Dimension Serpent and The Divine Blader

"Kah... Damn, it's so massive and looks like its moving slowly- but I can barely keep up..!"

I muttered in frustration as I was helplessly trying to catch up the darn creature, but it seemed useless without activating any skills. I truly wished that I could catch up without expending my own SP**, but my hands are being forced...

(**SP=Strength Points, equivalent to Mana which is more oriented towards physical activity. SP can be consumed to use Sword Skills or activating Physical Augments- whilst MP revolves around using Magic attacks and Magical Enhancements.)

"Speed!" I activated the skill followed by a brilliant flash of blue light that orbited my feet, finishing off with sparkles that let me run faster.

Catching up to it was easy enough now- but to slow something down that was this large- it was almost impossible. It represented a Whale but it's like it's body was akin to a snake, growing thinner and thinner the closer it got to it's rear.

My only option here was to reach its head, and perhaps daze it to stop it from ravaging the place...

...

(Maru's POV)

"W-wait! Noir! That's a Realm Devourer- defeating it is impossible!"

He was gone too far, he definitely didn't hear me- but now that he's ran off- I have a fear that the dream I had would come true. I began to sprint towards the light devices in a panic, attempting to use Light Travelling to get to the Central Zone to reconvene with all the Wizards.

It took only a few seconds, and upon arriving in the Central Zone- many wizards had appeared in their pj's and some were prepared enough to engage in their battle gear. This was something we weren't ready for at all. No one was able to foresee it due to the circumstances with the Cultists active.

"Everyone, please gather. We must repel the incoming threat with our fiercest magic attacks... If we do not succeed, our lives are at stake. We have no means to access the outside world while this thing ravages our realm... so please.. We must fight for our lives!"

The cheers of everyone basked the worry that Blanc's face had made. What was even more concerning was the distant blue light that flashed next to the Devourer- I knew that was Aster but I had no means of communicating with him nor reaching him in time to warn him about the mage's attacks...

However, if I tell the mages not to attack- then we will be devoured... How can we overcome this situation..?

"Maru... where's Noir..."

I began to sweat after Blanc had approached me, worrying sincerely about her friend. There was no way I could let him die- but...

"My oh my... that thing is a Dimension Devourer, no? Are you sure our magical prowess would be enough to best that thing?"

A voice came, breaking through all the noise the mages were making. I recognized that voice- it was one that somewhat frightened me.

"M-Miss Masayume..."

Even one of the prime Wizards seemed somewhat distraught by that comment. He is one of our strongest, but Masayume is on a whole 'nother level when it comes to magic. She's the owner of the Library that I had visited earlier.

"That thing's magical resistance is off the charts. Physical attacks are the only things that would make a dent in it's HP. Now if I remember, I recall sensing two physical fighters entering this domain..."

She had looked over to Blanc, and seemed to be quite confused.

"Tell me miss, where is your friend? Noir is his name, correct?"

It's like she could read right through us- but it's widely known that this Fox Lady is extremely well versed in all things. Discovering information takes mere minutes for her. As for Blanc- she seemed flustered, so I took control of the situation.

"Noir is... He's fighting that thing as we speak. The more we wait- the more I fear he'll lose his life..."

"Hm... interesting, then that Physical Augment was casted by him then? I noticed it whilst you were making that speech."

She said as she looked at the Acting Grand Wizard.

"I- I see... if that's the case, then his life may be at risk if we rip off large scale magic... What can we do..."

She pondered..The Acting Grand Wizard was known to be as fierce as her Kitsune friend, even her existence is a mystery.

"Don't fret, Yuuna. After all, there are several options here. That thing is a Dimension Devourer. We could easily cast it away from this dimension- but that wouldn't stop it from coming here again."

"No. We can't act irrationally here. Maru, your friend, how strong is he?"

"He's... he's a quick thinker and a Swordmaster... chances are, he's very strong. He bested me in combat despite being Level 1 at the time."

"I see... His level is low, but if we all provide enough support- we could potentially have a fighting chance."

"There's a slight problem in that however."

"You're right Yume. Our support has its limits, which means providing additional support would overwrite our supports."

The two powerhouses conversed, as if there wasn't a deadly threat coming at us...

...

(3rd person POV)

The Kitsune and Human continued to converse their strategy. Blanc herself seemed quite terrified, but knowing her friend was out there risking his life to bring it down- her hand instinctively made its way to the shaft of her blade.

