames surged towards Jack. He twisted his torso, letting the shield take it on. The shield's surface bubbled with liquid metal dripping to the floor but the shape held and revealed a white substance.

Menvil was surprised by the result. "Why did it melt partially?"

Jack lowered the shield. "Let me introduce you to silica." He had formed the outer layer of the shield with steel to protect him from hard attacks. Behind it was a layer of silica. The silica is a material commonly used as heat insulation. A good example would be on the space shuttle during its reentry. Fires such as these are easy. Jack reformed the steel layer and fired his gun.

Menvil managed to prepare a wall of fire, melting the bullets into droplets that deviated off aim. "Try this!" Menvil sent another surge of fire, this time twice its size. Jack realized his shields weakness and lunged to the right. He hit the floor as the fire burned the tiles where he stood. Jack didn't have time to get up when Menvil attacked again. Desperate, he threw the gun, sacrificing it to melt into useless metal. It bought him enough time to get up and change his defenses. His shield transformed shape into a larger, bulkier one. The common standards used by the Roman Legions. Menvil was not impressed. "Are you a man? You're weak for someone with so many tricks."

Jack managed to defend the bigger fire attack without a problem. "You should be ashamed that you're evenly matched with a scholar."

Menvil managed to devise another counterattack. "A man with his books is so boring." Jack was thrown off his feet when the larger man slammed into his shield. Menvil is in a better spot, being above Jack. Menvil raised his metal mace and slammed it down. The strike missed Jack's head by a hair's breadth, after including the emergency jerk to dodge it. Jack kicked the shield which in turn threw Menvil off him.

Jack stood back up and held a new revolver. "You are a brute, never able to comprehend the arts of knowledge." He fired a shot. The fire wall came up but Menvil had his wand knocked aside hard.

Menvil was alarmed on how the round went through his defense. The answer was there when the small remains of the bullet rolled to a stop by his feet. It wasn't a metal bullet but one of hot rock.

Menvil was not surprised anymore but instead was more ecstatic. "Comprehend? Hah, there's no need to comprehend them. I rather see them burn! I really want to see you burn now!" He spun his scepter with his two hands, creating a large ring of fire. He stopped the spin and aimed at Jack. The ring of fire was shot like the disk of a buzz saw.

Jack was getting annoyed with the man. "Books are something that should be always appreciated! Their knowledge brings forth progression to all mankind!"

Menvil barked to laughter. "Ahahahaha! I've never seen someone who's so attached to his books!" He commanded one of his men. "Richard, go to the library in the main tower and burn the books. Burn it all!" His man acknowledged, leaving the building with no one to stop him.

Jack glared, anger rising within him. "You must be insane to waste your resources to just burn these harbours of wisdom!"

"It doesn't matter to me. What I want is to see you and your books burn, burn!" Jack's patience was wearing thin. What was a virtual wall is now a thin thread. He clenched his teeth as his throat was growling softly. Menvil taunted with the cockiness in the world. "So, what are you going to do about it?"

The thread snapped.

Jack's growl turned into a yell. Menvil was surprised. He could see Jack's body temperature began climbing rapidly. Experienced warriors could see the aura. It is the aura of rage. The others too could see the more noticeable change. In his right hand, a new shape began to forge itself. It is a long spear, silver in colour. The blade had the crescent shape but a purple gem round in shape and the size of a dime embedded in the middle.

Alexia could hear someone murmur behind her. "What on Brimir is that?" She agreed with similar confusion. The spear was more than just a spear. She could sense something from it. She felt…

Cold

Anger

Malice

Death

A black smoky shape emerged from within the blade. It transfixed itself quickly into the shape of a king cobra. The black snake gazed its white eyes at Menvil. It has already decided on its prey. It opened its jaws and…

It screamed

The screech was akin to a banshee forced the others to lower their heads and bear with it. Jack opened his eyes. His eyes were filled with fury. His words were overflowing with venom. "You've threatened my partner. You seek to destroy all knowledge." Jack lashed with the spear, drawing a black ominous line. "You will have no redemption. I'll kill you."

Menvil was not scared. "So the bookworm wants to kill me." He taunted with a gesture of his scepter. "Show me what you can do."

Jack charged with a yell. He closed the distance rapidly, enough to force Menvil into a melee. Jack swung from the left, Menvil from the right. Their weapons struck each other with sparks. Jack stepped back and stabbed. Menvil stepped aside and smashed the spear aside. He aimed the metal wand at Jack and cast flames. "It's beautiful! Those black flames that seek to burn everything!" Jack swung his blade into thin air, the black snake surging forward. The two met, burned until both are nothing. "I see it. That bloodlust in you! Come at me, boy! Show me that rage of yours!"

