The Blonde Swordsman

"Y-y-you..."

Maru seemed incredibly frustrated with me, but I tried telling her it was nothing serious!

"Look, I was just there to Fuel the Realm's Core with my Mana!"

"There was no mistaking that lipstick though... What did you two do down there..?"

Nina was getting far too curious here...

"She just wanted to take my DNA- of whatever it was called. She really made me sweat there."

"WHAAAAT I DONT WANT TO HEAR THIS!"

Blanc covered her ears- what did I do this time?!

"Y-you... She... sampled your... DNA..."

"Yes? She took my blood and examined it."

They all left a sigh of relief. Seriously? What is this DNA?!

"I'm so glad it wasn't the other 'thing'."

Even Rysea, who seemed a bit forward was relieved.

"Anyway, we need to get our equipment now Blanc."

I said, after a very stressful morning- I didn't realize the kiss Yume gave me was going to leave a mark. Did she want to get me in trouble?!

"Right- your equipment certainly needs improvement. If I didn't know you, I would've assumed you were a bandit."

"Pah enough of that!"

I yelled aloud listening to Aquila's claim. Everyone was looking at us anyways- and I'm starting to lose my intelligence listening to these people.

"Okay, while you two gather your equipment, we'll set the Gate Warp ready."

Maru stated, looking over to her friends as they began to open their maps.

Blanc and I walked into the Guild Hall once more. After the fierce battle yesterday, she was understandably tired- but she seems weary of me at the moment.

"Ah, you two! Blanc, Noir, you've returned! We have your adventuring equipment ready so we pray that you take well to them! We even customized them to your current equipment so we hope that you enjoy it!"

Hey. What. Did. She. Just. Say.

...

How did I walk out wearing black once again? Matter of fact! How did Blanc walk out wearing complete white now?!

"Ah- Wait, you're still wearing black-"

"You don't think I know that..? Sigh... Is today a course of bad luck for me?"

I grieved which put an alarming face in Maru. She seemed concerned- but maybe it was my imagination.

"By the way, we set up the portal!" Rysea cheered, showing off the Forest that was on the other side of that odd looking rift.

"Is that the bandit's hideout?"

"Not exactly, we coordinated it to just before the hideout so we don't get caught out. We're going to infiltrate and attack from within, that way they'll have to try and regroup. It's our best attacking chance."

Aquila pointed out, which was quite fascinating. These girls were very well established with what they needed to do. It's like they're incredible experienced with this sort of thing.

"Now, now that we're all ready- let's all step through and prepare ourselves for the incoming fight."

Maru stated before putting her hand out. Aquila nodded as well as Rysea who both placed their hands on top of Maru's. Nina followed after a bit of a jump- a truly shy one. Blanc then joined in, to which they all looked at me. I smiled before placing my hand in too.

"To victory!"

"TO VICTORY!"

We all stepped into the portal, and it was like we just instantly walked there. Thankfully no falling or light travelling business. Looking around, the forest looked more or less the same- and the bandits were just up ahead. Looking at the nearest tree, it was the one that I carved.

"It's quite the travel from here, the incinerated encampment is close by and if we head north, we should reach the bandit's hideout in no time."

We all nodded to Maru's statement and began to make way.

This battle won't be a breeze like the last one. Afterall- it seemed that Yuuna and Yume were more than capable of defeating that thing on their own. Without powerful people backing us up, it will prove to be more difficult. But my understanding of the System has also improved significantly, and Blanc's Sword Mastery even levelled up to D.

After a bit of a journey, we eventually made it to the hideout... but at the worst time possible.

As the wagons were full of lifeless bodies, they passed them through towards the center which seemed extremely suspicious.

"That center there... isn't that..."

"Yes... it's a bubble realm... whatever they're doing, they're performing inside a realm..."

"Wouldn't that mean we'd have to enter the realm in order to break the ritual..?"

Maru and I glanced at each other as we drew conclusions.

"Then... We have to charge straight ahead.."

"Huh?"

