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talpup · 3 years

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Summary: Yami Sukehiro just wanted to join the Magic Knights and make his mentor proud. He knew there would be trails. He knew trouble would come his way. Knew he would be faced with discrimination for being a foreigner and a peasant. What he didn’t know. Didn’t expect. Was that literal Chaos would come his way. That he and his mentor’s sister would be at the center of world ending trouble. Or that he would fall in love with his mentor’s sister and face more than discrimination; but the jealousy of Nozel Silva who loved the same woman he did.

Please remember this fic is rated mature and has warnings of violence, abuse, sexual tension, sexual behavior, and other possible triggers. For a full list of story tags please check the fics AO3 (link to that at the top of my tumblrs homepage).

Chapter 101

Teris sat down at a table with her friends. Excited for their much needed girls day, Venice and Teris had decided to leave early and have breakfast at a restaurant in Raque. Since Abril and Bran weren’t meeting Ricte till later in the afternoon, the two had joined them.

With the restaurant crowded, they took the first available table. At first Abril had complained about sitting out on the balcony, muttering about the salty sea breeze. Then she made Teris move, saying she wanted the seat with a view of the water.

Having seen the view from higher balcony’s at much fancier restaurants, Teris let Abril have the seat without a fuss. Hopefully giving Abril the seat would better her mood and allow Teris and Venice to finally get Abril to open up about what was going on with her, Gendry, and Ricte.

But apparently Venice had other ideas since as soon as the waitress took their order and left, she looked at Teris and demanded to know. “What’s going on?”

Teris blinked in surprise. “What do you mean?”

“Don’t play dumb. Spill.” Abril ordered.

“About Yami?” Teris’ eyes darted to Bran. She wasn’t adverse to girl talk; but there was no way she was doing so with Bran there.

“No, silly. How are you holding up? First Bran and I bring in that guy from those Crazies, only to have him die five days later. And the day after Bran and I bring that guy in, you and Yami are abducted. Never mind Nozel and Fuegoleon getting taken the night before that and ending up in Healers Hall.” Venice frowned, worried about her friend. “It’s no wonder Jax gave you and Yami the day off. You two have been through a lot.”

Teris huffed. “When aren’t we going through a lot? I have a feeling that’s what they’re going to put on my headstone. Here lies Teris Nova, she went through a lot.”

“Hey! Don’t talk like that! Your name’s gonna be Teris Sukehiro by the time there’s need for any headstone.” Teasing as she was, Venice was also deadly serious. There was no way her friend was dying anytime soon. Not if she had something to say about it.

“I know you can’t say much. But at least tell us you all learned something useful before that guy died.” Abril said, hopeful tone filled with disgust for Flic and the Agents of Chaos.

Teris glanced a Bran once again, knowing he knew the sad truth that they had learned little to nothing of use from Flic. Looking between Venice and Abril, she sighed wondering what she could tell her friends that would give them hope but wouldn’t be a lie.

101.2

Yami hadn’t needed his sense of Ki to be able to tell Bran had been disappointed he wouldn’t be spending the day off with the guys. Bran’s guilt over his boyhood friend sweetening up to Abril, when Gendry had been the first Black Bull to befriend him, likely hadn’t helped. At least Gendry wasn’t the kind of person who took his hurt and jealousy out on others. Yami doubted he would’ve been so dispassionate if in Gendry’s place. In fact he had taken his fair share of anger and jealousy over Nozel out on Bran by kicking the younger man out of his room so he could sit at Bran’s window and wait for Teris to return.

Teris… Yami smiled at the thought of her. He had teased her early this morning, feigning hurt feelings and saying she couldn’t wait to be away from him. Teris had laughed at his toying act and silenced him with a kiss, promising to make it up to him later. That promise made Yami eager for the days end so he could return to her. But first, he had some mana to expend in the hopes that it would ease the building force inside him and help with the constant undercurrent that made him want to destroy somebody just for breathing in his direction.

Seated on the ground along the perimeter of the Green Mantis’ training yard, Yami drank from a water skin and watched Jack and Tobin start their fight.

“This should be interesting. Jack’s slash magic can cut through anything given enough time to adjust but against Tobin’s giant magic it won’t make much of a difference.” Yami turned to Gendry thinking of the battle they just had. “You’ve progressed further since last time we fought. Who have you been training with?”

Gendry shrugged, eyes on the match. “Who ever I can. Mostly Bran.”

Yami nodded. Bran and Gendry were both Third Class Intermediate Magic Knights. Though his and Teris’ influence might've encouraged the rest of the Black Bulls to be a little more engaged and proactive about their duties. It had been Gendry's friendship with Bran that had prompted Gendry into wanting to become a better Magic Knight. Sadly, Abril hadn’t been all that enthused about Gendry’s newfound interest. Instead of seeing it as something they could do together, Abril complained about the time Gendry’s new focus took away from their usual activities.

Yami pushed the cork back in the stopper and tossed the water skin aside. “We should schedule a regular sparring session. Nothing too frequent. Every other week or once a month maybe.”

“I would've thought you had enough going on with being Vice Captain and dealing with the Agents of Chaos mess.” Gendry said.

“If you don’t want to just say so.” Yami said, eyes on Jack and Tobin.

“That’s not it at all. I’d like to have a set sparring session with you. I could use the practice.”

“Then?” Yami questioned.

“It’s exactly as I said. I thought you’d be bogged down and busy. I don’t want to add to the pile of things pulling at you and become a nuisance.” Gendry said.

Yami huffed, eyes following the fight. “Don’t think you’re capable of being a nuisance.”

“Tell that to Abril.” Gendry muttered.

Yami raised an eyebrow. He was no closer to understanding Gendry and Abril’s relationship then he had been during his first year as a Magic Knight. Not that he had bothered trying to understand it. Still, Gendry was a friend and friends had to occasionally show they had an interest in the others hopes and lives.

“Still wanna marry her?” Yami asked.

“I said I think I might want to marry her. And yeah. I still think I might.” Gendry said.

“Then fix things with her and see that she’s happy. If that’s too much trouble then let it go and be glad you have your answer on that ‘might want to marry her’ thing.” Yami told.

“You and Teris make it look so easy.” Gendry sighed, his complaint both envious and amazed.

Yami’s hearty laugh bounced off the surrounding trees. It echoed so loudly through the sparring field that it gave Tobin pause. Jack took advantage of the distraction, sending out a slash that knocked Tobin on his ass.

Gaining control of his laughter, Yami asked. “Which part looks easy? Dealing with a group of crazies? Or being unable to go out and do anything together because Bird Braid’s father might send more people to try and kill me? Or maybe it’s the likely future fight I’ll have with her brother to free her from her family that looks easy to you.”

“I don’t mean any of that.” Gendry said. “I know none of that can be easy. But that’s all outward stuff you have to deal with. I’m talking about the two of you. As a couple.”

Yami’s humored grin turned dopey as he thought of Teris. “Yeah. I really lucked out. Teris is an easy woman to get along with. Pig headed, prideful, overly curious, too caring brat that she is; she’s perfect.”

“Abril’s great too. I just wish she thought I wasn’t so inconsequential.” Gendry said.

“If she thinks that then she stupider than I thought.” Yami said, seeing that Jack was leading Tobin to make the kind of strike he wanted in order to serve up a good return.

Gendry scowled at Yami.

Sensing the change in his friend, Yami said by way of apology. “Fine. No bad talking the Inch Worm. So what’s the problem between you two anyway?”

Gendry ran a hand through his hair. Other than Abril’s complaints about the time his training took away from them, there was the matter of Ricte. But Ricte was a secondary problem. A causal result of an underlying problem he had been unable to name. “I don’t know.”

“Then find out. If it’s something you think is worth working on, work on it.” Yami said.

“What if it’s me? What if there’s something about me that she doesn’t like?” Gendry asked.

“She wouldn’t be your constant shadow and complaining that your training was taking time away from her if she wasn’t interested in you.” Yami told.

Gendry nodded at that, feeling better. “So what do you say to every other Monday morning?”

Yami’s brows pulled together. “For?”

“Our sparing sessions.” Gendry said.

Yami shook his head. “I got way too much going on. You’d only become a nuisance.”

“Every other Monday it is.” Gendry grinned.

101.3

Breakfast long since finished Teris, Venice, Abril, and Bran still sat at the balcony table.

“Betrothed?” Teris blinked at Venice. “When? How? Kess and Jon haven’t been dating that long. Have they? It’s not like they had long held feelings for each another the way Tobin did for you. Did they?”

Venice shrugged her shoulders. “Don’t know. I didn’t think he liked anyone else while we were dating. I only heard about the engagement yesterday afternoon. From the sound if it, they had some big fancy dinner between their families the day before that. I don’t know anything more. But since you know how all that stuff works. I was hoping you could tell me if this was Jon or his parents doing.”

Teris shook her head in disbelief. For it to be official and celebrated with a dinner, Jon and Kess’ parents would've had to have agreed to the match. But was it their parents who had made the match? Or Jon and Kess seeking one, and gaining approval? Jon might've been a bastard son of Lord Denwulf. But the Denwulf’s were quite a ways up the noble ladder from Kess’ family. And with Kess being the youngest of three daughters, it wasn’t too far fetched for Lord Yates to look to wed Kess to Jon.

“What’s it matter anyway? You’re with Tobin.” Abril said.

“I just think it’s a bit sudden and am worried for Jon’s sake.” Venice snapped. “I mean, he and Kess just started dating what? Back near the Star Awards?”

“Far as we know.” Teris nodded.

Abril shrugged. “Well, when you know. You know.”

Teris and Venice turned to her.

