Aster's Origin

"Noir!"

Blanc called out to me as I leaped forth. The dragon readied it's breath attack, to which I attempted the same magic dispel I used several times on it- but this time, it broke right through me, sending me flying back.

Landing hard on my back, I groaned, as I felt most of my health going.

"N-Noir! Don't act so recklessly!"

Blanc called out to me. Grabbing a hold of me, she picked me up to which we began to run away.

This was an undoubtedly fierce threat...

"Looks like we're working overtime for this one!"

Drake swung his Spear and cleaved at the Dragon- but it's skin seemed all the more tougher.

Suddenly, the Dragon attacked at him with it's tail- but it was inevitably blocked by Yuji's unparalleled defence.

"I've got your back!"

He stated, before the two landed. Elizabeth then pounded the Dragon with her Great sword, sending it from being airborne and lodged into the ground.

Yuji then swiftly thrusted his blade into the ground.

"Freeze Burst!"

He said, as the air grew cold and humid. A wave of ice made its way towards the dragon before freezing it's legs in place. The ice seemed strong, and the dragon could only move it's tail and head.

Swinging its tail at Yuji who tanked it along with Drake, the two were sent flying this time.

"Elizabeth, watch out for it's breath attack!"

Maru yelled, summoning her Divine Blades that circled around the dragon's mouth. Seemingly repelling the breath attack, Maru slowed it down and saved Elizabeth. Elizabeth then, with her sword, summoned flames before jumping and crashing down at the Dragon.

"Flame Fall!"

As the blade struck the dragon, an eruption then followed and damaged the dragon.

My eyes then peered over to Kyouko, who prepared herself in a stance.

"Heaven Sword... Thousand Slashes!"

From one- to a hundred- to a thousand Slashes in merely 5 seconds... Kyouko was no joke... but it barely did any damage to it...

Looking down at my sword, I had known that the only efficient way to defeat it were to use this blade... but, I'm not strong enough to deal damage to it.

"God Shattering Explosion!"

"Demon Rising Nova!"

Yume released an extremely fierce explosion which fare surpassed the one she did back in the realm, and Yuuna released an equally devastating supernova which engulfed the Dragon.

But amidst the smoke, the Dragon began to flap its wings...

This was a losing battle, and by a far shot..

"Nothing we're doing is doing anything to this thing..!"

Yume and Yuuna both looked at me, but I shook my head.

"I can't summon it again... I don't have enough power to do so after so recently..."

I said, Blanc held onto me, tightly. I could feel her shaking.

My eyes widened as I looked into her. She has grown up so much since then, and it's only been less than a week. To think we we've been in so many dangerous situations in a matter of days... Someone like her, is growing up too fast. It reminds me of me when I was younger.

"The dragon is too strong to defeat..."

'You can defeat it. Aster... Believe in yourself...'

A voice sounded in my head. I suddenly looked at my sword, recognizing it.

"I can....defeat it..?"

I asked myself...

...

"You have to believe in yourself... Aster..."

"Aiolia... You can't die here... you're the last Goddess... If you die.. then..."

"It's okay..."

She held onto my hand. Her body was laid across the floor, this goddess of black and green. As she did, the glow on her hair began to fade.

"Aiolia... Please..."

"Listen... I may die here... But all of us Gods are merely returning to ourselves in our passing... Don't fret over us... and don't mourn for us..."

She then looked over to my two swords. She smiled, as if she had remembered something integral.

"It was thanks... to Origin and Genesis.... Thanks to their sacrifices that I became a Goddess... So long as you wield one of those swords... My will, is always with you. Remember this....Aster... If you are ever in doubt... Listen for my voice... So I may guide you I'm the transcendence of time."

Those were her dying words. As I looked up ahead of me. The Demon King stayed afloat.

"Finally... All seven Godifacts... In my possession... Now that Humanity has been purged, all that is left is to get rid of you."

I snapped at that moment.

...

"Aiolia... I can hear you..."

Blanc looked at me as I spoke with myself and my sword. Suddenly, I felt as if time had slowed down... As I opened my eyes, there stood two people. A woman with white hair, and the Goddess I knew from my previous life.

"Aiolia... You're... here..."

"Aster, it's nice to reunite with you this way... I see that you go by Noir nowadays though."

"This Dragon... How can I defeat it..?"

"I have already foreseen the events. Aster, you have the ability to defeat it."

Aiolia continued, but I just couldn't believe something so bizarre. I'm nowhere near as strong as I used to be.

