Waking up with a black eye, and several bruises was not the way to wake up. Louise was most vicious with that riding crop of hers. Still a small part of Mark admired Louise for her tenacity. Small part being the key word there. Long story short it hurt like hell, which later on lead to dull throbbing in the morning. Honestly Mark was surprised he could feel the wounds, but then again it was Louise we were talking about.

Despite all that however Louise was set on buying Mark a sword, apparently today was the day of void as well. 'So this is where I meet Derflinger huh?' mused Mark at the thought of meeting the talkative old blade. Looking back Mark was surprised at the thought that he was here no longer than a week, and it only felt like a couple seconds. Realising Mark had a long way to go yet, such as wars and facing other such things that could kill him.

Placing those thoughts aside for now, Mark decided to focus on the here and now. Thinking on those kinds of subjects would only weigh him down, and make him a liability if anything. Besides those things were the least of Marks worries, as currently Mark right now had an incredibly sore Gluteus Maximus. Completely ignoring the fact, he was holding onto Louise, which seemed unfazed by the ride. Well it was either that or Louise was damn good at hiding her discomfort.

In the beginning, Louise was star struck at the thought I had never ridden a horse before, and when told about the metal carriages called 'cars', she panicked thinking she may have given me a head injury. After a couple minutes of arguing, and water magic later it was finally deduced that I, Mark Harris Wilson was cured… of nothing.

That was the beginning of Marks day, and Mark had a sneaking suspicion that this was going to be the norm around here. Mark was jolted out of his reverie, as the pain in his behind returned
ten-fold. Ignoring that feeling, as the best he could Mark focused on the town coming ever so closer.

Finally arriving at the town Louise found a stable, and dropped the horse off much to her annoyance. Mark noticed a slight edge to Louise's step, as if she was slightly frustrated. Turns out she'd much preferred to take the horse, but the look of a noble lady riding with a male commoner behind her. Could very well spread mass rumours that could hinder her families name.

Or it could be just she wished her familiar was more competent in riding, so the walking wouldn't of been necessary. Then again it could be Louise was still sore from last night. Letting go a sigh of resignation, Mark knew with Louise it could honestly be anything she was kind of fickle like that.

Though the crowd was most annoying, as they slowly parted to let Louise through. Most probably because she was a noble. Yet as soon as she passed they closed in around Mark, making him have to barge through them. So keeping up with her was a most annoying task, and yet she didn't look back.

Finally, what felt like ages Louise turned left into an alley, and Mark quickly followed her in. Once inside the alley, Mark noticed that he was finally able to have room to move properly. Quickly catching up to Louise's stride, they continued on in silence. For a time the sound of shoes clicking against the cobblestone path, was the only sound heard between Louise and Mark.

The silence made Mark feel uncomfortable, and before he knew it he was looking which way and that. Realising no one was there Mark shrugged it off. 'If it is anything,' thought Mark 'then it's probably just Kirche and Tabitha tailing them.' Remembering the events from the novels, and anime.

Having Louise abruptly stop Mark found himself several steps ahead, before finally realising she had stopped. He noticed the blacksmiths shop with the dangling sign above the doorway. Walking inside a bell rang indicating the customers arrival.

Upon entering Mark noticed the shop was quite dark with only a few lanterns giving off a faint glow. And the window giving off a small amount of additional light. Ignoring this the clerk of this establishment came out from the back. He almost dropped his smoking pipe upon seeing that a noble from the academy was in his shop.

Recovering from the shock the clerk quickly recovered his wits, and started to rub his hands together with a gleam in his eyes. "Now what do we have here, a noble from the academy that is quite strange. May I ask what a fine a lady such, as yourself needs a sword for."

Ignoring them for the time being Mark headed towards the back, to begin looking for Derflinger. While scrounging through the barrel Mark overheard Louise's response, "my… servant here needs a sword," stated Louise while pointing towards Mark.

Looking back at him she frowned, "Mark! Get over here stop spending time with those rustic swords. I hope you realize I'm not that cheap, I have enough money to buy whatever you could want."

Louise didn't notice her slip, but with the glint in the store owner's eyes put Mark on edge. Proving his suspicions of what was to come said owner spoke up, "yes my fine young man, I have the perfect sword to protect your master," said the man with a glint in his eyes, and incessant rubbing of his hands, "it should be in the back, I shall only be a moment."

Rolling his eyes Mark proceeded to look for Derflinger, much to Louise chagrin. Finally arriving back from gathering the sword, Mark could only wonder how Saito ever thought such a sword would be great in battle.

Laying the sword in front of Louise in all its gold, gem encrusted fake glory. "This my dear noble is an enchanted sword of the highest value," spoke the shop owner with greed in his eyes, "it was forged in Germania, and despite its looks of being a formal sword, this baby can cut through anything like butter."

