Chapter 2: Status? skills? What?

Foreword:

More author rants. Feel free to skip and read the chapter below.

Disclaimer: I don't own Fate. Nor ZnT. I don't see the point in doing disclaimers since I'm on a god damned fanfiction site anyways and that by itself should be enough to show that I'm just a fan... but I'm ranting at this point.

That's a lot of reviews for such a short first chapter. I thank everyone who gave me support and criticism. Remember, I'm always open to criticism, so if you have something you feel that's off(grammar, characterization, settings, etc), please don't feel bad about leaving a review about it.

One favor I might ask though, is to give me some specification on the criticism. That way, I'll be able to soak it up and write better stuff. I read every review you guys give me without exception, so do know that just by giving me valid criticism, you're supporting the entire fic and I'll be thanking you for it.

Things I'd like to know ASAP if I got them wrong:

1. Off-canon stuff. I'm a huge canonfag, and while I'm fine with something reasonable covering a concept because the official materials didn't disclose it, I absolutely abhor something that goes AGAINST the official materials.

Eg.1) Emiya Shirou can trace Zanpakutous, since their concept is a 'sword' and their structure would be seen right through.

- There is no official material on whether Emiya can trace Zanpakutous or not, since they are from Bleach and they never really had an official collaboration, so this amount of reasoning to fit a crossover story would be fine.

Eg.2) Emiya Shirou, using his willpower to do the impossible and break the unbreakable, traced Enuma Elish and decimated the enemy!

- It's officially stated that since Enuma Elish is forged by Gods of the ancient times and isn't a sword(since it predates the notion of a sword), Shirou cannot recognize its structure and hence, cannot trace it. This would be off-canon and therefore in my eyes, wrong.

2. Grammar mistakes. While I have plenty of experience with English, it's still my second language. There are bound to be mistakes especially in longer chapters, so please inform me of them.

3. Out of character scenes. As a person that worships the official materials in Nasuverse a little more than most people generally should, I'd hate it if Karna does something completely off-character.

For those of you readers that were wondering 'Why is everyone viewing Karna as a commoner?' You have very perceptive eyes. I'm glad you noticed it, since I kinda wished my readers would. I promise all shall be explained this chapter!

A little bit more chit-chat than the last time. Again, the replies to reviews are at the bottom. Let's get to it.

On the Vestri Court, almost a hundred people were gathered together.

There were no jeering voices.

There were no shouts of excitement, nor words of encouragement.

There was nothing but silence.

All that remained upon the artificial colosseum surrounded by onlookers was a single man glowing as bright as the morning sun, and a silent Guiche, laying on the ground with a massive burn on his chest.

To transmute such intricate armor in an instant was no easy feat. Some recognized his armor from the time he was summoned. However, unlike his summoning when it was covered with dust, the golden armor now shone brightly under the sunlight. No, it radiated light as if to further support his claim as a 'sun of the sun god'.

And his claim. Son of the sun god... Sulia? But there is only one god. He is of everything, not a specific element.

Only heretics attributed their false gods with elements.

Louise summoned a demon born from heresy.

And looking at it, his combat capabilities far exceeded that of anything they've seen.

Just as the realization of the demon's capacities struck them at the same time, the realization that they were crowded in a large area perfect for the demon to slaughter them easily followed quickly.

A resounding feeling of dread surged within everyone currently present.

There was only silence.

Karna was satisfied.

He had achieved everything he needed to with this duel.

First, he had raised his father's glorious name when he asked him to watch over the duel and achieved victory.

Second, has managed to teach Guiche an important lesson.

Third... well, he fulfilled his master's orders to 'beat him up'.

True, the burn he inflicted upon Guiche's chest was quite harsh. His opponent won't be able to function normally for at least a month. While Karna made sure to allow complete recovery via natural means, Guiche will live with his scar for the rest of his life. There was no way he could teach what he intended to teach to someone like him without going slightly overboard.

The fear of death. Absolute terror before an opponent of far higher capacity than oneself. The feeling of helplessness that settles in your body before a mighty wall. Being confident is not a bad notion, but overconfidence is but a brick wall preventing growth. The experience will hopefully teach him humility. To realize one's faults and weaknesses is the first step towards breaking the brick wall after all.

It is an important lesson he learnt from Parashurama when his teacher went blind with rage after learning his status as a Kshatriya. An incarnation of Vishnu is not something you should trick, as he quickly found out afterwards. Hopefully his now-on-the-ground opponent Guiche can learn the same lessons he learnt.

To him, an opponent is an opponent. But... he is young. And sheltered. If his master orders him explicitly, he would follow orders when it comes to slaughtering children, but the order he received was 'beat him up.'

After all, the Dharma-yuddha also states that it is unjust to injure an unconscious warrior.

There was no point in snuffing a young potential when there are ways to solve the conflict without death. The way he refused to panic under absolute strength was worth watching.

His thoughts are interrupted when he sees a girl he remembers seeing in the corridors.

Blonde curls, slight freckles... her name was Montmorency, if he remembers correctly.

"G-guiche! Get up! Please! Don't die!" shouted Montmorency with despair in her voice.

She glared up at Karna. He sees fear. However, he also sees determination.

"I a-am Mon-montmorency of the great noble ho-house Montmorency! A-as a p-proud noble of Halkegenia, I-I will stop you!" She managed to stutter a sentence.

A young girl with a brave heart, eh? Karna can't help but feel a small smile curling at his lips.