"Sigh, how long are you gonna keep doubting yourself kid? Seriously, I'm having second thoughts here."

"Now, now Bella... Try not to get too agitated."

As she uttered her name, I immediately got shocked. This woman- of white hair- she's Blanc's mother isn't she?!

"Aster, your strength never came from the weapons you wielded. Back in the previous world, your power merely came from your will to carry things through."

I looked at my sword, and had pondered if that was always the case. The Gods had gifted me a blade that slaid demons. I always assumed that because I was destined to be the Hero, that I would just pick up a sword and be skilled enough to take the Demon King down. I've never sat down and actually wondered how strong I'd be without this sword.

"Aster... It feels wrong of me to tell you this now, especially since... well... I don't really know how to go about this."

Aiolia said, standing up from her meditation. Aiolia is the Goddess of Time. She has transcended all periods of time, thus meaning she exists in all planes of existence. In some sense, she is the ultimate being. It also means she's all knowing.

"What is it..?"

"It's about your birth... How you came to be... I have halted time everywhere, so if you want to hear the full of it, I can do so."

"... Then, tell me."

...

"Aster... You weren't born in your previous world only. You've been born several times. The truth is, you've been around since the dawn of time. Your existence is special... In your first life, you were a simple human who was living his life. Your name was Aether. You lived a life without ever realising just how potent your magic was. So when a malevolent spirit had taken over your body, you wreaked havoc in that world. The Dark God Lucifer had possessed your body, and sent that world into purgatory. The Eight gods were forced to descend to quell Lucifer, as his rage grew only more rampant... Lucifer, was once a kind man... he fought for his people who were wrongly sent down to Tartarus. Tartarus was a unified world where all the 8 pure Godifacts existed. But after they were forced to quell Lucifer, they used the power of the 8 Godifacts to seal him. But in that same moment, the Gods used the 8 Godifacts to allow you to live a second life, to give you a second chance.

They then decided to break the Godifacts into several million pieces, which in turned- fragmented Tartarus into several thousand worlds. When you were reborn into a new world, you lived a different life style- and had completed your life until the end. You were 80 years old, but what was unexpected was when the 8th of those Gods had seen you again. She pondered why this had happened, but they soon grew to realize that the power of the 8 Godifacts may have granted you more than one life. Aster, before you were born into the previous world, you had lived 999 different lives. This is your one thousandth life."

Is this... for real...? But that would undoubtedly explain how this world has the same history as me, except that my story was told...

"Aster... In one of your lives, you fought alongside Genesis and I, and gave your life to protect me... It was your actions that led to my eventual Godhood. You've done many wonderful things in your life time."

Aiolia smiled, as she held onto my hand and my blade.

"I'm... Origin as well..?"

"You were Origin, but don't let your past identities fool who you are. You are still Aster, the brave hero who fought valiantly until the end... The hero, who was a hero in many of his other lives."

"... I see... then, this has always been my sword... I'm the one who..."

"You're the one who gave it power. It's always been you. When 7 of the 8 Gods descended into Chaos, we were forced to rise up as humanity. You were the one that led us to defeat the God of Gales, and allowed me to inherit the title of Goddess of Time."

I've even vanquished Gods in my previous life times...

"Now, Aster... I think it's time you returned. Take this... I've always trusted you, after all... in each of your lives, you've always held a kind heart."

She smiled a she handed my a glowing green shard. I knew exactly what it was the moment I held it. As she did so- I felt as though I was experiencing something grand...

...

"Aiolia. We are no longer the perfect Dragon. After splitting ourselves, we have merely become simple dragons. But, with the power of us three, we can grant you the power of godhood using the Godifact that the corrupt god left us... If the people have no god, this land will fall to ruin. So we ask, will you or Genesis take on the role of God?"

I didn't know what to do. I held Origin in my arms, and laid him down. His lifeless body, which I mourned for dearly. I was only a wisp when he accepted me as a friend... I cherished the journey we went through together- and it only breaks my heart knowing we can never return to those moments.

"Aiolia... I can't ascend to Godhood. The people look up to me somewhat as a King, and I intend to lead them that way. Everything we've fought for. Origin fought for that future."

Genesis stated, kneeling down as he rested his hand on Origin's chest.

"... In that case... I'll become the Goddess... For what Origin fought for, I will make sure his ideals are realized... Now that this nation has been freed from the clutches of the God of Gales, I will ensure that this nation prospers as the Nation of Freedom."

"And I hereby swear my Kingdom's Oath towards you and your people. You will be under our protection, and our nations will live on as friendly neighbours."