“What?” Abril demanded, shoulders stiffening under their gaze.

Bran’s eyes darted around the three women. He had been quiet for so long, he wondered if they had forgotten he was there. Having been the first son, Bran was use to being forgotten while his seven older sisters talked. In his experience, being forgotten was far better than being remembered.

“What do you know of it?” Venice scoffed.

Abril crossed her arms, scowling. “Apparently nothing.” Before talk of Jon and Kess could continue, Abril exhaled loudly. Resting her elbows on the table, she whined. “How does one know?”

“How does one know what?” Teris asked.

“That someone’s the one. How do you know?” Abril asked.

“I thought Gendry was your one.” Venice teased.

“So did I.” Abril mumbled.

Sharing a look with Venice, Teris prompted. “But?”

“I don’t know! He never talks of the future. How can I know Gendry’s the one if I don’t know if I’m his one?” Abril asked.

“Because the only other person Gendry regularly talks to is Yami and Bran, and I don’t think he wants to end up with either of them.” Venice played.

“It doesn’t really matter how Gendry feels. I mean, it does in the end. But it doesn’t change the way you feel at the start. Think about how torn up I was during that time Yami refused to speak to me before we got together. Him being an idiot ass didn’t change how I felt about him. Or how Tobin felt about Venice.” Teris gestured to her friend.

“The man was persistent.” Venice nodded of Tobin.

“I finally told him how I feel.” Abril muttered about Gendry.

“In words? With your voice?” Venice questioned, in disbelief.

Abril nodded.

“What did he say?” Teris asked.

“What he always says. Nothing.” Abril answered, exasperated.

Venice huffed. “Sounds about right. Guys are stupid. They either won’t shut up when you want them to be quiet. Or they refuse to talk when you want them to speak.”

“They’re not some pet that obeys.” Teris chuckled.

“I know! They’re incapable of obeying. Though it’d be nice if they at least tried to listen.” Venice complained.

Teris shook her head smiling.

“Ricte proposed.” Abril said.

“What!” The two girls and Bran exclaimed.

“Why?” Bran demanded in guilty horror.

“When?” Teris asked.

“How?” Venice questioned.

“In his last letter.” Abril answered.

“He proposed in a letter?” Venice asked, incredulous.

Teris stared, dumbfounded.

Bran frowned, unhappy with his friend.

“That’s her there.” Someone said, pointing to their table.

For a second Teris thought their waitress had complained to the restaurants manager about them lingering at the table till noon and was pointing them out. She had a moment to think that they should leave a hefty tip for taking up the spot and the waitress’ chance of further customers when a magical burst of air exploded at their table knocking them back.

101.3.2

“When you insisted I take some time off, I didn’t expect you to pay call and ask for this.” Nozel murmured, uncomfortably.

Walking beside her Vice Captain, Kess glanced out over the sea shore. While not blatantly obvious, it was clear Nozel had been struggling with some inner turmoil since his release from Healer’s Hall after his abduction by the Agents of Chaos. It was why Kess had given Nozel three days leave as soon as his debriefing about those events was done.

“Neither did I.” Kess tucked her hair behind an ear, betrothal ring glittering in the sunlight. “And I’m sorry to take you away from your family on your last day off, but I could use some help. And, well… I thought this might be a way for us to bond outside of work.”

Nozel’s father wasn’t even here. And after three days with his siblings, Nozel wasn’t all that sorry to be called away from them. He usually avoided Noelle at all costs anyway, and Nebra wanted to do nothing more than lounge out on the family’s private beach; where all Solid had done the entire time was complain about everything. Funnily enough the one thing Solid hadn’t complained about was Nozel leaving them to help his Captain in her ask. Instead Solid had taken advantage of it, saying if Nozel could go off without them then he and their cousin Kirsch could leave Nebra, Noelle, and Mimosa at the Silva’s beach estate and come into town for the day.

That’s where Nozel was now, walking the bustling boardwalk of Raque with Captain Kess. A part of him wondered why he and his Captain needed anything more than a working relationship; an all business approach had seemed to work well enough for Captain Pyter. But since becoming Vice Captain, Nozel had discovered that, though not necessary, some kind of acquaintance outside of work was of helpful use for the productive betterment of work. That’s not to say he was going to turn into Captain Kess and seek to be warm and inviting, encouraging his subordinates to come to him with their personal problems. But he didn’t want to be like Captain Pyter had been either, completely distant and uninterested in his squad members troubles.

Yet even after coming to the conclusion that developing some kind of friendly acquaintance outside of work was of benefit, Nozel thought his Captain's request was too much. More than that, he didn’t think he was anywhere near qualified to help her. Personally, Nozel wouldn’t have even asked his closest friend to help choose a betrothal gift; though Fuegoleon likely would’ve invited himself. Yet here Nozel was, at Kess’ request, helping her pick out a betrothal gift for Jon when he barely knew Kess or the Azure Deers Vice Captain outside of them being capable Magic Knights.

Nozel cleared his throat to say as much for the second time when a small explosion from a balcony down the way had them rushing to see what happened.

101.3.3

Coughing, Teris blinked through the dust and tried to focus her blurred vision. Though the ringing in her ears muffled most everything out, she managed to hear someone talking.

The voice said. “We only need the light magic user.”

Hearing the same, Venice shouted. “Teris! Get out of here!”

Teris was loathed to leave her friends. But if all they wanted was her, chances were it would be safer for her friends and trapped civilians if she left. Heart hammering, she thought of Yami. If they wanted her, did that mean there were others looking for him?

Her friends were close enough that she could light travel them all. Hoping she didn’t burn them too badly, Teris attempted to light travel them all to the Green Mantis sparring field where she knew Yami to be.

A cold prickle ran down her spine when she wasn’t able to. It was different from the negating effects of Calen’s magic. This felt more like a constraining barrier.

She looked up and saw herself crouching twenty paces away. Surreal as the sight was, Teris instantly realized Abril had used her transformation magic to take her form. So whatever was stopping her from light traveling wasn’t blocking all magic. That was good to know.

Teris shook her head at Abril trusting she would understand the message that they were stuck here. Never did she expect Abril to answer Venice in her stead.

“I can’t. They must have some sort of blocking thingy.” Abril hollered.

Knowing Teris would never refer to a magical block as a blocking thingy, Venice's face scrunched up. She turned, the two Teris’ giving her pause for a fraction of a second. Seeing Bran near the real Teris, she gave a tight smile and nodded.

Eyes on Abril, Venice said. “Guess we’ll have to make a run for it, Vice Captain. On your order.”

Abril blinked. As accustomed as she was to yelling about how she wanted things done, no one ever listened. She finally understood Gendry’s reasoning for wanting to become a better Magic Knight. It wasn’t because he had sold out to the system and wanted to move up the ranks. It was because he wanted to be of help to his friends.

“Now!” Another female voice commanded.

The four Black Bulls turned to see Kess and Nozel. Teris’ eyes widened, realizing what the newly arrived Silver Eagles were about to do.

“Move!” Teris ordered Venice and Abril as she grabbed a hold of Bran.

Thankfully Bran was already cloaked in mana skin. It made Teris feel less guilty for shoving him over the broken balcony railing. Without a moments pause, she jumped after him.

Nozel’s mercury rain could be made dense or sparse. The one thing he could not yet do was direct it so as not to strike comrades who were in the field of the silver drops. Kess used her shadow magic to form long arms that pulled and pushed citizens out of danger. The Silver Eagles Captain created a shield that blocked one of Nozel’s liquid metal drops from hitting Venice.

“Nozel. Cover the other one. Venice and I got Teris.” Kess ordered, moving to Abril.

Nozel wasn’t sure if his Captain realized that wasn’t the real Teris, but he did. Abril might be able to make herself look like Teris; but she moved nothing like Teris.

A magical eagle of mercury waiting to catch him, the Silver Eagle’s Vice Captain leapt over the balcony’s edge. He saw Teris battling someone a couple blocks away and flew over to assist. Knocking the man out from behind, Nozel made sure to cut the assailant with his mercury. If the man managed to regain consciousness before things calmed and he was arrested, mercury poisoning would slow him down.

Pulling Teris onto the mercury eagle with him, Nozel took back to the air. “Where’s Bran?”

“I sent him to the nearest Sentries station to contact Headquarters for back-up.” Teris answered.

Nozel shook his head. “Doubt they’ll have better luck. Captain Kess already tried to use her communication crystal to call for reinforcements.”

Teris cursed, having feared as much; but Bran was clever. He would know a communications block when faced with one and order whatever Sentries had magic capable of flight or other swift travel to get outside of the block and contact Headquarters. Till then--

Teris frowned. “Where are you taking us?”

Eyes scanning for attackers, Nozel told. “Outside of whatever block they have in place. I’m guessing that’s why you haven’t light traveled to safety; because whatever they’re doing to block communications is also blocking transportation spells.”

“No!”

“No?” Nozel glanced at her, brow furrowed.

Teris shook her head. “I mean, yes, they’re probably blocking transportation spells; I can’t light travel. But you can’t take us away! My friends--”

“You’re the one they want.” Nozel cut in.

“And Abril was left behind looking exactly like me! Nozel, we can’t run. I’m their Vice Captain.”

Ignoring her, Nozel kept flying. Did Teris think he wanted to leave the others behind? It was his duty as a Magic Knight to protect the Clover Kingdom and its people, yet he had left injured civilians in need back there.

“Your Captain's back there.” Teris tried.

“Captain Kess ordered me to look after you.”

“Nozel—“

“My Captain's on the scene therefore my orders superseded yours.” Nozel snapped.

