First of all thank you for reading this story. It's my first fanfic published in English. Most Zero no Tsukaima fanfics usually change Saito for another character, either OC or from another fandom. I've decided to delve into the world the author offers and put us in the shoes of another student, not a familiar. The protagonist is not an autoinsert. Even if he has similar characteristics to me, such as certain attitudes, the similarities stay there.
The story will follow the canon (both the anime and the novel, which will be interspersed) to a certain extent, being this modified for the benefit of the plot, including characters.
One more thing. When characters speak, it will be written in the normal way:
-Hello / Quotation marks between paragraphs of actions or when talking about something that happened between scenes are the protagonist thoughts or telepathic communication: "Hello" / To highlight a book, title or something varied will be written in italics: Hello.
Chapter 1
I woke up when the first rays of sunlight broke through the curtains. After sitting up and waking up, I was aware that today I was starting the second course at the new academy.
–The first class is on the earth element.
I remembered, "I hope this year my problem behaves itself." I started to get dressed. The uniform here is different from Romalia. Here the capes are long and of different colors, while at home they reach only halfway down the back and the distinctions between courses are demonstrated according to the brooch. I sighed after thinking about something. "I must say that I have been lucky despite occasionally overdoing it. Serious attacks are minimal. I haven't gotten used to my curse and never will, but at least I'm pretty much in control of myself when I start to run out of breath or notice that damn pain." Once ready, I looked in the mirror and smiled, "Black suits me. I've been lucky with the color of the cape. Here we go." I left the room and headed for the dining room.
The trip from Romalia had been too long. I still felt discomfort in my body. After arriving at my destination, I sat down near the entrance, in the same place as last night. Today I preferred to leave my sword at the ready. As I ate my breakfast in silence, I noticed several companions who stood out from the others, at least physically: a couple of chairs away stood a young blond man with his shirt slightly unbuttoned. He exuded an air of superiority that was hard to bear. He was talking to a girl whose hair, the same color as his friend's, consisted of a series of ringlets.
–I'm looking forward to going back to class.
–And I'm looking forward to spending time together, Oh, Montmorency, most beautiful of roses!
–You're always the same, Guiche.
–That's because my love knows no bounds.
"Perfect, a Casanova". A series of images appeared in my mind. "He reminds me a little of Andrea. I hope I don't end up a bully like him, although I doubt it. Andrea would never hang out with people... What did he call us? Ah, yes: despicable." The boy next to Guiche was fat, blond and rosy-cheeked. Hence my guess. A few seats over was a young woman whose dress code would probably break a rule in many institutions. Dark skin, red hair, great attributes... A crowd of sophomores and juniors surrounded her. Her every movement was full of sensuality.
–May I pick up my plate, sir?
A sweet voice brought me out of my thoughts. I looked toward the source of it and my eyes met those of a maid. Black hair, blue pupils. "The women here are very different from Romalian ones."
–Yes, thank you.
I smiled at her. She must have realized I end my breakfast a couple of minutes ago. My words elicited a startled gesture from the girl. She shook her head a little and quickly picked up the remains of my breakfast.
–Thank you, sir.
She curtsied and withdrew. "Time for my first class in this place." I sat up, adjusted my belt and walked out of the dining room.
On the way to the classroom I almost got lost. The map that comes inside the book is quite inaccurate regarding the floors of each tower. I had to ask a boy to guide me. Being from my group there was no problem. He introduced himself as Pélisson. When we arrived at the destination, the teacher was waiting outside. A woman in her late fourties. Corpulent, with a friendly smile. I approached her to tell her about my situation.
–Excuse me. My name is Alessandro and I am...
–Ah, you are the new student the principal informed us about.
I nodded because of her answer.
–Yes.
–Well, come with me. But first...
He made sure that all the students entered in front of us.
–May I ask why you are armed with a sword?
"Understandable."
–It's my catalyst. I know it sounds untruthful, but please believe me.
