Total qualification of previous chapter:

Narration: "S"

Characters: "S"

Details: "S"

Originality "S"

TOTAL: "S"

Remember that you can qualify me from "S" to "E" this chapter.

Credits to their respective authors:

"Zero no Tsukaima" or "The Familiar of Zero" belongs to the late author Noboru Yamaguchi and were encouraged by the company JCStaff Co., Ltd.

"Asura's Wrath" belongs to the developer CyberConnect2 and was published by the company Capcom.

OC characters are my own.

Story made non-profit, from a fan to other fans.

Annotations:

"Dialogues are shown between quotation marks"

—Clarifications and messages are shown in long lines quotes—

The 3rd person narration is shown in normal letters

Words in italics indicate narration, monologues or thoughts of the character

Underlined words indicate locations

{Words in square brackets and in italics indicate dialogue in a different language}

Bold words indicate voices, powers or anything supernatural

[Y] [B] [X] [A] [FURY!] Indicate video game mechanics like quick time event, where you have to press a button in sync to do something.

CRACK! PUNCH! BOOM! They indicate sound effects

۞Words between these symbols and in bold indicate a transformation۞

—Part 2: A duty that does not end—

—Episode 4: The fate must change—

I´m suddenly awakened by the noises of the sailors and the blinding light of the sky. I get up from my place and look down at the ship, watching the clouds float and move with the wind. The ship sailed straight over them.

"Albion in sight!" yelled who I suppose is the vigilant.

I see again but everything that I watch are clouds. There was no land in sight.

Louise, who also appeared to have been sleeping, stood up.

"I can't see anything!" I complained annoyed.

"But there it is!" She pointed to the sky.

"Huh?" I keep my gaze where she was pointing, and gasped in shock.

A huge... suddenly, something huge rises before my eyes.

From the clouds the dark earth could already be seen. Which continued to expand above us. Mountains carved from the landscape and rivers flowed through that land.

"What happen? Are you surprised?" Louise ask me.

"I've never seen anything like this before" I reply surprised and wide-eyed.

There were no floating continents in Gaia. The only things floating around were our battleships and that was because of a complicated quantum suspension system. That a fucking giant landmass floated over the world making it an "Island above the air" is truly amazing.

"Albion, the floating island. It floats in the air thanks to a large deposit of wind stones buried underneath that allows it to float. It usually floats like an island on the oceans. However, it approaches the rest of the Halkeginian continent a few times each month. It´s the size of Tristain and is nicknamed —The White Country—.

They must be very large and very powerful stones to keep such a huge expanse of land floating. Still, it seems like those stones they have no unlimited power and will end up running out someday. I hope that by then they have solved the problem by recharging them or evacuating the entire population. The damage that it can cause on its surface and the secondary tsunamis from the impact against the ocean would kill and affect countless people.

However, it is ironic that what makes this country more attractive is also its weakest point.

I could knock it down with half a dozen heavy Mantra shots towards those stones. Surely if the people of Reconquista threatened to destroy the stones they would have already subdued the entire country under their orders and overthrown the royalty long ago. That they didn´t do this means that there are no magicians of that power level.

It is not a crazy assumption. There are people who desire victory so much that they are able to destroy their land for it.

"Why the White Country?" I asked to Louise, she pointed toward the island.

"The river water falls off the island into the air and soon after they turn into white mist, covering the bottom of the island. Those are the same clouds that give Halkeginia its rains"

"Ship approaching starboard!" The vigilant yelled again.

We look in that direction. Indeed, a ship was approaching, and it was much bigger than the one we traveled on. It had guns protruding from holes on its port side.

"They have cannons" I said cautiously. Even if they were rustic, they could have been enhanced with magic. I don't worry about me, but I can't allow the ship to fall with everyone present.

Louise frowned "It's not good. Will they be noble... or rebellious?!"

Behind the deck, Wardes and the captain looked at the observation post.

The black paint indicated that the ship was made for war with about twenty cannons aimed at us.

"Ask if they are Nobles" ordered the captain.

Sailors raised the signal flags as the captain said: the first was yellow on the left and blue on the right and the second was embroidered with a wand and staff. The black ship did not respond.

The man who appeared to be a co-captain ran in, his face pale, and informed the captain "That ship has no nationality flags!"

"So... are they pirates!?" exclaimed Louise.

"They must be, Louise! I hear they have been very active after the rebellion started"

"Let's run away! At full speed!" The captain wanted to flee from them as quickly as possible, but it was too late.

BANG!

The black boat began to sail in parallel towards us, and fired a shot directly in front of us.

The cannonball disappeared into the clouds. The black ship's mast then raised a four-color signal: red and blue at the top, and black and yellow at the bottom, dividing the flag into 4 smaller rectangles.

"They´re ordering us to stop, captain!"

The captain grimaced at his decision. Not that their ship was completely unarmed, but all they have to defend themselves were three mobile cannons on deck, which were no more useful than decorations against a volley of more than twenty taking aim. The captain looked at Wardes for help.

"I used all my magic on the ship. We can only do what they say!" Wardes replied calmly.

The captain gestured in a bad mood "There goes my fortune!" and he gave the order "Down the sails. Stop the ship"

Louise, hearing the shot and seeing the big ship approaching us, just looked uneasily.

"We're pirates! Don't resist!" a man aboard the black ship screamed with a horn.

On the deck of the black ship, the men lined up with bows and very outdated pistols compared to Gaia's ones. They aimed and fired hooks, clinging to their starboard side of the ship. The strongest men apparently, about ten of them wielding axes and curved sabers, slipped on the ropes and descended into the ship.

"Asura..." Louise said almost silently. I wish with all my might to jump onto the pirate ship to punch the faces of those bastards.

But I cannot do it, or rather, I must not do it.

Wardes put his hand on my shoulder.

"They're not just a bunch of armed barbarians, Familiar. They have a lot of cannons pointed at us. Even if you are capable of defeating them, you cannot risk your team and the crew. They might even have magicians on their side"

I didn't need to hear that from him. I know attacking pirates right now would only result in a battle where the girls and crew members would end up severely injured or even killed.

Suddenly I see how the Wardes´ Griffin, who was sitting at the front of the deck, was also scared of the pirates and growled. His head was covered with bluish white smoke and he fell onto the deck sound asleep.

"A sleeping spell... so if they have magicians...!" Kirche exclaimed.

I growl at the words spoken by Wardes.

I hate when someone I dislike is right.

I hate even more when I agree with that same someone.

If it was just me, those pirates would end up so traumatized that they would only catch sardines for what is left of their lives, but I must prioritize the safety of Louise and the others. So I resign myself and decide not to fight... for now.

Of the pirates who landed on the ship, one of them was dressed very elegantly. He was wearing a shirt that appears to have been white, but was blackened by sweat and lubricant. One could see his well-tanned muscular pecs in the shirt openings. A patch covered his left eye. This man seemed to be the leader of the pirates.

"Where's the captain!?" he ask roughly, looking around.

"It's me" The captain trembled, but still trying to keep his composure, raised his hand.

The leader strode up to him, drew his saber, and struck the captain in the face "What is the name of the ship and what is it carrying!?"

"Tristain's Marie Galante. The charge is sulfur"

A strangled cry came from the pirates. The leader scoffed, grabbing the captain's hat and putting it on his head.

"I'm going to buy everything on this ship then... and I will pay with their lives!"

The captain shook himself with shame. Then, the leader noticed Louise and Wardes standing on deck.

"Uh-huh, we have noble guests!" The leader approached Louise and lifted her chin with his hand "We have a beauty here! Do you want to be our dishwasher!?"

The men began to laugh. Louise clapped him on the hand and looked at him as if she was about to burst into flames "Let go of me, you filthy pirate!"

"Oh, she called me filthy! I'm so scared!" He said that and all the men burst out laughing more.

My wrath started to increase. And I wasn't the only one, I could feel like Kirche was also boiling with pure rage and had her wand ready to burn those pirates to the bone. It was only because of Tabitha's intervention that she said "Surrender, best option" she did not use her fire spells.

The message was clear.

Wardes caught my attention again "Hey, Familiar. You can hit them once we are in a safe place, for the moment please appease your wrath"

He was asking me for something almost impossible as well as ironic.

I nodded my head.

"Okay, boys, take them all. We can get a lot of money for them!"

PIRATE SHIP JAIL

We were captured and taken prisoner by pirates. The Marie Galante crew seemed to have helped take over the ship.

From Derflinger, who had wisely decided not to speak, to the nobles' wands and Tabitha's staff were snatched away. In return we could move freely around the jail. As I had said, without their wands the magicians were harmless, making me the only one capable of defending them.

Kirche was sitting on the floor in a bad mood. Tabitha kept reading her book, it was the only thing that the guards allowed her to stay when they did not find anything abnormal in it. I wonder what it is about? I think that I haven't seen her put down it at almost any time.

Where we were locked up, you could see wine barrels, cereal sacks, tons of gunpowder and cannonballs piled in a corner.

Wardes explored the charge with great interest.

"You know... for a moment I thought you were going to hit them all" It was Louise who caught my attention.

I giggled a little before replying "I was close to do it... but I couldn't risk to them firing their cannons and blowing us to pieces" I calmly explain her "Although if they really attempt against your lifes or want to do something bad to someone, I will attack them"

"I told that you can't do that, Familiar" Wardes looked at me reproachfully "What are you going to do if these men decide to shoot at us with all their artillery? You will not be able to defend us, and even if I recover my Enchanted Sword I must rest to recover my magic"

"I will be able to do something... and you should do the same, not letting a pirate lay hands on your fiancée" my tone emanated a clear contempt.

Before Wardes could answer me, he was interrupted by the door that was opened by a fat man with a bowl of soup in hand.

"I will feed them only after they have answered some questions"

Louise stood up "What questions?"

"What business do you have in Albion!?"

"Travel" Louise said in a decisive voice, putting her hand on her waist.

"Nobleman of Tristain, why Albion!? Why go to those places!?"

"I don't have to tell you anything"

"Still pretending to be tough despite being scared?"

Louise turned her face away and the pirate laughed. The pirate left and returned with a bowl of soup and glasses of water, but Louise did not take a single sip.

"I'm not going to eat anything these ruffians make!" Louise frowned annoyed.

"It's not good that we're hungry" when Wardes put it that, Louise pouted the soup bowl.

The captive magicians ate from the same soup, although under normal circumstances this would never happen. I did not eat anything, even if it had served to keep up appearances, it was better that they eat as well as possible.

Wardes leaned against the wall with a tired expression on his face.

Kirche decided to speak to relax the atmosphere "You know darling, we are going to have to eat something delicious so that I forget this experience" for my bad luck she decided to speak to me "I know some fantastic restaurants"

Louise decided to step in "Don't flirt with my Familiar, Zerbst! Less in a situation like this!"

"If I don't, I'll go crazy! We don't know what those pirates are going to do with us... and I'm scared!" her emotions don't say the same thing "You will protect me, right darling?" blinked flirtatiously at me.

"Like everyone" I said dryly.

Kirche then turned to look at Louise and suddenly opened her eyes. From the angle of her gaze, she was focusing on the engagement necklace.

Suddenly her emotions showed an enormous amount of wrath but also an intense melancholy.

"That's a beautiful necklace Louise" she said in the most stoic tone I've ever heard from her so far. I could see how her fists clenched discreetly.

"Jealous Zerbst?" Louise asked haughtily and proudly. The latter equaled her emotions.

"Not at all. My congratulations to both of you" But Kirche was lying. Even without my ability to detect emotions I can see that she is furious and sad to hear this news, that Louise's engagement was going to take place no matter what.

She is genuinely concerned about Louise and, like me, does not consider Wardes to be a suitable fiancé.

At that moment, the door opened again. This time it was a slim pirate. The pirate looked at us with piercing eyes and asked.

"Good evening, are you the nobles who going to Albion?"

Louise did not reply.

"Judging by the silence, it must be true. Although we are not equal, we respect the nobles, thanks to the aristocrats our business is going well"

"But isn't it a Rebel Warship!?" asked Kirche.

"No, no, you´re wrong. We are involved with both sides. We are related to both factions. So is it true? Are you noble!? If true, then we will release them at the nearest port"

Louise didn't seem to like the idea and kept staring at the pirate instead.

"How dare they do business with those filthy rebels!? Don't they respect Albion's nobles!? I am a noble myself. Albion remains a kingdom, as the Royal Family remains a legitimate government in Albion. I am someone who comes here on behalf of Tristain. I´m an ambassador. Therefore, you must have respect for an ambassador"

I can't believe it "Louise you just ruined everything!"

"I don't ruin anything!? The one who ruins things is you! Acting angry all the time!"

"You must choose the right time and place to show your proud noble side!"

"Shut up! You are my Familiar and you must listen to what I tell you!"

The pirate laughed at the sight of such a scene "I'm going to go inform the boss then" and he get out laughed.

Louise answered decisively "I'm not going to let those things worry me, as long as we have the slightest chance of survival!"

Wardes walked up to Louise and touched her shoulder "You mustn't risk it like that, Louise. You're still my fiancée!"

Louise's face showed mixed feelings as she looked down.

The door opened again. It was the same pirate as before.

"The boss wants to see you"

PIRATE BOSS ROOM

After going up a narrow staircase, we all came to a splendid room built on top of the deck.

When the door opened, we could see a beautiful table and a pirate sitting at one end, playing with a staff that had a big crystal attached on top. Apparently he was a magician. That room was very different from what one would expect from a pirate.

The pirate looked intently at Louise who just entered. The skinny pirate who had brought she, pushed her slightly from behind "Hey, you're in front of the boss, so salute him correctly!" However, Louise stood there looking at the boss who smiled at her.

"Ah, I like strong-willed women" his comment was quite suggestive, but I don't feel lust coming from he. There is only pride and violence, that is, it is taking a manipulative attitude.

"I demand the treatment an ambassador deserves!" Louise, ignoring the pirate's words, repeated her demand.

"And what would be the message you're trying to deliver!?" asked the boss, ignoring Louise's words "Does it have something to do with royalty!?"

"Yes. It is!"

"They were going to Nanishi, weren't they? We'll get there tomorrow"

"I'm not going to say anything to you"

But the boss again spoke to Louise, but in a cheerful voice this time.

"Are you willing to betray the nobles!? Otherwise, even if you're a magician I couldn't guarantee your safety, even for a hefty fee"

"I'd rather die!"

Violence and melancholy increased in Louise, at the same time that her body trembled. The situation was obvious: she was afraid, she was scared, but even so she kept staring into the boss's eyes.

Louise is truly amazing when she sets her mind to it.

I also felt the emotions of the rest of the team. They all had exactly the same combination of anger and pride, which resulted in the desire to protect. Everyone wanted to protect Louise from doing something inappropriate or not going to the extremes she had just mentioned.

But there is something that bothers me a lot: it´s the fact that it was Wardes who had the least amount of desire to protect Louise, while Kirche, enemy of the Valliere, was the one who had the highest numbers.

I really don't trust in this man.

"I'm going to ask you again. Are you willing to betray the nobles!?"