"Pah!" The glimpse of light coming from Noir's sword had glimmered in the distance. Running up it's spine, he dragged his sword deeply into its back- attempting to strike at its nerves. It proved useless however as it felt as though it didn't have a spine in the first place. His efforts didn't stop there however as he continued to strike with all his might. That all came to a stop however, as soon he would realize he agitated the Dimension Devourer.

Soaring through the air was driftless spirits that bore no face but only a cloak. Rushing at Noir, he defended as best he could with his now flame-imbued obsidian sword.

He cleaved each Dimension Reaper with his sword- taking care of the endless waves of them.

As the mages watched the fight persist, they drew the conclusion.

"Noir is our only hope... if we can't support him enough- we'll have to do our best to defeat it ourselves... even if it costs his life."

"No!"

Blanc yelled, drawing her sword at last. Her eyes was filled with determination as she soon pointed it towards the beast.

"Help support me too... if you all boost both of our strengths, we might be able to deal more damage to it... I can't let my friend die there... not until he sees me become a Swordmaster myself!"

The mages seemed to be in agreement with each other, looking onto the delicate white hair with belief.

"Hm... I can tell you're inexperienced, but with our support- you shouldn't have to worry about taking much damage. Once we teleport you at Noir's coordinates, we cannot retrieve you back."

"In that case, Blanc, take these... they're Teleport Crystals... They'll take you back to reality... It's my fault for bringing you two here in the first place... even if I end up dying here..."

Maru looked back to her three friends that were all tense too. She eased before finishing what she was saying.

"I'd be happy to die alongside the people who have come to accept me."

"Maru-... there's no need... Take those back... Noir and I will come back, and there's, nothing you can do to convince me otherwise."

Taken aback by what came out of her mouth, Maru hesitantly held onto the Teleport Crystals.

"Blanc, we can only rely on the two of you now. Hurry it up so we can focus our supports for you!"

"Okay!"

...

(Noir's POV)

"Damn... they just keep coming!"

My attacks were working effectively, but the rate of mana consumption compared to regeneration was too great... I had used too much SP to regenerate my Mana too- so that was almost out of the equation. My own magic attacks didn't work well against this gigantic beast who held most of his HP anyway, so fighting enemies that could only be killed through magic and against a beast only affected by physical attacks was tough.

But I'm too reluctant to give up now. Raising my sword, I then suddenly felt power surge through me. My Mana, my Skill Points- My health- they were all regenerated in an instant.

"Noir!"

A voice appeared from a blue light before me, alongside a face I'm familiar with.

"Blanc- what the hell are you doing here? Get to safety!"

"No! We need to beat this thing together! The entire Mage Clan are supporting us with their magic, so we must do what we can before their mana runs out!"

As she said that, I zoomed in on the cluster of mages in the distance with my Sight Skill, to which I saw all of them casting shades of light towards us. Magic was truly amazing, considering how far they were. But it seems that this raid had become much more interesting. Raising my sword, I activated my Sword Skill.

"Pierce!"

I yelled as my blade felt as if it grew several inches before it dug itself into the back of this creature. It yelped with an incredibly loud and large groan.

"Looks like our attacks deal some damage now... Blanc, we need to get to its head and blind it by piercing it's eyes... Pierce is an E Level Skill, so you should be able to use it!"

I told her, to which she nodded. Raising her blade, she attempted to use the skill- but was interrupted by the flow of monsters.

"I'll protect you on the way there!"

I said after finishing them all off in the blink of an eye. My power had scaled tremendously- it almost felt like I had my old body back- though my best right now would be equivalent to my absolute worst back then.

"Then let's go now Noir, we have no time to waste!"

'You two must hinder it's movement as much as you can.'

"Who said that?!"

Blanc and I asked at the same time, but the voice clarified almost immediately.

'Don't ask questions. Blanc, we spoke only a moment ago so surely you know who I am. Anyway, if you can hinder it- we can unleash some fire power to destroy it.'

"This thing is strong against magic... But I noticed that it's merely the skin that's tough against it. If we can release magic inside- we could deal some damage."

'Then, find a way for it to open its mouth. If you can, Yuuna and I can unleash our most powerful attack to severely damage it.'

"Understood, we'll get on it right away."

I spoke, to which the static noise in my head silenced itself. It seemed like one of the head mages of the Clan had communicated with us. Regardless, we can't afford to be distracted.

As we cleaved through the reapers whilst Blanc attacked at the serpent's body, we eventually found ourselves at the forefront of its head.

