Asta's blade cut clean through the air, striking Sekke Bronzazza with such force that the earth itself seemed to tremble beneath the impact. Dust and debris spiralled around the arena, momentarily blinding the spectators, before settling to reveal the nobleman lying flat on his back, utterly defeated.
Asta, chest heaving and eyes bright with unshakable determination, hoisted his sword high above his head. "I'll become the Wizard King!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the stone walls of the arena.
For a heartbeat, silence hung in the air. Then the laughter began.
The crowd erupted into murmurs and guffaws, many shaking their heads in disbelief. "Did he really just say that?" one examinee whispered to another. "Someone who had zero magic just thinks he can be Wizard King? He's delusional."
Another scoffed. "He didn't even show any skill in the earlier tests. There's no way he can actually… do this."
From the stands, the captains observed in varying states of interest and incredulity. Finral Roulacase's eyes widened, his hand scratching nervously at the back of his head. "How… how did he even—?" he muttered under his breath. "He's got no magic, and yet he beat Sekke. Absolutely no magical ability during the exam, and somehow he pulled that off…"
Yami Sukehiro, by contrast, frowned thoughtfully, his gaze sharp and penetrating. Unlike the others, he immediately understood what was truly happening. "He's got no magic at all," Yami said quietly, almost to himself. "But he can survive… and even win… without it." His lips curved into a faint, almost predatory smile. "Now that… is interesting."
The other captains turned their attention to a different examinee. Lyra, who had faced the arrogant noblewoman not long before, was quietly observing the arena, her posture calm, her expression serene.
"Did you see that?" one captain whispered. "She didn't just fight—she controlled her magic beautifully. It wasn't raw power. It was… precision, strategy. Look at her spell patterns—they're elegant, efficient."
"Uncommon for a commoner," another replied, nodding. "It's rare to see talent like that without noble lineage. And she keeps her cool under pressure… impressive."
Indeed, Lyra's battle had been the complete opposite of the flashy, overwhelming displays most candidates relied on. Her magic flowed like water, each spell building upon the last, forming a symphony of tactical ingenuity that drew the eye without ever being ostentatious.
Meanwhile, the remaining matches proceeded, and the arena's tension mounted.
Yuno was next, paired against the self-assured nobleman, Salim Hapshass. Salim strode forward with an air of superiority, his cloak flaring behind him, the insignia of his family glinting under the arena lights. "Prepare yourself," he said with a sneer, "for a demonstration of true nobility's power. You won't last a moment against me."
With a dramatic flourish, Salim extended his hands and unleashed a massive blast of magic, the ground around him erupting into jagged pillars of energy. The roar of the explosion made the spectators flinch, and a few even backed away from the arena's edge.
Yuno, however, remained perfectly still. His expression didn't waver; his eyes held a quiet intensity that drew every gaze toward him. With a calm, deliberate motion, he raised his hand, and the air around him began to twist and spiral. A Towering Tornado emerged, its swirling winds larger than any ordinary spell, engulfing Salim's attack and sending it crashing harmlessly into the arena walls.
Salim was lifted off his feet by the force, spinning helplessly before he slammed onto the ground with a resounding thud. The arena fell silent for a heartbeat—and then gasps erupted from the crowd.
Even among the captains, admiration flickered across several faces. Yuno's talent was undeniable.
Lyra, observing from the sidelines, allowed herself a faint, almost imperceptible smile. Not of arrogance, but recognition. She had known Yuno since childhood, and seeing him shine here felt almost inevitable. She had expected no less.
Asta, however, could not contain himself. He leapt to his feet, cheering and clapping with unrestrained enthusiasm. "That's my rival! That's Yuno!" he shouted, bouncing on the balls of his feet. His grin stretched impossibly wide, his eyes sparkling with the pure, unfiltered joy of witnessing someone he respected succeed.
As the final matches concluded, the captains gathered in a tight circle, beginning the process of selecting recruits. One by one, names were called, and candidates were chosen.
When it was Yuno's turn, the arena held its collective breath. To the astonishment of everyone present, every single captain raised a hand. One, two, three… all hands, unanimous.
The murmuring among the examinees grew louder, disbelief mingling with awe. Such an outcome was extremely rare. Yuno accepted their offers with quiet gratitude, ultimately choosing the Golden Dawn, the kingdom's most prestigious Magic Knight squad. A few approving nods passed among the captains, pleased with his decision.
Then came Asta's name.
The arena fell silent. Not a single hand went up. The weight of the moment pressed down on him.
Asta froze, his chest tightening, as he scanned the faces of the captains. None of them looked at him with acceptance—only wary caution or subtle disdain. His victory over Sekke counted for nothing in their eyes; someone with no magic at all was a dangerous unknown.
Yami stepped forward, filling the arena with a sudden, overwhelming presence. Shadows stretched and flickered across the stone floor as his aura expanded, and every spectator instinctively stepped back.
"Listen closely, kid," Yami said, his voice low, but cutting through the murmurs like a blade. "No one here trusts an unknown power. In a kingdom where magic defines everything… someone like you? You're unpredictable. Dangerous. People like you… get hurt. Or worse, they hurt others."