In that second of distraction, Nozel didn’t see the whirlwind that knocked his magical eagle off course. Crouching lower, Nozel widened his stance to keep his balance and fought to right their ride.

Unsteady from the tumbling eagle, there was nothing Teris could to when a lance of condensed air struck her. The world spiraled at a dizzying speed as she was sent flying off the eagle and through the air. Barely cloaking herself in mana in time, Teris landed on a tiled rooftop and rolled.

101.3.4

Bran was desperate and torn. He had to help his comrades. He had to help Teris. But his Vice Captain had given him clear instructions. After realizing a communication block was in place, Bran had ordered the Sentries capable of quick magical travel to get out of the communications block and inform Headquarters of the attacks; while commanding the rest of the Sentries to help the citizenry to safety.

Riding with a Sentry atop a large magically created lizard, Bran looked over his shoulder at the battling team of Sentries he had left behind among the sand dunes just outside of Raque. Guilt weighed heavy on his shoulders. He had now left not just his friend's and comrades, but two fights.

“If we come across more hostiles, you need to keep on going, sir. I’ll do my best to distract and hold them off.” The Sentry told Bran, sweating as he urged his magic to make the green glowing lizard move faster.

Though Bran understood it was because he was the only one who could give Headquarters more information about the attack; the thought of having to leave someone else behind made him feel even more like a failure.

Clutching the communication crystal the Captain of the area Sentries station had given him, Bran tried to think. This wasn’t like the Wild Fire and battle with Sorcery Lances from a couple months ago. Bran couldn’t assist his friends by battling these people with a deer. Even if a large sand cat or mid-sized sea fox had been near enough for his magic to seek out and control, it wouldn’t do much good. Not when the fight was in a large town.

Other than insects, Bran couldn’t control multiple creatures. He needed something more; but he had nothing more. All he could do was leave his friends and allies to fight, and hope he was able to fetch real help in time.

Yami had been wrong to show any interest and trust in him. He was weak. Even with all his training and all he had done. He was useless.

Tears stung Bran’s eyes at his own hated inadequacy. Some Magic Knight he was, left riding with a Sentry for help. With all the large fleet footed animals scared off further than his magics reach, he couldn’t even quickly get out of the communications block without assistance. He was undeserving of the promotion he got for his efforts a couple months back during the Wild Fire outbreak. He didn’t deserve to be a Third Class Intermediate Magic Knight. He didn’t even deserve to be a Magic Knight.

His grimoire, glowing and hovering beside him, suddenly brightened. The pages flipped of their own accord. A blank page came into being, added to the tome. Writing sparked into existence as a new spell appeared.

101.3.5

Breath knocked out of her, Teris coughed. Her rolled landing stopped at the feet of a scruffy faced, red haired man. Sucking in a gulp of air, she squinted up at him.

“Teris Nova.” The man said.

“If you think I’m Teris Nova you’re in for a disappointment” Teris said, noting the sword of swirling air he held.

“We’ll sort out which of you is the real one later. For now surrender and come with me, and I’ll see no one else gets harmed.”

“And who might you be?” Teris asked.

“Commander Fanzell.” Fanzell said.

It was then that Teris noticed the diamond on his grimoire. Chastising herself for not catching it immediately, she said. “You’re a Magic Warrior.”

“I am.” Fanzell inclined his head.

Wondering how a team of Magic Warriors had gotten this deep into the Clover Kingdom, Teris said conversationally. “You’re a long way from home. Lost? You know you could’ve simply asked for directions.”

Fanzell’s blue eyes narrowed. He opened his mouth to tell her to stop wasting time when Teris shot out a beam of light. The hit knocked Fanzell back to the next roof over.

Teris turned and sprinted in the direction of Nozel. She had wondered at his delay and now saw why. The Silver Eagle was still flying threw the air, only he was fighting a man on a cloud of smoke. Teris lept to the next buildings roof. As soon as she landed she was sent flying by a condensed burst of air.

Shaking his head clear, Fanzell rode a whirlwind after Teris. It was a chaotic way to travel, the wind tunnel difficult to control. As soon as he reached the roof she had landed on he hopped off the mini tornado and let it fade.

Pointing a magically created sword of wind down at her, Fanzell told. “I have no wish to harm you.”

Teris rolled over with a groan. Even cloaked in mana the hit had hurt. Fanzell watched her carefully, mindful of where Teris pointed her hands.

Acting as if she was still battling the pain and an unclear head, Teris quickly glanced at his stance. A large undulating shadow crossed overhead. It was a massive flock of seagulls, and they were descending.

Teris’ legs swung out just as Yami had taught her. She cloaked her legs in mana at the last moment, least the cloak alert Fanzell to what she was doing.

As Fanzell fell, Teris jumped to her feet.

Stunned, Fanzell looked up expecting Teris to have made a run for it again. Instead he saw Teris’ fist right before it met his face. Fanzell heard a crack. Nose broken, his hands cupped his bloody face. He cursed the pain and spotted vision, loosing sight of Teris.

Teris backed up as the mass of birds swooped and attacked Fanzell with claw and beak. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she wondered at the sight. The birds were surely being controlled by Bran; but he was only able to control a single, what he called, higher mind creature at a time. Not having the time to ponder it, Teris hoped this meant Bran was safe and would soon get passed the block to contact Headquarters.

She spun around and looked for Nozel. She caught sight of him moments before he was knocked off his mercury eagle by the Smoke Mage. The eagle swooped and struck the side of a manor house in an attempt to catch him. Nozel, the eagle, and the Smoke Mage disappeared behind a canopy of trees growing on the hillside.

“Nozel!” Teris shouted and cursed when she tried and failed to light travel to him. Leaving Fanzell to Bran and the attacking seagulls, she took off running and leaping from roof to roof.

101.3.6

Venice glanced to the door where Abril and two Magic Warriors had disappeared, cursing that she and Kess hadn’t been able to hold all of them back.

Kess used her shadow magic to shield Venice from a magical attack.

“Thanks.” Venice called, eyes darting back to the enemy. She created a mirror that deflected an attack and directed it at one of the Magic Warriors. “Congratulations, by the way.”

Kess scowled as she sent a shadowy mass of arrows at their attackers. “For what?”

“Your betrothal.” Venice said.

“I don’t think now's the time for that.” Kess snapped.

“Well.” Venice shrugged, trapping a Magic Warrior in a mirror, “seeing as we may die. I didn’t want go to my grave having you think I was upset and not happy for you and Jon. You are happy about it, right? This isn’t something your parents are forcing you to do?”

“Will you shut up!” Kess shouted.

101.3.7

Running away from two Magic Warriors, Abril lept off a second floor landing. Her calculated drop was disturbed by two young boys. She landed on them, the three of them falling to the ground.

Abril got up only to trip and fall when her foot caught on some billowy fabric.

“Ow! How dare you! Let go!” A silver haired boy snapped when Abril tried to use him to steady herself.

“Get off!” Abril barked. She kicked the billowy, over-sized sleeve that belong to the shirt the red haired boy was wearing. The fine fabric tore as she ripped her trapped foot free.

“Will you—Teris?”

Abril blinked. Precious seconds wasted as she stared at the red haired boy before remembering the form she wore. “Yes?” She said, uncertainly.

“It is I. Kirsch.” The red haired boy placed a manicured hand gently to his chest.

Moment broken, Abril shook off the torn piece of silk. “Good for you. Now get off.”

“There she is!” One of Abril’s pursuers pointed down at her.

Abril’s head darted up. She rolled to her knees and pushed to her feet. “Nice to see you, Kirsch. Bye.”

Only she didn’t get very far. Feet tripping over the other boys legs, Abril fell again. Looking up at boy, she recognized a familiar familial stare of cold blue eyes and distinctive silver hair.

“Silva.” Abril growled.

“You’re not Teris.” Solid accused.

The echoing sound of footfalls descending the stairs rang loud in her ears. Abril planted a hand on the silver haired boys shoulder and pushed to her feet. “Don’t tell them that. Stay outta their way and get somewhere safe. Nozel’s orders.”

Solid blinked at the fake Teris who took off at a run.

Kirsch looked after her and declared. “How utterly unbeautiful!”

Neither young man noticed one of the Magic Warriors break off from the others and stalk toward them.

101.3.8

Teris slid between Nozel and Lotus. Nozel barely created a shield of mercury before a spatial attack hit, taking a large swath of mercury.

Lotus balked at the attack and turned. Seeing Galleo, he put his hands on his hips. “The order was to take her into custody. Not wipe her from existence.”

“She’s still alive. Isn’t she?” Galleo said.

Lotus looked down at Teris. “Sorry about that. Care to surrender?”

Teris kicked out trying to trip the Smoke Mage the same way she had done with Fanzell. Ready for either a physical or magical attack, Lotus saw the strike coming and hopped over her swinging leg.

“Figured that burly mate of yours would've taught you some--” Lotus’ voice cut out. He stumbled, Teris having kicked his left knee, hyper-extending it.

Nozel pulled Teris to her feet. His knees trembled under his own weight, much of his mana having been drained during his fight with Lotus.

“You alright?” Teris panted.

“Fine. You?” Nozel asked.

“Not dead yet.” Teris answered.

“Not funny.” Nozel grumbled. “That one has smoke magic.”

“Mine can spatial attack.” Teris said.

“I noticed.” Nozel replied.

“Care to switch?” Teris asked, figuring Nozel could block a few strikes till help came, or his mana recovered enough for him to do something other than defense. In any case he wasn’t going to last much longer if he continued fighting the Smoke Mage. “Or, I could take them both on--”

“No.” Nozel said, sounding as fatigued as he felt. Though he didn’t like the idea of not finishing a fight he started, Teris, though out of breath, seemed far from tired. If anything she seemed excited by the challenge; that had to be Yami’s and the Black Bulls influence he though in disgust. It was the fact that he had already lost so much mana in his fight with the Smoke Mage that decided it for Nozel. “I got the Spatial Mage. Just—don’t get too close to the Smoke Mage. He’ll siphon off your mana.”

