Chapter 2

The town near the statue of Calgar was called Torben. From there Yumi and Calgar passed south through Yvelt and arrived at the lord city of Niskha.

They had taken a city to city carriage that could hold up to 50 people. Many curious eyes were on Calgar, as his appearance made him stand out quite a bit.

It wasn’t until evening that they finally reached the Nishka mansion gates. The gates were at least 20 feet tall and atop each one were four golden colored spheres.

Next to the gate was a small box with a button on it. Yumi went over and pressed it. Suddenly a pale picture was on the box and the image of a woman in her thirties with her hair in a bun was shown.

Yumi said. “Good evening Evelin, I’ve returned home.”

“Lady Yumi, welcome home. Please wait as I will be there to escort you inside momentarily.” Evelin replied.

The image disappeared and Yumi walked back to the gate where Calgar was waiting.

“That is an interesting device.” Calgar commented. “It seems to send an image to a corresponding unit, but why do you not just do it yourself?”

“Do it myself you say… it is too complex for a person to be able to do it, and it would take too much magical energy. It just isn’t feasible.”

“Is that so?”

Yumi sighed. “I get the feeling that it wouldn’t be anything special for a spirit like you though.”

More like to Calgar, it was a common occurrence during the war. All races were capable of doing it, and it made sharing information during a battle simple.

It started to dawn on Calgar that magic technique had dropped sharply from the past, which greatly confused him. If the other five Gods were still around this shouldn’t have happened.

As he was lost in thought, the gates in front of them started to open, and the maid Evelin could be seen walking down the path towards them. She stopped a short distance away and bowed slightly in an elegant manner.

“Once again, welcome home Lady Yumi.” It was then she noticed Calgar behind her. “Who might this be?” Her eyes scanned up and down his unusual body.

With a bright smile, Yumi grandly gestured to Calgar. “This is my spirit familiar Calgar.”

It took a moment for the maid to register Yumi’s words. When she did a small tear ran down her cheek.

“You have finally found one then Lady Yumi. The Master and Madam will no doubt be delighted. Come let us inform them of this wondrous news immediately.”

She then turned to Calgar and bowed slightly to him. “Thank you Spirit, you have the gratitude of the entire Nishka household for granting the young Lady’s dream.”

Calgar lightly waved his hand. “I have my reasons for contracting with her. It is nothing so noble. But if my goals end up granting her dream, then that wouldn’t be bad either.”

Yumi interjected. “Please stop you two, this is embarrassing.”

Evelin guided the two down the walk toward the front door. Flanking the walk were neatly trimmed bushes and a multitude of colorful flowers.

As they entered through the giant double doors, ten maids and a man and a woman were waiting. The maids all bowed and the man and woman approached them.

“Yumi, my baby girl, Papa missed you so much!” Said the man.

“Father, it is good to see you well. Of course, you too mother.” Yumi said with a smile.

“Yumi welcome home.” Replied the woman.

The man was Fredrick Nishka, the current Lord of the Nishka territory and also the father of Yumi. He was a tall man, with light brown hair that was swept to the side. His green eyes had been passed to his daughter, but they were a darker shade than hers.

Behind him was his wife, Minna Nishka and Yumi’s mother. She had the same long black hair as Yumi, but it was tied into an elegant single braid. Her figure was stylish and would make any woman jealous of her proportions. She had crystal-like blue eyes that seemed to draw you in.

Suddenly Fredrick stopped in his tracks. “Yumi… that behind you, could it possibly be…?”

“Father, this is Calgar, my spirit familiar.”

“Spirit… Familiar…” He said softly. He then turned to his wife. “Minna, she said familiar! My daughter finally contracted a familiar!” He laughed excitedly. “Everyone prepare a feast, tonight is a wonderful night!”

“““Yes!””” Replied all the maids as they hurried off to prepare.

Fredrick turned back to Yumi. “Since when did you contract him?”

“It was actually on my way home. I had stopped in Torben and went to the old statue outside of town. That’s where I was able to summon him.”

Minna looked Calgar over. “He looks like a very powerful spirit. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one quite like him before.”

Fredrick agreed. “You’re right he does look strong. What attribute is he Yumi?”

“Attribute? He’s um… well actually I don’t know.” She admitted.

“Normally it would be the attribute you’re born with but since you don’t have one I was curious as to what attribute the spirit you would contract with would have.”

“That’s true. We can just ask him though. Hey Calgar, what attribute are you?”