Blanc comment caught me off guard- but if we're fast enough, it might just cause enough confusion that we could pull it off... the problem is closing entry... How do we do that?

"I'm for that idea. In the time they process what happened, we can close off entry to the realm. Do any of you know how to do it..?"

I asked, looking at all the mages who seem to be clueless except Maru.

"A higher level of mastery over magic is required to close and open realms... that being said, I can close the realm- it just means we need this to be perfect in order for this to work..."

Maru explained, but they all seemed confident enough to do it.

"Heh... Why am I even questioning that... Knowing you all, there's no way we can't do it."

"In my home, adventurers were people who were courageous idiots... so let's be courageous and idiotic for once in a while."

I stated, feeling the thrill once again.

Our plan initiated, we snuck in around the forest and made our way into the encampment without being noticed. Making use of the Stealth potion that Nina made, getting to the realm was more than easy enough.

But...

"Gah!"

"N-Noir!"

I fell for a pitfall?

"Shit..!"

I thrusted my sword into the side of the wall which slowed my falling down. As the dirt had began to clear- I realized how dangerous that could've been. The hole looked like it led to a whole underground system- just so happened that I got unlucky with the stability of the ground.

"Get to the realm! Hurry! I'll be fine!"

I yelled to them. Maru nodded, to which they all began to head over to the realm entrance. There was no way for me to get back up- so my only option was to drop down.

Coming to that conclusion, I used Light Fall to get down safely.

"Intruders! Go get 'em boys!"

I heard an uproar over the top. It looks like we were found out...

"So, you managed to find me... I thought I went unnoticed, but I guess things will end in a fight anyway..."

Who..?

...

(Maru's POV)

"Everyone, hurry up! The Realm's entry is in the center of the base!"

I yelled to the other 4 who were trailing behind. Bandits were attacking from all directions but we were able to fend them off. Our magics were enough to hold them back whilst Blanc was more than capable of defending us while our backs were turned.

"Heh, nice one Blanc!"

(Blanc) "Don't sweat it! We gotta get there as soon as... Do you know exactly where the entrance is?"

"N-no, I'll have to take time to find it..!"

(Blanc) "We'll cover your back, search the area and see if you can get to it!"

Blanc charged on whilst the other three held their ground. I was confused and also panicking- knowing that it was close by but could find no sort of entry point towards this thing. If that's the case- then...

"Aha! I found it!"

I cheered, pointing my staff to the sky. As I had done so, a rift opened to which confirmed the existence of the Bubble universe.

"H-how do we get up there?!"

Blanc asked, whilst fighting off a bandit. She seemed to be able to fend them off well- though considering they are bandits, they aren't all that skilled.

"I'll bring the rift down and then shut it right after- everyone come near me!"

I told them all as I chanted wind magic. With all of them retreating to me, I then pushed all the bandits away before swinging my staff down to engulf us with the rift. At the exact moment- I then spun the staff in front of me, before thrusting the bottom end down to close the rift. This was a talent that could be used by magically potent mages. There were no skills involved- but rather the feel of Mana is how we control these things.

Looking around us- we were in a spacious Zone- and what was terrifying was a large deceased beast before us.

"Hm..? I was wondering what all the ruckus was about... You five, don't belong here."

A man clad in a white cloak had looked down on us all. I felt my body shiver at the amount of Mana the man possessed... could we- take on that guy?

"Hmph. Well, it seems you all have realized just what you've done. I'm feeling nice today- so perhaps I should leave you all to it."

This guy... without a doubt- he was the leader of the cultists that the Mage Clan been tracking down...

"W-we can't just leave things as they are with you scoundrels killing those innocent people!!"

Blanc called out, though it was obvious Blanc didn't understand the severity of the situation... What was more confusing was this beast before us... it resembled the corpse of a dead dragon...

(Rysea) "What are you doing with this Dragon here...? What do you all have planned?! Once the mage association finds you all, we'll make sure to stop your plans!"

The man shook his head before stepping down the few invisible steps before us. He swished his finger around and suddenly- we were engaged into a see-through purple box.