"Blanc, it's eyes are on either side... But if we separate now, you'll be in danger..!"

"Noir... Don't worry about me... I'll manage it..."

"I can't let you die on me... There has to be an easier way..."

"The Devourer has no spine, so we can't paralyze it..."

"So this thing is a Devourer... Blanc... I have an idea... We can't get its mouth open with just the two of us, but if we can focus an attack in the exact center of it's eyes- then maybe we can penetrate it's skin enough for magic to work."

'So that's your plan? Good thinking, it gives us a spot to aim at too.'

"You're still here?"

'I see everything in this realm. Now, hurry it up. If we're going to unleash our magic, we need enough Mana to use it.'

"Then there's no time to waste... Blanc, use Pierce with all your might, and I'll use my most powerful attack."

"Understood..."

Blanc began to concentrate, and as she began to prepare her skill, I quickly shielded her against the onslaught of monsters. It's her first time using the skill, so she has to take time to prepare it. I also need to time it right so that I can unleash my most powerful attack. If this goes right, we can end this in an instant...

"Sword Skill..."

"Sword Skill!"

"Pierce!"

"Starlapse Judgement!"

My blade glowed a fierce electric blue as it began to accelerate at a deathly pace. One, two, three slashes in the shape of a large triangle- followed by another 5 strikes tracing a Pentagon, and then a final pierce that matched Blanc's Pierce of crimson light. Our lights collided and the conflicting colours of purple eroded the beast. It's entirely body collapsed, leaving a large area of exposed muscle directly at its head.

"NOW!"

I yelled with all my might, before grabbing Blanc and with my speed buff still active that I used myself, I jumped off the head and attempted a safe landing using my Light Air Skill which lowered our falling rate to imitate the feeling of walking down stairs...

...

(Maru's POV)

"T-they did it! They stopped it completely!!"

I was awestruck by their performance- especially Noir's... he had used a skill unheard of in the entire history of the world, which truly does confirm that he's not from this world. But more than that, he had opened the opportunity for all of us to strike!

"Everyone! We must attack now!"

All the mages began their incantations, and as they did it- I could spot the skin beginning to regenerate on the beast. I couldn't interrupt their incantations, especially because it is our only chance... But if we are too late, then we might just lose this battle... Although... there is an alternative option...

"Everyone! Attack!"

The Male Archwizard roared as several forms of magic flew straight at the beast. From the mage's fireballs to all my friend's fierce Blizzard, Thunder and Eruption attacks- the Devourer's HP dropped significantly... but it wasn't nearly enough. As the final two, the strongest of the Clan finished their incantations- it was an incredible experience to witness.

"God Shattering Explosion!"

"Demon Rising Nova!"

Yume and Yuuna roared, before two large rings appeared before the demon's wound that was closing up- had erupted so powerfully the entire realm began to shake. It made my whole body vibrate at the pure sight of it- a convulsion of a fiery red hot hot explosion while being amplified with an equally destructive super nova that clouded the demon in black and purple.

"Did... did we do it..?"

Our magics weren't enough. As the smoke cleared out- the Devourer began to move again, this time- at scary rate. It's HP was just short of 10%, and everyone had ran out of Mana... All except me. I didn't use any magic, because if all else failed- then this was the only sure fire way to end things...

"That's it... we couldn't do it..."

All the mages began to panic, with the exception of my friends who looked at me with concern, and Yume and Yuuna still looking onto the distance at the incoming Devourer.

"So, you'll use that will you?"

Yume asked, though it wasn't a question at this point. Of course she knew of my powers...

"As much as I would've liked for you to hide it for longer, I don't think we have much of a choice here. I still have some Mana leftover, so I'll amplify your magic."

Yume stated, as she held her hand out a long with Yuuna to amplify my stats.

"Everyone! It's okay... Today, will be known as the day that the Mage Clan have conquered our very first Realm Devourer-!"

I yelled in pride of our clan, before activating my ultimate attack.

Several black holes emerged around me, before pulling out several magically enhanced blades from each and every one of them. Before me was the sight of a Realm Devourer- one of the largest creatures in all of existence- and here it would stand, falling to the millions of blades I'm able to summon due to the power amplification and mana regeneration Yume and Yuuna assisted with me. If it weren't for these two knowing of my powers, then even they would've panicked by now.

