The Noble Archwizard

"Say, what's the commotion about brigands and bandits anyway?"

We were walking a while, though it almost felt like it was aimless wandering.

"Ah, my crazy over the top village has had many bandits trying to pillage and steal our resources. Though we might be considered a village, our resources are extremely valuable. We're self sufficient because of it, and they grew weary of outsiders wanting to 'steal' our treasures."

"Wouldn't it be worthwhile to establish good connections? They're essential in the long term."

"My village doesn't think like that. They're taking what they have for granted but don't think about anything else. It's always been like that. If anything, I want to avoid that place for the rest of my life."

It makes me question what her mother saw in that father of hers. But they had no features alike. If I had to guess from their mana flow alone, she certainly wasn't his biological daughter.

"Bandits and Brigands... they're a dangerous sort, so it might be wise for us to take care of them."

"L-look, with just the two of us alone, I don't think we can take care of a whole hideout... besides... I'm a novice swordsman at best..."

She's right, going at it while we're this weak... I was able to parry that spell from earlier, but that's what my skill Spell Break does. Some of the moves I used in my original world translated as Skills, but my stats are still very low. Even if I'm incredibly skilled, it wouldn't matter if I get hit even once.

"Yeah, maybe you're right. If that's the case, then we should investigate the whereabouts without unveiling ourselves. That way, it'll be easier for us to track once we're stronger."

"But the bandits are always on the move, will it be that easy once they're gone?"

I took a moment to examine our surroundings. Answering her question, I kneeled down to some trampled flowers with rather large footsteps next to them.

"Look here. Even if they leave, they can't erase their tracks so easily. Bandits naturally think of only one thing, and it's what is in their pockets."

"But..."

"I know you want to become a swordsman, but after what happened in your village, we need to at least ensure we can survive. So, aside from just swordsmanship, I'll also teach you some quality of life skills. We know the footprints are headed that way, so..."

Marking the nearest tree with my blade, I left an easy to notice mark that could easily be passed off as an accident. Who would think otherwise?

"I slashed in this direction, leaving this mark following towards the direction of the footsteps. Even if the prints fade, we still have an indication as to where they may lead to. Rule number one, is to always mark your surroundings."

She looked at me dumbfounded, but immediately spoke.

"O-oh-, if that's the case then, why don't we just place a marker on our map?"

Ofcourse this world means everything is gonna be a lot more straightforward. Looks like that survival tip was all for nothing.

"Look, if you click here and tap on this icon.."

So many convenient things. This world is way ahead of my world.

"There! Now we can mark important landmarks for the future. Oh, and don't forget to name them! If you do, it'll be harder to find out which is the correct way point."

"Good to know. Well, looks like this conversation did lead to something worth noting. Anyway, we should follow it and see if we can find anything important. Bandits are dangerous if left unattended and their forces will only grow bigger until villages are be forced to their knees."

I made my way forward, following the tracks left behind.

"You seem really reliable... but did you have to lie about not knowing anything?"

"Well, I didn't know what risks it would bare. After all, I can't just state openly that I'm not from this world."

"I... see... That leads to a lot of questions on my part, but I'm sure you don't want to talk about them."

"I don't mind, it's just that there isn't a lot to tell. Anyway, it looks like there's a clearing up ahead, so be cautious now."

"O-okay-..."

We followed the path until the clearing was in sight. Though what we had seen weren't bandits or a campsite. Instead, it was just scorch marks and rubble. It looks like a fight broke out not too long ago, due to one of the fabric of what looked to be a tent was still smoking from flames.

"What... is this?"

"It looks like something happened. If I'm assuming correctly, it looks like burn marks. The rubble over there is covered in ashes, so it's safe to assume a mage got here."

"A mage..? They're supposed to be extremely rare- magic wielders are hard to come across..."

"Don't you want to be a mage too?"

"I... It's called Magic Blades, my mother was incredibly skilled with it and even met my father while she studied under the arts."

"... Speaking of, what did she see in that chief of yours?"

"... He's not my real father. Anyway, I don't want to get into the nit and grit of these things..."