Genesis stood up before placing his hand on his chest.

I nodded, before looking towards the Dragon of Ideals, Truths and Husk.

"Heroes of Truths and Husk... And the passing Hero of Ideals... You all will always be remembered... Your actions have made history. And now, Aiolia....You shall stand proud. You will become the Goddess with the power of the Perfect Dragon and the Godifact."

...

"... do you remember?"

"... it's an odd feeling..."

Aiolia looked at me, as if she was hoping for a perfect response.

"It's okay Aiolia... I'll do what I can to save this world. Even if I fall..."

(Origin)"I'll stand back up for what I believe in. I'll fight, so we can live a life of freedom."

I stated, having retrieved some important memories I shared with Aiolia... I would've never guessed that I had shared a childhood with Aiolia.

She was a little wisp that I took care of when I was a slave. I yearned for freedom, and when she took me away and let me lived with the village of wisps, I began to experience real freedom.

This feeling, everything is coming back to me of my time as Origin.

I feel, calmer...

"Heh..."

Aiolia shed a little tear, to which I panicked a little- having made my friend cry a little.

"S-sorry! Did I trigger some unwanted memories..?"

"No! No no... I'm just... I never thought I would ever get to speak to Origin again... hehe..."

She's just as special as when I first met her. It's a weird feeling, having memories of two different lives. But somehow, it feels like they're combining.

"Okay. I'm ready to fight."

I stated, placing the green gem into my blade, which began to surge in a green lines. It seems that Aiolia had a little fun fine tuning my blade to work with her Godifact. Who would've thought?

"Alright, I'm going to send you back. Stay safe, okay? Don't do anything reckless."

Aiolia playfully teased, as I had remembered her saying those kinds of things back when she was a wisp.

"Heh, don't worry about me. You should worry more about the dragon I'm about to slay."

I smiled confidently, looking back as she held her hand out. Suddenly- time began to warp and I found myself back to where I was.

Opening my eyes, I looked up to the dragon that had began flying upwards.

"N-Noir! Your sword!"

Blanc said in disbelief, to which I smiled a little.

"Here it goes...!"

The sword shifted, making a whirring sound as if cogs were turning. Suddenly, a ticking sound played, before I leaped.

"Zero Sword... Origin!"

I yelled, halting the dragon completely still before slashing at it as I passed it going up- and as I was about to land, I swung my sword down, feeling the kinetic energy boost up with each passing second my sword was slicing through its back.

Suddenly, as the ticking stopped- the Dragon's head was knocked up whilst it's body was being knocked down. The sheer force concussed the dragon.

But this wasn't going to be enough.

"Everyone! Go all out!"

I shouted before activating my blade's ability again. Time halted for the dragon once more, and as I held it in place... Everyone began attacking.

"Alright then Kiddo! Gotta tell me what the move is when we're done! Celestial Nail!"

Drake jumped to the sky, and it was as if a susanoo had appeared behind him. Driving his spear into the ground, the giant behind him plunged its spear too.

"Flamegod Rend!"

Elizabeth stood, charging her blade as it began to charge an immense level of flame. As she swung, the world turned white for a moment before a fearsome combustion of flames consumed the dragon.

"Heavenly Sword... Crescent Moon!"

Kyouko jumped before swinging her sword with intent, and as she swung, the blade moved so fast, the image of a crescent moon had glistened so brightly it felt as though the world turned dark for a moment.

"Release Armament!"

Yuji thrusted his blade into the ground, and moving forward, he forcefully swung his blade through the crevasses of the earth he had created and created an immense ice spike mountain which brought the dragon up into the top of that mountain.

"Combined Move... God Shattering... Devil Rising... Explosive Supernova!"

Yume and Yuuna combined both of their magic, standing side to side as the released a fearsome blast that coalesced from their hands, merging into a magic circle that appeared in front of them before being sent flying down on them from the magic circle that had appeared from above the dragon. The destructive blast was enough to send the Dragon deep into the icy mountain.

"Heed my call, Powers of Void!"

Maru yelled, summoning a massive blade that fell from the sky.

"Divine Sword, Pierce the Heavens!"

She yelled, as the sword came crashing down, destroying the ice mountain completely before crashing down at the Dragon. After it landed, the sword dissipated into millions of smaller swords.

"Divine Sword! Rain Down!"

She commanded as the swords all came down in showers.

"Blanc!"