He took a few seconds to answer, never losing his smile. "I remember the Water element teacher at Romalia's academy. The first day he practically wouldn't let me attend class because he thought I was going to murder some classmate." I sketched a half-smile.
–All right, go ahead.
I sighed in relief. Once we entered the classroom, I stood next to him at the podium.
–Good morning, students. First of all, congratulations on moving up to second grade.
She took a quick look around the classroom and I did the same. The space was large and bright. Each row of desks consisted of several pairs of desks, separated from each other by a series of wooden stairs. Prominent among the students were the ones I mentioned at breakfast and a blue-haired girl sitting in the front row. My guide, Pélisson, stood next to the radiant redhead.
–This year you will have a new partner from Romalia.
She turned her gaze to me. I nodded gravely.
–My name is Alessandro Serevare. It is an honor to meet you.
I smiled slightly and bowed a little. "Thank you, Vittorio." A murmur formed among the people. I raised my head and the teacher motioned for me to take a seat. I hesitated for a moment. Finally, I made up my mind and walked to the front row. There sat the blue-haired girl. In barely two seconds, she looked up, looked me up and down, and continued her reading as if nothing had happened. "Curious." I sat down next to her.
–My name is Chevreuse. I will be your teacher on Earth-related magic, my attribute, this year. I am nicknamed Chevreuse 'The Red Moon'.
The girl next to me was still deep in her book despite the teacher's words "Is she attending?" a slight smile formed on my face. "She reminds me of someone."
–All right. Let's review a bit. What are the main elements of magic?
Without a second's hesitation, a young man raised his wand, which was shaped like a rose. "The blond guy in the dining room. I think his name was Guiche." He made a proud gesture after standing up.
–Fire, Water, Earth and Wind.
He bowed.
–In fact, like you, my main attribute is Earth. I am Guiche de Gramont, 'The Brass'. Keep that in mind, please.
He placed the wand-pink in his mouth. I rolled my eyes.
–That's right. It is a pleasure to meet you, mister Gramont. As you may know, the magic of the Earth element is the basis for the creation of all sorts of things.
He reached into his cloak and pulled out a pouch. From it emerged three stones.
–To help you understand better, I want you to learn a basic spell.
After this, he proceeded to recite the incantation. The small stones became of a different material. Most of my companions were very surprised.
–T-That's gold?
Said the tanned redhead with a thick germanic accent.
–No. It's brass.
The teacher mentioned pleasantly. Chevreuse smiled and turned her eyes to the front. She removed the brass and placed three stones back on her desk.
–So, who's up for a try?
She took a quick glance around the classroom and noticed someone.
–How about you? The pink-haired young woman in the back row.
A small stir began to form among the students. "Pink hair?" My gaze shifted to where the teacher indicated. Sitting alone, with no students surrounding her, was a young girl whose long hair stood out as possessing a pinkish hue. She was certainly short, though not as short as the girl next to me.
–What is your name?
After a few seconds in which the murmur grew louder, she stood up.
–Louise. Louise de la Vallière.
"Vallière? That name sounds familiar.
–Ehh… Professor.
The chubby breakfast boy spoke as he raised his hand.
–Yes?
–I think it would be wiser if you didn't let her perform the incantation.
Most of my classmates nodded. I was stunned "What?"
–It's too dangerous!
Said the germanic woman, frightened. A gesture of surprise, similar to mine, formed on the teacher's face. After this, she laughed to herself.
–Dangerous? How can such a simple incantation be dangerous?
I nodded. "Exactly what could that little girl do - turn stones into sandstone?" The young girl tapped lightly on the table.
–I'll do it, please give me a chance!
She commented annoyed.
–Very well. Go ahead, young lady.
Full of pride, she went down the stairs. Suddenly, the girl on my side stood up without saying anything and picked up her cane. She walked out and closed the classroom door behind her. No one seemed to attach any importance to this. "W-what's going on in this school?" I looked up again and watched as most of the students, especially those in the front rows, took cover behind the tables.
–Vallière, stop!
The german spoke in a tone of desperation and stood up from her place.
–Silence, Von Zerbst!