Lotus smiled at Teris as Nozel stepped to the one called Galleo.

“I was beginning to wonder if I would ever meet the other half of the famous duo.” Lotus said. “Not much about work gets me excited. It’s more of a necessary hassle in order to keep the family housed and fed. But when the order came for this… I must admit to having some interest.”

“You’re the one Yami faced during the Battle at the Border.” Teris surmised. She wished Yami was here, and that they could still feed off each others mana the way they had back then. “He said you talked too much. Is that the only play you have? Disarm and delay with mindless chatter till your magic renders your opponent useless?”

Lotus shrugged lazily. “It’s worked for me thus far. Why change what isn’t broken?”

Teris released bit of her mana, magically heating up the air around her to the point that it burned off Lotus’ smoke. The man’s smoke had been so sparse and thin that she hadn’t been able to see it. But she sensed it as her mana made contact with it and it burned it away.

His siphoning smoke burned off, Lotus gave a weak smile his brow beading with sweat at the heat radiating from Teris’ magic. “My wife is pregnant with our second child.” He told.

“I’ll see you have a quill and paper so you can write to them from your cell.” Teris said.

“That would be appreciated.” Lotus said, readying his attack.

“Stand down or these two die.” Came a proud booming voice.

Teris turned, eyes widening.

“Solid!” Nozel blinked. His magical shield lowered, spears of mercury dissolving.

Still wearing Teris’ form, Abril struggled against magical bindings. “You leave Kirsch and my Intended’s brother alone!”

“That’s not the real one.” Galleo told his comrades.

The one holding Abril shoved her to the ground in disappointed disgust.

Fanzell dropped onto the scene, the whirlwind that brought him dissipating. Knowing the one he faced had been the real Teris by the light magic she had used, Fanzell ignored the bound woman his subordinate had pushed away, and took in the two other hostages. He didn’t like that innocent children had been brought into the mix and threatened. But now that it was done he had little choice other than to use it.

Ignoring the stinging cuts and gashes the flock of attacking birds had left, Fanzell gave the Spatial Mage a directive look through eyes made red and swollen from his broken nose. “Galleo.”

The man opened up a portal.

Fanzell turned to the real Teris. “Step through and I promise these two will be left unharmed.”

“Your promise means nothing to me.” Teris sneered.

“Brother!” Solid called, frantic eyes full of fear.

“It’s alright. Stay calm and quiet.” Nozel soothed. He looked at Teris. There was no way he was going to ask her to submit to the Magic Warriors commands; but these people had his younger brother and were threatening his life.

Teris glanced at Kirsch and Solid. Even if Kirsch wasn’t an extremely distant cousin or Solid Nozel’s brother, she would have submitted to protect them. She was a Magic Knight. The lives and well being of the Clover Kingdoms citizenry went before her own.

The tension in Fanzell’s shoulders eased when he saw Teris’ shoulders sag in defeat.

“Fine. But you and the rest of your squad of Magic Warriors have to leave the Clover Kingdom without harming another person.” Teris relented.

“No! I’m Teris Nova.” Abril shouted.

“Enough.” Teris ordered.

Abril fell silent, wide eyes stinging with tears at her worry and failure.

Teris turned to Fanzell.

“You have my word.” Fanzell swore.

Teris sighed. She didn’t know what the Commander’s word was good for; but it was all she had. Giving one last look at Abril, she ordered. “Don’t struggle or fight unless they break their promise.”

“Step through the portal.” Fanzell told Teris, eager to see his mission complete and his squad safely out of the Clover Kingdom.

Teris moved as slowly as she dared, hoping that someone had gotten through the communications block and assistance would appear.

The mage holding Solid by the throat squeezed causing the young royal to gurgle.

“Solid!” Nozel took a step toward his brother.

Fanzell made a noise of warning halting Nozel in his tracks. He scowled at his fellow Magic Warrior for choking the young innocent but turned the expression on Teris and instructed. “Hurry it up.”

Nozel glanced at the open portal and Teris, gauging the distance. Turning back to his brother, he told. “It’ll be alright, Solid. Just stay put. Don’t do anything. Listen to Abril until they leave and help arrives.”

Finding Nozel’s words curious, Fanzell turned to him. But he was too slow. Teris had just stepped through the portal and Galleo had begun to close it. Fanzell’s muscles tensed as the Silver Eagle rushed toward him. But the Magic Knight had no interest in him. Instead, Nozel sprinted passed him and dived through the closing portal.

Fanzell blinked at the portion of the mans royal blue cloak that laid on the ground where the portal had been. If Nozel had acted a split second latter he would have been cut in half.

“Brother!” Solid yelled, hand outstretched.

“Damn it! I’m sorry, Commander. Shall I open it back up and pull him out?” Galleo asked Fanzell.

Jaw tense, Fanzell tore his eyes away from the blue fabric. So much for a seamless mission. Not wanting to stay longer than necessary and chance facing further hostility, he told Galleo. “No. Inform the other teams we have our prey and get us out of here.”

“Sir.” Galleo nodded.

Fanzell looked back at the sliced off strip of fabric thinking that the Magic Knights were a loyal and amazing group. It made him wistfully envious. He doubted there was a single Magic Warrior that would take such a risk for one of their fellows.

“The teams are falling back and headed to the meeting point.” Galleo informed his superior.

“Good.” Fanzell bent and picked up the blue fabric, wrapping it around his hand.

“What of these three?” The Mage holding Solid and Kirsch asked.

“Bind the boys. We’ll leave them and the Magic Knight to be found.” Fanzell said.

The Mage gripped Solid and Kirsch tighter. “But, Sir--”

Voice dangerous, Fanzell looked at the man. “I gave my word. You’re not suggesting I go back on it out of sheer malice, are you?”

The Mage straightened. “No, sir.” He shared a look with Galleo the two thinking that the rumors were true. Their Commander had begun to weaken.

Fanzell stepped in front of Abril. “I need you to listen and relay a message to your superiors.”

“You give her back!” Abril yelled.

Fanzell used his magic to take just enough air out of Abril’s lungs so she couldn’t speak but was still cognizant. “Tell your superiors not to come for Teris Nova unless they want another war. You will have your Magic Knight—s,” He drew out the added ‘s’ of the amended plural, “back by the morning of the twelfth. If you cross the border into our kingdom, King Morris will not broker a peace as he did last time. He will not stop until your kingdom is purged of life and left in nothing but rubble and ash.” He saw the fearful turn in the her eyes, and felt the same at such a prospect. “Remember. The morning of the twelfth. My King just wants some time with Teris Nova to understand how she works. It is up to your kingdom to decide whether that is worthy of war or if you will keep the peace and wait four days.”

101.4

“Are you really that tired, Yami?” Jack taunted sending out a slash that sent the Black Bulls Vice Captain skidding backwards several meters.

“Hardly.” Yami grunted.

“He’s toying with you, Jack.” Tobin called, from the sidelines.

“More like letting you get a couple shots in as apology for the beat down you’re gonna get.” Yami corrected.

“Quit pretending your doing me any favors Bull Brains.” Jack cawed sending out two more strikes. “You’re faltering and trying to cover.”

“If I were faltering would I be able to do this?” Both hands gripping the hilt of his katana, Yami sent down a slash of darkness that had the Green Mantis leaping out of the way.

Rolling on the ground, Jack squinted at the kicked up dirt. He looked back to see downed trees and branches for more than six hundred meters.

Tobin stepped forward, worried Yami had lost himself to the Darkness.

Gendry’s head jerked back, eyes wide. Was that what he would be facing every other Monday? He knew Yami was powerful, but to send an attack like that during a simple sparring session…

Yami half lept, half rushed to his opponent and pointed his dark cloaked katana at Jack’s chest. “You were saying?”

Jack looked up at the Black Bull and cackled. “You’re insane!”

Yami lifted and sheathed the katana in its scabbard. “Thought your bony butt would appreciate that move.”

Jack pushed to his feet. “Let’s try it again!”

“No.” Yami shook his head.

Jack lifted his forearm, the magical scythe-like blade pointing at Yami’s neck. “Try it again or I slice you up.”

“You’re both insane!” Tobin declared, making his way onto the field. “Jack. Stand down.”

Sounding bored despite the magical weapon at his throat, Yami waved Tobin off. “Let him be. Beanstalk’s just embarrassed he lost.” He met Jack’s eye, all but daring the man to make a move and prove him wrong.

Jack cackled again and lowered his arm. “You act all tough, but one day I’ll slice you up, Yami. Only I want you to be at your best when I do.”

Yami made a derisive noise. “Yeah, yeah. Keep saying that—Jack.” Yami’s tone changed as he said the name. His right hand reached, gripping the hilt of his katana. “Don’t stand down.”

Jack’s eyes turned to Yami’s right hand, thinking the Black Bull decided to continue the fight. “What? You--”

Yami pulled the katana free. “A large group just appeared.”

“It’s probably some fellow Green Mantis’. En and Nix are expected back from a mission.” Jack said.

“No.” Yami said.

The Ki Yami suddenly sensed was far too near. These people hadn’t walked or flown closer; but simply appeared as if portaled. Never mind the fact that one of the mana sources coming from the group was massively powerful. There was no way the person was a member of the Green Mantis, not even the squads Captain.

“It’s Alowishus.” Yami cloaked his blade in darkness.