Calgar had only been half listening this entire time. He was busy looking around the house. When Yumi called his name it brought him back to the topic.

“My attribute you ask? It’s all of them of course.”

The three people there looked at him with dumbfounded faces. All of them? That’s impossible they thought.

“Apparently he’s quite the joker. I’ll just summon Seren and have her check.” Fredrick said. He closed his eyes and said. “Seren in the name of the contract, manifest before me!”

A light blue ball of water appeared in front of him, its diameter roughly five feet. Appearing from the top of the water ball was the upper half of a woman also made from water. Seren opened her black eyes and playfully brushed aside her watery bangs.

“I have answered your call Master.” She said in a low but soothing voice.

Seren was one of the highest ranked water spirits who has been passed down through the Nishka family for generations.

Powerful spirits who agreed to be inherited by their contractors children, would reside in an object made from soul stone. These objects have the ability to house a spirit’s essence and would be passed from parent to child.

“Thank you Seren. My daughter has finally contracted her very own familiar, so I’d like you two to be acquainted and could you also tell us his attribute?”

“Oh the little one finally found someone huh? I wonder who it… is…” Seren’s eyes opened wide at the site of Calgar. “It… can’t be… but…”

“Greetings Seren, I am Calgar. I hope to be able to get along with you as a fellow familiar.”

“Eh? Ah… yes, I hope to get along as well…”

Fredrick asked Seren again. “So can you tell us his attribute? Earlier he joked about it being all of them.”

Seren looked at Fredrick then to Calgar. “Well, he isn’t lying though… he does have them all.” Everyone was stunned by her words. “After all, he is The Go-.”

“I’m a very high ranked spirit.” Calgar immediately cut Seren off.

She was baffled to his statement, but his tone demanded that she keep quiet.

Fredrick was silent for a bit then said. “I knew it. I knew our daughter was blessed by the Gods! As a father and a Lord, I couldn’t be happier.” He hugged his daughter tightly.

Minna walk to them and hugged Yumi from behind. “You’re not the only one Dear. I too am proud of her.”

“Alright let’s get to that feast! You can tell me all about school and the contract!” Fredrick looked back to Seren and Calgar as he led his wife and daughter to the dining room. “Seren feel free to stay materialized, after all it’s a special day!” He laughed.

The family had left the two spirits at the entrance.

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“Well then.” Calgar said as he turned to Seren. “It appears you recognize me.”

Seren humbly bowed her upper body. “Yes, it is an honor to be in your presence War God.”

Seren was an ancient spirit who was alive during the time the Gods were still walking among the mortals. She would never forget the unique and unreachable energy the Gods possessed. He may look a little different, but it was impossible to mistake that this entity in front of her was none other than the old God of War and Valor.

She hesitated but then said. “However… we all thought that you…”

“Died? I thought the same and yet here I am.” He stated. “But more importantly I have questions for you.”

“If I can possibly grant you that which you seek, by all means ask of me anything.”

Seren had been bowing this entire time. It would draw attention if it lasted any longer so he asked her to stop.

“Seren, right now I am nothing but a high ranked spirit. Be more casual when speaking and stop bowing already.”

“To do such a thing-!” She was about to continue when she felt his aura change. If she insisted any further than this… she felt she would definitely regret it. “As you wish, I will call you… Calgar.”

“Good girl.” Calgar said while patting her head.

Even though Seren was ancient, all beings were but children in Calgar’s eyes. He gave off the impression of a father praising his daughter. Seren had worn a happy smile the entire time she was petted as well.

“Now, about my questions… how long has it been since the war? Ah, yes and from now on use soul speaking.”

“Understood.” Seren changed her way of speaking to include her soul energy. It was the language of the Gods.

“It has been 1,003,678 years since the end of the war and your death.”

“So the war ended with my death. What happened after that?”

“I’m not too clear on the details, but the other five Gods left the planet taking all of their servants and weapons with them. Since then, no one has heard or seen them. However, there are people who still receive their blessings or become their champions. So I assume they are watching us from somewhere?” Seren said, a little unsure.

“They left the planet? That explains quite a few things for me actually, mainly the reason that magic seems to have digressed.”

“It is as you say. After the Gods left, the races grew negligent and started to forget how to perform the techniques the Gods had shown them. Not to mention, the races had started to breed with others not of their own race, creating half races. These half races couldn’t use the magic of their parent races and it quickly snowballed into the current state. There are very few of the pure blooded origin races left.”