With that, she proceeded to draw her wand and look at the stones. "Von Zerbst, Von Zerbst... Ah, of course! How had I missed it. We are in Tristain! The Vallière are the second most important family in the country. So this is one of their heirs... Interesting. On the other hand, there is the germanic Von Zerbst. I seem to remember they live near the border and have always rivaled the Tristanian nobles." I sighed. "Perfect, a confrontation between families within my class..."
–Think hard about the kind of material you wish to obtain while performing the incantation.
Chevreuse mentioned. The murmuring continued at the tables. The young magician pointed to the small rocky remains. She uttered the incantation. "Mmm, so far so good..." Just as I was about to succeed, the power of the spell went out of control and it all ended in an explosion that caught me off guard, causing me to crash into the step at the separation between rows.
I stood up as best I could when the smoke cleared. The first thing I saw was the little girl with her clothes half shredded. A look of disbelief formed on her face. Von Zerbst, very annoyed, gestured angrily.
–I warned you!
–I seem to have made a small mistake.
–A small mistake!?
Guiche, the Casanova, appeared out of nowhere in the middle of the classroom. His clothes, spotless. "I wonder if he went to hide from the explosion." I scratched the area affected by the blow.
–Your success rate at casting a spell is still zero!
Scolded the blond "Zero!?"
–What could we expect from Louise 'The Zero'!
Von Zerbst sentenced. "Louise 'The Zero'? What a nickname..." The young woman shook off some of the soot and looked at the teacher with an indifferent gesture.
–It wasn't that bad.
And she shrugged, "W-what just happened!" At that instant, the little blue-haired girl returned to the classroom as if nothing had happened. She looked up to see what was going on and sat back down next to me, continuing her reading. My face was a combination of surprise and disbelief. "It has caused an explosion instead of transforming some stones into another material... Am I dreaming? And not only that, but people were aware of it." Vallière seemed to realize something. She covered the side of her uniform skirt with one hand as she blushed and ran to the door.
–You always do that, Vallière!
The teacher recovered soon after. A certain redhead made sure to remind her of what had happened. Then, Chevreuse, still stunned, asked if this was usual, something that also crossed my mind. Malicorne, the burly blond, answered for everyone. The rest of the class continued as if nothing had happened. Louise 'The Zero' returned after half an hour in a new uniform. Evidently, the teacher spoke to her to tell her to go to the principal's office. She sat dejectedly in her place and chose not to say a word for the remaining hour. I could not believe what had just happened. In fact, once the class was over, I asked my deskmate if Louise really always failed. She, without looking up, nodded politely.
After a quick visit to the library to see the place, I took a walk around the front yard, the largest of all, located after entering the grounds through the main gate. "I will soon have to go to the capital to buy a number of useful materials and items, but riding several hours on horseback does not appeal to me too much." It seems that all magic academies work the same way. Tomorrow we will perform the summoning of the entity that will accompany us for the rest of our lives. "I've never been thrilled with the idea of forcibly binding a creature to serve me. But having, or having had, a familiar is a fundamental thing for any magician. In one of the books I found, it said that the power of the being is equivalent to that of its future master. However, there are recognized wizards whose familiars are common cats, dogs or owls, at least from the outside. Being second-year students, we still have a lot to learn. None of us should master Triangular spells, so if someone were to summon a dragon, or a creature of similar power, that person would stand out tremendously. Of course, my curiosity regarding this topic, at least for the past few months, has to do with the legendary familiars. Julio is one of the four. Brimir's right-hand man: Vindálfr. What if one of my new companions were to summon Gandálfr, Lífprasir or Mjöovitnir? I will inform Vittorio if that happens and eagerly await his response." I was so engrossed that I didn't see Professor Colbert, the bald man I had met yesterday at dinner, approaching. I had had a class with him after Chevreuse.
–You were Alessandro, right?
–Eh? Oh! It's you, professor.
–Absorted in your thoughts?
I nodded somewhat embarrassed. From his tone, it wasn't the first time he had asked that question.