Karna disarmed his Kavacha & Kundala, along with his spear.

"Do not worry, brave child. Our duel has been finished with honor. It would be very unjust of me to attack a proud warrior while unconscious and unarmed." Karna stated.

"You-you demon! You've murdered him!" shouted a rather plump boy in the crowd in anguish.

The crowd seem to be talking in murmured voices after seeing him disarm his weapon.

"Brave child, please take him to an infirmary. He will need medical support I believe." said Karna.

"He's... he's alive!" spoke Montmorency, tearing up.

"Of course he's alive, you dimwit! My familiar isn't a murderer, nor a demon!" said a rather annoyed voice of Louise.

"But h-he claimed he was an offspring of Sulain or something We all heard it!" shouted the same plump looking boy.

"I believe I can explain that, Mr. Grandpre." Said a calm voice owned by Professor Colbert.

"I think he is referring to the great fire elemental spirit that resides in the Fire Mountains - Ifrit. He has been called Surya in ancient texts I, as a fire mage study. He is no demon, he's a son of one of the four great elemental spirits!" explained the fire mage.

"No, that's not-" Karna started to object. His father was not some fire elemental.

"SHHHH!" His master makes a sound from her lips with what appears to be a face angry enough to make Ravana, the Root of Evil and the God-King of Asuras, look like an adorable puppy in comparison.

Even he could understand what she was implying.

Voices started breaking out at once.

"So he was a flame elemental?"

"No wonder Guiche lost. That idiot needs to stop acting out."

"That's one heck of a familiar though. Are you sure you even deserve him, Louise? I mean after all, you..."

"Enough is enough, students. Time to disperse! Unless all of you wish to face a demerit on your next scores for letting an unauthorized duel take place! And Mr. Grandpre, Ms. Montmorency, would you help me get Mr. Gramont to the infirmary?" Colbert stated with a flickering degree of authority.

"M-me? If you're fine with me, of course!" Said Malicorne.

"Please, he needs help quick!" spoke Montmorency.

"Do not worry, for he will not be dying anytime soon." assured Karna.

"I don't want to hear that from someone who hurt him so much!" shouted Montmorency in tears.

"Mr... Karna, was it? I believe we will need to be speaking with each other when time allows." said Colbert as he helps the other two students Levitate Guiche's unconscious body.

"Apologies for the trouble caused." replied Karna.

"This might provide some complications you need to understand. Guiche is from a rather popular and influential military family after all." spoke Colbert.

"For now though, you might want to deal with your master, Mr. Karna." Colbert gives him a last advice before slowly walking towards the infirmary.

'He knows the injury is shallower than it looks. Interesting.' deduced Karna.

When Karna decided to heed his advice and looked at his small master, he realizes maybe comparing her fury to Ravana's was perhaps a bit unfitting. For surely even Kalki, the Herald of the Ending Days, would falter a step before her current expression.

"Familiar! To my room! Now!" shouted Louise while stomping off.

"Understood." Karna followed.

During the battle, Louise was flabbergasted.

'What the heck was that?' Louise thought to herself.

She had just witnessed power beyond her recognition.

When her familiar burst into flames as he declared his name proudly, she thought something was wrong.

When he declared his name and claimed himself as a son of the sun god in the middle of a courtyard choke full of other nobility, she did a double-take.

She should have given him some precautions. This was all her fault.

However, the emotions were overridden when her familiar grabbed his spear, and a strange feeling started spreading on her head.

'!?'

Her head started to hurt. Images and words flash in her vision rapidly, as if some unknown dam of knowledge was bursting.

What's going on?

Pictures of her familiar and strange words she can't make left or right fill her eyes as she struggles to keep herself conscious among the chaos.

She realized she was not that good at keeping herself conscious and her legs tripped on the ground.

'How did I just trip on flat land?' she wondered.

She feels heavy hands catching her, preventing her body from giving the solid earth a wide hug.

"Are you all right, Ms. Valliere?" She recognized the voice of Professor Colbert, as he helped hoist her body up to a standing position.

"Professor! My fa-familiar! H-he's spouting nonsense. He's not a heretic, I swear!" Louise blurted out, random words jumbling together in haste.

'No matter how strong he may be, he can't possibly go against the founder's church!' Heresy trials were extremely harsh and brutal. Even she knows that. However, she somehow feels that may not be so true, for reasons unknown.

"I know, I know Ms. Valliere. He's the son of Ifrit, the legendary flame elemental atop the Fire Mountains. Don't worry, I'll take care of the misunderstanding." Stated the professor calmly.

"He is?!" Louise was filled with joy. A fire elemental is something you see in ancient mythology, back in the great founder's time if the plays based on his journey is anything to go by.

Wait.

There were no evidence of a flame spirit, let alone the legendary elemental Ifrit atop the Fire Mountains. She's studied every relevant text to help her use magic, and along the search she found out that the idea that Ifrit resided atop the mountains was a baseless rumor. However, it doesn't seem unlikely that the legendary elemental would be residing in the fiercest climate on Halkegenia, so it spread quickly among the population nobility and commoners alike.

"But, Professor!" Louise was about to start.

Professor Colbert simply gave her a wry smile and a wink.

When she refocused her attention to the battle, she found out to her horror that her familiar was attempting to turn Guiche into roast pork.

Oh no.

Currently, at Louise's room, Karna's little master was fiercely interrogating her familiar.

"Familiar! Explain!" Louise shouted in indignation.