Before me... wasn't just the sight of a Realm Devourer-... before me, was the sight, of one of the greatest creatures of all worlds, being absolutely pulverized by the onslaught of millions of swords raining down on it. It's HP soared down rapidly. Until it eventually depleted.

Before long, it's body vanished into red particles- blurring out into thin air.

The blades I sent flying disappeared- and a roar came from behind.

"M-Maru! You saved us!!"

"Maru! What even the hell was that?!"

"I can't believe how powerful Maru is! That was insane!"

"You might even be stronger than the Grand Wizard!!"

Praises came to me non stop, and soon- I was confronted by my three friends.

"Maru... I'm sorry that you had to do that... We did our very best... my... Blizzard magic..."

"It's okay Nina. It was do or die... But..."

"Everyone, as the Acting Grand Wizard. I urge you all to not reveal Maru's powers."

"This is a matter of high importance. Unfortunately, we cannot expose Maru's secret or she herself will be terminated by the King himself..."

Yuuna's and Yume's statement caused tension between the mages, but they all nodded regardless.

"It's okay... We... can tell it's Divine Blading... It's okay. We won't expose you... after all, if it weren't for you- we would've all died!"

"Not to mention- how awful would it be for family to just kill off someone when they just got done saving our backs!"

What's happening... this feeling, it's... my chest feels heavy... as if I had finally grown big boo-...

"Maru, your secret is safe with us... You're a family to us, remember? The Mage Clan are all people of one... and we won't ever forget what you've done for us."

I could almost cry... This surge of emotions is overwhelming... to see so many people- at last praising someone of Divine Blading was a miracle to me... They were persecuted and hated by the public- so to see them so appreciative... I couldn't be more...

"Heh, it was a display Maru. If it weren't for you and everyone else, I might have well just died back there."

...

(Noir's POV)

"Y-you! You made me worry so much I swear to all the heavens I'll make you pay!"

I chuckled at Maru's comment, but everyone did their part today. This battle was a thrill for sure, and something I could live through again. It was exhilarating- and I even earnt a few exp doing all that. But what surprised me was the power behind Blanc's Pierce... it almost felt as if... I know there were buffs behind her- but that Pierce was even fiercer than my strongest attack... Could she be...?

"We can't forget how well you performed today too Noir, Blanc."

"That voice! It was you Kitsune woman!"

"Oh? Why are you acting like you recognize me?"

"Well, when I went through the wall and into the realm, I sensed someone in my head. I completely forgot about it after a second when I realized I was falling, but I caught a glimpse of your figure."

"H-huh? You have that kind of ability?"

"Well, my sight Skill lets me see a lot of things- not just things from afar."

'Just what the hell is this guy?' is written all over her face.

I looked over to Blanc, who seemed to be shocked at what she had just seen.

"Maru... You're a..."

"Look-... Blanc, I can't teach you this art. It's too dangerous..."

"But... This is the only way I can finally learn about my Mom... to find out where she has been all these years- to finally uncover whether or not she did die during that war..."

"Your... mother..."

"Maru- I.... no. I can't force you... Instead, I want to prove to you how much I do want to learn it. When Noir finishes teaching me, you'll be my next teacher and I swear I'll convince you to before I do become a fully fledged swordmaster."

Th-this girl... she's suddenly so stubborn. She's definitely the type that goes all out once her mind is set on one thing... no wonder that Pierce attack did much more damage than I realised- she must've used all of her SP to cast it...

"You three-. No- you six. Don't you have something important to do?"

Yuuna asked us, looking towards us three and the three mages. Maru, Aquila, Nina, Rysea and Blanc were all in their pyjamas, and if was then that I had realized that they all needed sleep.

"WE'LL BE OFF! THANK YOU EVERYONE!"

Maru yelled as they all ran away towards the distance. I chuckled again, before watching everyone as they were chatting away about the fight. It must've been a lot for them- but to see matters get resolved so easily- they must think greatly of themselves. I don't blame them, they should be rewarded for stopping such a threat.

"Noir?"

Asked a voice. I turned my head to see the woman named Yuuna. She was an elegant figure and held a great posture. This great figure sat down besides me, as well as Yume the Kitsune.

"You seem to be very capable. Despite everything that happened, I could tell you were the calmest."

Yuuna added, looking off into the distance where the dimension tore. It was repairing itself, to which Yume spoke too.

"It seems I need to refuel the world's core with Mana. I haven't done that in a while, but to ensure our borders are stronger and can regenerate faster- I think I'll need to come up with a new design."