Alowishus Spade rose up out of the ground. Yami sent out several consecutive slashes which were blocked by a swirling mass of earth.

“Quick on the attack.” Alowishus praised, noting how fast Yami’s movements had become. “Not exactly the act of a hero though.”

“I’m no hero. I’m a Magic Knight Vice Captain and you’re a threat to this kingdom. Jack, with me. You two. Give the others a harsh welcome.” Yami told Tobin and Gendry.

“The others?” Tobin echoed. His face hardened at the sight of five others appearing through the overgrown tree line. “Right.” His size doubled as he stepped in the Agents of Chaos’ direction. “Gendry. Let’s go.”

“They want Yami. We should focus on getting him out of here.” Gendry said, glancing at his Vice Captain as Yami and Jack charged and attacked Alowishus.

“And how do you suggest we do that without taking out some of their number?” Tobin snapped. “Don’t question the Vice Captain's orders! He’s not Bronn. Yami will do more than have words or a well placed fist if you disobey.”

Yami and Jack tag teamed. One getting in close while the other made an opening. Still it wasn’t enough. Alowishus was just too strong. Yami shot a quick glance seeing Tobin and Gendry struggling and cursed. He should have known better than to think the four of them had a chance. The Negation Mage, Calen, was nowhere in sight meaning that Alowishus was secure in his victory and merely toying with them. That only served to make Yami angrier, his grip tightening on his katana’s hilt. Exhaling, Yami forced his hands to loosen letting the rage filled emotion flow through him. Acknowledging his anger while not focusing on it cleared his mind and centered his thoughts, emboldening his movements with decisive determination.

“Your getting your way, Jack!” Yami lept back, trading places with the Green Mantis. He planted his feet, gripping the katana’s hilt in both hands and raising it over his head. “Let’s try it again!” He repeated Jack’s earlier words right before he brought the dark cloaked blade down.

Jack, who had been in front of Alowishus, between him and Yami, lept to the side at the last moment. Despite being cloaked in mana the Green Mantis was dragged back a bit by the gravitational pull of the dark slash. Then blown out and away as Yami’s attack hit. Jack tucked his arms and tumbled, rolling up to his knees and skidding to a halt.

Seeing the devastation and power of the attack, Jack silently cursed; Yami must’ve just been funning with him in that first dark slash. Wait for me, you over muscled idiot, Jack thought. Don’t leave me in your shadow. I’ll rip you to shreds if you do.

“Master!” The Agents of Chaos yelled.

Yami didn’t even pause to take in the damage he might have caused Alowishus. He spun around to Tobin and Gendry, and commanded. “Tobin, go get back up. Gendry, to me.”

Tobin turned and sprinted away before Yami had even begun to say Gendry's name.

“Oh, no you don’t.” Misandre roared. She created a portal, hands reaching through the open gateway.

Tobin didn’t slow, trusting his comrades to protect his back.

Snarling, Yami sent out a slice of darkness that cut Misandre’s hands off so fast and clean it took the woman several heartbeats to realize what had happened. The hands, once belonging to Bronn, dropped to the ground, never reaching Tobin.

Glaring at the Spatial Mage, Yami growled. “Told you I would have those off you. Now, I can be done with that bastard and he can rest in peace.”

“Yami...” Gendry breathed, face losing color.

Yami turned in the direction Gendry was staring, his own eyes widening. Now that just wasn’t fair, Yami silently complained.

Jack moved closer to the two Black Bulls. “What is he? An earth mage or something.”

Or something, Yami thought watching the earth swirl and condense to form an arm, replacing the one Yami’s massive dark strike had taken from Alowishus.

“Ash to ash. Dirt to dirt.” Alowishus intoned, stepping out of the spiraling earth as it dissipated and fell. “The moral form is nothing but earth, and to the earth our weary husks eventually return.”

The solid ground the three Magic Knights were standing on became sinkhole. Before they could do anything, they were trapped up to their mid-thighs and stuck.

“You have your late Vice Captain's hands back, Yami. Now further prove your honor and come with me so your friends may be spared.” Alowishus stopped several paces in front of him. “You need my help, my boy. You won’t make it to the Ritual of Darkness without it.”

“I’m not your anything.” Yami sneered. He sent out three quick, successive dark cloaked strikes.

Alowishus held up a hand. The dark slashes stopped and hovered. Frozen still for a moment before they broke apart crumbling and fading to nothing.

Alowishus shook his head and sighed. “Difficult child. Come with me or your friends die.”

“Why not just take me by force? You’ve done it before. Could it be you’re afraid to awaken what’s inside me?” Yami asked, feeling the Dark force begin to stir.

“You may not be the cleverest, Yami. But you are a smart one. Do you truly think I fear you?” Alowishus asked, well aware Tobin had almost reached the Green Mantis’ base.

“Probably not, but you should.” Yami said.

“Master.” Clint called. “Misandre is losing a lot of blood despite Slade’s bindings. If she’s to be able to get us out of here, we must leave.”

“Then leave.” Alowishus snapped.

“Master! We can’t leave you!” Clint expressed, face full of concern.

“Return to Sanctuary and await my arrival as you were told. I will tend to Misandre after my return. Till then she will simply have to endure.” Alowishus looked at his followers. “Now.”

Reluctantly, Misandre opened a portal. The gateway took a couple seconds to form and was slow to expand large enough for a person to fit through.

Yami couldn’t help a perverse smirk of achievement at seeing the Spatial Mages difficulty in creating something that should have been as easy as taking a step or any other function that occurred by mere will.

“You enjoyed that.” Alowishus commented, watching Yami. “My followers hardship.”

Yami eyes snapped back to Alowishus. “With the amount of hardship she and the rest of you have put us through, it’s about time you got some in return. I’m not going with you, by the way. So you can crumble to dust and die.”

Alowishus frowned. “Why must you make things so difficult, my boy?”

“I already told you. I’m not your anythi—oui!” Yami snapped, Jack and Gendry's muffled gags stealing his attention.

Dirt gathered and rose up from the ground, entering Jack and Gendry's mouths and nostrils. The two coughed and gagged. But it was no use, the invading earth was choking the life out of them.

“Stop it!” Yami barked. He tried to pull his legs free but the ground held firm. He swiped at the swirling mass as it entered Jack, but the mass only reformed and continued to obey Alowishus’ will.

“Can’t you see that I am only trying to help you?” Alowishus asked, tone wounded and sympathetic. “If you go on like this, you will lose yourself to the Darkness inside.”

Yami glared murderously at Alowishus. “Isn’t that what you want?”

“Eventually.” Alowishus admitted. “Right now, we both want the same thing. For you to fight this force off and remain yourself.”

Yami’s eyes flicked black. Gritting his teeth he battle down the Darkness about to boil over. “Let them go.”

“Will you come?” Alowishus asked.

Yami saw Gendry's eyes roll and begin to glaze. “Fine!” He yelled. “You have my word. Now let them go!”

With a victorious grin, Alowishus lifted his hand, palm up. His fingers curled one after the other in a beckoning motion.

Yami watched the earth change its course and fly out of his friends lungs. Jack and Gendry sagged, gasping and coughing.

“Let’s go.” Alowishus smiled.

Before Yami could say or do anything, he was swallowed up by the ground.

101.5

In the quietness after Nozel and Teris’ argument the Silver Eagle had difficulty meeting Teris’ hard, angry glare.

Once they had figured out they had been portaled to a mana blocked cell with no means of escape, Teris had chewed Nozel out. In her fear for Nozel, Teris had called out his stupidity in following her through a closing portal. Her concern for her friends, and worry over Fanzell keeping his word had her chastising Nozel for his lack of care in his duty to protect the citizens of the kingdom.

Nozel naturally snapped back. No one questioned his dedication to his duty. His brooding emotions over what he had walked in on three days ago, the image of Yami and Teris still haunting his mind, had Nozel responding harsher than intended.

Surprised by his vehemence but not one to back down, Teris had snapped back at him. A heated argument had devolved from there. When Nozel called out her hypocrisy, saying she would’ve done the same in his place, Teris had changed tactics.

Teris had been glaring daggers at him for what felt like forever, though realistically Nozel knew it couldn’t have been more than a couple minutes. Much as Nozel hated being scolded like some child, Teris’ silent treatment was so much worse; leading him to ask. “What would you have had me do? Let you to come here alone?”

“Yes! That’s exactly what I would have had you do!” Teris expressed. Her eyes drifted to the missing part of Nozel’s squad cloak for the thousandth time, her fear and anger at his foolishness reigniting.

“It’s always the same with you, isn’t it?” Nozel complained.

“What’s that suppose to mean?” Teris questioned, heatedly.

“You’re always judging me more harshly than anyone else. As if I’m suppose to be some perfect person.”

“You’re the one who constantly presents yourself as a perfect person.” Teris accused.

Nozel sighed, this was getting them nowhere. He looked about the cell, unable to look at Teris any longer. “So what do we do now?”

“Why ask me? What was it you said? Your Captain's on the scene therefore your orders superseded mine.”

Nozel glowered and muttered under his breath. “Ill tempered, hot headed brat.”

“What’s that?” Teris asked, not having heard.

“I said you’re an ill tempered, hot headed brat!” Nozel snapped.

“If that’s how you feel then why did you follow?” Fanzell questioned, from the other side of the cell door.

Teris and Nozel turned to the Magic Warrior, neither having noticed his appearance in the heat of their argument.

“It sure would have saved us some trouble if you had stayed behind.” Fanzell went on, thinking of the discipline he would endure for letting the Silva Prince throw himself into custody; as if he had known at the time that the young man was heir to the Clover Kingdoms second royal House.

