"Your performance in Mohat Town was quite outstanding."
Bai En, whose name was suddenly called by the Wizard King, had a feeling as if he, who usually didn't speak much in class, was singled out by the teacher to answer a question.
As he was pondering what to say, Nancy beside him spoke first: "I…don't have anything to ask."
"Is that so, is that so?" Julius's face was beaming with a smile, and before his murmuring words faded, he took a light step and instantly appeared beside Nancy, gently patting her shoulder.
"Your method of controlling the ground with Earth Magic and condensing a greatsword to fight is very good, but don't always suppress yourself. Occasionally, you should use the magic you're good at."
"...Magic I'm good at? You...how could you..." Nancy looked up at the Wizard King, a hint of surprise flashing in her beautiful eyes.
Just as she was about to ask again, Julius had already walked in front of Bai En. Completely different from his gentle demeanor just now, his eyes suddenly sparkled, looking more like a curious child: "You must be Bai En. I've seen you fight with magic, and your mana control is quite good."
"At first, I thought your magic was like Jack's, a cutting magic. Is your magic Sword Magic? By the way, how many of those swords do you have? Each one should have a different ability, right?"
"That...more or less," Bai En replied in a low voice, scratching his head.
"Oh, wow, that's amazing! Can you show me?"
"It's not very convenient right now, is it?"
Following Bai En's gaze, Julius looked around. Not only were there many people, but the area inside the spired fortress was also very narrow, not a place where one could freely unleash magic.
"My apologies, my apologies. It was indeed thoughtless of me. Then, let's wait until next time when there's an opportunity for you to show me."
Just as Julius turned to leave, Bai En proactively called out to him: "Wizard King, I also have a question I'd like to ask you, if that's alright?"
"Of course, what do you want to ask?"
"Just as you, Wizard King, are interested in my magic, I am equally interested in yours. May I ask what your magic is, Wizard King?"
This topic naturally also caught the attention of Yuno and Asta nearby. "The Wizard King's magic... I really want to see it too. What could it be?"
"Haha, you want to know that?" Julius burst into laughter. After a moment, a spherical object with strange swirling lines appeared in his hand: "My magic is Time."
"Time?"
Everyone who heard this was stunned. There was actually a Mage whose magic was... Time? No wonder he became the current Wizard King; that was even rarer than Light Magic, Spatial Magic...!
"That's right, my magic can control the flow of time for others or myself. I can infinitely slow down the flow of time, or drastically accelerate it."
"That's amazing! You can even do such things," Asta couldn't help but exclaim.
Bai En asked again: "If it's Time Magic, then can you, Wizard King, predict the future? For example, in the future, will I defeat you and become the 'strongest'? After all, I joined the Magic Knights for that very reason."
'Defeat the Wizard King?!'
'Become the strongest?!'
Bai En's words made everyone's expressions change.
"How rude!" Klaus adjusted his glasses and said to Bai En in a cold voice: "Saying such things in front of this esteemed person is a bit too casual. Show some respect."
Julius gently waved his hand, indicating that it was nothing. He maintained his usual gentle smile: "So that's it, you joined the Magic Knights because you want to be strong?"
"But... I don't see you in the future I've seen."
The gentle smile slowly faded, and Julius's words, coupled with the sudden serious expression on his face, plunged everyone into silence, a chill spreading through the air.
In the long, silent atmosphere, only the faint rustling of wind through the leaves could be heard.
"Why aren't you talking? Did you all believe it? I was just kidding!"
"My Time Magic cannot predict the future over a very long period. Mana is a significant limiting factor. Even with the aid of Mana Zone to draw upon natural mana, I can only read a very brief future."
Julius's words were like a boulder thrown into water, creating ripples.
"The Wizard King also jokes?"
"Oh dear, the atmosphere just now was really oppressive," Noelle and Mimosa let out long sighs of relief.
Julius's smile reappeared on his face: "However, if you want to defeat me and become the strongest, you still have to work hard!"
"Alright! Actually, today is a gathering of Magic Knights members who have accumulated an exceptionally large number of stars, to hold a commendation ceremony. You all come along too!"
"Eh...!"
"Alright, everyone, follow me."
Julius walked forward, and Bai En and his group followed behind. In the corridor connecting the buildings, Asta quietly approached Bai En. His voice was not soft: "I will become the Wizard King, and I will also be the strongest."
In the muscle-brained idiot's eyes, achievements + strongest = Wizard King.
Just as Bai En was about to speak, an untimely voice interrupted, it was Yuno: "Whether it's the Wizard King or the strongest, it will ultimately be me."
"..."
The sunlight shone on the three arguing figures, the ripples resembling the shadows chasing each other in childhood.
The spacious award ceremony hall was somewhat resplendent. The Wizard King stood on the stage, praising and commenting on each star recipient. Asta and Bai En witnessed the entire process from below.
After the award ceremony concluded, Julius gave a brief speech: "Thank you all for your hard work. Now, a simple banquet has been prepared for everyone, please enjoy yourselves! Oh, right, we also invited special guests today, so please mingle and interact!"
Sharp gazes pierced through like needles... The dining area was next to the award ceremony hall, similar to a cocktail party. Tables in the hall were laden with exquisite food and fresh fruit, and drinks were arranged on a central long table.
Magic Emperor Julius, after leading everyone into the room, mischievously waved goodbye and left: "I have something else to do, so I'll be leaving for a while! Everyone, have fun!"
Bai En observed the gazes around him, avoided Asta, and walked over to Captain Rill, who had come with the award ceremony personnel.
Rill was holding a plate, eating with a fork, "What's going on? It doesn't taste as good as the food in the squad, does it? No creative passion anymore..."
Just as everyone was immersed in the delicious food, a low voice shattered the pleasant atmosphere.
"You lowly commoner!"
Bai En, imitating Rill, wandered about, piling food onto his plate, and then, with interest, turned to watch the commotion, "Eating melon seeds... is quite interesting."
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