So Yume's the one who created this world? She must be excellent to create such an abode for the Great Wizard and her people.

"I'll help you out with that Yume. Thanks to you too, we were able to communicate properly with Noir."

"Oh don't be like that. I enjoyed this quite a bit actually, I even held back on my explosion to see what would come out of it... not to mention, our little Maru seriously needed to fix her trust issues."

"You seriously didn't do all that just for that?! I wondered why my attack dealt significantly more than yours!"

The two bickered, which was odd since I thought they were going to tell me something important.

"A-anyway... Noir, We know that you aren't from this world. The Great Wizard foresaw everything... She also foresaw a bright future that you will lead with those two... We just wanted to ask you to protect our Maru for us, and ofcourse- please protect Bella's daughter for us too."

That name- could it be Blanc's mother? She's associated with the Mage Clan?

"Very right, dear Noir."

Oi. Stop reading my mind.

"Hehe. Bella is a dear friend of ours, and it was thanks to her that we were able to save Maru from inevitable death."

"Thanks to her..? What happened?"

"Well... It's best for you to discover that in your journey."

"... I understand. I'll do my best to protect those two. You have my sworn word."

"That's what I'd like to hear."

Yuuna got up, but Yume stayed, and decided to chat a little bit longer.

"Now, sweetie, now that we're alone, I have a little favour to ask of you."

"Hey, what's with the sweet talk?"

Now that I'm taking great notice of her- isn't she a little too voluptuous..? As a man, I can't help these thoughts- but as a child in mind, it's hard for me to not stare at something when I've avoided such a thing almost my entire life.

"Oh, don't mind me... Oh my, oh my... You're quite the muscular man, and attractive too... Won't you come by my place tonight?"

Is she suggesting what I think she's suggesting? Half of me is tempted, but the other half is screaming no. I'm sensing red flags here.

"I- I'm sorry. I need to meditate before tomorrow arrives..."

"Aw.. it will only be quick, I promise... I'm not the type to last that long, but if you give me a good enough time, then we can go longer~"

...

What sorcery did she use? What kind of wordplay was she using?

How am I in this woman's house, feeding her Mana into her core..?

WAIT- wait, don't take that the wrong way. I'm apparently incredibly Mana potent, and I'm assisting her providing the world's core with Mana. She also took samples of me to analyze my 'DNA' to gather why my Mana was so large, and she managed to come to a conclusive answer.

"It seems that your powers from another world has followed you to here- but this is only a fraction of it... regardless, you helped stabilize the world and saved the Realm from collapsing in itself. Thank you, dear~."

I really thought it'd go a different way- but it's okay. I helped saved the Realm again, more discreetly might I add. I really didn't want to be caught snooping around this woman's lair.

"And finally, as a thank you gift."

She held my cheeks before coming in close- almost as if she was about to... wait a sec- she's really doing it!

"Hey!"

"What? I was just putting this necklace on you. You seem to rely on your SP a lot so this will regenerate your SP. Surely you're aware of the benefits of gears."

"A-ah... that's what it was..."

Can I go now? I'm getting seriously nervous. I mean- ofcourse- I am! She's totally beautiful! And she damn well knows it too!

"Okay, Noir. You're free to go."

Yume shoo'd me off, as if I was a stranger. What kind of treatment is this? Oh well... better than being almost killed by Maru I guess... Twice now. Dodging that powerful attack took a lot out of me- especially since I was using Spell Break to discharge the Mana blades that would've hit me and Blanc.

As I turned my back to Yume, I began to walk out- until suddenly...

"Chu~! Got you!"

Yume giggled after pecking my cheek. I was flustered, for certain. What she did was- well, cute? Can someone so beautiful be cute at the same time? Apparently so...

"Please do visit the Mage Clan more often, Mr. Hero~"

"Ah-... uh... sure thing, Miss Masayume."

"You can call me Yume. It's easier on the tongue, easier on the eyes and~ well, easier to call me when we're alone."

She winked. I closed the door on her.

Walking up the long set of stairs, I eventually reached the basement of her home. Yes, this entire place was her home. It was like a mansion, set above a basement that was ultimately on top of a dungeon that held this realm's most important object. Eventually, I reached her base floor and...

"Missed me already~?"

I exited through the front door and closed the door on her again. The Mage Clan surely shouldn't be full of weirdos like her, right?

The sun was rising, and the dawn of a new day began... today, we're getting new equipment and setting off to defeat those bandits... compared to that Devourer- how bad could it be?