“… Then the Iusties and the rest…”

“Almost extinct I’m afraid.” Seren said this with a sigh.

“I see… I’m guessing the other Gods approved of this?”

“Who knows…”

The two were quiet until Calgar broke the silence with a small cough.

“Well, I have only one more question for now. Are summoners possessing spirits as old as you common?”

“No, it is very rare. Most spirits who existed before the war refuse to be a familiar and insist that only the Gods may call upon their service. Most summoners have contracted spirits created after. I have been wondering this from before, but why do you insist on hiding your identity?” Seren asked. She was truly curious about this matter.

“Seren, the reason I want to hide my identity is simple. What do the people know about the Gods?” He asked.

Seren put a finger to her chin. “If I recall, most think that we were unworthy so the Gods left us and are waiting until the day we can prove ourselves to them.”

“I also heard that they only think there are five Gods too.”

Seren’s face warped to displeasure. “That’s…”

“It’s fine Seren. By all rights I should have died. This is my dilemma. Should a dead God come back and meddle with affairs he doesn’t understand? I know nothing of how the world changed in my absence. I even thought that my brothers and sisters still walked among us. Besides I’m sure you sensed it haven’t you? I’ve lost almost all of my power. If not for Yumi, I would still be nothing but soul essence trapped in the ether. So until I gain back my former strength, I am Calgar, high ranked spirit.”

“… I understand. Then until the day you choose to be Calgar, God of War and Valor, I will treat you as an equal… Big Brother.” She smiled mischievously at the last words.

“What?” Calgar was taken aback.

Still smiling, Seren added. “Or maybe… Father would be better? After all, we spirits are just one big family. Age and rank are important in our pecking order. So which will it be?”

Calgar just stared at her. "Something tells me you won't give this up, will you?"

Seren shook her head. "Nope."

Finally he turned his head to the side and said quietly. “I prefer Big Brother.”

The entrance was filled with the sounds of Seren’s laughter.

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Fredrick, Minna, and Yumi were seated at the large dining table. Atop it was a vast assortment of food and drinks. There were three other people seated among them.

First was Gerard. He was the first son and was already in his mid-twenties. He was well built and had brown hair and green eyes like his father.

Next was Ivan, the second son. Like his mother he had black hair and blue eyes, and had a slim build. He was 19 and had graduated from the same military school Yumi currently attended.

The last person was Reinhardt. He was Fredrick’s father and the grandfather to the three children. He had white hair and a long beard. Green eyes peeked out from his drooping eyelids.

The family was currently discussing the latest news.

Gerard said. “So my little sister finally becomes a full-fledged summoner. I always knew you had it in you.”

“You’re full of crap. Didn’t you say she should just give it up and marry into a noble house?” Shot back Ivan.

“What did you say you little brat?!”

With an icy glare Minna said. “Boys quiet down.”

The two quickly behaved themselves.

Reinhardt stroked his beard. “The prime of your life is now starting Yumi. The trials and adventures that only summoners can experience is about to begin. Brace yourself for it, my granddaughter.”

Yumi said cheerfully. “Yes grandfather!”

Ivan asked. “I know that you just met your spirit today, but what is he like?”

He was a summoner as well and was curious.

“Well, he is a very tall spirit, who is covered with magnificent silver armor. Like a knight you would find in fairy tales. He is also kind as far as I can tell and I think he values respect more than most.” Yumi explained.

“He sounds pretty cool to me. Hey after dinner let’s have a mock battle in the training room!”

Their father interjected. “Ivan, your sister has only contracted the spirit today and I’m sure she is tired from the trip.”

The grandfather supported the children. “Why not let Yumi do it if she’s up for it? I would be interested in watching as well.”

Fredrick looked to Reinhardt. “Father…”

Yumi stopped Fredrick. “It is fine Father; I too wish to experience what it is like for summoners to battle. It will also help me to understand Calgar as well.”

Ivan exclaimed. “Alright then let’s head there right away!”

After finishing eating, the family returned to the entrance and found Calgar and Seren talking with each other.

Seren asked. “Eras, in nostra aetate et dignitate et ordine. Et quod ita sit?”

Calgar just stared at her. Finally he turned his head to the side and said quietly. “Magnus frater, ego magis.”

Seren then burst into laughter, while Calgar looked annoyed.

Fredrick said. “It seems the two of you are getting along just fine.”