“If you’re looking for an apology for your troubles look elsewhere. You’re not getting one from us.” Teris told.

“Figured as much. Ill tempered, hot headed brat that you are.” Fanzell teased.

“Only he gets to call me that.” Teris said, head tilting toward Nozel.

“Who? Your Prince?” Seeing the Magic Knights expressions, Fanzell nodded. “Yeah. I know who you are... I do now.” He mumbled.

“Then you know they will come for me.” Nozel said.

“For both our kingdoms sake's, I hope not. I hope those two kids and the Magic Knight that was trying to pass as you,” Fanzell inclined his head toward Teris, “relayed the message I gave, and your superiors believe and heed and my words.”

“What words were those?” Teris asked.

“That you will be released and returned on the twelfth.” Fanzell answered.

“You lie.” Nozel challenged.

Fanzell’s eyes hardened. “My King, unlike yours, doesn’t posture and lie.”

Teris wanted to ask about Yami but was afraid to. As if bringing him up would remind their captors of his existence and endanger him. She couldn’t sense Yami’s mana and hoped it was an effect of the spell put on the mana blocked cell.

“What is it you want?” Teris asked.

“That I don’t know.” Fanzell said, thinking he didn’t want to know either.

There were things going on in the Diamond Kingdom. Rumors. Whispers like the barest of breaths and breezes. Things that hinted at augmented magic and mutilated grimoires. Of groups of kids taken from the training grounds and never seen or heard of again. To all this Fanzell turned a blind eye and deaf ear, not wanting to know even a hint of what might be going on. His soul was tormented enough as it was.

“It doesn’t matter what threats you gave. They will come.” Nozel said.

“That’s what King Morris believes as well.” Another voice said from down the hall.

Fanzell stepped back from the cell door and turned. “Lotus. What is this?”

“Sorry, Commander.” Lotus apologized, expression truly sorrowful. “We’ve been told that His Majesty has decided to send the Prince back.”

Fanzell looked from Lotus to Galleo who walked behind the Smoke Mage. “Why wasn’t I informed of this?”

“Why indeed?” Galleo responded with a disapproving stare of accusation at Fanzell.

Fanzell swallowed, throat bobbing. There was only one reason why his superiors would skip informing him when he had just come from their offices. The open display of lack in faith was chilling.

Fanzell cleared his throat. “If you have orders, I suggest you carry them out.”

“I’m not leaving her.” Nozel told, voice commanding in its volume and timber.

“You don’t have a choice, little Prince.” Galleo smirked, clearly enjoying carrying out his commands.

“Morris doesn’t want a war. He merely wants the girl.” Lotus said.

It was difficult for Fanzell to tell, but it appeared as though Lotus didn’t care for this any more than he did. Then again it could simply be Lotus’ usual tired lack of interest in anything. It was hard to say.

“You can’t have her.” Nozel told, positioning himself in front of Teris.

Fanzell noticed the way Teris merely stood by, appearing to have already accepted her fate.

“We already do have her.” Galleo taunted. “It’s you we no longer want. Didn’t and shouldn’t have had you in the first place.” Though it had been his portal the young royal had jumped through, he cast an accusatory glance at Fanzell.

“Morris has been told that with just one of you taken, your King Agustus and Wizard King will wait until the twelfth to act, in hopes of staving off a war.” Lotus said.

“Told by who?” Nozel questioned.

“Especially if we give back the heir to House Silva.” Galleo put in.

“I want to know who told King Morris that.” Nozel demanded.

“You will be portaled back to the gates of your Castle City. Unharmed.” Lotus said, turning to Galleo at the final word as if to remind the man.

Seeing Lotus step near the cell door, Nozel readied his stance. “Good luck with that. The moment you open that door the mana block on this cell breaks and your--”

Teris placed a hand on Nozel’s shoulder causing him to fall silent. He glanced back at her.

At her sad expression, Nozel questioned. “Why are you looking at me like that? We’re getting out of here. Just don’t kill or knock out the Spatial Mage. We need him to get us home.”

Teris hugged him, tightly.

Nozel was so shocked that he remained still and speechless.

“Tell Yami, Julius, and the Bulls not to do anything stupid.” Teris breathed against his ear.

Nozel felt her give a humorless smile.

“At least not until they’ve clearly broken their word about returning me.” Teris pulled away and meet his eyes. “Then, if you want, you can do all the stupid things you wish to get me out of here.”

Nozel stared at her in confusion. “Teris. I’m not leaving yo--”

“It’s not your fault.” Teris said over his words. “You did all you could. Going so far as to jump through a closing portal. Stupid as it was. Thank you.”

“Teris. It’s not over--”

Teris placed her fingers to Nozel’s lips, silencing him. “I don’t want to be the cause of a war. If you stay and get injured or killed while we’re trying to break free, there will be one. House Silva’s pride will demand it.” Nozel gripped her wrist, tearing her tender fingers from his lips. “I’m not doing this with you right now! Get ready to fight! That’s an order.”

He turned around to face the three Magic Warriors. It was then that he remembered a magic blocked cell didn’t necessarily block outside magic from entering.

Teris stepped back.

Nozel’s head snapped back around to her, hand outstretched. “Teris!”

Nozel disappeared, swallowed by Galleo’s portal. Teris’ eyes squeezed shut, willing herself not to cry. Her trembling lips pressed together. As fearfully angry as she had been at Nozel for his thoughtless action in following her; she had been selfishly grateful not to be alone.

“You’re a brave one.” Lotus remarked. “I wonder how I might’ve fared at the Battle at the Boarder if faced against you and not your counterpart.”

Thinking she was anything but brave, Teris asked. “You’re not after him. Are you?”

“Yami?” Lotus questioned. “Our only orders were to capture you, little miss. Now, if you don’t mind.” He dangled a spelled cuff that blocked magical transport. “Put your hand through the bars.”

I’ll be recovering from my monthly infusion of “poison juice” this week, so if you wanna make a blah week brighter and bring a smile to my face I’d appreciate some feedback. Thanks!

Thank you to those who have left hearts. And a special THANK YOU to those who have recently commented or re-blogged. It really means a lot. Also, I’ll be taking a week off.

Next chapter snippet:

Tears prickled Teris’ eyes. Her entire body felt as if it were engulfed in Wild Fire. The palm of her hand so hot and seared that it was incapable of feeling anything. Anything other than constant dull burning pain with the occasional sharp, gut wrenching stab that kept her mind from being able to tune it out.

#yami sukehiro #nozel silva #fanzell kruger #jack the ripper #solid silva #lotus whomalt #kirsch vermillion #Black Clover #light in the darkness

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blackcloverdatabase · 4 years

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English Translation of Novel 2: Chapter 2 – At the Center of the Golds

Here’s another translation from the second novel, the Order of Knights Book. This one features the Experience Enrollment where Asta joins the Golden Dawn for the day, so there’s a lot of Asta, Klaus, and Mimosa in this chapter! This takes place the day before the Black Bulls leave for the beach town of Raque in order to go to the Seabed Temple.

--- At the Center of the Golds: Part 1 ---

Within the Order of the Magic Knights, an army of mages under the direct supervision of the Wizard King, there is one squad known as the Golden Dawn. In the rivalry between Magic Knight squads, the Golden Dawn consistently shows the highest achievements. Thus, they are known by all to be the most powerful squad. Its members, of course, consist only of the most elite nobles and royals. Indeed, with half-baked magic power, one could not hope to be selected into this gathering of the chosen elite.

“Ice Creation Magic: Folding Fan of Thin Ice”

“If you’re going to do that, then…... Flame Magic: Footprints of Vaget!!”

Today was a day when many of those elite squad members had gathered in one place for scheduled practice. As the name implies, these scheduled practice sessions are held regularly, and any members who were not currently on duty participated in them.

“Third-Class Junior Magic Knight Lionel, your attack pattern is too predictable! Fourth-Class Junior Magic Knight Salinger, you’re aiming too hard at ending your battle in a single hit! Real battles aren’t often decided with flashy moves such as that!”

“Yes! My apologies!”

Though it was only a practice session, the squad members participated to the fiercest extremes. Their title as the strongest squad was no mere decoration. They exerted great effort every day to retain their position at the top. Because they were the chosen elite, because they were called the strongest, they could endure such severe training before returning to their equally severe duties. No peasants or commoners could be found here. This was a world where only the strong could survive. A place where the survival of the fittest ruled.

Or at least, that’s how things were supposed to be.

“WOOOOAAAH! AWESOME! THERE’S CRAZY MAGIC BATTLES GOING ON ALL OVER THE PLACE!!”

This wide arena where the members of the Golden Dawn had gathered was the same one used for the Magic Knights Entrance Exam. They had been sparring in one-on-one practice matches, but…...

“Wow, as one would expect from the Golden Dawn, this is so large scale!!”

Standing in the middle of this Colosseum was a boy who didn’t look like he belonged there, the reason being that he was not wearing the white robes of the Golden Dawn. Instead, his short body was clad in black. Every member of the nine Magic Knight Squads are provided a robe associated with the squad they belong to. Moreover, every knight is required to wear them when they are on duty so that it is easy to identify which squad they belong to. The robes this boy was wearing……

“Is everyone allowed to participate in this!? Nice! I want to bring everyone else from the Black Bulls! I bet Luck would have a crazy amount of fun here!”

Yes, those robes belonged to the worst squad of the Magic Knights, the Black Bulls. This boy who paraded about, surrounded by knights clad in white, was the only one clad in black. In addition, to his right and left were two more people clad in white, a young man and a young woman.

“U fu fu, Asta-san’s having so much fun…… he’s so cute.”