Her above-average intellect told her that she really shouldn't be shouting and demanding against a being that may or may not be a proud flame elemental who can use square-class transmutation magic alongside a highly controlled flame magic, but with so much happening in such a short while, her emotions were in a jumble.

"Explain... what, if I may inquire?" Karna replied back calmly.

"Everything! You almost murdered Guiche! He may be a flop, but he's still a noble and a classmate! It might have had serious implications! Also, You lied to me! You told me you couldn't use magic at all!" shouted Louise.

Even her familiar can use magic. Honestly, she felt betrayed. Is this a trial given by the founder?

"Have no worries, master. He shall be all right." Karna honestly felt weird that his master would be so angry about the ordeal. He has finished his task to the best of his capabilities. It also went a lot better than most. He couldn't understand. Unless...?

"If you meant by 'beat him up' as in ending his life, or that it was dishonorable for him to have survived after his loss, then please allow me to finish the job." Karna asked as his golden spear materialized by his side.

"No! Don't!" Her familiar wasn't serious, was he?

'To continue, I have not told you a single lie, master. I am unable to utilize any magic at all.' Her familiar was ever-so-calm.

Her heart hurt at his words. Even her familiar was plain mocking her now.

"You... you'd lie to my face? Even after that... that demonstration?!" Tears started coming onto her eyes. Why at times like this?

Louise turned her head, in a rather futile attempt to hide her tears.

"Get out! Get out from my room!" shouted Louise.

"As you wish." Her familiar spoke, with that irritating calmness over his pointlessly handsome face.

Kicked out from his master's room, Karna was pondering just what he did to make his master so angry.

It never felt good to see someone wearing a look of betrayal and despair.

He had seen many emotions from the Masters' faces during the instances where he was summoned, but it was never despair.

Mostly it was greed. Or feelings of accomplishment.

He was never good at communication, he knows... but from the dreams of the few times he has been summoned, it was never this bad.

That might have been because he simply followed orders without faults.

He does remember something else than following orders however. A fragment of a forgotten dream, perhaps.

"Launcher, Launcher! I finally found what your problem is! It's not that you don't talk, it's that you always talk one word less!" A voice from a dream.

"Hm. I see."

"See? If that's all the reaction you have, you'll never make friends! People are going to misunderstand you, Launcher!"

"I see. Friendship is wonderful. I assume you have a lot of friends, then?"

"Ugh! Another heavy attack from Launcher-san to ******-san! I have a lot on the internet! I'm not lonely at all!"

Maybe she was right.

He is shaken from his distant daydream by the redhead he met this morning. Her name was Kirche.

"Hello, darling!" spoke Kirche.

'Darling', eh?

Alongside Kirche, He also noticed the small, blue haired girl he remembered as Tabitha.

"So you're a flame elemental? That's absolutely amazing! The fact that you could house such passionate flames underneath your cold exterior has re-ignited my passion!"

Karna assumed her passion wasn't exactly hard to ignite.

"Mr. Karna, I would love it if you would 'teach' me how brightly two flames can burn together~" Kirche stated while approaching him.

Karna wasn't a master of words, but from her body's reactions and her voice, he was pretty sure the lesson she was looking from him weren't Brahmastra meditation techniques.

"Very well." Said Karna.

"Aww, that's too bad. Don't worry, darling! But I won't give - What?" Kirche muttered in mid-sentence.

If someone desired something from him, he would do his best to deliver. Even if it was his body.

"Ahh, that's so straightforward, darling! You've made my heart skip a beat! Now, let us enter our den of love and enjoy all the worldly pleasures!" shouted Kirche as she attempted to drag Karna to her room.

Trip.

The fiery redhead fell flat on her face. Karna noticed the small blue girl silently retrieving her foot, without looking up from her book.

"Tabitha, my love! What are you doing! How could you ruin our glorious moment together!" said Kirche.

The silent girl looked up from her book, and shook her head sideways, before going back to the book.

"Aww! Tabitha! You're jealous, aren't you! That's absolutely adorable! Did you want him for yourself? So finally the sparks from my flame has broken through your cold exterior and ignited your capability to love!" Kirche looked extremely happy with herself.

"Now, it's time to graduate! Come with me, Tabitha! Better late than never! Mr. Karna and I shall show you a world of pleasures previously unkno-" FREEZE

Kirche was instantly encased in a giant block of ice before she could finish her sentence.

Tabitha replaced her wand to her belt while holding onto the book, and looked up at Karna.

With a simple nod, she murmured a single word while looking at Karna.

"...worried."

Karna was surprised. The petite girl saw more than he thought. While it was common for Karna to realize hidden emotions, it was rare for others to figure out his. Most people he interacted commonly said they couldn't understand what he thought.

It was rather refreshing.

"Yes." replied Karna.

"...talk. Louise." murmured Tabitha.

After speaking, Tabitha simply turned back, and started to walk away.

"Will she be all right?" asked Karna while looking at Kirche, still encased in ice.

"...Guiche." Tabitha spoke.

"I see." She truly saw more than others.

Karna couldn't hear the small murmur that came from the petite girl's lips after she put enough distance.

'...similar.'

Louise had a dream.

The scenes are vague. Foreign. She has never seen such landscape.

She sees herself standing inside a stone palace, with grandeur the likes of which she has never seen, even at her estate.

The skies are clear blue, the air is clear. All's right with the world.

Or so she thought.

She sees a single woman, not too much older than her by outward appearance, crying while holding a child.

