Meanwhile, in Norse...

"Where am I...?" I asked as I opened my eyes.

"Welcome to my city and my domain, Magic Swordmaster." A deep voice bellowed.

A tall figure walked into the room slowly.

"We meet again, my lovely Magic Swordmaster." The figure emerged from the dark doorway.

He had white hair which faded into black at the tips, purplish pink eyes with white spirals in place of where the iris would be.

"What is this supposed to be? Am I a guest here?" I asked as I shook the chains.

"Oh, that? These chains will drain your mana to prevent you from escaping. Be sure to enjoy your stay here." The man continued.

"Oh right, before I go, I would like you to meet someone." The man clapped his hands after he spoke nonchalantly.

And another tall figure entered the room as the man exited the room.

It was a woman with brown, long hair with her eyes matches the color of her hair. She wore a green cloak with a yellow dress within, black leggings and brown knee high leather boots.

At that moment, there was only a person on my mind when I saw her appearance.

"Saki. Excuse me, but are you Saki?" I asked. "Thank-"

Before I could finish, I got shocked with lightning.

"My apologies, but I do not know who you are. And I have certainly nothing for you to thank me for." Saki said blankly as she hurled a bolt of purple lightning at me.

Amai POV

"My apologies, but I do not know who you are. And I have certainly nothing for you to thank me for." A voice I was so familiar with spoke in an unnaturally blank tone as purple flashes emitted from the room, which was followed by the agonized cries from the Magic Swordmaster.

I think Saki-san increased the output of her Cursed Lightning drastically, since the purple flashes that came out of the room was nothing like the ones I have ever seen.

It is rumored that the deepness of hatred of Saki-san is proportionate to the power of her Cursed Lightning, but from the looks of the Cursed Lightning she cast at the moment, it is most likely to be a fact.

Also, is that the Saki-san I knew? Because the fact that she let her negative emotions broke loose didn't sit very well with me. She was a strong, yet gentle person. She wouldn't even harm an animal, much less a person. How would she be able to do this to her fellow party member whom she treats like her younger brother?

Maybe Saki-san is coerced by Volras? This remains to be seen, however, it is the most probable cause for the scene before my eyes.

I am going to do some investigation in the matter, in order to save the both of them. I found it extremely disturbing when I see people with good relationships were forced to hurt each other.

Ah right, before I actually go and look into the matter, maybe I should give an anonymous tip while I am at it.

Iris POV

Today is the first day since the disappearance of Onii-chan. The fact that he got beaten is still hard to accept that someone as strong as Onii-chan would be defeated.

I had Alicia leading a company to search for Onii-chan, however, Onii-chan was nowhere to be found in the area.

I also requested Yunyun to ask the fortune teller. Yet she said the fortune teller could not tell the current condition or his whereabouts.

Due to the fact of the identity of the assailant is still unknown, there is no telling that Onii-chan would be unscathed in the hands of that person.

I actually worried about Onii-chan, not because of it would be impossible for me to hang around outside of the palace, but that he is loyal to the Belzerg Kingdom and that he also contains some classified information of the Belzerg Kingdom.

Let's just wish that Onii-chan can keep his mouth sealed and did not spill any secrets of the Kingdom. Or otherwise, I would have to...

I would have to...

A few hours later...

I was supposed to be out of commission as the high voltage from Saki's Cursed Lightning knocked me unconscious.

However, a weird feminine sound, or rather, it feels like someone was crying her (in this case) eyes out.

"Saki! You are there, are you?" I shouted as the weeping sound goes on.

"Shh." Someone shushed me as she put her index finger on my lips.

"You. Here I thought you were possessed, but you actually did this on purpose, did you?" I asked as I gave the short brown-haired girl in a white kimono a blank stare.

"Keep quiet for a moment. First, I was just following the orders from my supervisor, Saki-san. Second, I am always on Saki-san's side, so technically, I am on your side. Third, the person who was crying is indeed Saki-san. I am now looking into the motives behind her acts. So stay still." Amai answered before I could ask further.

"Why are you doing this for me? I don't think I have done anything nice for you. Also, is it really okay for you to help a random person like me?" I continued as I looked up and gazed upon Amai's watery eyes.

"Haven't I told you already? My allegiance is to Saki-san, so Saki-san's ally would be my ally as well. Also, seeing Saki-san like this doesn't feel right with me. So I am also helping my superior too, please do not get mistaken as an act solely for helping you." Amai sighed as she spoke with a gentle tone, as if she was consoling a poor animal.

"What a pure-hearted kid you are... But thank you nonetheless." I replied with a smile.

The next day...

I noticed that my Core Outfit turned back to the Light Core Outfit.

But how...? I thought I am the only one who can change the Core Outfit.

What a shocker.

Wait a second, why am I narrating at this moment?

I am sorry, I will get back in character right now.

Currently at this moment, I am getting shocked again by Saki's Cursed Lightning.