"Hm... lower your head."

"w-why..?"

"I can feel danger drawing near..."

As I uttered those words, a fire ball came straight at me. If I didn't react fast enough, I wouldn't have been able to strike it with my sword in time.

"Show yourself."

I spoke, and from the shadows emerged a brunette petite figure, who held a staff and a tome. It was clear who she was. After all, it only adds up as to how this camp was incinerated.

"To think you bandits would have returned here. I should've known."

"Bandits..? Wait, do I really look like a bandit..?"

"Noir, people clad in black are often criminals..."

"Enough of this nonsense. My mission is to capture you all and take you to the capital. Whether that means you're alive or dead matters not. That judgement falls onto me."

The mage seemed pretty serious about killing us. Her magic was strong too, way stronger than the chief could ever hope to be. Just what was her deal?

"Arch-Fire!"

A roar of flames was thrown at me, to which I attempted my Spell Break again, but it only resulted into me scorching myself.

"Pah... My spell break... didn't work?"

"You have such a skill? Well it only works on single target magic."

This girl dealt a lot of damage, I can feel the pain surge through my body. Blanc looks terrified, I can't let her die here.

"You shall meet your end. Arch-Lightning!"

I stood up again, and throwing my blade into it, the sword took the full might of it while I lunged myself at the girl. Taking her down, I gripped the staff and tossed it to the side- which left her tome which I stuffed my hand into before she could close it. Slamming it to the ground, she let go presumably from the impact of her hand. I pinned her down, leaving her unable to cast magic. That was the main trouble.

"G-get off of me! P-please, please don't kill me!"

"Do I really look like a criminal to you?!"

"Please... I have a family..."

"Sigh. Look, I'm not letting you go. Not until I've convinced you that I'm not a bandit."

"Y-you..."

"He's telling the truth, he just looks suspicious wearing all those black clothes- but just look at me! I'm a normal villager... or ex-villager..."

"What..?"

Her mana flow is fierce. She's definitely very strong, presumably by a few levels. She probably took on this job for the money, but wouldn't that mean that she's apart of some guild or something?

"T-then... I must have read the situation wrong..."

"You did. I'm gonna let go now, but you better not attack or I'll get serious."

"Okay! Okay..."

After I got up, she patted herself down. She seemed well dressed- though she's covered in charcoal and the sort now.

"I'm... terribly sorry."

"It's okay. Listen, we're after the bandits too, though our levels are too low for us to engage so we only wanted to figure out where their hideout is."

"I see... Well, I know where the hideout is but I'm taking out their outposts for now. I need to quell them all in one fell swoop."

"I see. Well, considering you're a very talented mage, it'd be an honour for us to accompany you on your quest."

"Hmph... I'm an Arch Wizard actually."

"An Arch Wizard?! That's..."

"I see... so you're incredibly gifted."

"I am, but it wasn't talent that got me here. It took dedication and hard work for me to get to where I am... to be taken out so easily by a low level adventurer..."

"I'm sorry. I had to resort to scummy tactics to get the upper hand. I couldn't risk Blanc's life there. I'm Noir by the way."

"You may call me Maru."

Well, that was a way to introduce each other. I'm really injured, and my clothes are stained too... But maybe that's for the better. Black outfits means shady business here. I'll take note of it...

"Noir, you're injured aren't you?"

Blanc asked as she approached me. She sat me down, and looked at my hip. Unveiling part of my shirt, she saw the vicious wound the scorch mark left. Her face seemed a little red, but it went to normal when she saw the mark.

"I'll get you fixed up in no time..."

She held her left hand out while the right held up my shirt, and as she concentrated- a green light soon followed that surrounded by wound. It felt sharp at first, but quickly eased up and made me feel warm. Before I knew it, the wound had completely disappeared.

"You know healing magic?"

"I... it's called Healing Arts, and I do know a bit of them."

"I see you have a talent for magic. Who trained you, Miss Blanc?"