To his right was a young woman with long orange hair named Mimosa Vermillion, characterized by the gentle air around her.

“Asta, I understand that you’re very happy, but please be a little quieter! Everyone’s staring!”

To his left was a high-strung man wearing black-rimmed glasses, Klaus Lunettes. Both of them were members of the Golden Dawn.

This member of the Black Bulls strut through the Golden Dawn’s headquarters as he followed them. It was a strange sight.

“Ah, then, this is perfect! He hasn’t introduced himself yet, after all!”

Having gathered all eyes on him, Asta stopped and took a large breath.

“EVERYONE IN THE GOLDEN DAWN, IT’S NICE TO MEET YOU! I CAME FROM THE BLACK BULLS! THE NAME’S ASTA! I’M IN YOUR CARE TODAY!!”

The boy from the worst squad of the Magic Knights shouted his self-introduction at the center of this space composed of only elites. Why was such an optimistic young man from the Black Bulls, the worst squad in the Magic Knights, with the Golden Dawn, the Magic Knight’s most prominent squad? The reason is that this was one of the orders made by the Wizard King.

“Still, that’s so sudden, telling you to join the Golden Dawn for a day…… I wonder why he ordered you to do that?”

Mimosa asked as she handed some tea to Asta. Right now, they were in the rest area of the base.

“I don’t really know the details, either. Apparently, Captain Yami was told by the Wizard King, so this morning, right after I woke up, I was told by Yami to come here. I didn’t even have time to bring my wallet.”

Asta sat on the floor, answering her question nonchalantly as he accepted the tea. The place where he sat was at the very edge of the assembly hall. Because Asta had shouted at the center of the Colosseum, he attracted the eyes of every person there, so Klaus had dragged him here.

“This morning, huh? That’s around the same time we were ordered to be your guide…... it seems that this really was a sudden decision.”

Klaus rubbed his temples as if he had a migraine while he sipped his tea next to Asta. It truly was only dozens of minutes ago when Mimosa and Klaus were ordered to be Asta’s guide for the day, which was part of the Experience Enrollment. Moreover, these were direct orders from the captain of the Golden Dawn, William Vangeance. Between being visited by their captain in person and the strange task that he assigned them, this morning was bewildering in all sorts of ways for Klaus and Mimosa.

“……I wish I had a little more time to prepare my heart.”

“No, I’m alright!”

“No, I’m talking about us.”

‘Actually, I also wanted time to buy headache and stomach medicine,’ Klaus thought to himself.

“Well…… I have yet to say this because of all the confusion that has been going on, but welcome, Asta! We’re happy to have you!”

“I’m happy to see you too! After all, it’s been so long! Let’s be sure to talk a whole lot!”

Klaus and Mimosa were telling the unmistakable truth. The last time they had seen Asta was at the Conferment Ceremony. After that, Asta fought the Eye of the Midnight Sun in a cave near Nairn town and revealed the treachery of the captain of the Purple Orcas, Gueldre Poizot, at the Magic Knights’ headquarters. His days were spent handling all sorts of unthinkable tasks. He just happened to be free today, but tomorrow, he was to start another mission in the sandy beaches of Raque. Though not as busy as Asta, Klaus and Mimosa were also busy working hard at their daily duties, so they couldn’t find much time to talk in private. Regardless of how this came about, they were honestly glad to be able to meet him again.

“Yeah! Heh heh, I’m also psyched to be able to talk with you two again!”

Asta agreed, laughing as loudly as he usually does.

“I see…… well then, speaking of things that make us happy, it would be nice if you put this on……”

Taking advantage of the congenial atmosphere between them, Klaus presented Asta with something he had been holding underneath his arm since earlier. It was the white robe of the Golden Dawn, temporarily provisioned to Asta for his Experience Enrollment. He was ordered by Vangeance to have Asta wear this since having someone in a black robe frolicking around was bound to cause the other members of the Golden Dawn to make a commotion, but……

“I already told ya I don’t want to wear that! I’m a member of the Black Bulls!”

No matter how many times Klaus asked, Asta shot him down.

“I understand, but…… if you’re dressed like that, you’re going to stick out like a sore thumb, you know? Well, even if you wear this, you’ll probably still stand out, but at least you’ll be able to mingle with the rest of the squad to some degree.”

“……You have a point, but…… hmmm. How do I put this? It just feels wrong for me to wear this squad’s robe since I just kinda got plunked here for the day.”

He gripped his own black robe as he said this. Scattered here and there were dirt splotches, scratches, and traces of it being sewn back together countless times.

“I was so happy I could die when I got this robe. Everyone here must have felt the same way when they received theirs, right? That’s why, even if I’m here today as part of the Experience Enrollment, I think the others here wouldn’t want me to wear the same robe as them, either.”

Then, Asta had his usual grin as he continued,

“That’s why, I’m fine the way I am. Even if I end up standing out, I’m going to be here as a member of the Black Bulls!”

“……I see.”

Klaus couldn’t help but smile at Asta’s words as he nodded. The Experience Enrollment is only for one day, so he didn’t need to think so deeply about a one-day affair. This robe was like a permit that signified his permission to stay here for the day. However, he is forthright with even things as trivial as that, weighing everything against his own beliefs, and, when he thinks something is wrong, he says so. Even if he finds himself in a different squad, he sticks by his own beliefs. That’s the sort of man Asta is.

Understanding this, Klaus found himself unable to say anything further.

“If that’s how you’re going to be, then do what you want. However, I’ll hand this over to you just as I was ordered to.”

“Heh heh, understood!”

Tucking the folded robe underneath his arm, Asta looked around as if he had just realized something.

“Ah, that’s right! What about Yuno!? Where is that cocky jerk!?”

Yuno was Asta’s childhood friend, and he possessed a four-leaf grimoire. Despite being from the same village, the remote village of Hage, he was a user of remarkable wind magic. With his abilities, he earned a spot in the Golden Dawn. Moreover, he was Asta’s rival, competing for the title of Wizard King. Asta was secretly looking forward to seeing him after so long, but Mimosa and Klaus looked sullen as they said,

“I wanted you two to meet as well, but Yuno is also doing the Experience Enrollment today, so he left for a different Magic Knights squad earlier today. With that timing, it’s almost as if you two are switching places today.”

“Oh, I see……”

Asta fell silent for just a moment. After such a long time, he wanted to compete with Yuno again.

“Then, which squad did he go to?”

“What, you didn’t hear me? Yuno went to-

Klaus had a teasing smile on his face as he tried to reply, but,

“……Hey, look over there. That Klaus is happily talking away to a peasant. Sheesh. As a member of the Golden Dawn, shouldn’t he be embarrassed of himself?”

The one who said this was a squad member watching Asta’s group from a distance, but Asta and the others could still hear them.

“Are you serious? I felt bad for him when I heard he was partnered up with a peasant, but…… he’s surprisingly onboard with the idea.”

“Klaus huh? He works quickly, and I thought his magic was alright, but…… I heard he went on a dungeon excursion recently, and yet he didn’t manage to bring back any relics. His career track has taken a turn for the worse.”

“!!”

Asta didn’t hesitate for even a second before glaring at the duo, but the duo left the area with smirks on their faces.

“……Asta, ignore them. Guys like those will gossip no matter what you do. Once you let them get to you, you’ll never hear the end of it.”

Klaus told him. However, Asta scratched his head incredibly awkwardly as he replied,

“……No, still, I know I’m really late telling you this, but I’m sorry. Between making things more tense right now, yelling like I did earlier, selfishly refusing to wear this robe…… of course people are going to start giving us strange looks.”

Since coming here, Asta has received all sorts of strange, even detestable looks. However, some of these looks were also aimed toward Klaus and Mimosa. ‘Aren’t you embarrassed to be with a peasant like that?’ Those were the types of gazes they were receiving. Asta was used to receiving looks like that, but words couldn’t describe how terrible he felt for getting Klaus and Mimosa mixed into this…...

“What are you saying!? That’s not like you at all!”

Klaus put his arm around Asta’s shoulders as he laughed loudly.

“I told you when we were capturing that dungeon, didn’t I? You are a member of the Clover Kingdom’s prized Order of the Magic Knights. I have no reason to be embarrassed about being with a comrade from that very same order of knights!”

“Y-yeah……”

Asta blinked his eyes at the sudden physical contact he was getting from Klaus, a move that was very out of character from his senior. Klaus continued,

“Moreover, you are here under direct orders from the Wizard King. If anything, the people giving us strange looks are the strange ones. Let’s be bold! Bold, I say!”

Klaus said this loud enough so that the other members staring at Asta could hear him. Watching the other members click their tongues and make faces of disgust, Mimosa puffed out her cheeks and said,

“T-that’s right, Asta-san! We were personally asked by Captain Vangeance to show you around today, so anybody who insults us is also insulting the Captain!”

“………”

Accidentally activating her natural ability to air-headedly punch people in the gut with her words, the onlookers scattered away completely until no one remained.

“You two……!”

Don’t mind the looks they are giving you. Let’s just do what we want. Those were the implications behind their words of encouragement. Through their actions, Asta slowly came back to his senses.

“……You’re… right. Heh heh, you’re right! My bad! I definitely wasn’t talking like myself back there! Alright! I’m gonna learn so much watching you guys! For the second time today, I’m in your care!”

Understanding Klaus’s and Mimosa’s feelings, Asta energetically put his arm around Klaus’s shoulders. Not wanting to put their good will to waste, Asta decided he would watch this top-ranked squad’s training to his heart’s content.

……However, just as he decided this,

“……Hey, look. Klaus has his arm wrapped around a peasant.”