Louise looked straight ahead. She crossed her arms and inflated her chest. However, I interrupt her before she could open her mouth.

"She already gave you her answer, stupid tattered"

"And who are you!?"

The boss looked at me with a penetrating gaze. Eyes that intended to see my deep secrets, but all he did was step back when I looked back and met my wrath.

"A Familiar" Louise replied.

"Familiar!?"

"It seems so" I said without importance.

The boss laughed out loud "I knew that Tristainian nobles were weird, but not like this hahahahaha! Oh, my stomach hurts!" The boss said as he got up laughing. The girls were surprised by the sudden change of environment "Oh, sorry. As noble as I am, I should present myself the right way!"

The pirate who was laughing out loud suddenly straightened up.

He brushed the curly black hair off his head. Apparently it was a wig. He also removed the black eye patch, and also removed the fake beard. Before us now stood a young man with blond hair.

Now his emotions showed joy.

"I am a general in the Royal Albion Air Force and also the commander of the national fleet! Although in truth this warship called –Eagle— is the only ship in our fleet. A powerless fleet let me tell you. Oh fence, even commoners could easily overtake us!" The young man bowed as he introduced himself "I´m the prince of the kingdom of Albion, Wales Prydain Fawr Tudor!"

Louise's mouth was wide open and she couldn't take her eyes off the appearance of the young Prince of Albion.

Wardes viewed the prince with great interest.

Wales smiled with a charming smile and moved a chair for Louise to sit on.

"Welcome to Albion, Ambassador. Now, let's talk about your message"

However, Louise was still speechless. She stood there stunned, unable to move.

Wales smiled sympathetically "You sure ask yourself: Why am I dressing up as a pirate!? To hide!? You will be surprised to know that the answer is no. Wealthy rebels are sending a large amount of support to the rebellion, and it is a basic tactic of war to cut the enemy's supply line. It was necessary, so we had to dress like dirty and unworthy pirates" Wales said laughing "In fact, it was very rude to treat an ambassador that way. But you have to admit that they don't see themselves as messengers of royalty. And I never thought in support of the nobles of other countries. But I still have to apologize"

Even after Wales's words, Louise's mouth still opened and closed without making a single sound. I suppose she hadn't mentally prepared herself to meet the prince so suddenly and in such situations.

Well, I wouldn't have believed it either. I´m not good at any field strategy or battle tactics long term or involving many people. Even if I commanded my own fleet in Shinkoku Trastrium in the end I, like all other demigods, followed Kalrow's plans and strategies.

"We have brought a secret letter from Her Royal Highness Princess Henrietta" Wardes said as he bowed gracefully.

"Oh, from Her Highness. And you are!?"

"Captain of the Griffin Knights of Tristain, Viscount Jean-Jacques Francis de Wardes" After that, Wardes introduced Louise to Wales "and she is the ambassador sent by Her Highness Henrietta, from the Vallière family and her Familiar, Your Highness"

"Great! We have a splendid noble here! And I only have my ten bodyguards to welcome you, such a miserable greeting. So do you still have the secret letter?"

Panicked Louise pulled the letter from Henrietta out of her clothes. However, she stopped before giving it to Wales. After a few moments of hesitation, she opened her mouth.

"B-but..."

"What!?"

"Excuse me, but are you really the prince!?"

Wales laughed "My God! Won't you believe me even if I show you my true face?! I'm Wales! And I´m really a prince! Well, I'm going to show you clear evidence then" Wales then looked at the sparkling ruby of water ring on Louise's finger.

Then, Wales took Louise's hand and closer it to his own hand which has a ring quite similar to the one Louise had, only differing by color. The two rings reacted to each other, glowing brightly and generating a small but beautiful rainbow.

"This ring belongs to the royal family of Albion, the ruby of wind" This other, belongs to Henrietta of the royal family of Tristain family, is the ruby of water. Am I right!?" Louise nodded "Water and wind make a rainbow. A rainbow that forms between Royal Families"

May you rest in peace, refractive dispersion principle. You were a brave and important soldier in elemental physics but now you have been cruelly killed by magic. I am sure you will reach nirvana.

"Sorry for my rudeness, prince!"

Louise handed Wales the letter and bowed.

After looking at the letter, Wales kissed the signature. Then he carefully removed the seal and pulled the paper out, beginning to read.

For some time he kept reading with a serious expression.

"Is the princess getting married? That beautiful Henrietta! My beloved...cousin!?"

BELOVED COUSIN?! So these 2 are blood relatives?! For all the Mantra, I almost and even appreciate that the war ruined their relationship!

In Gaia, for demigods, marriage between cousins was not frowned upon. In fact Olga was born from a relationship between cousins, although the bad tongues say that she was born of an incestuous relationship between blood brothers.

In the case of humans, the marriage between cousins varies greatly according to the region or the community. It is banned and seen as incest for many. In fact, it may even be unacceptable to get married within the village or for two brothers to marry couples from the same village.

I know communities (or rather I knew them) such as Brahmins, Rajputs, Vaishyas, Jats, and Yadavs where all of them are immediately associated with four surnames: proper surname (i.e. father or village surname), village surname of the mother, the surname of the paternal grandmother's village and the surname of the maternal grandmother's village, falls outside the permitted marital circle. These last names are known as the candidate's —Gotra—. Two candidates who want to get married cannot have a common Gotra. Marriage is only allowed when all these -Shakha-, that means branches, are different for both candidates, so this immediately rules out the marriage of closer cousins.

I will be honest: I completely reject marriage and sexual union between cousins. But I have a very important reason for this: many studies done by demigods towards demigods and humans alike revealed that babies born from cousin relationships are 1.7% more likely to be born with some type of malformation or disease than in other couples that do not have blood ties between them.

It may seem very little and almost nothing, but I as a father know that even that almost 2% is a complete danger.

Well, in reality the demigods are not in danger because with our level of technology we develop instruments and machines that allow us to fully supervise the development of our children even from the fertilization stage of the ovum and correct any problem that arises in the future. And even if we did not possess this technology I would love Mithra even if she had been born with some deformation but I definitely know that she would not be completely happy and would have many limitations.

But with humans it's another matter. In Gaia there were very few who could afford the use of this technology, only aristocratic families or close friends of some kind demigod, so they were at risk of having children with deformations.

I don't wish that on anyone. Parents and their children should be happy together without any medical or psychological limitation.

Returning to the topic, Wardes bowed silently, with an affirmative expression. Wales turned his gaze to the letter again and smiled.

"Well, the princess is informing me with this that she wants a certain letter back. And most importantly, the princess also expects you to give her an answer to this letter" Louise's face smiled with pleasure "However, I don't have that letter in my hands right now. It's in Newcastle Castle. I didn't want to bring the princess's letter to a pirate ship" Wales said with a laugh "So while annoying, please come with me to Newcastle"

Great, it seems we have no choice.

The Eagle warship took us all to the irregular coastline of Albion. We had traveled for 3 hours and could already see the cape, where a great castle was erected. We had also recovered our things: Derf and the girls and Wardes their respective wands, staff or that thing called —Enchanted sword—.

Wales and I were on the front deck. He explained me that this was Newcastle's fortress. However, the Eagle did not head straight for the city, but sailed along the coast.

"Why are we going down?"

Wales pointed to the sky behind the castle where a large ship was floating. However, it couldn't see the Eagle because it was hiding on the other side of a cloud.

"Rebel Warship"

It could only be described as a huge warship; It was at least twice as big as the Eagle, with an incredible number of sails and it looked like it was pointing at Newcastle Harbor. Without warning it opened fire aiming at the castle. The first cannonball crashed into the wall and a small fire could be seen.

"Those damned ones are already attacking!" I yelled angrily, intending to jump onto that ship and reduce it to chips.

"Don't worry. There's nothing to worry about" I turned to see him as if he were crazy. He quickly explained it to me "That ship was called —The Royal Sovereign—, who once belonged to our country's fleet. When the rebels took control of it, they changed the name to —Lexington—. It was named after the battlefield where those guys took our first victory from us" Wales said with a smile "This ship maintains a constant blockade of Newcastle from the sky. They shoot the castle from time to time, not in order to cause any damage, but they do so only to disturb and block us. All the attacks that have been launched so far barely and there were injuries, no deaths"

Look through the cloud on the warship. There were a lot of cannons on each side, and a dragon was painted on the surface of the ship.

"It has 108 cannons and it really does look like a fire-breathing dragon at times. The entire rebellion started with this ship. We cannot cope, so it is better to navigate through this cloud and remain invisible. We can reach Newcastle from the other side, as there is a secret harbor that only we know of"

I thought about that information for a moment and an idea come to me.

A very good and spectacularly terrible idea.

But before I had to confirm certain information...

"Hey prince"

"Please, call me Wales"

"Sure, Wales. Wouldn't you like to get rid that huge ship so that it doesn't cause you problems in the future?" hopefully and he say yes.

"I would like more to be able to get it back, but if I had no choice then I think it would be best to destroy it. I prefer that and not that the rebels keep it"

"Do you know what its structure is like inside? I mean the areas where the windstones are kept, you know where they are? Do you know if there are people around that can be damaged?"

Wales began to look at me curiously "Yes. I know it. The windstones found in the —Windstones Altars— are compartments barely half the size of a room, evenly distributed where the stone is stored to allow the ship to rise and there are no people there other except to do the exchange of stones. If my calculations are correct, they should not make the change until another 2 days. Why are you asking me all these questions?"

"If you give me some cannonballs… I can launch them and shoot down that ship attacking its weak points"

It took Wales a moment to digest the information before he burst out laughing "Hahahahahahaha! The Tristain people are definitely fun. Hey, its true that you look very strong but do you really think you can shoot down the Lexington by throwing iron balls at this distance?!"

"Want to bet?" I asked in a challenging tone.

"Not at all. Something tells me that it must be true if you tell me so safely and since we are close to the secret entrance any problem that arises we can flee immediately" reciting the spell —Levare corpus— Wales drew a box with cannon balls towards me that was on the deck. It have about 10 iron balls "I won't stop the ship, that's my only condition. In case they want to counterattack or chase us, it is preferable to keep moving"

"I don´t need it. Just tell me exactly where those altars are" I said taking the first cannon ball made with great ease, surprising him. It was just under 20 centimeters in diameter but it fit perfectly well in my hand.

He pointed his finger at the huge ship "At the tip of the length is the first stone 6 mails high from the base. Then count 12 in 12 mails from there and you will find the following. There are 10 altars in total"

"Thanks for the info"

"Asura!" It was Louise who surely came to ruin my fun. She was accompanied by the rest of the team. Surely they saw the movement of the box with ammunition "What are you doing now?"

I allowed a grim smile to manifest on my face. One I hadn't done since the time I found out that Yasha accidentally broke one of Mithra's toys and I blackmailed him to keep my mouth shut. I enjoyed every bite of those 12 tons of apples that he give me for one year one per month.

Louise's face turned very pale.

"Just wait and see" I stretch my arm back while I aim to my first objective...

[B]

BOOM!

.

.

CRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!

1.5 seconds. That was the time it took the iron ball to impact. The ship is almost 3 kilometers away from us. That means I threw it at a speed of 2000 meters per second with hardly any effort.

Nothing bad.

"Holy Founder!" Wales cried. His emotions was maddened. The same can be said of all the team and the crew "What was that explosion that was heard when you launched it?!"

"It was a sonic explosion. It occurs when something travels faster than the speed of sound"

"FASTER THAN THE SPEED OF SOUND?!"

"Yes. Now let's get this over with" grab another ammo.

"Wait, Asura!"

"Wait what, Wardes?!" I said to the wizard whose despair was the dominant emotion.

"If you keep throwing those bullets then you'll make them chase us!"

"They will not"

[B]

BOOM!

.

.

CRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!

"I told you to stop right now or else...!"

[X]

"Ugh!" Wardes fell to the floor after I throw one of the ammo into his stomach.

"Stop fucking, you idiot! I'm going to leave them so damaged that they won't be able to follow us or anyone else!" I ignore Louise's scolding for attacking her stupid fiancé. I had a new idea.

Remembering a juggler from a circus that I took my family to millennia ago, I took 3 iron balls...

[A] [A] [A]

And I threw them up at me, slightly in the direction the Eagle was moving.

And just as they were close to falling...

"AAAAAAAAAHHHH!"

[B]

BOOM!

[B]

BOOM!

[B]

BOOM!

CRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!

CRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!

CRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!

The cacophony of destruction was simply wonderful. It didn't take long for that ship to start falling at a low speed but it would increase little by little. Inevitably it had to head towards Albion and desist from it attacks.

Perfect. One less problem to worry about.

"My God" Wales spoke again, his face now pale from what he had just seen, multiple beads of sweat resting on his face. The same could be said of Kirche, Wardes, Louise and the entire crew. Tabitha was still Tabitha. The prince looked at me with eyes bathed in fear and respect "How lucky I am to have you on my side"

"I'm not on anyone's side. I do what I consider correct"

"Then I am lucky that you consider that helping us is correct" His face slowly returned to his normal color "But why didn't you destroy all the stone altars?"

"If I had done it, the ship would have immediately fallen into the ocean and the impact would have killed many of the crew. And those who didn't die would only spend their last hours in fear before the ship finally sank and they drowned"

"Do you have compassion even for those who are your enemies right now?"

"I don't like to kill. I got my strength to protect those I love and care about… not to kill indiscriminately or by accident. So I asked you to tell me where the windstones were" the lies come with my words again, but I know it would be chaos if I had added —humans— to that sentence.

Wales showed a happy and understanding smile.

"If there were more men like you... the world would be a better place"

"If there were more men like me... the world would be ruled by fools with muscles"

"Oh. That explains why you didn't ask me to keep ammunition levitated so that it would be easier for you to launch it. Ha hahahahaha…!"

"…"

.

.

.

.

.

[Y]

"Ouch!"

"Don't be ungrateful, kid" I said growling at the fallen prince by my smack, again ignoring Louise's screams.

It suddenly turned dark when the ship went below the mainland, as the land mass blocked the sunlight. Furthermore, they were still surrounded by clouds. The cold, wet air hit my skin.

We sailed for about 20 minutes and eventually we came to a section that opened at the head of the black hole.

Illuminated by the magic light of the mast, it was really spectacular, they could see a hole 300 meters in diameter.

"Stop here for now" the sub-captain shouted, taking care of everything until Wales recovered.

"Yes sir. Stop here!" the order was given to the energetic and lively crew. Surely they felt better now that they didn't have that gigantic ship threatening them.

The sails were pulled out and the Eagle began to veer right under the hole.

"Slowly increase speed."

"Yes sir. Slowly increase the speed!"

The Eagle slowly rose to the hole. Following behind him was the —Marie Galante— that the Eagle's sailors had boarded.

The light could be seen inside the hole and that's where the Eagle headed.

The warship had arrived at a secret harbor in this called Newcastle. The interior of the huge limestone cave was covered in white moss. Many people were waiting on the dock. They threw ropes at the sailors to tie up the Eagle and it was finally attached to the wooden walkway.