Jack yelled. "I've already killed once. I will make you my second!" Menvil feinted and Jack bought the bait. Menvil moved under the spear's defense and smacked the wand into Jack's gut. The following body slam swoop Jack off his feet and onto his back.

Jack turned onto his side and reach for the spear to his left. The spear was kicked aside out of reach. Menvil stomped his feet on Jack's back. Jack couldn't move. He felt little strength left as air was squeezed out of his lungs. The rage that supplemented him all but vanished. Menvil kicked Jack in his midsection, causing him to roll a few times. He prepared a strong spell that will burn flesh to ashes. "Looks like being all angry still aren't enough. It's time for you to burn."

A voice interrupted the final act. "What a foolish way of ending things. If this matter is made known at the battlefront, they will surely launch an attack . You guys are forcing yourselves into a dead end." Julio chastised the man at that very moment. "Albion's thinking is too shallow."

Menvil looked at the blonde, clearly irritated from the man's constant insults. "That does it. I'm going to kill you first." He aimed the scepter. Before he can cast the killing blow, he noted many objects in the room. They were flying white balls of paper. The balls started to glow before…

BANG! BANG BA BA BA BANG!

Jack closed his eyes by reflex to the bright flashes and loud noises. Even then, the flashes are overwhelming even his eyelids. The noises threaten to deafen him permanently. Flashbangs? That can only mean… Jack switched to his other vision, granting him perception of his surroundings through his skin. He could feel feet moving towards them. A pair went to the hostages. Three more went towards Menvil in what appears to be an attack.

Menvil apparently wasn't affected too greatly. He aimed and fired a burst of fire. Kirche screamed as she was sent sprawling to the floor. Saito and Tabitha barely dodged it themselves. "That's too bad. I want to smell you when you're all charred!"Just what kind of guy is Menvil? He managed to stop everyone. He stopped when he sensed a new aura. That aura was the fire teacher of the Tristain Magic Academy.

Colbert lent a hand to the downed redhead. "Miss Zerbst, stay back!" Kirche stood up and got back some distance. Colbert demanded as he raised his staff to the ready position. "Release the students!"

The white haired man stared at Colbert for a moment. "You…You! You're the one I've been looking for so long!" Menvil boomed his voice. "It's been a long time, Captain!"

"It's you…you were always the hot blooded one. You should have learnt your lesson!" Colbert glared at his opponent. Menvil launched the first salvo. Colbert brought up his own flames for defense. The flames clashed, burning brightly in contact with each other. They immediately switched to smaller and more frequent strikes. Each shot met its counterpart of opposite colour.

VUM! VUM! VUM! VUM! VUM! VUM!

By the dozen shot, Colbert and Menvil switched tactics again. They spun their wands in a circle motion. Fires appearing from each mage began to spin faster and faster. The width of the flames began to narrow as it compressed into an arrowhead. The fires coiled, shooting as fast as lightning. The blue and red flames clashed and battled in a tug of war. The flames roared as the temperature in the room surged to very uncomfortable levels for the human skin.

Louise tried to work out a spell on freeing the hostages but was cut short by a knife made of ice to her neck. Monique hissed behind the pink girl's ear. "I'm afraid they need to stay here for detention. You are included." She was stopped when Saito body slammed Monique away from Louise.

Saito unsheathed Derflinger as Monique recovered. "Miss Monique, we will have to stop you."

Monique sharpened her gaze as she raised her wand. "Please do try. Let's call this your final exam."

Saito called out behind him. "Back me up!" Kirche and Tabitha spoke no words, replying by sending fire and wind in a preemptive strike.

Monique blocked the attack by shooting a big spear of ice. It broke through everything. Saito ducked under the iceberg shaped projectile. He felt metal graze his left leg. Saito grind his teeth against the pain as red warmth oozed slightly from the cut. His opponent pulled another small knife from a hidden pocket of her dress. "Not expecting that are you?"

Derflinger managed to see everything that happened. "Watch it partner! She's distracting you with her magic attacks!"

Saito tightened his grip on Derflinger. "If that's the case, then the trick won't work so well anymore!" He charged forward as Tabitha sent a wall of icicles to support. Monique performed both offense and defense simultaneously. Walls of ice were raised up from the ground while meeting the rain of ice with a rain of ice spears. Saito swerved in between the ice walls as he leaned his body forward and blade low. He managed to get close enough and slash for the wand. Monique managed to bring a wall of ice just between them, letting Derflinger kink against the wall. She caused the wall to implode, pushing Saito back.