"H-huh? Wh-what is this..?"

Nina asked, as she attempted to place her hand on it. The magic box had repelled her hand however, which we soon realized what this was.

"Don't be foolish. If you treasure your lives, you'd do well not to use magic as well. That box will damage you just as much as it takes the damage. Should you release powerful magic- I wonder how long you all would last?"

His mere presence was enough to shake me- but that didn't stop me from using my ace in the hole... After all...

"Arc!"

I yelled, as a blade appeared outside the box and behind the man. As it was just about to hit him-..

"Don't be so foolish Divine Blader. I know how you people work. What's one more Divine Blader to me?"

What... did he mean by that..?

"M-Maru- let's take a moment to think... If we act irrationally- we might just..."

Aquila stated before she was interrupted by the man.

"Listen to your friend, girl. This is a move I call Checkmate. Hm... Well, since I've been found out, it'd be a good idea to move locations. These bandits have been nothing but useless to me."

"What are you going to do to them?!"

Rysea seemed riled up, more angry than I had ever seen her... Was it because of what he said a moment ago about the Divine Bladers?

"Just a simple thing. They know about our operation, so they cannot live to see the next day. As for you lot, you're lucky this is all you've seen. Otherwise you would have been next."

Suddenly- a voice had peered out of nowhere...

"Are you sure it's not because I have had my eyes on you for a while?"

"Hmph... to think you're still alive, Grand Wizard."

The Grand Wizard!! But why is she here? Whatever the reason, I feel a lot of weight coming off my shoulders.

"Looks like I will have to relocate. Sorry Grand Wizard, I know you've been searching for me for a while but it looks like your search will have to be extended. After so many years of searching, you're left helpless once again."

The Grand Wizard was no where to be seen- so she had to have been in another realm.

"You won't be going anywhere..."

She said, as she suddenly appeared before us. Despite her elderly appearance, she carried the greatest power which even had the Leader of the Cultists on his toes.

"So you chose to come at me directly? Are you so sure?"

"Release those children. They are not involved with this."

"Hmph... As you wish."

He said before the box disappeared. Suddenly the rift opened again- likely due to his actions.

"Unveil yourself, Guardian of Hell... Cerberus! Arise from your slumber!"

He roared, to which on the other side of the rift appeared a hound with three heads. It's teeth were razor sharp and it's fur was vanta black. It's eyes were as red as blood of the few bandits it had chomped down upon release.

"Y-you monster!"

Nina cried, as she grew hesitant to leave the rift now.

"Nina, this is no time to be scared... We need to defeat that Cerberus... It's okay, Noir is on the other side so he'll know what to do."

Blanc held her hand, giving her comfort.

"Run away children. I'm sure you'll be incinerated in the heat of this battle, or will you take my good mood at face value?"

The man said before he raised his hands. Flashes of sparks emanated from his fingers as opposed to The Grand Wizard's flaming fist.

"Go on my children... You have much to do."

"You've got this!"

I cried out to her, before rushing back into reality.

The situation will be tense...

...

(3rd Person POV)

"So, you're willing to die?"

"Of course... I've lived my life, and now that the seeds have been sown, all that's left is for those children to eventually come find you once again."

"What do you mean by that exactly? Those pathetic children are a waste of time. You're the strongest mage of all history, and it'll be now that I change that fact."

"Hohoho... Perhaps you may be right. But it's not the mages I'd be concerned about."

"What nonsense are you speaking of..? Puh."

He spat on the floor, as if looking at the woman in disgust.

"My... how arrogant you have become, my student..."

"If it wasn't for my arrogant teacher, perhaps I could've led a better life as a mage... but you saw nothing but destruction behind my eyes."

"You are blinded with power... You seek destruction and for what?!"

"To redefine this cruel world. To defeat that corrupt King and to lead the people to believe in their gods once more!"

Battle ensued. Thunder struck from his hands that was met with a wave of flames.

In terms of magical power, the teacher was far superior to the student. She didn't hold back- in fact- she knew what she had to do. To destroy what she had let manifest.