Wales, who had finally gotten up, hastened Louise and the others down the walkway. A tall and old magician approached them.

"Haha, wonderful military results, right, Your Highness!?"

"...That's right, Paris" Wales spoke with some difficulty.

"Does Your Highness feel good?" asked the so-called Paris with concern.

"Sure! I'd only been sleeping to replenish my energy. Right guys?" anybody could see the plea in his eyes.

"Of course captain!" said the crew, following the game.

"Oh, ok, Your Highness. Well, I'm glad it is in optimal condition!"

"Rejoice, Paris! Sulfur, it's sulfur!" when Wales shouted in such a way, lively soldiers gathered around him.

"Ooh! Sulfur! This is for the honor of our guardianship!" The old magician began to cry, his predominant emotion was sadness "I have served our king for sixty years… there will never be such happy days. Your Highness, after the revolt everything turned into sadness... even with sulfur we will not succeed..."

Wales laughed with a smile "Even if we are to be defeated, we will show to the rioters the courage and honor of the Royal Family"

"A glorious death. My old bones are trembling with emotion. By the way Your Highness, did you see on your trip that strange event where something attacked the Lexington and forced it to land?"

"Of course yes. In fact it was a new friend here who was responsible for that" Wales touched my arm with his hand.

"Is that true? How was it possible?" Paris wondered.

"I threw the cannon ammunition with all my strength towards the ship"

"Hahahahaha! And I thought I had already seen and heard all! Hahahahaha!" The joy faded, generating sadness again "However, I'm afraid that such help only gave us a little advantage against the rebel army. The rebels are reported to be attacking the castle tomorrow. Now he really is all or nothing, Your Highness"

"With our last breath we are going to put these soldiers to shame!"

Wales and the others were laughing heartily from the bottom of their hearts. Louise became concerned after hearing the word —death—. In other words they are going to die. Are these people not afraid of death?

The simple answer was: No.

The long answer was: they know they will die but they will do it fighting with honor and glory.

My Answer: This is bullshit.

"And who are these people!?" the old magician Paris asked Wales after looking at Louise.

"She is an ambassador for Tristain. She came for a major business related to the kingdom"

Paris was surprised for a moment. But soon a smile returned to her face.

"So you are an ambassador. Paris Chamberlain at your service, Madame. It is good that you have come to Albion. Although it may not be much, we are going to have a small feast tonight. Anyway, please attend"

We all follow Wales to his room.

WALES´ PERSONAL ROOM

The prince's room was located behind the kitchen and looked rather ordinary: a wooden bed, a table, and a couple of chairs, as well as a painting on the wall illustrating a battle scene.

The prince sat down in the chair and opened a drawer in the desk, inside which was a small box with jewelry. The prince removed a necklace from his neck.

A small key was put in the lock of the small box and Wales opened it. Henrietta's portrait lay there. Wales, who had noticed Louise looking at the box, spoke embarrassed.

"Safe box"

Inside was a letter. It seemed to be from the princess too. Wales took it with love and read it. That letter looked older than it should have from constant rereading.

After reading it, Wales gently folded the letter and put it in an envelope, then handed it to Louise.

"This is the letter the princess gave me. Letter I now return"

"Thank you" Louise received the letter as she bowed deeply.

"The Eagle will take them back to Tristain tomorrow, since we won't use it in battle"

Louise opened her mouth decisively after looking for a while at the letter "But Your Highness... what did you have in mind when your mention a glorious death!?" she asked hesitantly.

Wales replied very easily "It's like I said. My army has three hundred men while the enemy force has fifty thousand. There is no chance to win. So at least we are going to die with glory"

Louise looked down once hear those words.

I got really mad.

As I said, this was bullshit.

No… this was worse than a bullshit: this was ridiculous nonsense stupidity.

In Gaia there were many occasions when humans wanted to defend themselves on their own from Gohma attacks. Not because they hated the demigods or something similar, but because they had the same way of thinking: fight for victory or die in trying with honor.

But in the end they all died.

And they died without showing anything more than their own stupidity.

They were facing goddamn beasts that were over-sized and made of evil Mantra and lava! HOW THE FUCKING SHIT THEY HOPED NOT TO DIE BY ATTACKING THEM ONLY WITH SWORDS, SPEARS AND ARROWS!?

Of course, on many occasions they also asked to we demigods were give them our weapons to defend themselves with it but it was denied. Again, they could hurt each other more if they could figure out how they work and replicate our technology.

What these people were doing was simply useless and stupid.

When the demigods fought against the Gohma, we could obtain victory, difficult as it was, because we equaled the possibilities with our technology, our numerous army, our battle ships, the General Guardians, all the Mantra that we obtained from the prayers of humans and recently the Mithra´s amplifying power of Mantra.

Among the few wars that humans in Gaia fought each other as enemies, most of them were won by the army that had the most soldiers. There were occasions when using good strategy and/or making the most of the known terrain turned the situation around, leading the disadvantaged army to victory or at least equaling their enemy with the same opportunities.

That was not happening here.

It was an army of 300 men against 50,000. The battlefield was a country that both sides knew well with just a few terrains in the lead. And I'm pretty sure that only a handful of Wales' men were magicians and don't have any technology for long-range attacks beyond sulfur for the gunpowder that they even mention is hardly a paltry help.

And they still want to go fight -to demonstrate to the rebels the courage and honor of the royal family-?

A death is a death, no matter how honorable and glorious they regard it.

These men weren´t fighting to prove a point. They weren't fighting to exchange lives for time because Henrietta will get Germania's help whenever that country never finds out about the letter. They weren't even fighting because it was the only thing they could do since they could flee the country whenever they wanted.

Those men were fighting... just because they thought it was right.

Congratulations: this plan has just earned third place on my list of —The Stupidest Ideas Ever Made—. Just below the Great Rebirth of the damn Deus in the first place and the dimensional conquest of the stupid of Chakravartin in the second.

"Your Highness, do you mean when you speak of dying in battle too?"

"Of course. I'm going to die too"

Just as I thought: an idiot commanding idiots. I should have knocked him unconscious when I hit him.

Louise's shoulders dropped as she bowed deeply to Wales. However, she had more to say.

"Your Highness… forgive my rudeness but there are a few more things I have to say"

"What do you mean?"

"What's the content of that letter!? When the princess gave me this task, it seemed that she was worried about her lover. And in the box was a portrait of the princess, and seeing her sad face after she kissed and read the letter... it is possible that you and the princess..."

Wales smiled. He guessed what Louise wanted to say "That my cousin Henrietta and I have a love relationship?!"

Louise nodded "It seems so. Forgive my rudeness. If so, the content of this letter is..."

After putting his hand on his forehead and gesturing, as if concerned about what he should and should not say, Wales spoke.

"You guessed it. It's a love letter... foolishly. If this love letter reaches the Imperial House of Germania as Henrietta supposes, this could become a great threat. In the letter she are swearing eternal love to me in the name of Founder Brimir. It is like an oath to marry, a love sworn in the name of the founder. If this letter comes to light, she would be charged with adultery. The Emperor of Germania would break the marriage of the princess who violated the rules. So, there would be no alliance. Tristain can be politically ignored by the noble families of other countries and..."

"So the princess and Your Highness are in love?"

"It's an old story" Wales set her eyes on Kirche "That hair color and that dark skin... excuse my question but are you from Germania?" his voice was calm but cautious.

"Yes, I am... you will ask me not to say anything about the letter to the government of my country, right?" Kirche said defeatedly.

"If is possible" Wales replied in a tone bordering on supplication.

Kirche sighed "I don't like the love between 2 people being destroyed by anything, that includes an alliance. But it is necessary to avoid the death of thousands, so I promise not to say anything"

"Thank you very much" Wales gave Kirche another of his brilliant smiles.

Louise spoke to Wales almost desperately "Your Highness, let's go back! Let's go back to Tristain!" Wardes abruptly put his hand on her shoulder. However, this did not stop Louise from continuing "I beg you! Please come to Tristain with us!"

"I can't do that" Wales said with a smile.

"Your Highness, I disagree. I'm sure the Princess thinks the same! Didn't she tell you in the letter? I have known the princess from our childhood, I know very well what she thinks! The Princess doesn´t abandon the people that she loves! Your Highness, I don't know for sure what's in the letter, but I'm sure she told you to run away!"

Wales shook his head "There is no such line"

"Your Highness?!" Louise continued to press Wales.

"I'm a member of Royal Family! I'm not lying. Nowhere does the princess tell me to escape. I swear on my honor" Wales spoke with firm conviction. His predominant emotion was Pride but there was also a fair amount of Wrath "Henrietta is a princess. She has to prioritize the country over me"

Louise understood what he meant by that; me too unfortunately. Although Wales liked Henrietta, I am sure he would never be supported by other nobles in his situation.

Wales touched Louise's shoulder.

"You are an honest girl, Vallière. You have honest, clear and kind eyes" Louise looked at him lonely "But I'm going to give you some advice: it is not very good for an ambassador to be honest" Wales smiled with an attractive look "However, you are a perfect ambassador for a ruined country like ours, since the government that will be destroyed tomorrow is more honest than anyone, since he has nothing to defend other than its honor" after, he took something out of his pocket. It was a clock "Ahahaha, time to meet our little group. Since you are the last visitors to our kingdom, I would like everyone to come with me"

With the exception of Wardes, we all left the room. Surely he has some business to attend to with the prince.

He's not the only one.

NEWCASTLE HALL

The party was held in the castle hall. The King of Albion, someone told me that his name is James Prydain Fawr Tudor I, sat on the throne and observed the nobles and vassals who had gathered.

Although the next day everyone is going to die, on the table there was a huge banquet and various goodies.

Me and the others were watching this colorful party standing in a corner of the dining room.

"They put all their problems for later, trying to enjoy the present" said Kirche somewhat depressed.

I nodded in response to her words "Yes, they behave with joy" but I still think they are fools.

When the Prince of Wales introduced himself, there were some enthusiastic sighs among the ladies. He seemed to be popular not only as a prince but as a handsome man as well. As he approached the throne, people began to whisper.

James I, tried to stand up and welcome him, but due to his advanced age he staggered and almost fell to the ground.

Some laughter could be heard from the hallway.

"Your Majesty! It's too early to fall!"

"Of course! Wait till tomorrow!"

James looks like he was not offended by such comments and smiled.

"Don't worry. My legs were numb after sitting for a long time""

"Here father. Let me help you"

"Thank you, son"

Wales reached out and supported the king's body with his. There was a little more laughter.

"Listen! I am going to say to all of you brave and loyal vassals, that tomorrow Reconquest is planning to attack our beloved Newcastle with all his might! You must go on and fight bravely for this incapable old king! But tomorrow will not be a battle, it is likely to be a one-sided massacre! Let's resist and show them our courage for the last time!"

The king coughed loudly, then continued speaking.

"But it might be too much to ask that everyone die for me. So tomorrow morning, the Eagle warship will take all the women and children and those who don't want to die, to a safe place far from this abandoned country"

However, no one answered. Instead, a nobleman yelled at the king.

"Majesty! We are just waiting for your order! Army, to the charge! To the charge! To the charge! Since we are so drunk tonight, I very much doubt that tomorrow we will be able to hear any other orders!"

All the people agreed.

"Yes! What would we do after running away!?"

"It is too late to back off, Your Majesty!"

"We will continue to serve our king as we did years ago! Tonight is a good night! The founder has blessed us with wonderful moons and a warm night! Let's enjoy the drink and the dance tonight!"

James smiled widely before speaking "I don't think there is a king in all Halkeginia who is happier for the devotion of his subjects than I am... Well! Let's enjoy as much as we can! Tomorrow will be our end but today is a party night!"

With this, everyone returned to the party. We, Tristain guests, attracted a lot of attention. The nobles did not appear to be sad or worried as they playfully continued to joke around and offer us wine and food.

I can't deny that it was a great dinner, everyone had more or less fun:

Kirche spoke to some of Wales' soldiers, who praised she for her beauty and she responded with makeshift but beautiful poems that left them almost melted with excitement. I did not believe her when she told me that she wrote to me until 3 after my fight against the students in the academy. I am lousy at understanding poetry and even more at writing it, but I dare say that Kirche is talented.

Wardes also ate and chatted with many of the soldiers. I would have liked more if the talk that the stupid bearded offered them was not focused solely on giving them advice for the future combat and filling their heads with the idea that what they are doing was correct and that they would die with honor and glory, being received with the open arms of their stupid founder in heaven.

I also ate many of the great saucers and drank of the wines they offered me. I also competed a few armfighting with the soldiers. The result? I stopped counting at the 30-0 in my favor, even if I allowed everyone to use both arms.

Even Tabitha was having fun in her own way. Luckily she had gotten a little black dress, I think it was one of the ancient dress of the Queen of Albion and was quickly modified by the castle's maids. She put her book aside during dinner and focused on eating all the food in front of her and I mean it literally: food that was served to her was food that she devoured. How could all that food fit in a body so little?!

Unfortunately, and for fair reasons, the only one who wasn't having fun at all was Louise.

"Ambassador! Taste this wine. Tell us which country wine is better!"

"This. Taste this Albion specialty: Honey chicken, which will make you healthy and strong for sure"

Louise seemed about to scream at any moment. Her climactic emotions were despair and sadness. She couldn't bear the atmosphere, she shook her head and ran out of the room.

For a moment I wanted to follow her and talk to her to calm her down, but Wardes signaled me to go in my place. Although I didn't like the idea, I accepted it.

Even sensing your feelings my words may only worsen her mood rather than improve it.

Wales saw my way of acting and approached me from the center of the room.

"This... you're the Familiar of Miss Vallière. Asura, right? It is very rare for a person to be a Familiar. Tristain is really a strange country" Wales laughed.

"It's unusual for Tristain too" I said.

"You feel sad?"

"No"

"Thank you very much then. Sadness is the only thing that is not welcome at this dinner! Right guys?!"

"Your Highness is true!" They all shouted together before continuing to eat and drink.

Wales drank from his wine glass before continuing "You have tremendous strength and you fight to protect others. Louise is very lucky to have you"

"Not at all. Many times we disagree between our opinions and that leads to serious discussions"

Wales laughed with joy. That was also his predominant emotion.

"Both look like a couple!"

"Do you want another hit?"

"I-I-I-I mean both look like couple of partner mates! Mission companions, comrades-in-arms! And even they fight once in a while!" Wales answered me hurriedly, his joy was gone instantly. I could hear his heart beating fast and hard enough to nearly give him a heart attack. He was also beginning to sweat.

"Just relax. I'm not going to hit you" I said rolling my eyes. Wales sighed with relief "I wish we could have a private conversation after dinner"

"A private conversation? With the strongest man that exists, who is capable of shoot down huge ships throwing cannonballs as if it was rocks into a lake, away from the eyes and ears of his allies and mine?"

"Yes" I replied stoically. Incidentally discovering that Tristain is not the only country where they exaggerate when describing others.

"Sure! It will be a pleasure" he said before retiring and joining the conversation with his father and the soldiers.

I felt an enormous pride behind me before someone touched my shoulder. I turn and look at Wardes, who had a small smile on his face.