"I did not want this! I did not!"

"How can I live my life like this? I am unmarried, yet you force this... this beast unto me!"

"His hair and skin are as pale as the evening moon. A monster. How is this abomination my child? How is he the child of *****?"

Louise could not hear the words, as they sounded blurred.

Strangely, the child's face is impossible to see. It's almost like a blank to her. Yet it does not feel unfamiliar.

"I did not ask for this. I did not..."

'An unwanted child.' Louise realizes.

"You are a curse, child." How can a mother say such things to her child? Seeing such ugliness from such a beautiful person was scaring her.

"You should never have been born. A calamity that will ruin my life." That's even more horrible.

"To kill you would be the best choice, but that would be staining my hands with blood in front of the gods." She's not even brave enough to do the deed herself.

"May the river take this accursed soul back into the cycle of life." The mother mutters, as she places the child's basket onto a river.

The dream continues.

The child is slowly floating down the river. The river is absolutely massive. If someone told her it was a lake, she'd believe it. The child is now crying. Crying because he is hungry. Crying because he wants someone to hold him. Crying because he wants warmth.

Louise now really wants to save the child. Cradle him in her arms. Say everything is all right.

However, she is powerless. She can't reach out. Soon, the child will drown, not having a chance to live his life. His existence will disappear, only having received hatred from the moment he was born.

'That's... too sad.' thought Louise.

Night settled on Halkegenia.

Louise woke up with tears in her eyes.. It seemed that she cried herself to sleep. She realized it was quite some time since she did such a shameful action. She had gotten used to it during her first years after realizing she had no aptitude for magic. She thought she steeled herself for insults, but being betrayed in such way hurt. Especially since her familiar could utilize such powerful magic.

How could he simply lie to his master with such a straightforward expression?

Was it fun mocking his useless master who couldn't even be better than her familiar?

"That familiar. To think he'd been playing with me all along!" Louise talked to herself.

"Master, if I accidentally caused harm to you in any form, allow me to apologize. It was not intentional."

She did not expect an answer.

To her surprise, her familiar was standing at a reasonable distance from her bed.

"What.. what are you doing here! Are you here to mock me again?" She recoiled in reflex.

"Master, I swear on my honor as a Kshatriya, that I have not lied to you." spoke Karna, attempting to persuade her.

"Liar! You said you couldn't use magic! Yet I saw you transfigure a golden armor in an instant! You used flame magic as well! I know the professor was lying about the flame elemental, so I know you're a human! You just wanted to mock the fact that I can't cast any magic!" Louise realized she was slightly rambling, but she didn't care. It was his fault for lying to her!

Suddenly, Karna understood. She can't use any magic? That proves why she didn't float during his summoning.

He guessed this is what the dream meant when 'saying a word too less.'

Karna's form flickered, and his twin blessings, Kavacha & Kundala, formed into existence.

"Do you mean this, master?" inquired Karna.

"Yes! If that's not magic, than I don't know what is!" spoke Louise in anguish.

Karna slowly grabbed her hand, and placed it upon the breastplate of Kavacha.

"What, what are you doing!" shouted Louise, her face slightly getting red.

"Master, can you not feel anything?" asked Karna.

"All I can feel is! ...wait." Louise felt something. It was something like a powerful... pulse. The armor was pulsing, underneath the hard, gold exterior. It felt almost... alive.

"This armor... is a gift from my father. I was born with it. It is no magic, but a divine miracle that proves my lineage as the proud son of the sun god." explained Karna.

"That... that sounds like heresy! There is but one god and he has no attribute! And even if you can explain your armor, what about that flame magic? Only high-level fire mages have fire resistance on par with what you've showed me, and you've showed me quite a lot!" spoke Louise, not quite satisfied with the explanation.

"It is my skill, Mana Burst-Flame. But that should have been..."

Something struck Karna as odd. Why does she lack so much information? Kavacha & Kundala are understandable, since they are phantasms and he did not (was not granted time to) explain, but most masters should be able to...

"Master. Can you perhaps see my status screen?" asked Karna.

"Eh? Status-what?" replied back Louise.

He should have known. How had Karna not noticed? He had an actual material body. That meant this was NOT a normal grail war. He wasn't sure if this even was a grail war. Maybe this is why Duryodhana said he was prone to misunderstandings.

"Status are simply your familiar's basic capabilities. Master, concentrate your Mana onto me, and see if you can gain anything." Karna stated. His masters always knew how to do this, but one person had to teach herself. This was what he learnt from it.

"Mana? You mean willpower? I-I'm not sure if I even have any." Louise gloomed, her previous anger slightly faded.

"Master, the moment you summoned me, it may as well confirmed that you're one of the greatest mages to ever exist. Have no worries." said Karna.

"!" Louise started getting red. 'Why does he have so much confidence!'

"Fine. I'll do it... just you know, all my spell attempts have been met with explosions, so don't blame me if something goes wrong." said Louise.

"Do not worry, for I assure you, this armor is more than enough for most magic."

"This... this spell should do it. Reveal!" shouted Louise.

That was when Louise's vision blurred into the weird images she saw during the duel.

"Wh-wha! I can't see! Where is this?" Louise started waving her arms in haphazard fashion on her bed.

"Master. Calm down. You're simply seeing them. You are still within your bed."

"I can't read what's written! Is that Albionese?"

Albionese? What?

"What's going on?" Shouted his master on her bed.

Karna saw her raising her still-held wand. "Ei!" she shouted.