–Something like that. The matter of the familiar has me on tenterhooks.
I said visibly nervous. He laughed.
–Yes? Well, it's logical. If I may give you some advice, believe me, it's no big deal.
–Really?
The man nodded.
–Are you good with basic magic?
I thought for a few seconds.
–Decently.
–Then you won't have a problem. Now, tell me what's bothering you about it?
He motioned for us to sit for a moment in the shade of a tree. "I shouldn't judge so lightly since I've only met two, but Colbert could be, in my opinion, one of the best teachers at the academy. I've only been here a day and he's made me feel like just another student, not 'the new guy'." I sighed.
–You see, I don't like the idea of forcing an entity to serve me for the rest of my life.
He looked thoughtful.
–Hmm... Curious. In the ten years I've been teaching here, no one had ever considered such a thing.
I thought carefully about the next words that would come out of my mouth. "Although he seems like someone I trust, I am aware that certain ideas I have are not welcome in some places." I scratched the back of my neck.
–Really, what piques my curiosity is someone summoning a special familiar.
–A special familiar?
I nodded. "Better to drop the matter of my dissent."
–What do you mean?
–You know, dragons, griffins, strange beasts?
The last word brought a look of surprise to his face. "I must stop."
–Strange beasts?
–Yes.
I merely said. Judging by his piercing gaze, my answer was not what I expected. I preferred to let the conversation die. I sat up.
–Sorry, professor, they are waiting for me...
–I understand.
Colbert mimicked me. "I don't know if my lie worked. It seems so, since his face returned to the usual calm expression I knew him by."
–I'll see you first thing in the morning. Good afternoon.
He waved goodbye. I reciprocated with a forced smile.
–See you tomorrow, sir.
I sighed again. "That was close."
I entered the main building to head to the dining hall. On the way, I ran into the blondes who had stood out the most in my group so far. Guiche was still upset about what happened with Louise 'The Zero'. By chance, the aforementioned crossed paths with both of them at the door of our destination.
–Look who it is, Louise 'The Zero'!
She stopped when she heard him. It was then that she became aware of his presence. I remained a few steps away, leaning against the wall as if nothing had happened.
–Have they expelled you yet, or do they still think you're good for something?
–There's no need to say it like that either, is there?
Malicorne interrupted. The pink-haired girl passed by him with parsimony. "Guiche de Gramont, you and I won't get along."
–They haven't done anything to me.
–What?
Louise answered without turning around.
–It was the teacher's fault for allowing me to do magic despite the students' warnings.
Guiche and Malicorne looked at each other in disbelief, "Wh-for allowing her to do magic? W-what kind of second year student in an academy would answer something like that? I wonder if, in truth, she might have managed to avoid punishment for being the daughter of one of Tristain's most important families?" The blondes burst out laughing soon after.
–I've had a bad day, that's all!
She mentioned, embarrassed.
–Don't you think you should have a decent nickname by now?
Guiche said as he choked with laughter. She left the place and passed by my side. In the blink of an eye, she looked into my eyes and I caught a glimpse of a couple of tears in her sockets. "Poor thing." I remained silent for a moment. "She reminds me of me when I first started practicing with Ludwig. She at least produces explosions. I wasn't even able to control a stream of water. If it weren't for my sword-catalyst..." I watched her for a moment and smiled.
–My faithful companion.
–I beg your pardon?
I heard a voice with a pronounced germanic accent say. "Damn it. Me and my defects." I looked up and my eyes met one honey-colored pearl, as the other was hidden behind a tuft of reddish hair. I was surprised at the young woman's closeness.
–Excuse me?
–Did you just call me "My faithful companion"?
I blinked several times. Von Zerbst, the tanned girl in my class.
–Oh, no no! I was talking to my catalyst. Sorry.
I smiled a little nervously. She made a surprised gesture and took a couple of steps away.
–Are you talking to your... Sword?
Only at that moment, while I was thinking about what to answer, I became aware of the presence of the blue-haired girl with whom I share a desk. She was reading behind Von Zerbst. "I wonder if they are friends or something. From what I've observed so far I'd never say. Besides, does she keep her eyes on a book all the time?"