At that moment, Mark just remembered how Saito fell for it. Honestly it would have been a great hustle, if said salesperson was not twitching his hands in excitement. Though as expected Louise bought it hook line and sinker. "Very well, though I do dislike the fact it is made in Germania. Even I can't deny this swords craftmanship, and if what you say is true then I'd like to have my familiar test it first."

At that end remark the ratty shop owner frowned in discontent at that prospect, " I apologize my dear, but this shop doesn't allow test runs."

Louise just rose an eyebrow at that, though right now Marks head was spinning 'is- is Louise actually negotiating? Unbelievable? Impossible? Crazy? No scratch that absolutely preposterous.' Mark realised just then that despite Louise's tsundere tendencies, she was also incredibly academic. The anime and novels didn't really go into much detail about it, come to think about it.

Mark once again realised these were real people, not some people from an anime/novel. Thus, that also most likely ruled out anime cliché's. This could be a problem let's just hope this doesn't change anything major thought Mark.

The sound of Louise's voice broke Mark out of his reverie, "why not? if it's truly, as good as you say then I'm sure it can survive a test run."

The owner twitched at that, and muttered underneath his breath until finally coming to a decision. "very well, just let me head in back to get everything set up outside."

With one final glance at Mark, with a… smirk? He proceeded towards the back. Shaking his head Mark figured he was just imagining it, and proceeded to search for Derflinger. Strangely though with no success, Mark called out to Derflinger but no response. And he couldn't find any sign of his unique hilt. "you'll never find, what you are looking for," Mark reeled from the voice in his head. Looking back around him Mark realised he was no longer in the store. Instead he found himself inside a forest, the sun was beaming overhead allowing only small peaks of its light through the canopy.

Feeling someone behind him Mark turned around, only to be met with a shadow of himself. Literally it was his shadow given proper form. All that could be seen of it was encroaching darkness, no other colour was visible. Mark felt an involuntary shiver run down his spine, this was completely different. He didn't like the aura coming off the figure, and to make things worse he was alone without a weapon.

Despite that though why did it look sad? "don't fret I'm a friend, despite my aura I mean no harm," the voice was silky smooth, and seemed to flow with the breeze.

"no harm? Who are you?" said Mark, anxiously taking a step back. However he couldn't he was frozen in place. This made Mark go into overdrive this was a complete unknown for him, and the feeling of unaltered fear start to settle in the pit of his stomach.

"I can tell you're afraid, though I guess it's to be expected," said the shade while nonchalantly shrugging his shoulders. "you a human from another world, I'm sure you've never experienced illusion magic before?"

'illusion magic?' what was that, some kind of magic the series didn't go into too much detail about? "Yes it seems the story in your world greatly differs from ours. For instance, I don't believe you've heard about dark elves?"

Dark elves there are dark elves? As if reading his thoughts, Marks shadow continued, "yes there are dark elves, I am one such being. However we are mainly a nomadic group and masters of illusion. That is why we are capable of blending in with human society so well," a light chuckle left the shades mouth, as he continued. "Yes we are only known to a select few, and even then they are few and far between. It has come to the point where we are only heard of in whispers and campfire stories."

Letting this new information sink in Mark did an audible gulp, as he found his voice once again, "so What's this got to do with me then? And why are you telling me this? And how do you know of my origins? And also, how do you know of the familiar of zero story? Who are you?"

The questions just came blurting out before Mark could stop himself, yet the shade just waited patiently for him to finish before continuing, "the first and second question, I can't easily answer but I believe they will come in time. though for the last one that one's easy. I'm the owner of this fine blacksmith store."

000

"Mark! Mark! Yoohoo" Breaking out of his reverie, Mark noticed Louise was clicking her fingers in front of him to gather his attention. Shaking out of his stupor, Mark looked around, and noticed that he was back in the store what was that? Thought Mark.

Louise annoyed response was quickly stopped, as the store owner returned once more. Wearing his normal ratty grin, though Mark was less than happy to see him again. He couldn't possibly be a dark elf, could he?

The store owner gave off a completely snitch like aura, as before so Mark wasn't entirely sure. Shaking off the feeling for now they proceeded outside, several straw dummies fitted with loosely fitted armour stood out back. Handing the sword to Mark, Gandalfr was honestly surprised to found out the runes were actually glowing.

Mark felt himself become lighter and stronger, and turns out yes this was in fact a legit weapon which surprised him. And turns out he could feel the heat come off the weapon, turns out it may actually be enchanted. Shrugging this off for now realizing over-thinking this situation wasn't helping at the moment.

Nodding his head, the shop keeper egged him on. Obliging to his suggestion Mark charged forward, and aimed for a sideward swipe clinging the mannequin completely in half.