*Explosion*

Karna was surprised by a sudden burst of air and sound, forcing him to step back.

Ah, So that's what she meant by 'explosions'. It wasn't a figure of speech.

The half of the room was now a mess. His bed(haystacks) were now flying everywhere in mayhem, and the clothes from the wardrobe was all messed up as well.

"Familiar! I can *cough* see *cough* something! *cough*" Louise shouted while coughing due to the smoke.

Louise could see a large board(?) covering her sight, filled with her familiar's picture and information.

[Class: *a*d***r]

[Picture] - There was her familiar's picture, showing his body in full armor.

Alignment : Neutral Good

[Parameters]

Strength : B

Endurance : A

Agility : A

Mana : B

Luck : D

Phantasm : EX

Strength, Endurance, and Agility was obvious. Going by her familiar's previous statement, Mana means willpower. How does someone measure luck, though? And what is the Phantasm stat? What's EX? Did it mean high or low?

[Skills]

Magic Resistance C : Ignores magics that utilize 2 or less verses. Cannot prevent High Thaumaturgy or Greater Rituals.

Riding A : All known vehicles and living beings bar those of Phantasmal to Divine class can be ridden with extreme efficiency.

Divinity A : As the son of the sun god Surya who became one with his being after death, Karna possesses high Divinity.

Again with the heresy? Also what does it mean by 'death'? What are High Thaumaturgy and Greater Rituals?

[Original Skills]

Discernment of the Poor A : A natural, powerful insight granted by Karna's harsh life. It is the symbolization of Karna's being, who experienced everything from the lowest to the highest. This skill allows him to view the world just as it is. For most people, a single glance is enough to deduce their true nature.

Uncrowned Arms Mastery - : Another symbolization of Karna's life, whose capabilities were never fully recognized by peers and enemies alike. To those who do not know his True Name, all his status and parameter rank will be viewed as one rank lower. It hides the identity of his true nature, as well as his alignment. This effect is ignored once Karna's true name is revealed.

Mana Burst(Flame) A : Increase one's capabilities by enveloping one's actions with high-density Mana. Due to the nature of Karna's lineage, all Mana are converted to powerful flames.

[Cl*s* Sk*l*s]

The Left Hand of God EX : When the user's body is touching a weapon directly, all knowledge on using the weapon is temporarily granted. The expertise of said weapon is forcibly boosted to rank of A during the time holding the weapon. The effect is ignored should the user's expertise be equal or higher than A.

Why is the heading blurred?

[Phantasm]

Kavacha & Kundala [Oh Sun, become Armor] A - Type : Anti-Unit(Self) - Range : 0~1

The divine blessing of the sun god Surya, in material form. It takes the appearance of a full set of armor and an earring, and are composed of highly condensed sunlight. Their brightness far surpasses that of gold. For Karna, who was born with the armor and earrings and grew up with them, they are closer to his skin rather than armaments.

By the blessing of the unyielding light, all damage are nullified by 9/10 and grants the user high-speed regeneration.

Their current name is given by Karna, who calls them in his native language to honor their origins.

?[?] ? - Type : Anti-? - Range : ?~?

?[?] ? - Type : Anti-? - Range : ?~?

?[?] ? - Type : Anti-? - Range : ?~?

If he actually has that kind of combat capability, then he'd be stronger than some of the high-tier knights in the royal guard! Also, what are those blank slots?

[Louise's room, Tristain Academy]

Louise had to admit. That cleared things a lot more than she initially thought. Though it equally brought just as many questions.

"Wait. Just who records these information and for what purpose? Are you some sort of an ancient living golem or something?" inquired Louise.

"In my world, there is a practice called the Grail War. Seven Masters compete to attain a wish-grant by summon ancient spirits of long-departed heroes and fighting in a brutal battle royale." Explained Karna briefly.

"You don't mean..." stuttered Louise in realization.

"I am a heroic spirit. The status page you just accessed is granted to Masters who summon them to help better understand their servant's capacities." Karna spoke.

"You... you're a long-departed hero?" Asked Louise, still incredulous.

"My life has long ended, yes. But I still exist. That is all there is to it, I believe." replied Karna.

"Wait... If I summoned you, then...?" started Louise, a slight fear crawling in her stomach.

"Highly unlikely. I have never heard of heroic spirits getting summoned into other worlds. I do not feel the presence of other containers and residual Mana that runs through the ground when a Grail is active, as well." Karna realized that his little master was catching on quick, despite him simplifying the explanations.

"Every answer you give me leaves me with two more questions. Container? Other worlds? You're not from this world?" asked Louise.

Her familiar replied. "Containers... are false bodies the Grail grants us to be summoned. And as for the world... I do not believe I am from here."

That was absolutely unbelievable to Louise. How does anyone even think of something like that? She almost dismissed him as a lunatic, but the status page she has just accessed showed her that her familiar wasn't completely crazy.

"After all, where I come from there is only a single moon."

Karna gave her a small smile.

"I... guess that explains the 'sun god' part." So that was it. If it was a different world altogether, it was possible it wasn't saved by the founder in the ancient times, Louise thought. Besides, who in their right mind would think there would be only one moon? The twin moons has blessed Halkegenia since the founder's times.

Understandable, but still unbelievable. Those who conduct heresy trials definitely won't believe it.

"I've got another question. This... Uncrowned Mastery or whatever skill. Just exactly what does it do? By my understanding, it just serves to make others belittle you below your actual capabilities." Asked Louise.