He fell to the floor and was back up in seconds. Monique by then had prepared a countermeasure to Kirche's fire attacks from above and also an attack to him. A supersized arrow of ice was shot straight towards Saito's heart.

I can do this

Saito leaned forward as he took one step. He slashed horizontally at the attack. The metal blade sheared the ice arrow into two. The tilted angle made the two pieces deviate off course and smash harmlessly to the wall and floor. He could hear cheers from the hostages. He couldn't tell whether it was them watching his success or maybe just Louise managing to get them freed.

Freed from her bonds, Alexia ran to Jack and grabbed him by the arm. "Let's go!" She helped him up as they moved towards the door with the other hostages. Meanwhile, the battle of flames wasn't done yet. Colbert and Menvil threw and countered fireballs that were sent back and forth between them. Colbert managed to get one through while avoiding the other. The ball of blue flames clung greedily to the man's chest, eating away heartily with the screams of pain.

Menvil recovered, banishing the flames from his body. Colbert had a lead in terms of stamina and injury. "I'll kill you!" Agnes declared with the rage of the world as she charged with a fallen sword. She charged, towards Colbert. Menvil smirk as he took advantage of the distraction. He shot flames towards Agnes.

Colbert saw the incoming flames which the raged musketeer was oblivious to. Pressed into a dilemma, he made his choice. Agnes raised her sword, intending to cut down the murderer of her family. She did not expect her target to push her back and away from hell's grip. The fire engulfed the bald teacher. Agnes could hear the screams of a man in pain from within. The fire dissipated, leaving a man in charred clothing that dropped knee first onto the floor. Colbert turned his smoking face towards the musketeer. Seeing Agnes alright, he sighed in relief. "Thank goodness."

Saito had never seen a mage switch tactics, not this radically. Monique threw multiple knives of ice at the rate of two a second. The shapes of the knives change in accordance to the curves that her hands move. She stepped forward, moving her hands quickly with many flicks of the wrists. Saito was forced to shatter the incoming strikes into tiny chips. Tabitha's attacks were also not getting through. How can she attack without a wand?

Kirche managed to get a good look as she cast a burst of fire to cover Saito. Monique agilely moved aside, not letting up the pace at all. "She is using her wand. They're tied to her wrists!" The tight sleeves were holding them in place. The wands themselves were a miniaturized version by scaling down the core elements as much as possible.

"That's some ingenuity!" Saito commented as he stepped aside a large chunk of ice. The ice suddenly turned to water, drenching onto Kirche and Tabitha. The water surrounded the two, attempting to drown them. Saito couldn't turn his back against Monique to save them. Saito chose to use a trump card. He primed his muscles as he lowered his form. He kept Derflinger low before he shot forward like a bullet. Monique countered with the abundant barrage but Saito avoided them by less than an inch. He tilted his blade and swung upwards. In just a second, he was past Monique and she collapsed with a bloody slash to the side. His foe was down and out for the count.

Menvil laughed at Colbert's painful choice. "For you to have sacrificed yourself for such a brash woman, you have really gotten soft Captain." He raised his scepter up high above his head. A ring of red flames began to grow from the scepter. "It's time to put you out of your misery." The spell grew larger and larger, enough to encompass the whole room. It could even burn everyone.

ZHAK!

Menvil looked down to his chest. A sword had stabbed through his heart. Blood oozed out of his chest and shortly from his mouth as well. The magic no longer guided dissipated to nothing. He looked to the glaring eyes of his killer. Agnes gave her words of vengeance. "For the revenge of my hometown…" She pressed the blade deeper before separating the man and blade with a kick. Menvil fell and by the time he hit the floor, he was already dead.

Saito rushed to their fallen teacher. "Mr. Colbert!" The others joined him with exact concerns. Agnes stared as they lifted him up and his back rested against Louise. She raised her sword as she stepped closer towards them. Saito was alarmed by the raised weapon. "What are you doing?!" Saito reached for Derflinger.

"Agnes has…the right….to kill me…" Colbert stopped Saito. "It was the first time…I realized I…made a grave mistake…" Agnes gave no clue to her emotions as she stared at the dying man. "I've always thought…following orders is …the right thing to do." He coughed. "It's not…killing people is….a sin….even in war." He tried to end the path of death. "Agnes…Kill me and…make it your last."

The musketeer snapped. "You have no rights to lecture me!" She raised the sword before being met by protests.

Jack said to the angry warrior. "That is enough, Captain Agnes of the Musketeer Squad." He and Alexia had returned, she having her wand now.

Agnes raised her blade and was swiftly met with more pleads and protests. "Don't obstruct me!"

Louise asked of Agnes. "Lower your sword." She started crying, teardrops dripping onto the floor. "Mr. Colbert….has passed on."