"Heh... A worthy opponent."

"This is a senseless battle. But it has to be done..."

...

(Maru's POV)

"Wh-where is Noir?"

"I- I don't know, but we need to focus on the threat before us!"

The Cerberus looked down at Blanc who was somewhat taken aback by the size of the thing. Not to mention- it had wild physical power that I could even feel with my own Mana... I have never seen such physical strength...

"It's Cerberus... a species of creatures who are known to be familiars of powerful wizards close to the ties of Hell... If that is the case.."

Rysea analysed, but she didn't seem too worried.

"Rysea, is there a way to beat it?"

"Don't worry Aquila. There is... We have to find a way to damage all three of its heads at once- and do it with enough force to cause all three of its brains some trauma."

As Rysea was strategizing, the Bandits all came charging at the beast. Though they didn't do too much to it, what they were doing was almost perfect for what we had to do.

"Nina, Aquila, Rysea... can I trust you three to do just that? Blanc and I will handle the beast to make sure it doesn't kill anymore bandits... They're human too, no matter how we look at it..."

My heart broke at the sight, seeing these bandits who were merely just poor people trying to do what they could for bare scraps... they're unethical- but they deserve a second chance nonetheless.

(Rysea)"You have our word. Get it close to the edge of the cliff- if we can inflict trauma, we can do an all out attack to push it back."

"Okay!"

The three wizards looked at each other before they each nodded. Running into their positions, they hid and began their incantations. If that's the case, then we should take action too.

"Blanc, we need those bandits to work with us.."

"Okay, don't worry... you focus on distracting the Cerberus for a second..."

I knew what had to be done. Maybe I'm being reckless with this- but using Divine Blading required no Mana. Summoning five blades- it drained me very much- but it was enough to catch the Cerberus' attention. The blades began to circle around the Cerberus, making all three of its heads cautious and trying to take out each one. The bandits suddenly stopped before looking over to me and Blanc who was rushing over.

"L-listen to me! The only way we can do this is if we work together... So please! I'm begging you!"

"H-hey, don't worry about that, we know God damn it! What's your plan! We'll do what we can to support you guys!"

Sounds like they're on our side after that. Perhaps they recognized the cult leader's voice and realized that he turned against them.

"We have three mages ready to blast that thing with intense magic... we need to inflict trauma on its head, and if we do that- we can knock it off the cliff with an all out attack... But it's getting it to the edge of the cliff is the issue."

The bandit's leader shook his head.

"Don't you sweat that, my men are tougher than that to be scared of a simple dog!"

"YEAH!"

The bandits cheered. My blades continued to strike at the Cerberus, but it seemed that it was going to take more for them to back down. One after another- they bit into each of my magical blades. I couldn't summon anymore since using Divine Blading required my own life force. When I summoned the onslaught of blades back in the Mage Clan's Bubble Realm, it was thanks to Yume and Yuuna's magic amplification and healing buff that I was able to do such a thing to an extent...

"Now men! Let's draw that thing near the cliff!!"

They all roared before striking at the Cerberus once more. The beast swung it's body, taking out a lot of bandits- but as they were going to eat some of them- Blanc managed to repel their heads with her Pierce attack whilst I protected her with my magic.

The plan seemed to be going swimmingly...

"Everyone! We're almost there..!"

"Come on! Just a little more!!"

The Cerberus began to grow rampant- swinging its heads aimlessly all whilst being extremely destructive. My heart was pounding as it was beginning to close in on me.

In an instant- I thought I lost my life- but a sudden roaring thunder, explosion and blizzard had attacked the beast- causing it to tremble and shake violently.

"Everyone! All out attack!"

Rysea shouted, having casted her blizzard magic. The bandits all roared, striking at the Cerberus relentlessly.

It's skin was tough, and I was on the floor, having been shocked by the sheer brute force of the Cerberus. My heart raced- terribly, as I had almost died.

"M-Maru, come with me... You look out of it.."

Nina grabbed a hold of me, raising my arm over her shoulder. She began to take me away from the battle- but I couldn't just leave them to die!