–Hello? Are you there?
–Hey? Ah, I'm sorry! I-I'm just very absent-minded. I'm not used to talk to swords, no.
I answered quickly. She laughed to herself. A slight blush formed on my face. Out of nowhere, the blue-haired girl closed her book and looked at both of us.
–I'm hungry.
She said in a whisper. Von Zerbst seemed to remember something and turned to her.
–The food, right!
He turned around again, a look of happiness on his face.
–I'll see you around, boy who speaks with swords.
She said playfully. I was going to complain, but decided to let it go. They went to their places commenting something that I didn't manage to hear. I sighed and gave a half smile. I set off on my way. "I guess talking to swords is about the least weird thing I've ever done."
At 9:00 the next day, all of the second graders were present in the backyard. When I arrived on the scene, Professor Colbert, who was in charge of evaluating this test and watching to make sure nothing untoward happened, nodded. I smiled at the gesture. I went to the back of the group to quietly observe what each one was invoking. "Gandálfr, Lífprasir, Mjöovitnir..." Those three words occupied my thoughts.
–Good morning, students. The time has come. Today you will perform the Invocation Ceremony.
He looked at us one by one.
–While it is considered an exam, don't worry about the grade. You will not fail for summoning a mouse.
He commented, trying to ease the tension.
–Actually, the importance of the Summoning Ceremony lies in its meaning. A familiar is a life companion, an eternal servant that every mage possesses or has possessed. As nobles, this is the first step to take if you want to excel in the future.
A murmur began to form in the group of students.
–Now, let's begin!
Colbert pulled a sheet full of names from his shoulder strap. He called out one by one in order... "Random? Not by name because I would be one of the first."
–I'm very nervous.
–And so do I.
Comments like that could be heard everywhere. As for me, I must say I feel a tingle in my stomach. "I still stand my ground on the subject. I don't want to subjugate an entity even if it gets special abilities in return."
Most of my companions summoned unremarkable creatures. Cats, dogs, rabbits... One of them managed to make a cuckoo appear, a supernatural being composed of a floating circular body with a large eye in its center. "Interesting."
–Miss Tabitha, please.
It's the blue-haired girl's turn. "Tabitha... I wonder what her last name is." The young girl uttered the incantation in a barely audible tone. To everyone's surprise, a huge hole opened in the sky and from it emerged a small-sized blue dragon. The image of a certain blond-haired young man appeared in my mind. "He reminds me of Azzurro."
–A-Amazing!
–Congratulations.
–She's at the top of the class for a reason...
At that comment, my eyes widened "B-Best in class?" I watched her as she closed the contract with her familiar. "With how good I am at practical magic and I had to sit next to someone like her...". I shook my head.
–It's your turn, mister Guiche.
Tabitha was being congratulated by her friend Von Zerbst when the stupidest blond in the place stepped forward.
–Yes, Professor Colbert!
He walked up to him full of pride.
–Let me show you a familiar whose name will go down in the history of this academy, just like mine.
–Please perform the incantation at once. There are still a few students left after you.
I sighed, "At last someone who tells it like it is." Guiche hesitated, but quickly pulled himself together, regaining his trademark superior posture.
–Yes... Please, oh great Brimir, grant me a servant worthy of me, Guiche 'The Brass'!
I roll my eyes. "I've been here for two days and I can't stand it anymore." A tremor began to take place at that instant.
–Answer my sacred invocation!
I began to look in all directions. I gulped. "He may be an idiot. But a powerful idiot is worrisome." A small mound of earth formed in front of Guiche.
–Here it is.
He smiled proudly. However, his joy was cut short by the being that peeked out of the hole: a giant mole.
–Huh?
I had to hold back my laughter, as did many of my companions. Others couldn't stand it. "Evidently the fault is not the poor animal's, since a mole is certainly useful. But I would pay many ecus to see that face again another time."