Asta swallowed, feeling the immense pressure bearing down on him. His knees trembled slightly, and his fingers clenched the hilt of his sword.
Yami's eyes bore into him, unrelenting. "If your goal is to become Wizard King… do you really think you can surpass every captain standing here… without magic?"
The silence was suffocating. Asta's heart pounded, and yet, despite the doubt gnawing at him and the sheer intensity of Yami's gaze, he refused to back down.
"I don't care how many times I fail!" Asta shouted, voice cracking but full of fire. "I'll never give up! No matter what it takes… I will become the Wizard King!"
For a long moment, Yami simply stared. Then, slowly, a grin spread across his face, wide and dangerous, yet tinged with amusement. "Hah… that's exactly what I wanted to hear," he said, his voice booming. He raised his hand, sharp and commanding.
"You're in," Yami declared. "Welcome to the Black Bulls."
Asta's eyes went wide, his jaw dropping. "R-really?!" he exclaimed, stumbling forward in shock. "I… I'm really in?"
Lyra watched quietly from nearby. The captains' eyes now turned to her, and several hands shot up. Her composed expression never wavered, but she could feel the weight of their attention, their recognition of her skill and precision. Even prestigious squads were vying for her.
For a brief moment, she considered her options. Then she glanced toward Asta, who was still bouncing around in delight, practically radiating energy. A small, knowing smile tugged at her lips.
The Black Bulls would accept her without question. It was one of the few squads that welcomed commoners freely, without the suffocating expectations imposed on noble-born mages. It felt… right.
With calm certainty, she chose the Black Bulls.
Yami laughed loudly, the sound reverberating through the arena. "Two unusual recruits in one day. This year's exam just got a lot more interesting."
The selection ceremony concluded, and the three—Asta, Yuno, and Lyra—stepped outside the arena, the noise of the crowd fading behind them. For a moment, the world seemed quieter, softer.
It reminded them all of Hage Village—their home. Simple, small, yet filled with shared dreams and familiar warmth.
"We'll all get stronger," Yuno said, his voice calm but resolute. "No matter which squad we're in, we have the same goal."
Asta bounced on his toes, practically vibrating with excitement. "And we'll all become Wizard King! Just you wait!"
Lyra nodded, her eyes shining softly. "Together… we can do it."
Asta paused suddenly, eyes widening. "Oh! Wait! I… I need to find the restroom!" he blurted out, waving his hands frantically.
Yuno and Lyra exchanged amused glances as Asta dashed off, determination in his stride even amid embarrassment.
From a distance, Sekke Bronzazza glared, still steaming from his earlier defeat. His humiliation festered, turning into burning resentment. Being forced into a low-ranking squad because of Asta's interference was more than he could bear.
His lips twisted into a snarl as he silently followed Asta, eyes narrow with intent. Reaching a secluded area near the arena's facilities, Sekke summoned a small, poisonous lizard construct from his magic, intending to sneak it inside the restroom and strike when Asta was vulnerable.
Before he could act, a firm hand grabbed his shoulder. Sekke froze.
Yuno stood there, his eyes cold, unwavering. "Don't even think about it," Yuno warned, voice low and threatening.
Sekke's heart raced, panic rising. He scrambled, abandoning the lizard construct entirely, and fled without a word. Yuno watched him go, expression calm, before turning back to where Asta and Lyra would soon reunite.
When the three finally gathered again, laughter and camaraderie easily replaced tension. Their paths might diverge, but their shared dream remained unbroken.
Moments later, Finral Roulacase appeared, portal magic crackling at his fingertips. "Come on, you two," he called. "Time to take you to the Black Bulls' base."
Asta's jaw dropped as the glowing portal opened midair. "Whoa… that's awesome!" he exclaimed.
Lyra's eyes followed the swirling light with quiet curiosity. Together, they stepped through the portal with Finral.
In an instant, they arrived at the chaotic and battered Black Bulls headquarters. The building had clearly seen better days; the walls bore scorch marks, and debris littered the floor.
"After you," Finral gestured toward the entrance.
Asta sprinted forward, excitement barely contained. He yanked the door open—and immediately a massive blast of fire erupted, slamming into him with the force of a cannon. Smoke filled the room, and Asta collapsed to the floor, scorched and coughing.
Standing in the doorway, arms crossed and laughing loudly, Yami Sukehiro looked down at the scene. "Welcome," he said casually. "To the worst Magic Knights squad in the Clover Kingdom."
Lyra let out a soft sigh, taking in the smouldering doorway and the unconscious, scorched Asta. She didn't panic, didn't flinch. Clearly, her new squad was going to be… lively.
Asta groaned, coughing as he slowly sat up, but his grin returned almost instantly. "This is amazing! This is exactly what I wanted!"
Yami shook his head, still chuckling. "You're in for a ride, kid. Better get used to it."
Lyra simply nodded, her calm gaze meeting Asta's energetic one. Somehow, she knew that despite the chaos, the journey ahead would forge them into mages capable of taking on the world—even the title of Wizard King.
And with that, the three of them stepped fully into the Black Bulls' den—a new chapter of their lives, filled with promise, laughter, and unrelenting determination.