"N-no, I'll be fine! We have to defeat this Cerberus or everyone will die!"

"Nina! Maru, you need to get to safety now! That Cerberus is going to go rampant again... if we stay any longer- then it isn't just going to be the bandits that get slaughtered.."

"Aquila- they are people too! We can't just let them be... Wait! Where's Blanc?!"

I looked around desperately but saw her no where...

...

(Noir's POV)

T-this guy!! He's overwhelmingly strong!

"Face it bandit, you've lost..."

"For the last time! I'm not a bandit!!"

"Hmph. If you don't surrender now, I will go all out."

"I'm an adventurer! Look at this card!!"

"Showing off a card that could easily be fabricated isn't enough to convince me. Aster from Jvagdil? Give me a break. You dare to make a mockery of that hero's name..."

"Y-you've got it wrong!"

My blade constantly met with his. He was fierce- this blonde swordsman is no joke... But in terms of skill, I outmatch him by far... but skill isn't enough to defeat someone so over levelled!

"REND!"

He roared as he sheathed his blade, slowly drawing it back out with purple astral energy. This was a spacial attack! But I thought such attacks don't exist in this world!

As we waved his sword towards the ceiling as I was positioned above him after having dodged his last attack- I managed to barely dodge the move- but that landing my straight into his fist. With it, he forced me up into the sky before jumping and striking at me with his blade again.

I swung my sword to parry it, using my skill this time.

"Reflect!"

Matching his strength, I repelled the powerful strike before being sent flying towards the set of trees. Landing safely, I looked to my left to which Maru, Aquila and Nina had stared in shock.

"Get out of here! That guy is way too tough!"

"Th-the Cerberus... it got cleaved in half-"

"I said get going! Grab Blanc and Rysea and get out of here!"

"O-okay!"

They seemed to be shocked, but whatever they were fighting- that must have been that rumbling that caught both me and that swordsman off guard when we fighting earlier.

"Huh... Looks like luck is with me today. The Cerberus I came to vanquish has just met my blade. But, that doesn't mean I'm leaving you alive, bandit..."

"Bandit?! That guy isn't with us!"

"What did you say?"

The Blonde turned his head towards the bandits who were all scarred from a clearly hardly fought battle. The leader began whistling as he sweated, breaking into a run.

"Hmph.... you let them get away. Just what are you playing at?"

The Blonde pointed his sword at me again, to which I began to grow frustrated.

"ME?! I came here trying to find some bull crap evil cult and now I get punished for doing the right thing?!"

"If you're not an officially registered Adventurer, then you're a criminal. I won't mistake those black clothes for anything."

"W-wait! Wait!"

Suddenly Rysea came charging out.

"Just what do you think you're doing?!"

"Eh."

I was shocked at what I was seeing. Rysea, was lecturing that swordsman as if he would take any of those words to heart. That man is significantly stronger than you! Get away!

I looked over to Maru, who held Blanc in place who was ready to brawl that guy too.

"R-Rysea- what are... you- are you-"

"That man is a friend of mine and happened to help us vanquish a Dimension Devourer yesterday! He is a man with heroic convictions!"

"That man?! He's a mockery to Aster himself!"

"You're going on about that children's story again?! How many times do I have to tell you?!"

I don't know what's happening, but I could not be more glad that they know each other. I sheathed my sword and upon seeing me do that, he did it too.

"Hmph... you Knights, always thinking about your sword more than the people."

"Th-that wasn't my intention... Uhm... Aster- listen.."

"I go by Noir. To avoid trouble like this."

"I'm sorry! I merely came here to subjugate a magical beast that I had detected... Had I known the Mage Clan was already dealing with it- I wouldn't have interfered but..."

"Hey don't sweat it. After all, you seem to be a decent guy. What's your name?"

I asked him- all things considered... He was incredibly respectful.

"A-ah.. I'm Yuji... It's nice to meet you, Noir..."

"Sigh, okay! Maru, fill me in on what happened in the realm."

...