I called out to her, as she nodded, she held onto my hand before we both held our swords out. Sharing my powers with her, we both unleashed our final attacks.

"Sword Skill! Pierce!"

As we both thrusted our blades which grew in length, piercing the dragon through its head and past it's body.

As our swords returned to normal form, I swung my sword down and sheathed it.

"Sword Ability, Origin. Time is resumed."

The Dragon, who appeared to had not been wounded, had suddenly received terrible wounds from all over. From cuts, to pierces, to burns- it's body was experiencing severe trauma and even dislocating itself. The Dragon was defeated.

"We did it..."

Maru muttered.

"Haha! We won!"

Yuji cheered, high fiving the Grand Master.

"Looks like we barely escaped that one... That Noir is pulling random things out all the time isn't he?"

Yume said, resting her chin on her hand after she folded her arms.

"He sure is... Don't have to tell me twice."

Yuuna said, looking over at me.

"It seems that my companions truly are as bright as the fortune had told me."

Kyouko smiled, looking away and towards the defeated dragon.

"Noir... It seems you have really exceeded my expectations... What you did back there- I mean... I don't know anyone in this world who can use Time Magic..."

Elizabeth complimented, to which I looked down at my blade.

"Well, it isn't me you should be thanking. The people who've ever been apart of my life. They have gifted me with so many treasures. They're the ones who give me strength, to protect what I care for."

I said, turning back to Blanc who was almost crying.

"Noir... I don't know what you did but... Thank you for saving us."

She hugged me impulsively- to which I simply hugged back.

"I can't imagine what would've happened... if I had never met you...."

"You don't have to Blanc."

I said, holding her tighter.

"This is your journey now. I'm just glad that I can be a part of it."

After pulling back, I smiled at her. That pushed her past the limit. She began to cry.

"Heh. Cry baby."

"Don't ruin the moment."

She said, holding onto me. I must mean a great deal to her. No- we all do. We're all friends. That hasn't changed.

"Now that this issue has been settled..."

Elizabeth said as the Dragon began to disappear into thin air. It seemed that the amount of damage we had done to it couldn't even allow it's corpse to remain.

"How about we head home?"

Elizabeth suggested. We all agreed, making our way back.

Life began to settle down a bit. The city had definitely felt the impact of the strike of the monsters. Now that the cultists are dealt with, peace reigned and the Knight's, the Mage clan's and the Adventurer's achievements were sung with praise.

More than that, we all got our equipment upgraded, though I requested specifically for them not to touch my sword. After all, a precious friend had fine tuned the blade for me. Of course, it held a Godifact too. I couldn't just let anyone touch it.

Our victory earned us quite the reputation too. 'The beginning party who takes on big bad guys!' group. What kind of name was that anyway? Haha.

It had been a few days since that battle, and all of us hadn't really had much of a chance to hang out recently. Blanc and I have been going on subjugation quests and we both earnt quite a bit from it. After a day of hard work, we came back and had a chance to hang out with everyone. After meeting up, we were aimlessly strolling the city.

"So Kyouko, you came from the Land of the Empire right?"

Yuji asked carelessly. Though she didn't seem to mind.

"Yes. It's where I learnt the ways of the blade."

"Hey uhm... so uh... I know you said you came here because of your fortune that was told- but was there anything else that made you come here?"

Maru asked, trying to engage conversation with her. It seemed completely random that this stranger wanted to join us. After all, Yuji did know Maru and Rysea and even though we had a rough start, we began to get along like best friends.

But it seems even the girls are struggling to converse with this silent swordsman.

"Well... My father, the Emperor, saw me as a failure. He looked upon my two older sisters with great fondness. But, my academic knowledge lacked compared to them... They understood politics more than me too. All I knew was how to swing a sword. At some point, I became invisible to him. I told him I'll be going on an adventure, and he didn't seem to care at all. So I decided to come to the place known as the Town of Beginnings."

"Ah, so that's how you ended up here. Rivdale Exis is known by many names, but it's also the place where you can meet potential life time companions."

Yuji explained, which expanded my view on this city a bit more.

"You guys would technically be my first friends ever..."

This girl... she seems really shy- that would make sense with her generally anti-social vibe.

"I'm sure you'll fit in no problem. I'm glad to welcome you to the party Kyouko. I should also mention, that I'm thoroughly impressed with your swordplay. Seeing you in action makes me want to test my blade against you- but I doubt I'd be able to keep up with such god-like speed."

Kyouko tipped her hat down, hiding her expression. I caught a small smile coming from her.