"I have to tell you something" he said dryly. I have a bad feeling.

"What happens?"

"Louise and I are going to get married here, tomorrow"

I open my eyes surprised. I could expect many things from this man. Some ridiculous, some stupid, some disappointing, but I wasn't expecting him to say something like this considering the situation.

"Why!?"

"Because we want to ask the valiant Prince Wales to act as an intermediary for our marriage. The Crown Prince pleasantly agrees. We are going to hold a ceremony before the decisive battle"

So that's what he talked about privately with Wales

Shit Karma!

"Do you want to come?" Wardes asked gently but his emotions were something else. There was combined Lust and Wrath that formed Anxiety, as well as combined Vanity and Violence that formed Abhorrence.

"I must think about it" I replied almost immediately.

"The wedding will be at 6 in the morning, an hour before the prince and his army depart for the fight. You must take the ship. Louise and I will be back at my Griffin"

"Well"

Without saying anything else, Wardes finally left.

I was thinking about many things.

Louise getting married? Leaving aside that the chances of that happening were even lower to find a Gohma dancing, why did it have to be in this situation? And above all, why did it have to be with this man?

I still distrust him and still can't find the smallest trace of true love for Louise. There are times when I feel like he interact with her more out of obligation than out of true desire.

How ironic: I can protect Louise from a giant threat but I cannot protect her from a false love.

I'll wait for the party to end. I think it will be in 3 or 4 hours, although I am not interested in staying that long.

EAST AREA CORRIDOR (HOURS LATER)

I was walking down a dark hallway, aided by my improved vision. The moons were shining through an open window on the way.

There was a girl walking alone in the moonlight. It didn't take long for me to realize she was Louise, the enormous sadness emanating from her almost completely clouding her wrath. The pearl-like tears fell down her white cheek. I looked at her in silence admiring her for a time, such a beautiful but sad face.

Louise turned around and saw me. Her eyes were wet even though she tried to wipe away the tears.

Her face became sad once again. When I got a little closer to her, she quickly lunged at me and leaned against my body, hugging me. And then it was as if she lost all her strength.

I was completely surprised by such action and it was my paternal instincts that took over. I held Louise in my arms, shielding and protecting her from something I can't even hit: her own emotions.

"Why... do they do this...?"

She pressed her face against my chest. Her tears ran down my skin.

I held her tighter but at the same time gently.

Just like when I did it with Mithra.

Louise said as she cried "No... those people... why... why did they choose to die? Even though the princess... loves him... why did Prince Wales choose death!?"

"He wants to defend something very important"

"More important in this world than the person one love!?"

"For an idiot… surely"

"I'm going to talk to him, I'm going to talk to him again!"

"No. Not do it"

"Why!?"

"Because we came to deliver the princess's letter to him and retrieve the other. That is our only mission"

"Why don't you do something?!" Louise raised her head and looked me straight in the eye.

"What are you talking about?"

"You have always fought for what you consider right! You have always fought following your own morals regardless of what others say or our laws! DO IT NOW! I don't care how, but save the prince from dying! If you don't do it for me, do it for Henrietta!"

"What could I do?"

"I do not know! But I know that you can do something! And only you can do it!"

Louise's sadness was rapidly changing to despair. This one was stronger than when I was in the academy before it put an end to the fear that the students felt for me... and that is saying a lot.

"I will tell you the truth, Louise: I also agree that his reasons for fighting are stupid. They are not demonstrating nothing, they are condemning themselves to death. But when a soldier thinks like that, then there's nothing you can do to change his mind anymore"

"You say that for your experience as an Army General?"

"I never sent my soldiers into a battle that they couldn't win. We all won even if the losses were great to the point of decimate us. I don't understand his reason for fighting and even if I did, I don't approve at all. We can only thank that they die on the battlefield as soldiers and not in bed due to illness or killed by a traitor"

Louise murmured as tears kept running down her cheeks "...I want to come back soon! I want to go back to Tristain! I don't like this country. These foolish people and that unreasonable prince who leaves everything for nothing!"

Although Louise´s will is very strong, she is still young. Louise could not understand the world of Wales. As far I know, she have never been in a war and I prefer to continue like this.

"Wardes told me you're not sure whether or not to go to our wedding" Louise said, recovering a little "Is it true?"

"Yes"

"Why?"

"I have nothing to do there"

"But you are my Familiar… you would be a guest"

"What about Kirche and Tabitha?"

"Wardes did not invite them and I agreed. I have nothing against Tabitha... but I'm not going to let a Zerbst attend my wedding!" A little of Louise's natural wrath came up.

"If I'm honest with you, I'm still suspicious of Wardes. I haven't been able to feel his love for you in all the time I've known him"

"Are you still doing that?! Your ability to detect emotions must be broken!"

Funny. It is an extremely advanced piece of technology that allows me to have that ability. If it had not been created by the only intelligent race in my universe then I would believe that it may be decomposed.

"Not Louise. It works perfectly fine"

"If it's true, then tell me what are my emotions right now?"

I looked her straight in the eye, even if it wasn't necessary. I could feel all her emotions as simply as what I perceive of the environment with my senses.

"You feel Melancholy for the desire to return to your home. You feel Sadness, the result of Melancholy and Laziness, for the prince's decision to go to war instead of escaping. And you feel Despair, the fruit of combining Wrath, Melancholy and Violence, because you can't do anything to stop him"

"How is it that one emotion that shapes the others can also be present?"

"Emotions that arise from mix 2 or more factors count as their own entities. Sadness comes from combining melancholy and laziness, but all 3 can still exist at the same time within the person, only varying in intensity"

Louise could do nothing but lower her defeated head.

"You'd better go to sleep. Tomorrow is your wedding"

"What will you do?"

Time to lie again.

"I'll go meditate a little before sleeping"

"I still don't quite understand why you do that"

"It helps me relax"

"With how angry you are most of the time... I don't think it works at all"

"Nor I"

We finally said goodbye and everyone continued on their way.

WALES´ PERSONAL ROOM

Knocking on the door, Wales came out to greet me.

"Welcome Familiar de la Valliere! Go ahead and pass!" I entered his room. He picked up a bottle of wine "Shall we have a drink?"

"I wish you were sober for this"

"Then our conversation must be more important than I thought" he said, lowering the bottle "What do you want to talk about?"

"I want to understand your intentions well... aren't you fear?"

"Fear?" Wales stared at me.

"Aren't you afraid of dying?"

Wales laughed after hearing my words "Are you worried for us!? For us!? Hehehe, what a good man you are!"

"Not precisely. A normal person would be scared if they knew they were going to die tomorrow"

"I´m scared. There is no person who is not afraid to die. It doesn't matter if you are a nobleman or a commoner"

"Then why?"

"It is because I have something to defend. Something that makes me forget the cold of the grave"

"What could it be? Honor? Fame? Those are nonsense to die for!" I say almost screaming.

Wales replied with a distant gaze "The aristocratic faction —Reconquest— is our enemy trying to unite Halkeginia. It hangs with the ideal of the —Holy Land—. It is good that people have these ideals, but they should not be induced by force and blood. It would end in ruins, everything"

My respect for him grew a little more. He thought like me, that I never accepted the death of millions of innocents to achieve victory against the Gohma, contrary to the 7 deities.

"But you have no other chance of victory. What's the point of going to fight? It is possible that you defeat the triple or quadruple of the soldiers that you have in the best of cases but even so you are going to die without making a difference"

"No. At least we should show a little bravery and honor to other nobles. Even if it cannot be won, we can show them that the Royal Families of Halkeginia are not a weak enemy. Although it does not seem that they withdraw their ambitions of —Union— and —Recovery of the Holy Land— in the short term..."

"Why do you insist then?" I ask, listening carefully to his answer.

Wales declared decisively "Why? Easy…! It is our obligation! The obligation of those born in the Royal Family. The obligation imposed on the Royal Family to defend the kingdom to the end"

I understood it. The fear that Vlitra would emerge at some point to finally destroy us was constant. There was no demigod or human who did not live fearing that.

But had it happened... all the demigods would have fought to the end.

I would have fought to the end: for my beloved Durga, for my dear Mithra. For the millions of innocent humans who had as much right to live as we do.

If Gaia had to fall for the evil that existed within her, it wouldn't accomplished it that easy.

We would make it bleed, scream and suffer for every life it took from us.

But Wales has a person he loves, and that person loves Wales too, so why doesn't this idiot see that it is better to survive for that person!?

"Princess Henrietta loves you. Have you forgotten her letter?"

After my words, Wales smiled remembering.

"Ah, the love… sometimes it is necessary to pretend not to know for love. Sometimes you have to abandon everything for love. Since, it would just be giving others an excuse to invade Tristain"

"Didn't she really say anywhere in the letter that you escaped?"

"Nowhere and I can prove it to you"

Wales went to the small chest where she kept the first letter from Henrietta, opened it with his key, and took out the second letter.

Are he really going to let me know the content of that letter? Maybe he does it as thanks for getting rid of the Lexington? Or is it because it no longer matters considering he will die tomorrow?

Wales cleared his throat and began to read Henrietta's letter in a solemn voice.

"Wales Prydain Fawr Tudor, crown prince to the throne of Albion, the white country. I´m writing this letter to you with pain in my heart and strength in my soul. I´m aware of the danger your country is currently experiencing and I fear for future events. That is why I sent this letter, to inform him that I have already formed a pact with Germania that will save Tristain from succumbing to the same cruel fate: I will marry with Germany emperor and thus allow the security of my country against the rebels. However, the last letter I have written to you before will be the sword of Damocles for the wedding so I beg you to return it to my envoy Louise, third daughter of de la Valliere"

A happy but sad smile also appeared on Wales's face. Those same emotions were born inside him.

"However, I cannot lie to my heart. I cannot be negligent with my feelings. I love you Prince Wales. I have loved you since I met you and I will continue to love you even if by law I belong to another man. Please, sent an answer to my words, let me have the happiness to finally know your true feelings. My heart will always belong to you. Princess Henrietta Anne Stuart of Tristain"

When he finished reading the letter, Wales looked me in the eye.

"It really is beautiful, don't you think?"

"Yes" I replied simply. After all, I don't know much about poetry, that's why my wife was the expert. Also in Gaia the poems focused more on the spiritual and nature aspects than on the emotional one.

The letter, as he had said, had not the slightest indication that Henrietta had asked him to escape. Did she know of this result?

"Have I answered all your questions, my friend?"

"One more thing: you haven't told Louise your answer to Henrietta's words"

"I was thinking of telling her tomorrow after her wedding. But since you're here you can send them to yourself: just tell her that Wales fought bravely and died bravely. That will be enough. Don't say anything more to Henrietta. I don't want her pretty face to fill with unnecessary worries. She is like a pretty flower, don't you think so too!?"

I nodded my head.

As I thought, Wales' eyes told me that he was not going to change his mind.

"Then, goodnight Wales"

"Goodnight, Asura"

I left his room and walked down the hallways until I reached my assigned room. I repeat the same process that I did when we were in that hotel (that included leave Derf on my bed) and again I intend to meditate before going to sleep.

We will see how things are going tomorrow.

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{…pro…}

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{…tect…}

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{…Wales…}

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{...please…}

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NEWCASTLE HIDDEN HARBOR (NEXT DAY)

Kirche, Tabitha and I were in the hidden harbor.

One by one the people got on the ship. As Wales had said, most of the passengers were made up of women and children, there were only a handful of elderly and other men who, by their physical appearance and clothing, they obviously not warriors or magicians.

Although there were also soldiers in the area, they were only present to fire their relatives and loved ones.

I could feel an amalgam of different emotions: melancholy, sadness, despair, wrath, pride, etc. and all of a quantity that combined would have flooded the castle with the harbor included.

And everywhere I could see the interaction of these people:

Husbands who were saying goodbye to their wives and these last were desperately trying to convince they to flee with them, but in the end it was useless. Parents who hugged their sons and daughters for the last time, and the children cried openly because they were old enough to understand what was about to happen. Some men last carried their babies. There was one among many who seemed to be no more than 1 month born, that little kid will never remember his father's face or voice. Elderly who were firing their own children or even grandchildren.

I have lived for countless years and have 29 eternities. I have seen the life and death of millions of humans and thousands of demigods because of the Gohma and then the events of the 7 deities. At this point none of these things affect me, much less knowing that Wales and all his men have a chance to escape but idiots waste it.

And since nothing is going to make them change their minds and the mission of the letter was already accomplished, literally I have nothing else to do, which is actually a bad thing because that means that I have nothing to distract me from the event of wedding of Louise.

"For love, sometimes it is necessary to abandon everything..." Derflinger murmured. He was in his holster.

"Shut up Derf"

"Why!?"

"I don't feel its right for her to marry that guy"

"And why don't you stop the wedding?"

"Because my decision is to protect Louise from whatever wants to harm her. I can't force her to change her feelings. If I forced her to stop loving Wardes I would be no better than a tyrant. She must figure it out for herself"

"I get it. I will not say it more then. However, we have to talk about a few things about our future. Have you decided where to go, since we have a lot of free time now?" Derf asked.

"I'll keep looking for a way to get home" While I cleaning Derf, I told him that I came from another dimension. If we were going to be the closest partners then he had to know some things about me, or rather, just the necessary. Of course I also asked him not to tell other people my true provenance, just for safety.

"Will you take me with you, partner?"

"Are you sure you want that?" I asked cautiously.

Bring Derf into my world? I still have no idea if I will die in the moment that I re-enter in my dimension. If I leave Derf with Louise I'm sure he's going to be put on a shelf at the most, and if I take him and die it may take years before someone finds him in Gaia.

"Sure. Better than collecting dust inside a stinky store. But if you want to get a lot of information, then I suggest you become a mercenary"

"Mercenary?"

"Yes. With a sword on your shoulder, watching the battle of that day, and then, wandering to another country to another battle. Income is low, but at least you know many people..."

"I remind you that I do much better when I fight only with my fists. You´re a complement"

"That hurt! But I forgive you, because you´re my partner. By the way, partner, do you remember the other day..."

"What?"

"Partner, they call you Gandálfr, right?"

"Yes, that's the name of the alleged legendary Familiar of the fraud of Brimir. When I heard that, I didn't like it"

"Wait! Wait a minute, buddy. I think I remember something...!"

"And now that?"

"No, it's a very old memory... It was a long time ago, it must be in the corner of my head..."

Derflinger kept muttering —hm—, —aha—, and —aah— repeatedly.

"Maybe you're confused, since it was a long time ago. Also, where's the head of a sword anyway!?"

Derflinger thought about it for a while "On the handle, maybe?" His answer made me laugh.

"Darling! How much do you talk to your weird sword?!" that was Kirche.

"Listen, noble girl! I´m no weird sword! I'm Derflinger!" Derf replied slightly annoyed.

"It's okay. It's okay. What you say" said Kirche downplaying the claim. Then she spoke to me again "But seriously, what are you talk?"

"You won't like the answer" I said honestly.

"Oh please! The atmosphere is already sad and gloomy enough because of the situation. What could be worse?" she said emanating joy.