(Yuji's POV)

That guy- his skills were no joke... if I hadn't known any better, I would've assumed he was a high level adventurer- but he's not. That skill, is far beyond any swordsman I have ever met. Just what has this man been through?

As Maru continued to explain everything that happened, I only grew to ponder more and more about this situation. This wasn't a normal creature slaying quest... this sounds like a whole... I can't even find the right words... but it's a lot!

"Excuse me, if I may... Assuming what you're saying is true- just what is the cult's plan?"

Maru looked down with no answer. This must be truly frightening for them. No doubt about that. As a knight, I cannot stand to know that my own people are in danger...

"In that case. Who is the leader of this party?"

I asked, to which everyone turned their heads towards Noir.

"You're the leader..? As someone as skilled such as yourself... It's no wonder. Noir, I want to make a pledge to this party."

"Huh? What are you saying all of a sudden?"

Noir seemed puzzled by my statement- so perhaps I should speak a little more informally to him.

"Noir, I want to sign the contract to join your party. If what you're saying is true, then you need capable hands alongside you."

"Listen Yuji- it's okay you don't have to..."

"But I must! People are in danger and I cannot bare the thought of those same people dying to those ruffians. Even those bandits- it seems that they were victims. These cultists are dangerous people, and if they were to succeed in whatever they were doing..."

"I understand- I understand... Okay then. Welcome to the party then, Yuji."

I was taken a back, very confused for sure as he had only stated it but made no attempt towards taking action for it.

"Uhm... Noir... you aren't going to add me to your party?"

"Huh? Didn't I just-"

"Ah- oh god! How did I forget that!! I'm so sorry Noir! I was meant to teach you more about the System!"

"Huh? Eh? What am I missing here?"

"Y-you see- being apart of a party means everyone shares experience! Stuff like Inventory Space, Levels and our Health Bars are all shared between us- meaning that we can carry more together and also know how each other are doing with a simple look of the eye... here you just..."

This man- doesn't even know the system... Could he really be..? No, it must be some dumb act.... but- he seemed so genuine... Aster... Aster... He's always been.... my hero...

...

(Noir's POV)

"Okay, everyone has gotten an invite, except you three. Right?"

I looked over to Rysea, Aquila and Nina who all nodded.

"We'll be returning to normal missions for the Mage Clan once we're done, but it sounds like you, Maru, Blanc and Yuji all have a lot of work to do!"

Rysea giggled while the other two showed wonderful smiles. This felt relaxing, knowing the woods was more safer now. Especially with this Yuji guy at our side- I can't help but feel at ease when we've amassed so many amazing people.

"Noir, who keeps night watch?"

"Hm... usually me, but I haven't slept in three days. The effects are starting to waver on me."

I replied to Yuji who seemed quite shocked at what I had said.

"Y-you... I-"

Yuji seemed shocked, but maybe my power has been lacking since I haven't rested once.

"Tell me- what level were you three days ago?"

"Level 1?"

"And now?"

"Level 10. Why do you ask?"

Yuji seemed to be a little distraught at what I had said.

"I know I said you are incredibly skilled but... To think that a Level One had kept up with my relentless power... I'm Level 37. Your stats haven't been distributed because you haven't slept."

"Oh... I was wondering what those pluses to my stats meant!"

Damn, I thought it added automatically- but that's definitely going to help... Maybe I should sleep more.

"Listen Noir, You're going sleep tonight. I'll keep night watch tonight."

Yuji turned his back before sitting down on the log. The other 5 grew tired, which soon took affect on me too. My eyes grew heavy, and as the night went on...

Morning soon came.

"Damn... So many stats..."

"Rise and shine!"

Yuji seems to be wide awake. Looks like he's similar to me!

"All that's left now is to report all of our quests that we've accomplished. Let's get ready and set out."

He's pretty organized! I could get used to this, in fact he seems more leader like than me...

I looked up to the sun that shone brilliantly into the beautiful sky.

"Looks like, my journey's beginning."

I smiled, knowing that many thrills were ahead of me.