"In a normal grail war, where seven heroes are summoned, not knowing the opponent's parameters can be deadly. By deliberately making others look down on my martial prowess and status, my master and I can gain an advantage." Karna did not like this skill of his, honestly. The most honorable fight is one without deceit.

"So that's why everyone thought you were a commoner." realizes Louise.

"By your world's standards, I am one. I cannot utilize any magic."

"But if you can convert willpower into flames, aren't you technically casting magic?" Asked Louise.

"I see. I'm afraid we had some misunderstandings. From my homeland, Magic is something different. I simply learnt how to control my Mana, or willpower as you call it, via an ancient form of combat practice called the Brahmastra." explained Karna.

This whole adding another line after his sentence was working out. He was actually making a semi-long conversation with someone! Even if it was mostly about explanations.

"Brahi-what? Converting willpower to flames. That's basically magic!" insisted Louise. Maybe she should try learning it too, it might let her use magic!

"If you insist, master." said Karna, making a mental note to never let his little master near his ex-teacher, Parashurama under any circumstances. The 6th avatar of Vishnu probably wouldn't enjoy having his ultimate art get defined as 'magic'.

...

Silence set the room.

Karna was honestly used to it by now. It was simply his nature, he guesses.

...

"...familiar?" echoed a small voice from his master.

"Yes?" Karna replied.

"So it was a mi-misunderstanding." Louise spoke, with a tinge of shyness in her voice.

"I'm simply glad we managed to clear it up. I give you my apologies, master." said Karna.

'Why is he apologizing? This whole mishap was my fault.' thought Louise. There's no way she would admit it out loud, though.

"F-familiar! Since some... accident seem to have messed up your bed, I'll... I'll let you share mine tonight.!" said Louise a little louder than she intended.

"It's just tonight! Don't misunderstand, I'm simply taking responsibility for my familiar! It's back to normal with you tomorrow!" said Louise.

"Understood." said Karna. Shame, he liked the hay. It brought back old memories, and it wasn't exactly uncomfortable.

"You b-better not do anything strange, familiar! If you try to touch me, then you'll regret it!" Louise threatened with a slight blush on her face.

"Do not worry, master. I assure you such actions will never happen." replied Karna in perfectly earnest fashion.

His master's expression suddenly darkened.

"What! What do you mean by that! Are you saying that I'm not a-attractive?" shouted Louise indignantly.

And here he thought he was getting better at this communication thing.

"I believe you are earnest, charming, hardworking, and smart. Your facial features are also beautiful. I believe these traits qualify you as more than just 'attractive'." Karna replies without a single change in tone or expression.

"Ah... uu... wha" Louise searches for something to say while blushing. She did not expect that. How straightforward is this guy!

"I...I know that! I didn't need to hear them from you!" Louise felt more happy than she has ever had during her school days, but of course, she will never admit it.

"Of course. A woman of your caliber generally causes tournaments between nations to prevent turmoil in gaining your favor, after all." Karna states, remembering Draupadi and the whole Pandava brothers shenanigan. That ended with the entire Pandava brothers sharing Draupadi together, but that's probably besides the point.

"Hm... Hmph! At least you seem to realize your master's greatness!" said Louise, puffing her (rather limited) chest proudly.

'Getting praised like this every once in a while isn't so bad.' Louise thought.

"Though, I believe master should be a little bit more honest. Good control of emotions are necessary for a great lady. Simply throwing a tantrum like a spoiled child whenever you do not obtain your current desire is a reason for failure."

Ouch, his criticisms are as bitter as his complements are sweet.

Karna again gives a small smile.

"However, if you can master your control, I assume you will grow to be an outstanding person."

"There are plenty of time after all. Your age is currently 13, no?"

CRACK

Something came off.

"I'm 16!" shouted Louise, anger re-igniting.

Even [Discernment of the Poor A] fails sometimes.

"It's because of m-m-m-my c-chest, isn't it?" Louise murmured in anguish.

"Well, yes. But your overall figure was also taken into account." spoke Karna nonchalantly.

Steaming sounds started to be heard.

"Y-you!"

"Is anything wrong, master?" asked Karna

"Y-you perverted familiar! Get out!" shouted Louise.

"As you wish." said Karna as he closed the door behind him.

Louise drew up her covers and curled herself into a ball.

"That perverted familiar... he was sizing up my body when I wasn't looking... What a lecherous familiar."

Though, she honestly didn't feel too bad about it. There was something vaguely reassuring about her familiar.

"Also... he said I had potential."

No one ever told her that before. Not even her parents. It wasn't magic related, but still.

At Tristain Academy of Magic, they had a specific ground to house some of the larger, unhousable familiars.

Karna made sure to note the location.

Within the top of the provided hay, Karna made himself comfortable among the few familiars that were already sleeping.

However, there weren't that many familiars around. Most masters consider their familiars partners for life, and they try to sleep in the same room as them if possible.

There was a large horse that was fast asleep on the hay. He decided to place himself next to it.

He excelled at dealing with horses, since he worked with them from a young age while helping his stepfather.

The horse seemed too fat to want to move, though. It seems like a waste, since it looks like a pretty good breed.

While he was spending time pondering various things by himself, he heard a voice.

"No! Iruruku wants to sleep with big sister!" says a rather shrill voice.

"...punishment." said another voice - or whisper - he recognized.