"About Louise's wedding to Wardes"

"Oh. Was that" joy that vanished and melancholy replaced it.

Me and my mouth. But in my defense it was she who asked.

Better I change the conversation "You both will return to Tristain flying on that blue dragon right?"

Kirche lost a little melancholy before answering.

"Yes. Tabitha is just waiting for the Eagle to leave before calling Sylphid" I nodded, seeing how it wouldn't be convenient for a gigantic flying reptile to suddenly appear in the harbor. Kirche's lust began to increase "You're going to come with us, right?" and it increased again "It would be a wonderful trip: everyone riding on a blue dragon like the sky and while we flew you would protect me from not falling into the sea surrounding me with your arms… or do you prefer that be me who surrounds you with my arms" Kirche used her forearms to lift her breasts, making the suggestive and at the same time clear idea that she would rub it on my back during the trip.

Again: me and my mouth.

"That depends on whether Sylphid can bear my weight or not" I replied.

"But we're not as many people as we were at Mott's mansion that time. Sylphid can surely take us all 3 perfectly without any problem, isn't it Tabi?" she asked her question looking towards Tabitha. Internally I wishing she would say no.

"Maybe" she replied, turning a page in her book and in her characteristic soft and stoic tone. Kirche just smiled at me, almost victorious.

Thus the minutes passed as we watched the last passengers board and soldiers retreating to fight.

"But what?" Suddenly, I began to lose consciousness of everything around me "Hmm!?"

"What happen, partner?" Derf asked me.

Like a haze, the sight in my left eye began to blur. Within seconds my entire left vision was almost completely obscured.

"My left eye is acting strange"

"It must be because you are tired" said Derflinger.

"Of course not!"

"What happen darling?"

"My left eye is acting strangely"

"It may be because you're tired" Kirche replied.

"Your see partner. I told you!"

"Which isn't that!" the sight of my left eye was becoming increasingly distorted. Until suddenly "I see something!" My left and right eyes felt like completely separate parts. They were no longer forming a single image within my brain: I was seeing a different image, a mixture of two different perspectives.

"What do you see, partner!?"

"I'm not sure"

"Familiar senses" said Tabitha, who was still reading her book. How many pages does that have?

"It's true! Maybe it's Louise's perspective" Kirche told me.

Now I remember what Louise said some time ago: that a Familiar is his master's eyes and ears.

"But from day one Louise told me she couldn't see or hear with my eyes and ears! Why right now?! And why am I the one who sees her?!"

"It is not a constantly activated ability. The magician can use it whenever he likes and even some magicians have difficulty seeing and hearing through their Familiar depending on how powerful they are" Kirche began to explain to me in a professional tone that I had not heard before her "But I never read that was a Familiar who sees through the eyes of its master, and you Tabi?" but Tabitha gently denied.

Look at my left hand. The runes carved there shone brightly, even though it had no weapon in it. In fact, her assumption must be correct.

This must be part of my skills. It must be another Gandálfr skills.

Let's see, assuming this is what Louise is seeing with her left eye, I close my right eye for a few seconds in order to focus just one image. So… SHIT!

"I must go to the church!" I look at Kirche "Do you know where it is?!"

"I have no idea, I already said I've never been to Albion!" Tabitha also denied.

I looked everywhere and I quickly headed for one of the last remaining soldiers in harbor.

"You, soldier!" I shouted calling the man's attention.

"Hey! You are that invincible man at the party!" he said jubilantly.

"Do you know where the church is in this place?"

"Why do you want to go there? Nothing is happening anymore"

"I don't have time to explain it! I need to know where it is... NOW!"

The man started to get scared but was still able to answer me.

"By the main exit of the castle, 20 blocks west. It is a large white building with a cross at the tip"

Nodding to thank him, I started running towards the exit of the underground harbor.

"Darling, what's up?!"

"Louise is in danger!"

"WHAT?!"

I stop listening to Kirche after that. Pushing the soldiers and running through the corridors I quickly reached the exit of the castle. In the distance I saw that cross.

I hope it's not too late.

[A]

¡BAAM!

CHAPEL OF NEWCASTLE (MINUTES BEFORE)

POINT OF VIEW: FEMALE NARRATOR

In the church chapel, where Founder Brimir's portrait was hanging, Prince Wales was waiting for the groom and bride to appear. There were no other people around, because everyone was busy preparing for the next battle. Wales had also planned, once the ceremony was over, he would prepare for battle as well.

The prince was dressed in his crown gala uniform. He wore a bright purple cloak, symbol of the Royal Family, and a seven-colored winged hat, the symbol of the Albion Royal Family.

The door opened, Louise and Wardes arrived. Louise froze with a shy expression on her face, so Wales had to incite her to go ahead of him.

Louise was puzzled. Everything happened so suddenly. Wardes broke into her room this morning and brought her here, without even waking her up properly. She was surprised, because desperate feelings swelled in her mind. She came here without thinking, still half asleep. Because the prince was determined to die and his death would bring sadness to Henrietta, she was very depressed.

Wardes, after telling Louise that —It was time to get married— he put a bridal veil borrowed from the Albion Royal Family over Louise's head. The veil was very well made, and the flowers, which were eternally fresh due to magic, made it look like indescribable beauty.

And naturally, the engagement necklace was around her neck with the engagement ring at the lower end. In the same way that Louise was prepared for this important day, finally that ring would also fulfill the purpose for which it was forged.

Wardes then removed Louise's black cloak and replaced it with a white one, which was also taken from the Albion Royal Family. Only brides were allowed to wear it, as it was a cloak of a virgin woman.

Even as she was dressed with Wardes' hands, Louise still didn't respond. Wardes understood Louise's attitude as a sign of her affirmative will.

Wardes and Louise stood in front of Wales, who was standing underneath the image of Founder Brimir, dressed in his official uniform. Wardes, who was wearing his usual clothes and a magic mantle, bowed his head.

"Well then, let's start the ceremony"

The prince's voice reached Louise's ears. However, it sounded like a faint sound from a distant bell. Louise's mind was still lost in the fog of her own thoughts.

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

Wardes nodded solemnly and grabbed his wand with his left hand, holding it to the front of his chest.

"I swear"

Wales looked at Louise and smiled encouragingly.

"Bride, third daughter of the Duke de La Vallière, Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Vallière..." said the prince, reading the oath in a clear voice.

At that moment, Louise realized that she was in the middle of a wedding ceremony. Her bridegroom: the faithful Wardes, the person she once longed for. A marriage arranged by her parents. What was once a distant future, now began to become reality.

Not that I don't like Wardes. Maybe I even like him. But if so, why am I in so much pain!? Why do I feel so sad!?

Is it because I saw a kingdom turn into ruins? Or is it because I faced a prince who abandoned his love and hope, to die?

Is not that. Although those are sad events that hurt, there wouldn't be a cloud of sadness hanging over my mind just because of that.

It was a deep, melancholic cloud, which was difficult to bear.

Louise suddenly remembered Asura's comments when he spoke to her about his —Ability to detect emotions—.

Why did he say such a thing to me? Is it because he can really feel the emotions of others?! Why?! Is it because he can't really feel Wardes' love for me?! Why?!

Louise started to blush at the thought and because the night before, albeit in deep pain, she easily clung to Asura's chest, who was accidentally in the hallway.

Recalling that moment, Louise realized something incredible: when she clung to Asura's chest... he had held her with his arms.

With his 2 big and powerful arms.

She was too sad at the time to realize it, but sure enough: the action Asura had taken in her dream before starting the journey was the same one he had done the night before.

But the feeling than that hug produced in Louise was not the same as in her dream...

It was better.

Asura's arms were big, solid, and swollen with muscles and at the same time warm, comfortable, and offered her an unparalleled sense of peace and security.

Louise felt that if the world were destroyed in the next minute she would remain safe as long as she was between Asura's arms.

It was curious how the feelings her Familiar caused her were quite different and better from those caused by her fiancé.

But are those feelings true!? I don't know. Wouldn't it be better to try to find out?

After all, no matter how excited or sad she had been, she would never comfort herself in a man's chest.

"Bride?"

Wales looked in her direction. Louise was panicking.

She had the expression of a person who did not know what was doing there. Louise was puzzled.

What should I do? What should be done at times like this?

No one taught her that. Only her Familiar, who is now far away, could know the answer.

"Are you nervous? That's fine. It's your wedding, it's normal to be nervous" Wales was smiling as she spoke "My god, we still have to keep the label! Doing this would make sense only if we have to follow the label. So, I repeat. Do you take this man as your husband, and swear to respect and love him in the name of Founder Brmir...?"

Louise noticed. She should not hesitate to answer, nor wait for someone to tell her what to do.

As Asura had told her: she must think for herself. Not following the expectations of others, not guided by reward or appearances. She had to make decisions on her own.

Determined, Louise took a deep, deep breath.

And, before Wales finished his words, Louise shook her head.

"Bride?"

"Louise?" Wardes asked in dismay.

The two men looked suspiciously at Louise's face. She looked at Wardes with a sad expression on her face and once again shook her head.

"Jeez, Louise. You feel bad!?"

"No, is not that. Sorry..."

"If today is a bad day, then let it be another..."

"It's not that, it's not that! Sorry Wardes, I can't marry you!"

Wales seemed to hesitate before the sudden turn of events.

"Bride, isn't this the marriage you want?"

"Yes, that's what it is. I want to apologize to both of you for my rudeness. It was a painful decision to make, but I don't want to get married"

A furious blush spread quickly on Wardes' face. Wales turned to him and said in an embarrassed, doubtful and pitiful voice.

"Viscount, I´m very sorry, but the bride doesn´t want that ceremony to continue"

However, Wardes paid no attention to Wales, and took Louise's hand.

"...You are nervous, dear Louise. You can't be true to reject me!"

"Sorry, Wardes. Before, I longed for you. Maybe... maybe I even loved you once. However, now it is different!"

Then, Wardes grabbed Louise's shoulder. The expression in his eyes changed. Gone was the usual kindness of his face, replaced by the cold chill of a reptile.

Wardes shouted feverishly "The world, Louise! I'm going to rule the world! You are necessary for that!"

Frightened by Wardes' sudden change, Louise was still shaking her head.

"...I... I´m not necessary for that"

Wardes stretched out both hands "You are necessary to me! Your ability! Your power!"

Louise freaked out more and more. Not even in his wildest dreams can she imagine Wardes frowning or screaming like that. Louise tried to walk away.

"Louise, have you forgotten what I told you!? You are just as powerful as Founder Brimir, you told me you possess the Void element, you will be an excellent magician someday! You have to be on my side! You must be with me!"

"Wardes, what..." Louise's voice trembled with fear. It was not the Wardes Louise knew. What had made him such a person?

Wales, who could not bear Wardes' threatening attitude towards Louise any longer, stepped in.

"Viscount... that's enough. What are you talking about regarding the power of the Void? Behave like the nobleman who you is...!"

However, Wardes punched away Wales' outstretched hand "You shut up!"

Wales stopped, surprised by Wardes' words. Wardes took Louise's hand like it was a snake coiling around her.

"Louise! You are necessary to me!"

"I have no talent as a magician!"

"THE VOID LOUISE! THE DIVINE VOID! I MUST HAVE YOUR POWER, LOUISE!"

Louise tried to shake off Wardes' hand, but the incredible strength with which he clung to her prevented it. Grimacing, Louise spoke:

"I'd rather die than marry you! Now I understand, you never loved me! You only wanted my magic power! It's cruel to marry someone just for that reason! It is an insult!"

Louise screamed in rage. Wales put a hand on Wardes' shoulder, trying to push him away, but Wardes shoved Wales, knocking him to the ground.

Wales turned red, and, rising to his feet again, drew his wand "How rude! It is an insult! Viscount, get your hands off Miss Valliere right now! Or else I will have to attack you!"

Only then did Wardes finally release Louise's hand. A smile appeared on his lips. However, the smile was forced and obviously false.

"Even if I beg you, Louise!? My Louise!"

Louise spoke, while trembling with wrath "No, you're not the person I want to marry...!"

Wardes looked up at the church roof "And to think that I have made such great efforts, to capture your feelings during this trip...!" Wardes spread his hands wide, throwing his head back "Well, it can't be helped. I guess I'll have to give up on this goal!"

"Goal!?" Louise looked doubtful. What are he talking about?

The corners of Wardes' lips rose, forming a sickly-looking smile.

"That's right. There were three goals I needed accomplish during this trip. Unfortunately, only two of them I could get"

"Accomplish!? Two? What are you talking about viscount!?" Louise asked, feeling shivers of restlessness in her back. Her mind was working at full power, trying to figure out what was happening.

Wardes extended his right hand showing three fingers and bending the index finger.

"The first was that, Louise, you had to fall in love to me. However, it seems like I won't be able to accomplish that"

"Obviously not!"

Wardes smiled, tilting his middle finger.

"The second... Louise, is in your pocket, Henrietta's letter, right!?"

Louise freaked out "Wardes, that..."

"And, the third goal ..."

After Wardes mentioned Henrietta's letter, Wales understood everything, using his wand and began to cast a spell.

However, Wardes had already prepared before.

"Your life, damn Wal…!"

TUUM!

BRARARARARARARARM!

The entire structure of the church boomed with overwhelming and unstoppable force. The magicians present lost their balance and had almost fallen to the ground.

TAANK!

When the 2 big gates were opened and almost abruptly destroyed, they knew the origin of that monstrous force: Asura.

"I object!" Derflinger shouted from his scabbard "I always wanted to say that at a wedding, hehe!"

Without wasting time, the Prince pointed his wand at Wardes "Dell yill soll la windy!" and reciting the same spell that the latter used in the combat against Asura (although in a weaker version) the heir of Albion wounded and removed of his presence to the member of the anarchic group.

"Come here asshole!" taking advantage of the blow of wind that sent the traitor flying towards him, Asura jumped with the intention of catching Wardes and forcibly restraining him, and in the way breaking some of his ribs.

However Wardes had very good reflexes and using his wind magic he was able to evade the gigantic man and reposition himself at the entrance of the church.

Asura planted himself on the ground again, halfway between the duo of Louise and Wales and the damn Wardes. It was not a defeat: his priority was to keep both magicians safe.

"Damn! DAMN AND REPUGNANT SAVAGE FAMILIAR!" Wardes shouted desperately.

"The only damn and repugnant thing here is you Wardes!" Asura shouted, his fists vibrating with wrath.

"Prince Wales, are you alright?!" Louise asked quickly, praying that Wardes' wand-sword had not harmed Wales.

"I'm fine, Miss Valliere" composing himself, the Prince of Albion pointed his wand again at the Griffon knight "Damn Reconquest! You don't even have the honor of killing me on the battlefield!"

"In war everything goes!"

Louise also regained her balance and pointed her wand at the traitor "Albion! Are you an Albionian noble!? Wardes!" Louise screamed as she trembled.

"That's right. I´m truly a member of Albion's noble faction, Wardes from Reconquest" he replied in a cold voice, without emotions.

"Why!? Why, if you were a Tristainian noble before!?"

