Summary
Saito Hiraga is the primary male protagonist hailing from Tokyo, Japan. At seventeen, standing 172 cm tall with a birthday on December 9th, he is an otaku whose hobbies revolve around the Internet and action games. His life changes drastically when he touches a mysterious portal in Akihabara while carrying his laptop, transporting him to another world. Initially disoriented, he is bound to Louise as her familiar, a ritual requiring a kiss that shocks him. In the anime, he gains the ability to understand the local language after a failed silence spell, whereas the light novels state he naturally understands French. Bound to Louise by runes reading geboundolf or Gundolf on his hand, Saito possesses the powers of a Gandálfr. This allows him to wield any object intended as a weapon with extreme proficiency, granting him enhanced strength, speed, and durability. He can instantly master unfamiliar arms like M-72 rocket launchers or World War II fighters, though these physical boosts vanish quickly, potentially causing unconsciousness if he was injured. His partner is Derflinger, a sentient sword and companion to the ancient Gandálfr, whose advice is often unhelpful. Despite being a Gandálfr tasked with protecting Void Wizards, Saito endures Louise’s frequent beatings without defending himself. Although portrayed as a pervert who often notices women’s chests, Saito harbors deep, genuine feelings for Louise. He becomes visibly jealous and upset when other men, such as the snobbish Julio, show interest in her, even calling Julio a bastard. He fiercely protects Louise’s dignity, once stopping friends from peeping at her while bathing. Louise views him as property, yet Saito openly declares his love for her. After his magical runes mysteriously disappear in the third series, they return upon being re-summoned by Louise. He is subsequently knighted for halting an entire army alone and welcomed as a hero. His name, derived from Edo period scientist Gennai Hiraga, translates to "ability man."