"Iruruku promise she won't blow your books away! But you were ignoring me too much, big sister! Iruruku wants to play with big sister!" speaks the voice again.

When Tabitha somehow drags a dragon at least 10 times larger than herself to the keeping grounds, Karna and Tabitha's eyes meet.

"No! Not this place! Iruruku hates this place!" blurted the dragon.

'It talks.' Karna noted.

"Oops." said the dragon, noticing that it just gave itself away.

Tabitha is now looking at the dragon with a rather exasperated expression, even though it was hard to notice with her emotionless features.

"...secret." Tabitha told Karna. Rhyme Dragons were exceedingly rare, and she really didn't want to bring any attention to herself.

"Noted." replied the demigod. If someone wanted a secret kept, no way was he going to interfere with it.

The small girl looked at Karna with the slightest hint of curiosity.

"...sleep, here?"

"Yes."

"...come."

"Very well."

"Iruruku will come too!" said the dragon cheerfully.

"...stay." was Tabitha's cold reply as the dragon scrunched itself like an abandoned puppy.

It was... a strange sight to see indeed.

Karna wondered what business the girl might have with him. Whatever it was did not matter. He would aid those who needed his assistance without exception.

Besides, he was indebted to the girl. Her advice proved incredibly useful while conversing with his master. Even though he still didn't know what made her so angry at the end.

Tabitha led Karna into a room, and unlocked the door.

"...enter." she spoke.

When Karna entered the room, he found a normal, average room with neatly stacked books on most shelves.

Tabitha pulled out a blanket from a wardrobe and placed it slightly besides her bed.

She simply pointed at it, and climbed upon the bed.

"I graciously accept your hospitality." said Karna, smiling as he made himself comfortable in the makeshift bed.

This world had more kindness than he thought.

With a whisk of Tabitha's wand, the lights made themselves disappear, and the night continued.

Louise was dreaming.

Unfortunately, it was a continuation of her previous dream.

She really didn't want to see the poor child die, abandoned by his cruel mother.

The child in the basket was crying. He was crying loudly, as if he wanted to live. It was as if he was calling for help.

However, he had flowed all the way to the poor area. Louise could see that most of the people living around these areas already had enough trouble simply gluing their own mouths together.

No one bothered to notice the child.

Louise felt herself tearing up. Was the world always this cruel?

The child's cries started getting slowly weak. And weaker. And even weaker.

At one point, it disappeared.

She simply wanted to wake up now. This was beyond her mental capacity. It was too much despair for her to handle.

However, she would not stop looking at the basket. Even if no one in the world would help him, even if she can't help him, even if this is just a dream. It was her duty as a noble to at least be with the poor child until the very end. Even if she was but a specter to him, at least she will at be with him in his final moments.

However, that was when she saw the sunset.

The sun was slowly setting, and due to the pre-evening light and the clear water of the river, it looked as if it was enveloping the basket in its warm light.

"Unblessed child of mine, this world is of poverty, pain, and regret. Surely the rightful action to take as your father is to take you to my throne." spoke a voice, both ancient and powerful. Louise's body shook just by listening to its tone.

"If you live, you will undoubtedly save many. Yet, are they worth saving? Look! See how no one, NO ONE among millions has even bothered a glance in your direction! The world is rotten, beyond help. An eternal existence atop the heavens is your place. YOUR rightful place." the voice continued.

However, when the sun met the little child in the basket, the child...

Simply smiled.

Smiled as in acceptance of the life that it was given.

Smiled as if to disagree, and that beauty still existed in humanity.

After all - it was the most beautiful smile Louise has seen.

When the sun finally met the boy, she saw a light. A bright light that made her flinch in its power.

"If that is your will, my child, then live. The horrible world will scar you. It will take away your birthright, your weapons, capabilities, and everything you hold dear. Yet, if you must continue, then I bestow my blessings. May your short time here be filled with happiness." the voice sounded far more serene now.

When the sun fully set, the basket was slowly drifting towards the riverbank.

She saw a rather dirt ridden but honest-looking charioteer grab the boy from the basket.

When the charioteer smiled, the pale, white haired boy also smiled.

That night, Louise would sleep well. More well than she has done in years.

[Side Short #1 : Kirche]

Kirche had finally melted away the block of ice using her fire magic.

Her familiar, Flame helped as well.

"C-cold! To think that Tabitha was the jealous type... " She murmured while shivering.

She had hoped to spend some amazing 'quality time' with Karna and Tabitha, but it seemed that Tabitha wanted him for herself!

In her opinion, that was great as well! Wanting to have a man all to herself was natural after all. As a loyal friend, she must now support her friend's first(?) love to the fullest!

Watching passion ignite in others was just as interesting as igniting your own!

Kirche happily set herself to find her petite friend as an idea came to her.

She's going to enjoy passion in no time!

[Side Short #2 : Guiche]

When he woke, his body felt like lead. He couldn't move. When he tried, his chest burst into tremendous pain.

"Wh-where am I?" he asked with gritted teeth. He was a proud son of the Gramont family. He will NOT scream like a little girl!

He hears a familiar voice. "Guiche! You're alive! I didn't think you'd come to this early!"

His vision is blurred but he can make out her blonde curls just fine.

"Montmorency?" He asked.

"Who else, stupid Guiche!"

"Ah, that snarky voice which is *cough* so scalding yet so beautiful... It is you, Montmorency!" said Guiche, wheezing.

He readied himself for another snark, but was met with a hug instead.