“Yes, I don’t believe there will be any problems at all.” Seren said with a smirk.

“Yumi, he’s way cooler than what you described! I’m a little jealous!” Ivan said.

Calgar inquired. “Yumi, these three are…?”

“These are my brothers, Gerard and Ivan. This is my grandfather Reinhardt. Calgar, Ivan would like to do a mock battle with me. Would you be willing to lend me your strength?” She asked.

“A mock battle you say… It’s fine with me. I’m curious on how we will fight together.”

Fredrick asked a question that had been on his mind. “Yumi how long has Calgar been materialized?”

“Since this afternoon, why?”

Fredrick was shocked. “How is that possible? It takes lots of control and concentration to keep them here. Not to put you down sweetie, but for a novice like you that should be impossible.”

Seren cut in. “Actually Master, for Calgar it is a simple feat. You see, he too is an ancient spirit like myself. However if we were to compare our ages, to him I’m still only a child. Right Big Brother?”

Calgar glared at Seren for a minute but soon answered. “Yes I am older than Seren. I can make the burden to stay materialized on your daughter to be negligent.”

The family burst into murmurs. “She said she is younger than him.” “Doesn’t that make him super powerful?!” “She called him Big Brother… I’m jealous…” “My, with this Yumi’s safety is assured.”

“Aw yeah! Now I’m super fired up! Let’s hurry up and get this mock battle started!” Ivan threw his fist into the air.

Everyone entered into the training room. This room was coated in a magical barrier, which prevented damage from attacks. It was here that the Nishka family would practice their battle techniques without worry of damaging the mansion.

Ivan crossed the room and was situated on the far end, while Yumi and Calgar went opposite of him.

“Come forth my spirit, I request your powers!” Ivan shouted.

From the earth, a giant boulder appeared. From it emerged a humanoid figure made of stone. In place of eyes were shining rubies. It was Ivan’s spirit, Ugok.

“Yo Boss! If you’ve called me I guess we are about to throw down with someone, yeah? Point me at ‘em!”

Ugok had just as much energy as his master it seemed. Truly they were the perfect match for each other.

Fredrick had stepped in between his two children. “Alright you two, I will be the judge for this match. For Yumi’s sake I will explain a few things. First is that summoners have three ways of fighting. One is to borrow the spirit’s power without materializing them. Another is to summon the spirit and command them to fight. Lastly is to summon your spirit and fight alongside them. The last one is the most difficult, but is the ultimate goal for summoners.”

Fredrick turned to Yumi. “Normally it is easier to just borrow the power of the spirit, but that requires you to know the spirits magic and skills. Since you have only just met Calgar, this battle will be one of commanding the spirits to fight. The summoners are forbidden to interfere. Do both parties agree to the terms?”

““I accept.”” Both children replied.

“Victory conditions are the incapacitation of the opponent’s spirit. Are you ready?”

Fredrick raised his hand into the air. Ivan and Ugok got into a battle stance, and Yumi clenched her fists. Only Calgar stood there with his arms crossed in a relaxed manner.

“Begin!”

“Alright, Ugok prepare to use [Rock Barrage]!”

“Roger Boss!”

On the other side of the field, Yumi wasn’t sure what to do.

Calgar walked in front of her and looked back. “Your orders Yumi.”

“Eh? Ah, r-right… for now… um… prepare to defend?” She was completely unsure of her instructions.

This didn’t escape Calgar’s notice. It told him that Yumi was a complete novice in terms of battle experience.

For now however he intended to only follow her orders to the letter and take as little improvised action as possible. In this way, even if by himself he could defeat the enemy, if Yumi herself didn’t realize her errors she would never grow.

“Very well then. [Cogita].” Calgar’s armor shined a little brighter than before.

“Take this, [Rock Barrage]!” Ugok’s arm changed into a cannon and shot out multiple rocks at Calgar.

But Calgar just stood there. When the rocks collided with his armor, they made a metallic clanking noise. Before anyone realized it, the rocks were flying straight back to their source.

“What the?! Ugok evade it!” Shouted Ivan.

“Uwaaah!” Ugok dived to the right as the rocks flew past and crashed into the wall.

Yumi was stunned. “Wow, amazing.” Then she noticed that Calgar was silently looking back to her again. “Oh! That’s right, can’t space out here… Alright Calgar! Let’s see… I know! Follow up with a ranged ability!”

Calgar thought to himself. Not bad, but still too vague for an order. Let’s use the earth attribute and see if she notices.