"We are the first heralds of Halkeginia's future: a union of nobles who have no national borders. Nothing limits us. Halkeginia will be unified in our hands, we are going to recover the —Holy Land— of Founder Brimir"

"Before... you weren't like this before! Why have you changed so much, Wardes...!?"

"Years, accidents and fate. Even though the person you knew changed, my nature you now see did not change"

"YOU LIE BASTARD!" Asura roared, looking at the traitor with extreme hatred "You never loved Louise! That's why you challenged me to a duel: to try to humiliate me and receive her admiration! That's why you asked me to trust you: to make me let guard down and carry out your plans, when you discovered how inferior you are against me!"

"I'M NOT INFERIOR TO ANYONE! But you are right about something: I have never loved Louise, I loved the power I would get from her! Just accept the engagement to take over the power of the Valliere House and when I discovered that she had the power of the Void, I fell in love of that power! I didn't care in the least about Louise, I only cared about that power!"

"Why?" Louise was shocked and very frightened by the things said by her ex-fiancé. Not in her worst nightmares would she have imagined that those words would come out of his mouth "Why are you doing this Wardes?! Why that sick desire for power?!"

"Isn't obvious, Louise?"

There was no response from the little magician. Wardes looked at her with contempt and continued his dialogue as if he knew exactly that would happen.

"There is no reason to obtain more power than power itself. Whether it's economic, political or magical, it's never enough, you should always get more power. No matter what you should do, what or who you should sacrifice or kill, you should always get more power… BECAUSE IT IS THE NECESSARY POWER TO CHANGE THE WORLD! BECAUSE POWER IS EVERYTHING!"

Extensive tears flowed from Louise's eyes.

"...Wardes... you´re a monster..."

Wardes' answer, as sharp as his sword:

"But I'm the monster you fell in love with..." and his eyes showed the same.

"I'm tired of listening to you, Wardes! I'll tear you to pieces!" Asura shouted, positioning himself for combat.

"Same to you, savage Familiar!" With a quick twist of his sword-wand, Wardes closed the church doors. Then he cast a spell "Ubiquitous vento Dell" When he finished reciting it, Wardes' body suddenly doubled.

3 to the left side, 3 to the right side. A total of 7 traitors were facing Asura and company.

One of the Wardes, the one in the center, suddenly pulled a white mask out of his cloak and put it on.

Asura's body trembled with pure wrath barely hinting at self-control. The masked man was Wardes. The man standing next to Fouquet... the one who nuisance up the whole trip was none other than Wardes.

"It was you...! Then it must have been you who helped Fouquet escape too!"

"Indeed. Furthermore, each has the power of the original. The wind is evenly distributed!"

Asura jumped back with which he could finally be close to Louise and Wales

"You two stay behind me! Don't go out for nothing!" the ex-demigod ordered.

The 7 Wardes aimed their enchanted swords at them "When we fought at La Rochelle I wasn't using my full power!

"And you think that me yes, stupid?!"

"Surely not. But you can't fight all of us...!" The 7 Wardes spoke in unison. Perfect and terrifying timing "and protect them alike! Crescere et talem fulgur nubes!"

7 dark clouds formed to almost cover the roof of the church. They were so close to each other that there was almost no distinction, making it look like a single dangerous and deadly cloud.

"Fulmina multa!"

A spectacle of lethal lightning flashed from those clouds. From top to bottom, side to side... dozens of electric arcs advancing in all directions and impacting different places.

Many of them beat Asura, who served as an indestructible barrier for Louise and Wales. But for every 10 lightning bolts that hit the ex-demigod's body...

"AUH!" One managed to get closer to those who should take care of and even harm them, as indicated by Louise's cry of pain after the impact of a lightning bolt on her forearm.

"Circumdate corpora nostra aeris protector!" It was Prince Wales' turn to sing his own spell.

A small wind cupola formed around him and the noble Valliere. It was a triangular spell that turned the air around the mage into a solid barrier, ideal for blocking arrows, bullets, and even other spells.

"Ouh!" Or at least that was the plan. Wales exclaimed in pain as a weak lightning struck his leg.

One of the first rules that all warrior mages learned was the so-called "Golden Rule of Defensive Spells" also called the —RBN or Ribbon Rule— due to the acronym that is formed by their functions: Reduce, Block, couNteract.

Reduce consisted of attenuating the power of a spell as much as possible to minimize damage. Block was about avoiding all damage from the spell whether it nullify the attack or strayed from its target. Counteract was to use a spell that would return an offensive spell to whoever cast it, but this was a form of magic extremely difficult for human magicians to achieve and only elves were said to be able to perform it perfectly.

The only flaw in this rule was another one called —Spell Hierarchy— which said that a higher level spell can always override the function of a lower level spell.

So when Wardes, a square magician, cast his lightning spell against the barrier of Wales, a triangular magician, this last could not nullify it and had to reduce it instead.

But it was thanks to the help of that barrier that Asura was finally able to break out of his defensive posture and switch to offensive.

"Take this, wretch!"

[B]

[B]

TRACK!

TRACK!

"Damn Familiar!" Wardes shouted when he saw 2 of his clones disappear.

Asura was shouldn´t to get away from Louise and the prince but he started throwing anything in range with all his might to hurt Wardes and his clones: pieces of wood, pieces of rock, brass instruments and even a bible. Asura's super strength turned every object he threw into a high-lethal projectile.

Unfortunately, that tactic was soon sabotaged.

"Aer brachium attrahunt omnes!"

The original Wardes used his wind magic to generate something very similar to a giant arm made of air. Asura thought he would use it to attack him or catch Louise and Wales, but instead he used it to sweep away any solid object that was near the ex-demigod in order to leave him with no ammunition to throw.

In turn, all of the clones kept throwing their lightning bolts and some hit Louise and Wales causing them to converge on low but constant damage.

The chapel was approximately 22 meters long by 10 wide and 5 high. Asura was able to cover the greatest of those distances with a jump in just a second, but doing so meant leaving Louise and Wales completely unprotected, at which time any of the Wardes could attack with all their power and kill them. Since few time, ex-demigod already he had realized than that wind barrier did not offer enough protection, and that second was all the damn traitor needed to achieve his goal, not to mention that if he did not control his strength (which he rarely does) it could end breaking through the walls of the chapel when attacking any of the clones.

Of course, Asura was not so stupid as not to realize that if he used Derf his abilities would greatly increase; but he firmly followed his philosophy of not killing humans, which means that he would be more concerned about not killing Wardes by accident (as much as he deserved it) than defeating him, which would not have been an advantage but a complete disadvantage.

Using his blow that caused a strong earthquake would not work because Wardes was able to use his wind magic to levitate and that attack would end up affecting Louise and Wales and if he started to produce pebbles based on blows on the ground he would lose time and significant concentration that he needed to block Wardes' lightning bolts.

If he wasn't focused on the safety of those 2, Albion's filthy traitor would have already fallen by his fist. Asura had no knowledge of how to act in situations where there are civilians who could be harmed by a carelessness on their part… he had no idea what to do.

The magicians for their part were equal to or worse than the ex-demigod.

Wales wanted to get out of his dome and confront Wardes to give the asshole what he deserves. Whoever is a triangular magician against a square magician one had nothing to do with it. Using their spells well and with proper strategy, a lower level magician can defeat a higher one. But Wardes was another song: he was one of the best magician knights in existence and his ability to multiply made him an extremely dangerous enemy.

If he came out of his shelter he would be dead in a few seconds, since the biggest flaw of his protection spell is that he could not attack when activated. And in the time he would take to reposition himself and recite an attack spell, his life would be taken by the traitorous Albionian, just like the life of the noble Valliere.

Louise was hyperventilating. As if the tension of the wedding had not been enough, it turns out that her fiancé was a traitor, he tried to kill the prince and now he was trying to kill her.

As she watched the fight unfold, Louise realized that her presence was only an inconvenience, a weakness for her powerful Familiar as past experiences have shown. She knew that Asura fought much better alone than in company.

She remembered the textbooks from the Academy where they clearly explained that a Familiar is the servant and guardian of his master, it was his sword as well as a shield. Asura was fulfilling this last part perfectly (and literally) well, but due to the presence of her and the prince he could not attack as he wished.

She swore to herself that if in the future she came to write a book about the Familiars, the first line of all would say: —If your Familiar has overwhelming power, beyond what is conceivable and must fight against an enemy... let it take care of everything and go away immediately—

Both magicians knew what the solution was: they had to trust Asura. This strange man, who possessed strength and endurance beyond imagination, was the only one capable of stopping Wardes. If he was able to stop a warship from a distance by just throwing iron balls at it, then stopping the traitor was nothing but a joke.

"Oh!"

"Ouh!"

For the moment, all they could do was endure the lightning.

"I've had enough of you!" exclaimed the remaining 5 Wardes, raising the enchanted swords at the same time "Colossus ventum fractionis!"

Everyone's wands lit up at the tip before releasing a thunderous gust of wind. There were 5 furious and gigantic bursts of air at high speed that ended up damaging almost all the stone walls and destroying all the furniture, the beautiful stained glass windows, the marble structures, the image of the founder Brimir but above all...

BAAM!

"AAAHHH!" the magical shelter where Louise and the prince were. Both ended up being thrown until they hit the back wall.

"Louise!"

"NOW THEY WILL DIE!" The 5 Wardes pointed their wands that sparked with extremely powerful lightning bolts.

"Partner, use me to defend!" Derflinger shouted pleadingly.

Asura did not understand why Derf wanted to be wielded to resist a magical attack, but only instinctively he did so.

"It's useless! A sword cannot stop my attack!" The Wardes shouted "Fulgur letalis!" 5 powerful and lethal lightning bolts were fired at the same time. If it will impact to any human, it would kill him and char his skin instantly.

How was Derf supposed to block an attack of such magnitude? Not even he could block that attack in its entirety without an electric arc escaping and killing Louise or Wales!

However, the lightning bolts, instead of sending a blow to his body or that of the magicians, were absorbed by Derflinger.

Suddenly, a light began to emanate from Derflinger, intensifying for seconds as the blade regained its metallic luster and integrity.

"Derf!? What are you...!"

"This is my true form, partner! I didn´t forget it! My tired body rusted! Anyway, it's a pretty long story, partner!"

"Make it short!"

"Impatient as always! Well, I forgot. But don't worry, partner. I´m the worst nightmare of all the magic around me! That's me, the left hand of Gandálfr: The great Derflinger!"

Wardes watched with intense hatred the sword Asura was holding

"Impossible! How could a damn scrap stop my attack?!"

"Scrap your grandmother!" Derflinger replied very annoyed.

I felt again that we parodied something. Asura thought, but quickly refocused on the fight.

"It doesn't matter what tricks you use... I'll teach you why magic beats force!"

"Dell yill soll la windy!" the prince cast his spell again, injuring one of the clones.

"Wales, stay back!" Asura shouted angrily.

"Ignis sphaera!"

BOOM!

The spell intended for Wardes exploded to the ground under his feet. One of the clones disappeared.

"Louise, you too! Why the hell did you two come out when I told you not to?!"

"Sorry, but it is time for this traitor to receive a lesson from me!" shouted the prince, angry and very determined "I hope you are ready Wardes!"

.

.

.

"Hahahahaha!... Hahahahaha!... HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

The traitor's maddened laugh acted in response.

A very horrible one.

"Not even a single one..." the traitorous magician straightened as one possessed "Not even a single goal could I accomplish... and all because of your damn fault, Familiar" there was deadly poison in Wardes' words, only being matched by the intense hatred emanating from his eyes "I had a good future planned: me ruling the masses, Louise being the necessary tool to bring about the change that is required… and even you would have received a great benefit… perhaps as our personal bodyguard"

"If you're going to beg for forgiveness, you can already shut up your damn mouth! Because I won't give it to you!" Asura shouted, very furious.

"I'm not begging anyone's forgiveness! Reconquest will guide all Halkeginia along the holy path of virtue! Nothing can stop us!"

"Wardes please!" Louise spoke, with tears in her eyes and a heart almost broken, but showing a solid will "Remember the lessons that my mother taught you. Remember what we magicians fight for: for our kingdom... for our honor... but above all: for the Royal crown. Kings and queens strive every day to improve Halkeginia. The nobles were blessed with the power of magic, we must use it to progress, to protect others and to help those in need. There is nothing noble in being superior to someone else, true nobility is in being superior to your former self"

Asura was surprised.

No, more than that: he was proud.

Louise had used the words that he said the day when settled things with the academy students and teachers, and had spoken it with a conviction higher than heaven itself.

And most importantly: the intention behind her words.

She had the right to feel wrath, to feel fury or even hatred for the man who had betrayed her and the brother countries. But none of those emotions were present: she really wanted Wardes to stop, not because she was forgiving him but because she wanted this whole pointless fight to end.

Unfortunately, those words meant nothing to Wardes.

"You are stupid Louise. I don´t understand how a great power as the Void could fall into the hands of someone like you!" he tightened his sword-wand with greater force "Do you want me to tell you the truth about your mother?! SHE IS A STUPID WOMAN! She is the most powerful magician ever, and she still decides to use that power in a country that is declining and heading for its own ruin! Worse still: she has rejected all requests made to her to train or even lead magician troops in order to fight the elfs! She is the reason why the Holy land is not in our hands yet!"

"Don't talk about my mother like that!" The tears of sadness stopped flowing from Louise's eyes at the same time that hatred began to flow through her veins.

"It's not about nobility the reason I'm doing this Louise: it's about power… POWER IS EVERYTHING! Having power no matter who you are or where you come from, you have control over everything and everyone. Your word is the will of others whether they want it or not! I could go outside and order people to dress how I want, eat only what I allow or even murder those who have a different skin color than mine or are from some country or town that I hate without giving them any motive and even so everyone would obey me, because they know that if they don't do it, I'll be the one to kill them! THOSE WHO HAVE POWER ARE THOSE WHO DICTATE THE LAWS AND ORDER OTHERS! THOSE WHO HAVE NO POWER SHOULD ONLY OBEY! THIS IS HOW THE WORLD REALLY WORKS!"

"That way of thinking is why Reconquest will be the ruin of Halkeginia!" Wales exclaimed, incredibly angry. His smile that once showed elegance and happiness, now showed sharp fangs "Your cause is awash with madness and unbridled hatred! They don't care what they do to others, they only care about achieving their goals without considering the consequences! How many lives do you want to end to get what you want?! Your cause is an insult to the founder's teachings!"

"MY CAUSE IS FAIR AND I WILL FINISH WITH THE NECESARY LIVES TO FULFILL IT!"

Time stood still immediately around Asura. He couldn't see or hear anyone; but deep in his mind a scene was repeated with extreme and detailed precision.

It was his showdown against Deus.

"The Hell, you say? This planet considers mortals its enemy and is trying to devour all of their souls. This planet denies our birthright. Yes, this world is Hell. That is why sacrifices must be made to save him. It doesn't matter how many mortal souls it costs!... My cause is fair!"

They were the same words OF-THE-DAMN-DEUS.