Maru came over after inspecting our surroundings and noticed the wound being completely healed. Her magic seemed weak at first, but now that she's relaxed, it seemed to be more concentrated and powerful.

"Ah... I'm self taught."

"Self-taught... I see, your potential is pretty good, have you considered joining the Mage Clan?"

"The Mage Clan?"

"It's a guild that dedicates time and efforts to training those with a powerful mana."

Interesting... I wonder what her level is?

"Excuse me, Maru, what's your level?"

"S-so blunt!!"

Blanc seemed a little taken a back by my question, and even Maru looked away as if I had asked some terrible question.

"Psst. Levels aren't something anybody will just reveal... asking that is like asking what sort of underwear you're wearing..."

"You should've mentioned it sooner!"

Now I feel a little embarrassed. Why is something like that so private? Maybe it's something directly correlated to ranks in society. Who knows, I can only make aimless guessed until I learn the real reason.

"Anyway... I don't mind you asking that, but keep it to yourself. The Mage Clan are very proud about their power yet also humble. Sharing numbers isn't something we do with just anyone, but only to friends and family."

I guess it's that kind of thing. We're both level 1, but this Mage seems to be much higher leveled than us.

"I'm level 24, and these bandits have been estimated to be a level 13 job. If you guys are this confident to track them down, then I'm assuming you're higher levelled than 13?"

"Actually no, we're only level 1."

"Oh. Okay... wait what?!"

That must've been a shock to her. Was it because I took her down so easily?

"Y-you should go back if you're level 1... I wondered why my intermediate magic dealt so much damage..."

"That must have been the same reason as to why I couldn't use my Spell Break..."

"No, that's overconfidence there. My attack was AoE and your skill looked like it could deal with single target spells."

Damn... If she's only level 24, then I can't imagine how much more powerful other people may be in this world.

"What's the highest level you can get to?"

"Well, the cap hasn't been hit and no one knows if there even IS a limit. All that we know is that the fiercest fighter in all of history is the King of this nation who hails at level 98."

98? That sounds so far away from level 1. I mean, if you can only combat against monsters and criminals then that only makes the more sense.

"How come you seem to know so little?"

"Ah! Well, Noir here isn't-"

"I'M NOT- ahem, I'm not well acquainted with all these things. I didn't even know there was this 'System' until I left my own village and met Blanc here."

"Ah-"

She almost blurted out something important, I should've played along the being from this world story.

"I see... there's a lot to learn, and... well, as my sorry... I wouldn't mind teaching you both the ropes of being an adventurer."

"Well actually, Blanc here wants to attend a school dedicated to swordsmanship."

"Oh?"

"Ahh... yeah, I wanted to study this thing... Actually, you might know about it. It's called Divine Blading."

"Divine Blading..? You want to learn that from a school?"

"Well... I was hoping to study up on it some mo-"

"You can't."

Divine Blading... Is that what this girl wants to learn? I'm not getting it but it sounds like...

"Divine Blading has been erased from every archive. The only way to learn it is from someone who has mastered it... unfortunately, they've all been persecuted by the King himself."

"The King would persecute these people... why?"

"Well... The Divine Blading originates from a clan of inherently powerful magic wielders. They once fought for the King, but..."

"But they were turned against. The Divine Bladers were powerful people and naturally posed the largest threat to the King himself. Not many people are aware, but they were sent to their deaths."

The Mage seemed quite agitated by the story, but Blanc's unusual interest in it only made her want to chase it even more. I can tell by the way her body was moving- the way she looked down before that slim glimmer of light that appeared on her eyes.

"Blanc, I'll teach you everything I know about swordsmanship."

"T-thanks Noir..."

"Swordsmanship? but you're only level one... Swordmaster are usually level 50 and above..."

"Ah- w-well, I'm uh... naturally talented in the way of blade works so...."

"If that is what you say... still..."

she then mumbled to herself, I couldn't quite make out what she said but, maybe I'll figure it out later.

As silence fell, we heard an ominous wave of wind. It was setting my alarms off, and as the sun began to set, it only made me feel all the more uneasy.

"Night's almost here... we should set up camp somewhere... somewhere hidden."