The remaining students went about performing the spell, summoning owls, snakes, etc... In the end, I was among the last three. The other two people were Von Zerbst and Vallière.
–Mister Alessandro, whenever you wish.
I just nodded. Very few of my colleagues were paying attention at this point. They were chatting among themselves about their familiars and those of others, something I was grateful for. I took a deep breath.
–Good luck.
Professor Colbert whispered to me. "Okay, don't think you're going to fail. This isn't hard, just a formality." I unsheathed my sword-catalyst and pointed it skyward. "Here we go."
–O-Oh, Founder, answer my sacred invocation!
I must admit that I didn't prepare the oath too much, but the important thing is the incantation itself. I uttered this one and, after a few seconds, lightning flashed from my sword and converged on a specific point, two meters high. I had to hold the catalyst with both hands, forced by the vibration. A portal opened. Its purple hue caught me by surprise. "Something is wrong." However, this one only escalated after seeing what emerged from it.
–A cat?
–So much paraphernalia for a simple cat?
I heard a couple of female students say. The first thing I did was sigh in relief as soon as it all happened. I sheathed my sword and, for the first time, my eyes met those of the familiar. Two blue pearls were watching me intently. The animal is hairy and of adult size. I hesitated for an instant. "Something about its gaze is... Intriguing to me."
–Please complete the ritual.
Professor Colbert's voice brought me out of my thoughts.
–Y-Yes.
I crouched down next to the cat.
–I'm sorry. This is going to hurt.
I held it gently in my arms and gave it a kiss on the head. I could see that the cat is a she even though the fur. The runes engraved themselves without a problem on the animal's stomach. To my surprise, again, she didn't even flinch. She jumped out of my grip and started licking her paws like it was nothing. "This is...unheard of. I've read in several books that familiars feel a stabbing pain in the area where the runes are engraved." I headed toward my spot after shooting a glance at Colbert. He smiled and nodded. My new companion followed my lead with her tail and head held high.
–It's a pleasure to meet you, little one. I'm Alessandro.
I commented.
Von Zerbst, whose name is Kirche, summoned a fire salamander, an animal from the mountains of eastern Germania. "Impressive."
–Congratulations, Miss Kirche.
Colbert said. She sat up with a seductive smile on her face.
–It's a familiar that fits my nickname, Kirche 'The Ardent'.
"What a nickname...". Guiche looked at the more powerful entities with a gesture that mixed disappointment and envy. His mole wasn't what he expected, but I think, if he doesn't act like an idiot, he'll get the most out of it.
–Well, I think that's everyone, isn't it?
He gave a quick glance at the group of students.
–No, there's still Miss Vallière, who has promised to summon the most beautiful, powerful and elegant familiar in history.
Kirche let out a chuckle after finishing the sentence. "Louise 'The Zero'. I wonder what she's capable of with her explosive power." The aforementioned ducked her head slightly, but started walking purposefully towards the center of the group.
–Whenever you are ready, Miss Louise.
A murmur began to be heard among the students. Most of them were derogatory comments or complaints about the girl. She swallowed and sighed. Professor Colbert was watching her curiously. "One thing that has struck me is that his gaze and mine, at least when contemplating scenes like these, are similar." I sketched a half-smile.
–After yesterday's display of vanity, I'm sure you'll conjure up something never seen before, am I wrong, Louise?
Kirche asked provocatively. "If Guiche is the quintessential idiot, she's his dancing partner. I think I'll try not to get together with any of them." Louise held the wand while her hand trembled. She raised it.
–My servant who is somewhere in the far reaches of the universe!
Some students laughed at her words.
–To the sacred, beautiful, and by far the most powerful familiar...!
He paused.
–I summon you from the depths of my heart! Answer my call!
He waved his wand. A huge explosion erupted from it. Fortunately for me, I was some distance away. I still remember the shock I suffered yesterday. I coughed several times. My familiar had hidden behind me. I opened my eyes. I heard complaints from many colleagues. However, my attention was drawn to what the pink-haired young woman summoned.
–Is that…?