Probably my senses got fried or something, as the tingling sensation was a bit milder than the one I experienced before.

However, the look in Saki's eyes was the same as yesterday, pretty harsh, but the light reflected indicates something other than that.

Saki, what on earth are you thinking...? What is on your mind right now?

Amai POV

Let's see here... Volras isn't around here, so I guess I should get into his room using the Stealth Silencer.

Take a deep breath... Gotcha.

Wait a second... Are those security cameras...?

I mean, I knew the existence of magic cameras, but magic security cameras? That's pretty new.

Well, considering Volras is omnipotent, my guess would be he created them himself.

I am not a big fan of Volras, but still it is kind of incredible for that to be honest.

I saw an old man in one of the screens, an old lady in another one, maybe they are someone important to Saki-san?

Anyway, I should send Loby-san a message.

Loby POV

It is hard to imagine that the Magic Swordmaster would lose in a fight, if you actually think the versatility of the Core System and the wits of its owner.

Where would he be...? And who would just go after a strong fighter like him?

That person would be either smarter or more powerful than he is.

"Hmm...?"

Before I noticed, I was shrouded by a thick layer of mist.

And I inhaled some of it on accident.

Wait, how the hell did I know the location of Norse? And the Magic Swordmaster's specific location?

What is this supposed to be?

Also, why am I still spacing out here?! I have got to spread the word quick!

A few hours later...

"Onee-chan!" I called out to Alicia as the guards tried their best to stop me from getting in into the palace.

"Move!" I whacked the guards in the heads with my staff.

'Never have I thought this actually comes in handy.' I thought as I silently thanked the Magic Swordmaster for teaching me how to fight with a staff back then.

"Unhand him and move over. This is an order." A feminine voice commanded gently yet firmly, which the guards move towards two sides of the passageway instantly after hearing her voice.

"Onee-chan!" I called out to Alicia again as I waved my hand.

"Loby? What's wrong?" Alicia asked after she walked and stopped in front of me.

"I know the exact location of the Magic Swordmaster."

"You are kidding, right?"

"No I am not!"

Alicia's expression turned a bit brighter.

"Let's go. We shall inform Iris-sama about this."

What day is today again? Was it the day before my birthday?

Or rather, should I be thinking about this while I am getting shocked by a powerful Cursed Lightning?

Saki was still the one shocking me, however it seems like she could no longer hold it in as she crumbled to her knees, her hands on her head as tears trickled down her cheeks.

"Guardian-san... Please help me! I can't do this any longer!" Saki cried as she asked for my assistance.

"Saki-san, I am willing to help you, but could you please free me first...? I couldn't help you in this state." I asked with an awkward expression as I shook the chains.

"Oh I am afraid she couldn't." The deep voice bellowed as he emerged from the shadows.

"You." I muttered with a slightly pissed off tone as I gritted my teeth.

"Yes, me, my dear Magic Swordmaster. Do you not remember me? I am the God of Darkness and Death, Volras." The man continued as he spread his hands.

"What do you mean by that?" I asked Volras as I gave him an angry gaze.

"Because she does not have the sufficient mana to do so. Even if she did, her family would die as a result." Volras continued as he placed a pitch-black knife on Saki's neck.

"It's me you want, right? So please let her go." I continued calmly as I began to negotiate with the God of Darkness. "I am sure we can reach common ground and go on with our ways."

"You think you are deemed worthy to bargain with a God? Aren't you adorable." The God of Darkness let out a dry laugh as he clapped his hands.

A hand of shadow wrapped around Saki's neck, making her harder to breathe.

"Hey stop! What are you doing? You are killing her!"

"Not if you do as I say, Magic Swordmaster!" Volras exclaimed as the Shadow coil around Saki's neck begins to tighten up.

Iris POV

I was having lessons when the crucial information regarding the whereabouts of Onii-chan was no longer unknown.

Hurried footsteps were heard, which was followed by loud knocking.

"Iris-sama! Iris-sama! Is Iris-sama here?!" Alicia's voice rang through the door.

"My sincerest apologies, Astroraia-sama, however, Iris-sama was having lessons at the moment-"

"Iris-sama! You have to hear this out! Loby has found the location of the Magic Swordmaster!" Alicia shouted with a hurried tone, as if she wanted to save him as soon as possible.

"Let's ignore her, Iris-sama, right at this moment, your education is far more important-"

"Rain, please prepare the personnel for the rescue operation. I will be leading the operation. Alicia Von Astroraia, I would like you to provide assistance in leading the troops." I let out a simple but strong command as I extended my hand.

"But Iris-sama-"

"I understand what you felt, Rain. However, there is a possibility that Onii-chan may contain classified information of the Belzerg Kingdom. We need to retrieve it before the kidnapper can get any information out of him." I made up an reasonable excuse to persuade Rain to save Onii-chan.

"Claire, please prepare my equipment. We have an adventurer to save."