"How come?"

"Ah... Noir, deadly enemies appear at night... the higher the moon is, the more deadlier they become... if we get unlucky..."

"It's okay, Blanc, Noir. You both have me to protect you. As long as my magic barrier is active, no demons can bypass it."

"Demons... You mean they exist?"

"Yes. They only come out during the peak of night. They come in many forms, but mostly in the possession of an animal or even humans."

I looked over at Maru who seemed quite experienced in all of this. I definitely wasn't going to question her knowledge, afterall- being level 24 is no joke.

...

I couldn't sleep. Danger loomed in the air, and both the girls are asleep too.

The Moon was at its peak. After a while of speaking with them, they put out the fire, so as to not draw attention. They mentioned Aggro and Difficulty Level... According to what they said, at 2am is the peak difficulty level. Currently, it's 1:39, and I'm still a bit distraught.

It's odd, that despite everything I've been through- a simple difference in numbers has put me into serious distraught...

"Noir..?"

I heard a voice from behind. Looking over, Maru was still asleep. Bianca had her eyes wide open, as if she couldn't sleep either.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm... I'm a little terrified."

"I get it... Don't worry. I'm here. As long as I'm here, I won't let any demons come after you. After all, I'm an expert when it comes to dealing with them."

She nodded, before reaching out for my hand.

"Heh... I want to be a Divine Blader, and yet here I am shaking with fear... The path ahead seems so dangerous..."

I held her hand, feeling how shaky she was. Her fear was much higher than mine... To be outside a safe zone with such low experience- I can't let myself feel like this when she's here feeling much worst. I can at least defend myself, but for Bianca...

"Go to sleep. I'll keep night watch."

"... Okay... Take care, Noir."

She said, before turning over. I held my hand on her shoulder, letting her know that I'm still here. The best thing she needs is sleep, and as long as my warmth reaches her, it'll keep her from feeling stress.

I remember...

...

"Aster... Are we going to be okay..?"

"Ofcourse... You know I wouldn't let any of you down."

I glanced over to my party members, seeing how beaten down they were. Night arose, and it seemed to be the only time of peace we could have.

"I... can't sleep. Hold me, will you?"

She asked me. This girl, is the girl I grew up with. The girl I loved more than anyone. Ayrandel was a fierce warrior, but even moments like these was time we could never let go of.

I held her with a warm embrace, feeling her cold body. She seemed to be growing weaker by the minute.

"Aster... You have so much on your shoulders..."

"It's okay. I never chose this path, I was never ever given a choice... But after so many years, I realised truly how important being the Chosen One is... if I don't fight every day like my last- then I'll fail in protecting those I truly care for."

"Aster... I love you..."

"I love you too, Ayrandel."

We exchanged a cheeky kiss, before I felt her going dead weight. It seemed she was incredibly desperate for some sleep.

"Get a good night's rest okay..? I'll keep night watch, and make sure everyone stays safe."

I smiled at her.

...

"Sigh."

She fell asleep. I'm glad. It seems night looms danger in this world, in comparison to my previous world where the demons used the night to regenerate their power.

It was our only moment to breathe. And the only moment where we could share important memories.

I stood up, watching over Blanc and Maru. The two were sleeping peacefully. It was a good time, so long as they're protected- everything should be fine.

I began to walk away, leaving the magical barrier Maru put up before she slept.

It's 2am. I sensed a presence a while ago, but it seemed to grow closer by the minute. If I can draw it away, then I can keep those two safe.

"You... You... Human... You..."

A voice surrounded me, it was only the one, but it sounded like it was coming from everywhere.

"Death... comes for all..."

It spoke, but I wasn't afraid. I stood fiercely against an army of demons, and conquered them all. Something like this is child's play.

"Death... Surrounds us all..."

In the instance the voice stopped, a scythe came reaching for my neck. I was fast enough to parry with my obsidian blade, pushing it back before a cloaked figure phased in existence before me.

"A grim reaper... I've only heard about these in stories... So you're real in this world too."