"Hey partner... would you mind loosening your grip a little..." Derf's voice sounded painfully pleading.

"Well, time to kill you all! Caeli foramen accused transire!" Wardes recited the same spell with which he attempted to pierce through Wales' heart before. The wands were shaking with the swirling magic spinning around them making them glow.

"The wand is surrounded by a magical whirlpool, so I can't absorb that attack!" Everyone heard Derf's warning.

"Noble Valliere, fight by my side!"

"Of course prince!"

They were all within a second of attacking with their respective spells.

But something overwhelmingly more powerful than them, stepped forward...

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

That scream was beastly. It could only be described as the channeling of wrath in the form of sound waves.

The air inside the chapel, each molecule was trembling in suffering being a victim of such power. The magicians present grimaced in pain, their bones and organs vibrating in agony and they had to forcefully cover their ears almost crushing them against their heads; they were quite sure that if it were not for the broken stained glass at the moment they would already be hopelessly deaf.

The sound energy Asura produced was so powerful that all of the chapel stained glass windows still intact ended up completely shattered within a few seconds and the pieces of glass that fell to the ground shook multiple times as they continued to shatter to become pea-sized or even less. The rock that made up the structure suffered from cracking and forming so many cracks that simulated the branches of a tree. The ground itself felt as if it was going to split at any moment and the land on which the structure resided would devour them.

The clones did not get rid of this either. All of them were static because being air constructions they were affected by the vibrations produced by Asura's scream; only Wardes' excellent control of magic in forming them prevented them from disintegrating, but they could not move.

"Asura! What's happening to you?!"

"Gandálfr's source of power is emotions! Sadness! Love! Pleasure! The wrath! All that! And now, it seems that our Gandálfr is very angry!" Derf answered Louise.

Asura's face showed absolute fury, but inside she was smiling.

So Gandálfr's source of power is emotions?

GUESS WHO HAS AN ENERGY REACTOR EMBEDDED IN THE CHEST THAT WORKS USING EMOTIONS!

[A]

Asura positioned Derf with the tip of his edge on the ground and pointed at the first of all Wardes' clones...

[Y]

SLASH!

CRAK!

Attacking with a diagonal upward cut, that clone barely had time to know what had happened to it before it disappeared. The only thing that proved that he was ever there was the gigantic cut in the wall of the chapel that extended from where Derf's point had touched the ground to the ceiling, the result of Asura's new and deadly attack.

The young Valliere and the crown prince stared in amazement at the event. Neither believed what their eyes saw, but even if they wanted to deny it, the evidence was clear: Asura, the powerful man in front of them, had moved his sword with a colossal force and speed that he produced an wind knife with which he cut the clone in the distance.

Finally, that was the result of they confidence in Asura.

Finally, they were saved.

When the information of what was happening reached Wardes' brain, he knew that he had to seize this opportunity and use all his power and all the remaining clones to kill the prince.

He was not going to make it.

[X]

SLASH!

CRAK!

In much less than a blink of an eye, Asura attacked again with his ranged cut and destroyed another of the clones by cutting him from head to toe. If he had been a normal and alive person, then it would be the grotesque image of a man cut in half.

Asura had always been inferior to Yasha when it came to speed. Where the bearer of wrath excelled in physical strength, the bearer of melancholy was best at moving fast, killing as many as a dozen different Gohmas, standing several meters from each other and located in random directions, in just a few thousandths of second.

But with the power of Gandálfr of helping him...

[X]

SLASH!

CRAK!

The last clone was cut from his right leg to his left arm. Had he been a normal human, the magicians present would have been giving a horrible view of his limbs separated from his torso.

With all the clones destroyed, Wardes knew that the only one left to suffer the wrath of Louise's Familiar was him. The mission had been a failure and fearing for his life, the Reconquest member had only to escape.

That he could do it, was something else.

[A]

ROOOOOOKT!

Asura ran in the direction of the damn traitor. He wouldn't end up ramming him because he had used Derf to slow down, driving part of the sword into the chapel floor before taking the first step.

Once he was right in front of Wardes, the ex-demigod of wrath shifted his position and raised his sword.

And it was there that Wardes saw it perfectly.

Brimir... That face!

From the first second that he had heard that savage, furious and destructive scream, Wardes also began to hear a voice inside his head telling him, yelling and begging to run to save his life. The Knight Griffin knew that voice was nothing but his survival instinct, which fulfilled his sole duty: to prevent his death. Many times it saved his life in the past but still believing he had chances to win, he decided to ignore it.

Serious mistake.

Because when Wardes saw that face, which was the incarnation of a wrath beyond all imaginable and monstrous nightmares, the traitor knew what was going to happen next: Asura was finally going to give him the death blow.

He was going to end his life.

He deserved it?

Of course: he betrayed Louise's heart, declared that he only plan to use she as a mere tool, attempted to kill the royalty of a country and was going to carry out a genocidal revolution across the continent.

At least his death was going to be fully justified, right?

However, one last piece must be added to this situation: the survival instinct is not only capable of warning when it is time to flee from danger, but it can also do, outside the user's will, what is necessary to preserve the life... and here there was to be no exception.

Wardes' own instincts took over his actions: he raised the arm that held his enchanted sword in one last attempt to stop Asura's attack.

Perhaps and only perhaps, when both swords collided he could escape and still accomplish his goal.

[FURY!]

Slash!

.

.

Tun

.

.

.

.

.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH! DAMN! MY AAAAAARM! -

Wardes did not seem to remember that Asura was not a ruthless killer. In the last second before he descended Derf to land a fatal blow to the traitor's skull, the white-haired man had retracted a few but valuable centimeters of his sword in such a way that he managed to cut Wardes' left forearm, just an inch below of elbow.

It was a clean cut: there were no protruding muscle pieces, tendons, nerves, veins or arteries. The glove and the clothes he was wearing made no difference in the process, these were also neatly cut. The only thing that indicated that a limb was ever there was the constant flow of blood. The vital liquid tried in vain to continue nourishing a component of the body that was no longer part of it and will never be again.

Letting himself be guided by fear, Wardes turned around, forgetting his missing limb on the floor and hurried out the door of the church, although it took him a couple of seconds to open it, why the fuck did he think it was a good idea to close it?

Oh right: he underestimate the last person in this whole world who had to.

But at least his chance was done: now he could escape and resume his plans. He would have to take serious precautions… EXTREMELY serious precautions from now on, but he could still achieve his goal.

"Murus ignis formam"

A broad barrier of fire made an appearance on the path of Wardes. The traitor instinctively stopped almost immediately, skidding a few inches but never entering the flames.

"Gelidus ventus"

Before he could decide on a new escape route, a gust of very cold wind immobilized him, freezing his feet. A second blast did him the painful favor of stopping his bleeding by freezing the stump of his left arm.

Asura, Louise and Wales left the church to chase the traitor and met the 2 people who had already done the work for them.

"You guys had fun so much, right darling?" Although the voice indicated joy, in the tone of the speaker could also one can notice concern and even discomfort.

"Kirche... Tabitha..." the ex-demigod spoke.

"How long have both been here?" Louise asked.

"Since this ruffian started shouting all his stupid beliefs" the redhead replied with contempt looking at the frozen knight "We would have come to help them but we already know that my Asura is better fighting alone and we were going to be an obstacle"

The aforementioned nodded "Thanks Kirche"

"Don't call him your Asura, he's my Familiar!" Louise turned to the aforementioned to yell at his for not rejecting the Zerbst woman's flattery...

She could never do it.

Because where her Familiar's eyeballs should be, with a well-defined sclera, iris, and pupil… Louise found a bright golden light.

It's like that occasion!

Little Valliere thought as she recalled the events of Count Mott's mansion and how her Familiar had been infuriated to impossible levels and her eyes had turned into that appearance. That explained why Kirche sounded so concerned.

It was the second time that the pink-haired magician saw her Familiar with those eyes. And it was also the second time that her Familiar almost killed someone. Although part of her said that just like with the Count, Wardes deserved what happened to him and even more… it was just terrifying to see Asura with those eyes.

His body is invulnerable to practically all attacks, his blood is orange and his eyes sparkle as his wrath rises beyond his control… How many more secrets does Asura keep? It was Louise's thoughts as she watched her Familiar's eyes slowly return to their normal state, much to her and Kirche's relief.

The matter with Asura's eyes as well as the typical Valliere-Zerbst discussion were interrupted by the footsteps of Prince Wales walking towards Wardes. He put his wand on the traitor's forehead and spoke to him firmly and hatefully in equal.

"Very well, Wardes of Reconquest. My beliefs compel me to fight my enemies with honor and a level playing field, but since you tried to treacherously kill me recently, this time I will make an exception. Any last words?"

Everyone waited for Knight Griffin's reply. There were so many things he could say: plead for his life, offend the prince, declare that even with his death the Reconquest would achieve it goal. But it was not the case.

"Just put ends with this"

Wales took a breath before proceeding "Will be a pleasure" pressing the wand even further against the traitor's forehead, the prince of Albion began to recite his spell that at that distance would destroy anyone's head "Dell yill so…!"

Fuim!

Wales was unable to complete the spell due to the intervention of an arrow that almost hit him in the arm. They all turned to see the attacker... or rather attackers.

"Is The Prince Wales!"

"And he's holding Wardes captive!"

"Catch them!"

"Reconquest!" Exclaimed the Albion heir, recognizing the uniforms.

It was a platoon of 50 soldiers, all commoners from what their melee weapons plus bows and arrows indicated, but still very dangerous in large numbers and in open space. He completely forgot about the traitor and pointed his wand at them.

"Aer iecit letalis!" A small sphere of air formed at the tip of his wand, which quickly shot like a bullet at a group of enemies and pierced the heads of those without helmets in their armor and they were perfectly aligned. There were 5 who fell dead.

"Ignis sphaera!" Kirche used his basic offensive spell and a fireball engulfed another group of 7 men, killing them slowly and painfully in the savage heat of the flames.

Fiuuuu!

"Rakus Wotale Isu Yise Hagaras" It was Tabitha's turn to recite her spell. Her staff began to shine, and from that brightness a powerful icy wind made her existence known. The wind gathered in sword-sharp icicles that in a blink were hurled at extremely high speed against another group of soldiers who pierced their hearts cleanly without the opposition of the armor. 11 men died against the power of the silent magician.

"Ignis sphaera!" Louise also chanted her own spell. She try to attack with a fireball but the only thing that came out was a typical explosion. Still it worked very well, sending 9 men to fly everywhere.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh!" Asura brandished Derflinger again and ran in the direction of the Reconquest members. The sentient sword blade cut through the wood and metal of enemy weapons making them almost useless for combat. There were some fools who continued to attack with their fists and with what was left of their weapons the ex-demigod of wrath only to feel the pain returned to them, as a result of the impacts against their practically invulnerable skin.

Only when there were no more weapons in sight with which they could attack the magicians, Asura kept Derf and ended up defeating the last soldiers in his favorite way:

[B] [B] [B] [B] [B] [B] [B] [B] [B]

[B] [B] [B] [B] [B] [B] [B] [B] [B] [B] [B]

[B] [B] [B] [B] [B] [B] [B] [B] [B] [B] [B] [B]

The minds of all the soldiers entered into unconsciousness accompanied by pain. Within seconds they were no longer a threat to magicians.

"We must get out of here! Another group of soldiers can arrive at any time!" Asura shouted.

In fact, everyone could hear the noise of cannons and the sounds of fire magic explosions, as well as the roaring voices of nobles and soldiers mingled in battle.

"Only after I finish this traitor!"

"Kyaaaaaaar!"

At that scream, everyone turned their heads towards the sky, where a creature could be seen approaching at high speed towards them. It had an equine-built body, but his skin was covered in feathers.

"Tempête?!" Louise exclaimed, startled, recognizing Wardes' Familiar Griffin.

"Don't let it get close!" Was Asura's command. He recalled that right in the commotion of the battle he had heard a whistle but paid no attention to it because he was focused on protecting Louise and the others. That whistle was produced by Wardes which, just as when they were in the Eagle, served to draw the attention of his Familiar and make it come to him.

Louise, Kirche and Wales began attacking the Griffin with their spells but they could not even touch it. It agility and evasion were incredible, even escaping the explosions of the pink-haired mage.

"Creare magna area frigore"

Tabitha performed a very effective tactic by creating with her magic an area of icy air that momentarily stopped the Griffin. Asura stood in front of the prince to protect him from an attack by the flying Familiar.

"Dell yill soll la windy"

FIUSSHHHHH!

But at the last second, a sudden gust of wind swept away all that icy air, allowing the winged creature to finally reach its master who had both arms raised horizontally, with a wooden wand in the one that still whole.

"AAAAAAAAHHHHH!"

Wardes' cry of suffering was completely understandable, considering how the sharp eagle claws of his Familiar cut the skin and flesh of his arms as he held and lifted him in the air, pain horribly amplified by the ice on his feet that served as tractive force.

Kirche re-launched his fire attack and Wales his wind bullet but the result of both was unsuccessful. Even though it was carrying Wardes with it claws, the extraordinary combination of agility, endurance, and stability of the Griffin allowed it to survive both attacks.

Thus, the traitor was saved from death and everyone on the ground saw how he was gradually moving away to an unknown destination.

"Damn! I should have killed him when I could!" exclaimed the heir of Albion with hatred.

"Did he have another wand all this time?" Louise's question was answered by Kirche.

"You don't know, Louise? Only a handful of magicians bring a second wand in case the first one is stolen or destroyed. It is extremely rare that they do so because that makes them look weak before the other nobles, especially if is a warrior magician: it means that they don´t have the necessary power to defend themselves or fulfill their objective and they must resort to trickery like pretending that they have been defeated or imprisoned to attack from indoors"

"That´s why never occurred to me to check him thoroughly when I caught everyone" Wales ran his hand through his blond hair, quite angry with himself "He will surely return to the Reconquest leaders to report the facts... that includes your presence and abilities" he said addressing Asura.

"Prince Wales!"

Just because it was a known voice, the group did not take the action to defend or attack. Towards them came another group of soldiers, there being only a total of 10 men and among them was...

"Paris! Divine joy to see you!" Wales recognized his friend.

"I can say the same thing, young prince! We were supposed to meet at the front of the castle after you carried out the engagement of Lady Valliere and Knight Wardes. But not only was you delaying but when I heard that monstrous and savage scream come from the church direction, I began to fear the worst and came with some men to look for you"

Louise and Kirche looked slightly at Asura, who didn't seem upset at the description of his scream. The absence of any expression on his face was a sufficient sign that he did not actually care.

"I'm afraid Paris, that wedding was canceled"

"Oh. And that because it was? A last-minute love reveal?"

"I wish it had been that... Wardes turned out to be a member of Reconquest who infiltrated in order to take my life!"

The Knights of Wales gasped in surprise at this fact. Their faces contorted into an expression of unadulterated fury.

"To think that a Royal Knight would not only join that rebel group but also attack in the most dishonorable way possible" Paris gnashed his old teeth with hatred "Where's that traitor?! I will be the one to end his miserable life!"