"Speaking from the guy who suddenly used time magic. Where did that even come from anyway?"

Ah... Best I not tell them about my thousand lives.

"Well, it felt as though I had remembered something important. My power never came from what I wielded not what I wore. It always came from deep within... Besides, I doubt I can use Time Magic that often. I could really feel the burden on my body when I did that. So I'll only ever use it in tight situations."

"Huh... feels like there's something new about you everyday."

I simply chuckled at the comment Yuji made. He seemed to be holding a great deal of respect towards me.

"Oh! Speaking of remembering stuff, Blanc, I've got something to show you! Wanna see everyone?"

Everyone interest piqued as I began to take them outside the city.

Approaching that path that Blanc and I entered down before, we had followed it down again.

"Did you do something Noir?"

"Nothing in particular. Just follow me, trust me!"

I said in excitement, hoping that they are happy with what I've requested.

"Huh? It's just the same Noir?"

Blanc said in confusion.

"Wait a second... No, there's a Bubble Realm here."

"That's right! A bubble realm! Maru! If you'll do the honours..."

"Uh... are you sure?"

"Trust me, it's something you're all going to like."

Maru was clearly unsure. But she did so anyway. Twirling her staff, she planted it on the ground, before swinging it again and creating a rift.

"Now, everyone, follow after me."

I said, taking a step into the realm.

...

As they all stood into the realm, I couldn't help but wave my arms and going 'Tada!'

As they entered, they were greeted to beautiful luscious green grass in our surroundings. Surrounding us were floating clouds and an invisible wall that protected us from falling. Furthermore, we were directly in the middle of a front garden.

"Look here."

I said, looking up at a brilliant building. In this area was a beautiful garden with flowers that were all in full bloom- ranging from plants like Camellias, Pieris, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Pansies, Viola, all in planters that were a tad bit above the ground in a large square. In the direct center was a water fountain full of self purifying water, and the front gates of the Garden had two wisteria trees that were growing beautifully and added to the beautiful entrance. As we entered the front garden, the mansion behind it all was revealed.

"Noir this... what is this place?"

"It's our home. I asked Masayume to construct something for us, and then she brought up the idea of having our home in a Bubble Realm. She made sure it was minor enough to never be noticed, and she crafted a core using my mana powers to make an unbreakable deal that protects us."

I explained, they all seemed amazed at everything.

"Noir, this is seriously amazing..."

Maru was gobsmacked, leaning down and touching the flowers of the azaleas.

"I have no idea what these Bubble Realms are....but they sure are amazing.."

Kyouko was taken aback, as a butterfly had landed on her finger. She then sent it off.

"Hey... This mansion is just way too beautiful... You're saying Masayume made all this?"

Yuji asked, touching the Mansion to test if it was real. Sure enough, it certainly was.

"Yeah, she said it was the least she could do for us."

I stated. Opening the doors to the Mansion, it revealed the beautiful interior. As we entered, two curving stair cases were on either side of a grand hall, and going up them led to the first floor. On the base floor, I showed them to the beautiful living room.which was decorated with a fire place, three couches, a neatly made rug and two luxurious tables, one that was in front of the couches and one that was on the other side of the room. It was the dining table that was conveniently placed next to the kitchen.

The Kitchen itself was beautiful too, as it was towards the back of the house- it also led to the back garden. Exiting the Kitchen would lead you to the outdoor conservatory which had its own set of furniture to enjoy the outside while not having to be outside. Exiting that leads to the garden which was stunning in itself. There was a patio that led straight to the center of the garden which had a very large gazebo and a fire pit in the center to enjoy a beautiful barbeque. To the left side was this thing that Masayume described as a "Jah Koo Zee?" Apparently it's some sort of warm bath, but I have yet to try it. Next to it is a large pool that extended over to the other side, and ofcourse- on the other side is a building where we can get changed into our swimwear.

That building is on top of patio, and the path leads back to the conservatory.

"Noir- this is... God!"

"What do you think?"

"Yes! Absolutely!"

Blanc couldn't even make sense as she held onto my arm in excitement.

"I should show you to your room. There are plenty of other rooms too, so if you guys wish to stay here, then that's fine. After all, this is going to be our party house."

"Party house? Surely you don't plan to throw parties here... It's too luxurious!"

"N-no. I meant it's a house for our party members."

Maru hid herself in embarrassment when I said that, as if she had said something stupid. But this was a good moment. After all the trouble we've been through, it's only deserved that we get something good out of it.

Escorting them to their rooms, everyone took picks of their rooms.