Amai POV

It seems like Guardian-san's friends are heading towards the place.

I think nothing should go wrong here, since no one knows what I just did.

Wait, is that the sound of a woman getting choked? Maybe I should take a look and find out what was happening right now.

"Do you understand what you need to do now?" The deep voice asked.

"Yes I do." I answered.

"Oh, it seems like your friends are heading towards your way. Do what you have to do."

"Understand."

"I will be watching you. Do not try and doublecross me, Magic Swordmaster." The man warned sternly as he disappeared into the shadows.

Subsequently, four people entered the room, namely Iris, Alicia, Loby and Yunyun.

"Onii-chan! Are you okay?" Iris called me as she came up to me.

"Yes, I am fine Iris. Thank you for your concern." I reassured Iris with a smile.

"By the way, my birthday is three days prior to yours, right? So-" Iris continued as she rummaged her pockets.

However, before she could finish, I feel something within me was erupting.

And that erupting sensation inflicted a painful shock and forced me to pull my sword out.

"O... Onii-chan...?" Iris called my name in a mix of shock and fear.

"Sierra... Bravo." I uttered these two words before I lost myself.

"Iris-sama, he is calling you to stay back!" Alicia pulled Iris away from me as a purplish-black aura emitted out of me.

Alicia then drew her sword and stood in front of the trio. However, the unstable gleam in her eyes gave her away - she was scared deep inside, probably because my twisted expression or the sudden change in the color scheme of the Light Core Outfit.

"Greetings, my dear intrepid adventurers! Welcome to my throne room." The man emerged from the shadows and greeted my party members.

"You...! What have you done to Onii-chan?!" Iris shouted at Volras due to her loss of composure as she drew her sword.

"Oh please calm down, Your Highness Iris." The man continued. "Your Onii-chan is not okay at the moment. However, he can turn back to normal with one condition."

"What is it?" Iris asked.

"The condition is: The Magic Swordmaster has to kill you with his own hands." Volras put on a devious smile on his face.

"You... I will kill you before Onii-chan can get any worse!" Unable to contain her anger any longer, Iris lunged at Volras and swung her sword as quick as she could.

"Get them, Magic Swordmaster!" Volras extended his hand dramatically as he ordered.

"R... Run... Everyone run!" I yelled as I raised my sword and charged towards them.

"Stop!" A familiar voice yelled as a green flash appeared in front of me.

The woman stood in between Iris and me as she barfed up some blood.

"Please... Please return back to normal, Guardian-san!" Saki pleaded with all her strength before she collapsed and drowned in her own blood.

Meanwhile, the black and red colors began to fade and replaced by the colors blue and white respectively. I started to regain my consciousness, but freaked out immediately as I saw Saki's blood was on my hands.

"No... No... Fk no!" Seeing Saki's blood on my hands was the last straw on the camel's back as I attempted to heal her.

"Guardian-san... Thank goodness you are okay..." Saki uttered her last sentence and went limp.

"You will pay for this, Volras." I glared at Volras with my sword drawn.

"Oh-" Before he could finish, I strike preemptively with the Sacred Thunderbolt.

'Pegasus, entrust your life onto me.' I thought as the Light Core Outfit resonated strongly with me.

And then I went a lot faster than I was before, which Volras could barely manage to block the hits.

"Who are you?! Stay away!" Volras yelled with an exasperated tone after a few minutes of hit and run plays.

"I am..."

"I am..."

"I am the Magic Swordmaster, Guardian!" I shouted as I went for the killing stroke.

And Volras went down with a thud.

"Did... Did Onii-chan killed a God?" Iris stared at me with awe and shock.

"Yeah... I guess he did." Loby agreed.

"Guardian-san is amazing." Yunyun chimed in.

"Treat Saki-san first, talk later." I turned my attention onto my party members.

"Don't worry, I am on it." Amai spoke up as she began to adjust Saki's condition.

"You guys finish what you need to do."

"What?"

"Umm, Onii-chan... Happy Birthday!" Iris said bashfully as she handed me a present.

"Happy birthday, Guardian. Even though your birthday is about to end, I hope you enjoy my present." Alicia continued as she handed me another present.

"Here, my present for you. Be thankful for that, y'know!" Loby gave me another present as he expressed his blessing in a tsundere way.

"Here. This is my present for you." A raspy voice rang inside my head.

"We will meet again, the God Slayer, Magic Swordmaster, Guardian." The raspy voice disappeared after saying the sentence.

"Thank you, everyone, but let's go home first. After Saki is fully healed, we will celebrate later on." I put on a small smile and thanked my party members.

Note 1: Guardian's birthday is 9/9, which is today.

A/N: Phew! This ain't easy work, considering I need to get this chapter done in three days. But I am still happy that I managed to make it before his birthday ends (Considering the fact it's 23:45 right now in my time zone).

As always, constructive feedback are appreciated via PM or reviews.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and stay tuned for the next one.