"Why, just why in heaven's name would you challenge a raging flame elemental! You almost got yourself killed! I've been so worried!" said Montmorency in tears.

"M-montmorency my dear! Stop, the burns, the burns!" Guiche shouted in pain.

"You deserve this pain! For making me worry so much! For making everyone worry so much!" shouted Montmorency as she broke off and dashed off, but not before giving his burn a quick slap.

The force wasn't much, but it hurt like he's never known pain before.

'I know I deserve every bit of this pain, Monmon, I know...' thought Guiche, again gritting his teeth.

[Side Shorts #3 : Jean Colbert ]

Professor Jean Colbert was a man of research.

He wasn't like this in the past, but he has left his dark days behind. He is now using all his remaining time in this world to help raise the new generation, as well as attempting to find how the world clicks.

But today he was grateful for his past experiences. If it weren't for his past (rather futile, he must admit)attempts to locate the fire elemental to boost his own power, he probably wouldn't have been able to come up with that cover-up story in such a short time.

But who would have thought the familiar would get into trouble so quickly?

Back on topic, his current undergoing research was on a certain legendary familiar, only recorded in the eldest of tomes dating back to the Founder's time.

However, if the strange familiar is truly the legendary Gandalfr, the Left Hand of God, then Ms. Louise must be...

Not everyone is going to believe his flame elemental cover-up story. Not for long, anyways.

He had to find more information about him quick.

It definitely was interesting!

Phew. That's it for today, folks.

In case you were wondering why Louise thinks Karna would be on par with the royal knights, it's because her idea of parameters are not really corresponding with the status. Think of her using a wrong scale to calculate them. Her idea is that a normal, well built man is A, while in reality, D is already superhuman(crushing solid bedrock with your bare fists with D in Strength) according to Word of God. That explains things a lot, right?

I couldn't live up to my promise since I didn't hit 10k words, but this was the perfect place to cut. Otherwise the timeline for the side shorts would have been completely haphazard, and I wouldn't have been able to end it with Louise's dream.

No, I didn't get Eresh. It's probably why this chapter's been delayed a few days. I've always considered myself a man who has control over his emotions, but that illusion was broken when I started Fate/Grand Order.

I'm drowning in the Dead Sea here. Most of the salt is from my tears, of course.

I got spooked by Ozymandias instead, and I'm more than satisfied with one of the best characters in fate, both storywise and gameplay.

Replies to reviews starting now!

To start off, I'd like to thank all those people who've left a message supporting me. That was a lot of reviews for such a short chapter. Again, I hope you stay with me on this Karna train until either I die or complete this. The wheels are NOT going to fall off, I promise.

I can't specifically add my replies to everyone since there's so many, so I'll be answering the questions you've all asked me generally. Do not worry - I've definitely read every single one of them.

First, for those of you who were wondering why everyone was stupid enough to treat Karna as a commoner, I hope your question got answered this chapter.

I'm a huge canon freak, and when Fate/Extra CCC explained the skill Uncrowned Arms Mastery, I just knew I had to incorporate it into the fiction. Congratz to everyone who noticed the awkwardness on the whole 'commoner' thing, though. You have sharp eyes. It was intentional, but I wasn't sure if I pulled it off well.

It fits perfectly as well in Karna's character as well. He'd never really bother correcting others' assumptions too, since (he thinks) going by Halkegenia standards, he's not a noble. His pride as a Kshatriya is still there, but it's honestly more warrior-inclined than nobility-inclined.

Second, Tsunashi777, as for your question of whether he has all the knowledge a grail generally gives him... well, at the time he's got most of them. As for why(since it's not a grail war), it will be revealed in the future. Stay with us!

Third, Dxhologram asked me if Karna is in his human form, or his heroic spirit form. My answer is neither. He's currently materialized. To simplify, like Gilgamesh from Fate route, but without the influence of the corrupted grail. Also, for his bow and chariot, I'm sad to say they're not going to be having much story action. The reason is because I want to write this story with canon in mind, but Vijaya and his chariot aren't revealed in the official materials yet.

Next, onto the balancing issues.
Many of you have addressed the combat balance between Karna and the cast of ZnT.
The answer is that I don't plan on balancing them at all!
Remember those times you wished somehow, this long drawn battle, while nice, would be curbstomped for once? And not by some random Mary-Sue-author-self-insert that makes you cringe more than Sasuke did during his teenage years? This is the kind of story you're looking for.
Karna is canonically a LOT stronger than most of the ZnT cast, and as an avid follower to canon stuff, I plan on keeping it that way. Besides, the fight scenes aren't going to be the challenge for Karna in this fiction. That's not to say they won't be exciting. I promise to make them as satisfying as possible!

There are those of you who didn't enjoy my Alaya's personality, but that was kinda intentional. Again, it will be revealed in the later chapters on why it's acting like Matou Shinji with PMS.

angelvan105 asked me whether Karna is taking the place of Saito, and the question is yes. He wasn't summoned as a servant, but a full familiar, just like Saito was.

For Indigo One's question, yes! Brahmastra eye beams are Karna's trademark at this point(?) and I plan on having him shoot the damn thing multiple times.

In regards to pairings, who knows? If I blurt something out here it's not gonna be fun, right? I may not pair anyone at all even. Karna's great as a big-brother figure as well, you know?

Also, thanks to miauzhang for pointing out the Vasusena error. I originally tended to incorporate Karna using an alias, one of his many other names, but it was scrapped. I guess I didn't proofread enough.