"Unfortunately he ran away with his Griffin when we were defending ourselves from the Reconquest's soldiers" Wales cocked his head, looking disappointed "If it hadn't been for them... I wouldn't be alive"

They all turned their heads until their gaze fell on —Team Asura—.

Paris bowed in the most respectful way, just as a commoner should before his king "I cannot offer you anything in return that is worth enough for having saved the young prince's life... but I assure you that from the bottom of my heart that I´m very thankful"

Louise blushed a little at the words, Kirche smiled, Tabitha continued her stoic expression and Asura nodded.

"Well, now is the time to go back to the battlefront and teach Reconquest against who is facing!" Exclaimed the prince gleefully, walking towards his soldiers.

"Wait Prince Wales!"

"What's the matter, young Valliere?" Wales stopped walking.

"Please reconsider your decision. Think of your life and that of your men! Think of Princess Henrietta and how she will feel if you die! Please… go back to Tristain with me, everyone will be safe there" Louise was practically pleading. The tears in her eyes accentuated her words, the pain in her tone did the same job.

Wales looked back at the pink-haired magician with a charming smile "Henrietta is very lucky to have a friend and ambassador as devoted as you... but I already decided and I will not retract my words"

"Wales" they all set their sights on the white-haired giant. Asura slowly walked towards the prince and took him by the shoulders.

When their gazes made contact, for a second, the Albion heir felt as if the world around him had disappeared. Only he and Asura were left, whose presence made him feel extremely small but at the same time extremely secure.

"Are you sure this is what you want? Are you aware of what you are doing not only to yourself but also to everyone else? Answer me honestly?"

Wales kept looking into Asura's red eyes. He didn't know how, but those eyes somehow conveyed more emotion, confidence and pain than all the looks of the veteran soldiers in his army combined.

While more he saw those eyes, more he could see the person who owned them: he could see a friend, he could see a warrior, he could see a comrade-in-arms and he could even see a father….

Perhaps it was for that last reason that he began to cry.

"I must be very stupid..." he used his sleeve to wipe away his tears, which were quickly replaced with new ones "Only a stupid man would not escape certain death when he has every opportunity and right to do it. I know, that I'm doing doesn't make sense but..."

"But…"

"But that's what I believe in!" he pointed his hand towards Paris and the soldiers "I've grown up with these men, I've trained with these men... I've had fun and been angry with them alike!" he extended both arms fully "And we have all lived in Albion! This is our country, our beautiful white country! How can I abandon them or the country?! How can I not give my last breath defending it?! I know that I must escape and I am very afraid of dying… I know that our battle will be nothing more than a small wound in the Reconquest´s hand that will not take long to heal… BUT I STILL WANT TO DO IT! The only thing worse than die in this war... IS LIVE WITH THE BLAME THAT I DID NOT DEFEND MY COUNTRY OR MY PEOPLE TO THE END!"

So many beautiful words... so many noble reasons... and even with all of them those present could not help but feel sad and almost devastated. It is normal, considering how a life along with many others was shortly to die, without they could do something to avoid it.

"You won't change your mind... for nothing in the world?" was the warrior's question.

"It is my destiny and I will not change it" was the prince's response.

"That's where you're wrong Wales""

"What you say?"

"The fate must change"

[FURY!]

Unconsciousness hugged Wales' mind after another blow to the head, courtesy of the ex-demigod of wrath. The muscular man prevented the prince's body from falling by holding him below the right shoulder, his head falling back.

Louise and Kirche stared in surprise at the warrior's action. Before the first one started screaming to claim the attack, Paris approached Asura.

The old man wore the most grateful smile they have ever seen.

"Mister Asura... the country of Albion will be indebted to you forever"

"I'm not interested in the pay of a country about to die. I'm only interested in doing the right thing" he replied growling.

"Hahahahaha!... for the first and last time in my life, an insult has made me happy" despite the comment, Paris still did not give up his smile, only increased by seconds.

"Hey! What's going on here?!" Louise finally despaired "Why did you hit the prince?! And why is he accepting it so well?!" she ask looking at Asura and Paris dismayed.

"What you see Louise is the result of what you asked me to"

"What did I ask you?"

"That I did something that only I could do... and so I did"

"What does that mean? I don't understand anything!" Louise almost pulled her hair out of despair.

"Allow me to explain it to you, Miss Ambassador" Paris spoke again. "Last night, Mr. Asura visited me in my room and talked to me about the situation of Prince Wales… and I begged, bowing to him, to kidnap Wales"

"Kidnap!" Louise exclaimed with a combination of fear and surprise. Could this day get any weirder?

Asura groaned as he remembered how the old man had bowed at him, before answering the pink-haired magician.

"You heard the prince, Louise. It was the only way to save his life" Asura replied.

Paris nodded "Exactly. You see, Miss Ambassador, Wales being the sole heir to the throne of Albion his death would have been catastrophic. From finding someone related to the Royal Family to take the throne to making sure that he or she is competent for the position it would have taken months or even years... but now with the help of Mister Asura we can make sure that the prince lives, whether he wants it or not"

"But you told me there was nothing we could do about it anymore because our mission was already accomplished and that was his decision" Louise raised an eyebrow at her Familiar.

Asura looked away and focused on the unconscious prince "I don't know how to explain it... but before I went to sleep... something told me to protect Wales. It was so intense that I just couldn't ignore it… that's why I looked for Paris, to talk to him and know if he was agreed with the decision Wales made"

"I wasn't, of course" the old man replied.

"So we planned that I was going to knock out Wales and I will kidnaping him away after your wedding was over... but it all went to shit how could you see" Asura turned to see Paris "Take care of the rest and good luck"

In response the old man nodded smiling.

"What do you mean with —take care of the rest—?" Louise asked confused.

"The prince will be saved ambassador. But we his soldiers will still go to fight against Reconquest"

"WHAT?! Why?! If he can be saved, everyone can too!" Louise felt her heart wither as she saw Paris shake his head.

"There are no more ships to take us out of the country. The Eagle cannot bear all the men that remain and it would be despicable for some to escape while others die... all we have left is to fight. But while the young prince is alive we don´t regret this decision"

"—We don´t—... did everyone agree on this?" very faintly, Louise's voice came from her throat.

"Yes, Miss Ambassador. From the soldiers to the king himself… I told everyone of the plan to save the young prince and them all agreed with it"

Paris walked to Wales. With his left hand, he caressed the boy's blond hair while looking at him with familiar tenderness, just like a grandfather would see his beloved little grandson. Little tears started to come out of his eyes.

"You may never forgive us for this... you may hate us after you wake up... but we have done it for your sake, for your future and for Albion's. Young prince, it has been an honor to serve you during all these years, receive this from me and your father" bowing his head, Paris gave the sleeping heir a little kiss on the forehead "now escape… and live for all of us"

Asura turned to the blue-haired magician.

"Tabitha, call your dragon please"

The little reader nodded before beginning to whistle softly and almost inaudible to everyone but Asura. A few seconds later, Sylphid came down from the skies, scaring away the soldiers a little. Tabitha, Kirche and Louise climbed onto it and sat in that order. Asura tossed Wardes to them, who was left in Louise's lap.

"Will you come up, darling?" Kirche asked.

"I doubt the dragon will hold my weight along with yours now that you are 4"

"And how do you plan to return?"

Asura brandished Derflinger again. The runes began to shine "I have my methods"

"Now you love me, right partner?!" Asura shook his head, amused by the comments on his weapon.

Tabitha gave her Familiar an order using her usual soft voice "Fly".

Flapping its wings, Sylphid quickly rose into the sky, bringing down Albion's soldiers and the white-haired Familiar. A few seconds passed during which Asura said goodbye to the soldiers and began his way to Tristain.

"Very well, soldiers! To the charge! Let's fight like we never have! FOR PRINCE WALES AND FOR OUR BEAUTIFUL ALBION!"

"FOR PRINCE WALES AND FOR OUR BEAUTIFUL ALBION!"

The female members of the Asura team were quickly leaving the country, being fired by a set of passionate voices that would soon be silenced in an absolute massacre.

It took them less than 10 minutes to leave the territory of the country and now they were leaving the Albion —coast— entering the North Sea.

A few small sobs caught the attention of the Germany magician, who turned her head towards the origin of the same. She saw Louise, crying small tears as she held the unconscious prince, a few drops falling on his clothing.

"Cheer up Louise, we managed to rescue the prince! This is a great reason to celebrate!"

Louise snorted before replying "Zerbst... I just lived through the most terrifying moments of my life recently: I found out that my fiancé is a traitor, he tried to kill me and the royalty, and a group of good men will die unfairly before the end of the day" Louise's tone was the perfect balance of wrath and sadness.

Giving a sigh, the fire magician replied "It's true, forgive me. You have every right to cry… just promise me you'll smile again after you're done"

"And why should I promise you that?"

"Well, if you don't want to promise that to me… that it be to you"

Taking a moment to reflect on those words, Louise replied to her eternal rival "I promise"

Feeling satisfied with the answer, Kirche turned her head forward and let the cool morning air seep through her flaming hair.

"By the way... how do you think Asura returned to Halkeginia?"

"He said he has his methods" Louise replied, in a tone that betrayed insecurity.

"What do you think Tabi, what do you think my darling is going to do?" she ask Tabitha who had taken out her book again and started reading.

"Something" was the almost silent response, as she turned a page.

Kirche laughed amused "Well, I say he kidnapped a rebel ship or some dragon with everything and a rider to force him to bring him back, and you Louise?"

With a tired look, the little Valliere replied "At this point... I think maybe he try to jump straight to Tristain" Louise laughed a little at her own idea.

"That's impossible! I mean... yes, we saw him jumping from Mott's mansion to the Academy hitting the ground, but jumping from one country to another? He must be too heavy to achie-"

PUM!

The girls heard a sudden thump sound that made them turn their heads back. They were surprised by the image of Asura approaching them at a speed that only a projectile is capable of reaching.

Furthermore, Asura himself had become a projectile: holding Derflinger with both arms and pointing forward, using his blade to cut through the air and his entire body in a horizontal position to reduce friction.

It was like a gigantic arrow made of steel.

Due the upward angle it was forming, the girls had to turn their heads towards the sky, just as the huge figure of the ex-demigod of wrath stood dozens of meters above them. In a few seconds they had to look at the front, when Asura managed to pass them.

There was no doubt: Asura had jumped from Albion to Tristain, with kilometers of sea in between.

"SEE YOU IN TRISTAIIIIIIIIIIiiiiiiiiiiii...!"

"…"

"…"

"…"

"…"

"…"

"Louise... you certainly have a Familiar who is capable of changing the world"

"…I know…"

The girls and the prince continued to fly on the back of the blue dragon, accompanied by the wind and silence, leaving the white country and its history behind.

Where a life was destined to die, be save.

Where a life was deserved to die, be save.

By the end of that spring afternoon, the 299 men still fighting for Albion crown perished before 50,000 rebels in an event that future generations will know as —The Lost Battle of Newcastle—. The sole merit of those loyal to the crown was to take the lives of 2,000 rebels with them and leave another 4,000 wounded.

But the events that occurred were only the first move in the complicated and unfair game that Karma and Destiny have forced Halkeginia to participate in. With Asura and its allies as the most important players and pieces for victory, all teams have an equal chance of winning and losing.

Who will be the one to roll the dice now?

.

.

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ZERO'S WRATH

SUPER IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

Hello everyone, I hope you enjoyed the chapter. A very special one because with this we finally finish the Albion arc and the second volume of Zero no Tsukaima's light novels.

As you could see, the biggest change from this chapter (and all of history in general) was saving Prince Wales' life. I apologize if the scene where his life was saved is not as complex as you would expect; at first I wanted Asura to come up with a much more complicated plan, but we all know that he is not a strategist.

The reasons below:

I only know 2 crossover fanfics where Wales still lives by the end, so they are not very common. And although his death is necessary for the psychological development of Louise and Henrietta, I consider that letting him live will allow a slightly different but equally important psychological development for both, not to mention the development of the story and the character. Also, I like the character.

I feel that Asura would not miss the opportunity to save love between 2 people due to war, considering how he lost his wife to a treason.

I would also like to explain the reasons behind the information presented and the events that occurred in this chapter:

The magic rules shown are part of a collective of "Natural Magic Laws" that I am writing little by little. In Zero no Tsukaima, the only magic rule I remember that exists is the one where Louise explains the use and consumption of willpower according to the level of the magician. For us, magic is not a science and therefore does not follow the physical, chemical, etc. laws. But for the magicians who study it as if it were a -science-, it seems obvious to me that it must also have its own laws.

I have talked a lot with my beta-reader Lucian Naruto and we both agree that the nobles are pretty stupid not to consider that they are vulnerable once they lose their wand, so it occurred to me: Why don't they have an extra wand with them? And therein lies the answer.

As you could read, I decided to write the text of Henrietta's letter to Wales. I have never read a fanfic where the author expresses his own idea of what the princess wrote, because as same with most spells this is something —Irrelevant and Automatic— that only allows progress in the story and my goal is fill the gaps not only story lines but also the information in the canon of Zero no Tsukaima. An apology if it did not sound too —beautiful and professional—, although I read some poems from the European Middle Ages to base, like Asura I am also lousy in poetry.

Now as extra data:

Prydain Fawr is the name of Great Britain in the Gales language and as Albion is practically Great Britain in the world of Zero no Tsukaima, consider it suitable for the —surname— of Wales and his father James.

Brahmins, Rajputs, Vaishyas, Jats and Yadavs are communities/castes of North India but I will take them into account as communities/villages from different regions of Gaia (such as the village of Ahria) because I do not believe that only Shinkoku Trastrium and Adjacent villages are the only ones that exist even with Gohma attacks.

And yes, depending on where one person live, there are places in India that allow or reject marriages between cousins, being almost prohibited in the north (where it is considered incest) and more accepted in the south.

And no, it is not a joke what Asura says: when I studied Genetics I learned that blood relations like cousins are more likely to result with children with genetic deformations, but it is still less than linear relationships (children, siblings and parents) and we know that in the middle ages there were cases of incest to allow the -homogeneity of a group- that is, the royal blood. Homogamy was a reference in the European aristocracy for centuries.

Remember you can rate me. Do it following the next guidelines:

Narration: If I express myself correctly when narrating the story.

Characters: if their personality and dialogues are according to the canon and if I have developed them in a correct way.

Details: if at the time of describing something I make myself understood when I describe it.

Originality: if I write something that surprises them because they did not expect it or it is only original because they have not read it elsewhere.

Everything will be rated from best to worst with the following letters: "S", "A", "B", "C", "D", "E". For the next chapter I will average it.

Now as final words, I must say that I have a special affection for this chapter.

For the explanations and information I have added, for the way I structured it, for the phrases I used for the characters, for the events that have occurred and the important change I made in the story, and because it is the longest I have written until now with 52 pages dedicated to history, 95 kilobytes of information and over 25 thousand words, I declare this chapter my favorite at the moment.

I hope to overcome it in the future.

All kinds of criticism are accept and see you in the next chapter.

END OF SUPER IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

This chapter was finished and published on August 2, 2020