He held his hand in front of him, aiming at Ugok. “Understood. [Percussit Petram].”

A large rock, the size of a man, was torn from the ground and launched with terrifying speed at Ugok.

This time he wasn’t able to dodge, and was struck with a direct hit. The rock shattered on impact and sent Ugok tumbling on the ground.

“Ugok! Are you alright?!” Asked Ivan.

Ugok rose to his feet but was still a little unsteady. “I’m fine Boss. It will take more than that to bring me out of the fight.”

Calgar was a little impressed. To be able to take a hit from that and still get up is splendid. Even if that was the weakest of the earth attribute spells, it’s no joke coming from him.

On the sideline, the rest of the family had been watching with amazed expressions.

Minna and Gerard were commentating to each other while watching and sharing their opinions. Reinhardt was a little bit away, standing next to Seren. Unlike his grandson and daughter-in-law, He had a serious expression.

“Seren, Those spells that he is using… What are those?” Reinhardt asked without looking at her.

Seren sighed at the fact Calgar, whether he realized it or not, was being conspicuous. But she did know that, even if he tried, he probably wasn’t even capable of using modern day magic anyways.

Why? It was simple. Calgar had a minimum output of magic he could do and couldn’t go lower than that. The strongest of modern magic would barely reach above the lowest grade of God magic.

“He’s using ancient magic. The language used to invoke it is called soul speaking. It’s the language of the Gods.” She explained.

Reinhardt’s eyes grew wide. “This is God magic?!”

“Yes, though it is of the lowest grade. It seems he is going easy on Ugok.”

“Unbelievable… Were you capable of such magic as well Seren?”

She thought for a bit before answering. “Technically, yes I can use it. However with Master’s magic, it would be one spell of the lowest grade and it would leave him exhausted.”

“Then for Yumi to be fine…”

“Calgar is perfect at managing consumption of magic power. He will have no wasted emissions while casting spells. I said it before didn’t I? To him I am just an immature little girl.”

“My granddaughter has gotten ahold of quite the spirit. It worries me though. Those with great power are often targeted by those with malicious intent.”

“Well, I agree that it probably wouldn’t hurt to keep an eye on them.”

Back at the match, Ugok had been thrown around by Calgar’s attacks.

Ivan’s magic was low and he could feel that at any minute Ugok would dematerialize. Therefore he made the decision to play his trump card.

“Ugok, it’s all or nothing! Hit them with our trump!” He commanded.

“Aye Aye!” Ugok thrust an arm into the ground and shouted. “Unleashing my Ultimate attack! [Earthquake]!”

The ground trembled and shook. Cracks opened up and headed to Calgar.

He turned around. “Yumi, orders!”

Yumi could barely keep her balance. “I don’t know what to do! Reading books about battles and the real thing are too different!”

Calgar inwardly sighed. “Fine, I’ll handle it this time.”

He raised an arm and with a single phrase, snapped his fingers. “[Aqua Fons].”

Underneath Ugok a fountain of water launched him into the air. This time, being an attribute he was weak to, the attack did a considerable amount of extra damage.

When Ugok hit the ground he broke apart and dissolved into thin air. He had dematerialized.

Fredrick raised his hand and pointed it to Yumi. “This match’s winner is Yumi and Calgar!”

“No way, to think our trump was beaten… I have completely lost.” Ivan was breathing hard and sat down to catch his breath. That last attack he and Ugok pulled off drained him of a lot of magic.

“We won! Calgar, we won!” Yumi was jumping up and down.

He walked up and put a hand on her shoulder. “Yumi calm down. While it is true we were the victors, there were a lot of problems during the match.”

Yumi calmed down. “Y-you’re right I got carried away. My performance was completely unacceptable.”

Minna walked up clapping her hands. “Well done you two. That was a very exciting battle. However it has grown late so I think it’s a good time for everyone to head to bed.”

Everyone agreed and left the training room. But before Calgar and Yumi left, Seren stopped them.

“Hey Yumi, since Calgar doesn’t need sleep and I’m sure it would be awkward to have him in your room, do you mind lending him to me?”

“Not at all Seren. He’s all yours. I’ll see you in the morning Calgar. At that time, please teach me what I could have done better during today’s match.”

Calgar nodded to her and Yumi left. It was then that Fredrick and Reinhardt both came to them with serious expressions on their faces.

“Calgar, we need to talk.”