In the end, everyone was satisfied with their results.

As time went on, night came, and I was relaxing in my bed.

A lot has happened recently, and I haven't been able to speak with Aiolia since. But, since she became a Goddess- it's to be expected. She knew the life of a Goddess wasn't going to be an easy one, yet she chose to endure it.

I wish I could've lived to see that moment, and I wish I was there to support her through it. All those years must've been lonely and tough for her...

"You called?"

"AAH!"

"shh!"

Suddenly- Aiolia had appeared before me. I- I'm so vulnerable right now!

"S-sorry, I just didn't expect you to come out of nowhere..."

"Sorry Noir... Actually, I've had my eyes on you this entire time."

"Huh???"

"Ah... Sorry, I just- It's sort of my duty to do so."

"Ah... right... why did you choose to come out now, of all times?"

Aiolia seemed a little out of it, but that's okay. She seems like she could use a rest.

"Well, I just wanted to see how my friend is doing. You did an excellent job with that Dragon."

"Yeah, everyone keeps talking about it. Sigh. It seems no matter what world I'm in, someone's there to boast about me being some sort of hero."

Aiolia chuckled.

"Well, wasn't it you who wanted to be a Hero in the first place?"

I had no argument against that. Aster and Origin feel like different personalities. On one hand, Aster was someone was reluctant on playing Hero but soon came to accept that role, whilst Origin was someone who was born as someone less than nothing and became a hero nonetheless. A life built on the idea of being a hero and a life built up on the idea of becoming the hero. Feels like these ideas conflict a lot, but the result it still the same.

"So, how does it feel to have used my Godifact?"

Aiolia asked, to which I then reached to grab my blade.

"It placed a heavy weight on my body when I used it. I'm not used to it at all."

"Heh, it's okay. I modified it to work with my Godifact when I was using that sword for a while. I kept it as a memento to remember you. Of course, the blade had been sealed once I passed it onto you as Aster. Using it at full power when you received it at that point would've destroyed you, so I had to send you to Lueur to reawaken the blade."

"That's right. When that happened, the blade was still weighing a lot on my at the time, but when I defeated that Demon General, I felt much more acquainted with it- as if I had used it before. If only I knew that I did. Heh."

"..."

There was a moment of silence, as while we had reunited at last- there was one other person missing.

"It's okay Aiolia. Genesis surely lived a good life."

"Heh... it's strange hearing a human consoling a Goddess, usually it's the other way around, isn't it?"

She laughed, looking at me.

"Didn't I used to always console you? Before you were able to take human form, you felt like you were powerless to do anything. I always had to remind you that you were the one giving me magic support to do the things I was able to."

"Heh, it's in the past now. Though saying that, it's like nothing changed."

She said, as she placed her hand on the Godifact in my sword.

"Yeah. You really saved my skin back there. Just like good old times."

"Well, I have to get going. It was nice catching up with you Noir. If you ever need my assistance, just call my name."

"I will. Take care, Aiolia."

"Mmhm! You too!"

She smiled before she dissipated in a distorted green. That's the Goddess of Time for you. It's strange how my view on her changed so drastically since gaining my memories.

Laying back on my bed, I looked up to the ceiling, slowly closing my eyes as they grew heavier and heavier...

I was a hero in many of my previous lives... In this world, I'm also a hero... But I'm also a gamer.

It's been one wild week, from meeting Blanc... Getting attacked by Maru who I soon befriends, meeting the Mage Clan's special trio, Rysea, Nina and Aquila- and even the mightiest mages, The Grand Wizard, beautiful Yuuna and the captivating Masayume. Having met Yuji under scary circumstances but becoming great friends- to eventually coming face to face against a malevolent spirit. Amidst the trouble, the heroic Grand Master Drake and Guild Master Elizabeth came to our aid... and the mysterious swordmaster, Kyouko. Everything has been a total ride. But I'm fine with that. It feels like I'm really alive in this world. As if this was the sort of freedom I had been yearning for.

The night passed along and morning soon came...

After getting dressed, I headed downstairs and was greeted by my friends.

"The day is calling out to us, Noir."

Kyouko greeted.

"Rise and shine sleepy head. You took the longest to get out of bed."

Yuji smiled.

"Good morning Noir, I hope you slept well. We're all raring to go!"

Maru seemed quite exhilarated.

"Let's go on another adventure today, shall we?"

Blanc cheered, giving off her lovely smile.

I took their greetings in for a moment, before walking forward.

"Let's go, everyone."