Nodding his head the shopkeeper continued, now for this weapons second capability will it to bend and extend. Looking at it in surprise Mark willed it to do just that, in response to this the sword glowed brightly, and began to morph. The edged blade bit became thinner and stretched out. Becoming more like a whip of molten gold.

Surprising Mark, and Louise alike whipping it sideways the now hot molten whip slashed through the other two mannequins. Funnily they caught on fire, turns out this new form was quite dangerous to touch.

Willing it to return to normal, the sword warped back into shape, as it bent and shifted. "this swords gems are also unique as well, they are capable of storing a large quantity of magic to use at a later date. To do so just focus on the gems, and will it to store energy just like manipulating the blade. However I do warn you to be cautious while using this, as unlike ordinary magic it stores the power of life. Do not fear, as your life force will be restored given rest, and enough time just like ordinary magic. But that still doesn't mean it can't kill if you don't know your limit, or at the very least knock you unconscious. But this too comes with a draw-back, as it puts massive strain on your body, and so extended exposure isn't recommended… the side effects could be how you put it, quite dangerous. So just remember be very cautious if you do that." Stated the ratty sales rep with a clear conscience, as if speaking of the weather.

This put Mark more than a little on edge, no pun intended. Slowly looking back at the store owner with a pale face, Mark reconsidered if in fact he was a dark elf in disguise. It would seem from now on, Mark would have to start paying more attention to detail. First thing would be probably to learn of this world's history.

Though for now Mark would have to be incredibly careful a power like this, while useful seemed to be similar to the 'heart of god' Brimir rune. Honestly Mark couldn't remember the exact name, but then again to him they all sounded similar to Gandalf. Seriously though it really made you ask the question if the 'lord of the rings' had any influence on the names?

But once again Mark was digressing he really had to remain on topic. The seriousness of the situation, finally weighing on his shoulders once again. While the use of this weapon could be incredibly helpful, it was also incredibly dangerous. It was his life they were talking about after all, glancing over at Louise, Mark noticed she had a concerned look on her face.

"I apologize, but if that's the cost for this sword. In that case I have to kindly decline, I'd much rather have a well forged ordinary sword. I shall not risk the life of my… guard in that way, after all who would be left to protect me if he was killed by his own weapon." Stated Louise strictly, and with no sign for a rebuttal.

In response the ratty salesman just shrugged his shoulders, "your concern is understandable. Although there's nothing saying he has to store power in the gems. The sword on its own is still quite formidable. And the sword hasn't ever responded to a wielder yet. This sword chooses its wielder, so it'd be a shame for the one it chose to not reciprocate it."

Louise just sighed, she had to admit the sales person has a point. Even without the gems it was still formidable, and if what he said was true about the sword choosing a wielder. Then the sword couldn't be used in the same way against foes who would steal it. However, there was nothing saying the sword wouldn't choose someone else?

Louise's monologing was cut short by Marks swift response, "how much?"

"what?" responded Louise in surprise, "Mark you can't be serious, he quite literally said the sword could kill you."

Looking back at the salesman Mark came back with a rebuttal. "Louise he stated himself I didn't have to use the gem, but just to be on the safe is there any way to… I don't know seal the gems away."

At this Louise felt a headache come along, one can't just create seals on objects especially when said object is a sealer in itself. Though sighing to herself Louise turned to the ratty salesman, "how much?" at this point Louise was just tired and annoyed, what did she care if her familiar got himself killed. '

"usually I'd give it away for three thousand new gold coins." Louise just felt her jaw drop at the amount. "Though today I'm feeling quite generous how about giving me what you have on you, and then we'd call it even."

Louise just frowned "I only have 100 new gold coins left though?"

Clapping his hands together the salesman snatched the sachet of gold from Louise's hands. "wonderful so we have a deal."

"really your willing to give up a sword like that, what's the catch?" responded Louise with constricted emotions about this entire deal. As did Mark share Louise's sentiment, 'she has a point this seems a bit too convenient, he might as well be giving it away.'

"my dear a sword is to be used, and it's a real travesty to see such a majestic sword laying there collecting dust. It's been so long since its found a wielder, it'd be real shame not to see its potential in action." Stated the Weasley weapon salesman. "So please by all means take it, think of it as a gift if you will."

Awkwardly accepting the offer the noble and business owner shook hands. And left it at that the sword on its own was quite decent. Which only rose more questions within Marks mind as he pondered the exchange on his way back to there horse. Louise, though didn't mind Marks silence, as she too was also pondering the exchange that happened just prior. Unbeknownst to them said shop keeper found himself waking up almost as if he was in a daze. Completely ignorant of any previous customers, or strange golden swords he had in stock.

000

"so is it him?"

"yes, the instrument exuded her presence."

"How interesting,"

"yes indeed after all this time we finally found her kin."

"so what's the plan?"

"for now we wait, and see how well the sword responds to him"

"very well, let us see how the ultimate betrayer's son's fate, plays out for now."