"Death... comes for all... You... do not belong here..."

"I don't, but what does that matter?"

"You... speak nonsense... belonging here or not... doesn't change fate... death comes for all.... you escaped once... you shall not escape again..."

"How did you..."

"Death... comes for all!"

It phased out of existence once again, leaving only the scythe to be seen. Perhaps it was an invisibility trick it used- but blade was phasing right through it. None of my attacks were landing and all I could do was parry.

"You... have lost..."

"Not yet!"

Our blades met several times, and though it was strong- the strength emanating from my sword was enough to keep up. But I knew one hit would be enough to knock me out.

"Death... Death..."

It kept repeating the same words... It was haunting for sure, but nothing will change my absolute will to protect.

I clashed once more- but as it phased back into existence, I became desperate.

"Got you!"

I yelled, fiercely ramming my blade into the cloak- but I felt nothing.

"Death... cannot be escaped..."

It spoke once again, before swinging it's scythe...

Is my recklessness going to be my undoing again..?

"Arch Fire!"

In the instance that the blade met with my chest, a serious roar of flames scorched the cloak up.

"Noir..!"

I felt my eyes grow heavy. The pain was unbearable. Looking to the top left of my vision, my green bar suddenly turned red. It had to indicate my life, afterall-... I could feel myself fade away...

"Noir, stay back! Grim Reapers can only be damaged by magic attacks... It's a tough one too..."

"Death... comes for all..."

The reaper came rushing at me once more. That was until a blade suddenly appeared before me.

Looking onto it, I attempted to grab it, trying to fight back- but suddenly after it parried, it floated near Maru.

"Grim Reapers are defeated easily by divine magic... It's almost perfect. Divine Fire!"

She yelled before the blade began to coalesce flames towards the tip. Almost instantaneously, the blade shot the flame in a roaring star, in an unimaginable speed which paralysed the reaper.

If it could only be struck with magic- then this was my opportunity.

With the last bit of my strength, I gripped my chest while holding my sword. Alighting in a brilliant flame...

"Burst!"

I yelled. The reaper before me- incinerated had disappeared.

"Ah..."

As it was defeated, a white screen appeared in my vision again. 'Level Up!'

Whatever it was, I didn't pay much mind to it. If it weren't for Maru saving me, I would've died... I would've never thought to use magic attacks...

"Noir..! Are you okay?!"

"I'm... I'm fine."

"H-here, drink this.."

"Thanks... How did you know..."

"You stepped out the magic barrier... I was immediately alerted."

"Heh... right... I tried not to disturb you nor Blanc."

"It's okay... I protected her with a stronger barrier whilst I went to look for you... it's not as big, but it's much sturdier and dense."

"That attack... What was that..?"

"... Don't tell anyone... It's..."

The sun soon rose, and morning struck. My life was restored, and after having a deep conversation with Maru, it seemed that there was more to her than what met my eye. Her mana flow was crazy strong, even I could detect that. But to find out that....

"I'm... a Divine Blader."

"You're a Divine Blader... Wouldn't that mean you meeting Blanc was fate?"

"Maybe... I came her in search for a white haired girl with powerful magic potency... I feel ridiculous for not considering her, but..."

"White hair is pretty rare to come across unless we're talking older people."

"I know- look... sigh... I just didn't expect to meet her so soon."

"What is your mission exactly? I thought it was to get rid of bandits."

"My mission... It was by a mysterious woman... she said..."

...

"An otherworldly experience may happen... Protect my daughter, and her friend from another world..."

Just who is Blanc's mother? How does she even know of my existence?

"Noir?"

"Oh, sorry, I was in a daze. Did you sleep well Blanc?"

"Yes- I'm fine. Did you end up sleeping?"

"Ah, well I kind of forgot to. I don't really get tired so easily."

"B-but you should still sleep!"

"I'll be fine, don't worry. Besides, we have Maru to protect us."

I looked over to the brunette who stared off into the distance. Her mission was to keep her and I protected. Why did she accept such a commission in the first place..? Not to mention... wouldn't that be a rather long one..?