“Seriously? No, even if he wasn’t a peasant…… being glued to another man like that…… I wonder if his tastes are on that side of the fence.”

“Klaus? I thought he might have been judging by his face…… but whatever floats his boat.”

“……”

Overhearing a group of three people talking from a distance. Klaus quietly moved his arm off of Asta. Having overheard them as well, Mimosa’s face turned pale, saying as she shivered,

“K-Klaus-san…… you embraced Yuno-san and Asta-san after our dungeon mission, but…... don’t tell me, you’re actually……!?”

“NO! Why is your imagination always so wild at moments like these!?”

“Wait, why did you put some space between us, Klaus! Let’s show off our friendship!”

“Why are you so bad at reading the mood!? Think about it! It’s possible people might see something other than friendship!”

Because of their yelling, a crowd of people gathered around them once more, and, in the end, the three of them had to leave.

--- Later ---

“…..Tch. So that Klaus bastard could hear us, huh?”

The one who said this was a man named Gris, the leader of the three people who were watching Asta and the others from a distance earlier. He made his remark behind the backs of Asta and the others as they were leaving.

“It really is true. That bastard has been putting on airs ever since he was called to the Conferment Ceremony.”

“I heard he even got to talk to the Wizard King directly. I bet he was even praised by him.”

These three have never been invited to the Conferment Ceremony, and they’ve never spoken to the Wizard King, either. As knights who have served longer than Klaus and the others, these facts just served to damage their pride even further.

“Well, if we’re talkin’ people who are getting too cocky for their own good…… that damn peasant brat, Asta, takes the cake.”

As he watched Asta from behind, Gris’s eyes were filled with a mix of negative emotions: hostility, prejudice, and a terrible inferiority complex. Instead of members of the Golden Dawn such as themselves, a peasant of all people was given extraordinary praise at the Conferment Ceremony. Even though he’s a peasant, this bottom-of-the-barrel Magic Knight with no manners has stepped foot into their elite domain.

Somebody should smash his nose in. Somebody should put him back in his place.

That’s right, somebody has to do it.

“……This is just perfect. I have some free time on my hands, and this’ll teach Klaus a lesson, too, so how about we play with them for a bit?”

With a cruel smile on his face, Gris and the others followed behind Asta’s group.

“……Come to think of it, Mimosa overheard us too, didn’t she?”

Said one of Gris’s followers, which caused him to stop in his tracks for a moment.

“No, well, Mimosa is…… she’s alright, isn’t she?”

“Yeah, that’s right. Mimosa is…… right?”

“……Yeah. She’s good. I mean, she’s cute.”

After such a conversation, the two began walking once more.

“This is the place where we do basic magic training.”

“Woah! Awesome!”

Asta’s eyes were sparkling as he shouted when he saw where Klaus and Mimosa took him. This section was far from the rest of the base, so there were no other squad members practicing their combat skills here. However, just as Klaus said, it was full of equipment for people to practice basic magic exercises, such as stones made from magic for people to try smashing and pieces of parchment hanging in the air for people to shoot down.

“Hey, don’t tell me these are……?”

Asta leaned forward a bit as he asked, having noticed a few things he had seen somewhere before. Klaus answered,

“Yeah, the exercises we do here are also used at the annual Magic Knights Recruitment Exam.”

“…… I knew it.”

Asta laughed ironically as he recalled such bitter memories. For Asta, who had no magic, that was truly a hellish time for him. If it weren’t for the final portion of the exam, the combat portion, and if Yami hadn’t been one of the judges there, he wouldn’t have been able to become a Magic Knight. Seeing Asta smile so bitterly, Mimosa raised her hand softly and said,

“Um, I’m just asking out of curiosity, but what kind of training does everyone in the Black Bulls do?”

“Us? We, uhh……”

Hearing Mimosa’s question, Asta recalled what everyone was doing yesterday.

- They ate breakfast.

- For some reason, they somehow managed to gather together in the same room, where they all chatted away lazily.

- They ate lunch.

- They gathered together in the same room again and played card games.

- Anyone who was hungry had a mid-day snack .

- To burn off the snacks, they went on a walk (for some reason, Noelle tagged along with Asta).

- They found some wild squirrels on their walk, so they fed them their leftover snacks.

- They ate dinner.

- The older members of the group drank alcohol while the younger ones played more card games.

- They slept.

“………”

After Asta finished remembering what had happened, he went silent for about three seconds before finally responding,

“……We do team-building exercises. Yeah…… stuff like that……”

“I see! That’s why everyone cooperates so well with each other!”

“……Yeah.”

This isn’t something Asta does often, but, right now, he had a fake smile on his face.

“Team building exercises are good, but it’s also important to go back to the basics and do some basic training. How about it, Asta? Want to try one of these out?”

Klaus suggested with a smile, but Asta lightly scratched his head as he replied,

“……Well, I don’t have any magic, so…...”

‘Plus, I’ve been traumatized by this stuff,’ Asta thought to himself as he turned his head to the side.

“Would you like to have a little contest with me using one of these?”

“……Huh?”

Asta reflexively raised his head. Klaus was looking at Asta with his usual small smile.

“The loser will have to…… I know. It doesn’t matter where, but after your Experience Enrollment is complete, how about the loser treats the winner to a meal? They’d have to pay for Mimosa’s, too.”

“No, that’s not the point…… Um, why are we having a contest, anyway?”

Though Yuno and Asta shared a rivalry between them, that had nothing to do with Klaus. Even if it was just a casual game, it just felt so abrupt to Asta.

“No, well, even if you ask me that, there’s no real reason……”

Klaus seemed to be searching for the right words to say as he pushed up his black-rimmed glasses.

“Until now, I’ve only judged people by their class and social status. I never even made an attempt to appreciate someone for their personality, merit, or all their hard work…… Because of that, when we were on that dungeon capturing mission, I said so many rude things to you and Yuno.”

‘Yeah. Honestly, I hated you. You were a nasty glasses guy’……Asta couldn’t bring himself to say that out loud, though. After all, that way of thinking was considered to be common sense for those who live in this society. Not to mention, those who stand at the top of this society stratified by magic are the ones who are most fanatical about bloodlines and classes. People like Mimosa and Klaus, who don’t discriminate against others, are, by far, in the minority.

“However, thanks to you and Yuno, I was able to throw away my prejudices. I’ve learned how to face other people as individuals, not as members of a certain class or social status.”

With a proud smile, Klaus continued,

“That’s why I wanted to experience your personal strength once more through a contest, but…... do you not want to?”

“……I see.”

After responding in blank amazement, Asta’s usual smile returned to his face.

“Okay! Heh heh, if that’s how it is, then I’m going all out!”

“Yeah, thank you!”

Asta bumped fists with Klaus, thinking about how, even though Klaus is far too serious, he’s not a bad guy.

“……Wait, I don’t have any magic, so what kind of practice exercise could we compete in!?”

Asta felt like he realized something very important, but Klaus just tilted his head and said,

“What are you talking about? Just like at the entrance exam, you don’t have to use magic, right?”

“……?”

It took a moment for Asta to realize what Klaus meant.

“……Ah, I get it now!”

Striking his hands together, Asta grinned.

“……Hm? What are those guys doing?”

Gris tilted his head as he asked. Gris’s group, having followed Asta and others, arrived at the basic training ground.

“Are you ready!? The first person to pulverize their stone slab wins!”

“Bring it oooooooooon! Then, Mimosa, give us the signal to begin!”

“Y-yes! I’ll do my best!”

Asta and the others were conversing at a corner of the training room. The place where they stood was where people could practice smashing stone slabs by shooting magic at them, an exercise commonly known as “slate smashing”. Asta and Klaus stood side-by-side, each of them standing five meters from their respective slabs. Standing a small distance from those slabs was Mimosa, who, while raising both her hands,

“Ready…… s-start….. no, maybe I should say ‘go’?”

Practiced what she was going to say in a rather mysterious way.

‘Cute!’

‘No, that’s not important right now!’

“What’s with that guy? He doesn’t even have any mana, so how does he expect to be able to do any basic training?”

That Asta had no mana was a well-known fact. Gris had also heard that Asta produced terrible results at the Magic Knights Entrance Exam because of it. In spite of that, it seemed that Asta was about to try doing it again, which made the three of them sneer.

“I know. He can’t just do nothing since he’s doing the Experience Enrollment, so he’s gotta at least pretend he’s doing something, right?”

“That’s what it looks like…… What the hell? I was thinking about messing with him, but he’s gonna embarrass himself all on his own.”

While the three of them laughed to themselves, they walked toward Asta and the others. If he does anything even the slightest bit weird, they planned to laugh out loud at him. It may seem like petty harassment, but that was beside the point. As the three of them stood on standby, Mimosa said behind Asta and the others,

“……Uh, ummm, r-ready, sta…… um…… go!”

At her signal, the two sides swiftly opened their grimoires.

“Steel Creation Magic: Violent Rotating Lance”

As Klaus yelled out, a steel lance spawned at his feet. The lance was fired at the stone slab at tremendous speed, its tip rotating quickly like a drill.

“Woah…... What the hell, Klaus? Talk about no mercy.”

“I get it. He wants to embarrass that peasant, too…… hm?”

Gris’s eyes widened when he saw Asta. He had pulled a large, black sword from his grimoire. Forcefully gripping the hilt of his sword,

“ORAAAAAAAAAAH!”

With all his strength, he threw his sword at his target.

“HUUUUUUUUUH!?”

Gris and the others exclaimed in astonishment just as the slabs in front of Asta and Klaus shattered into pieces. As they predicted, what he did was certainly weird, but……

“……H-hey, what’s wrong with you two? L-laugh at him!”

“Well, even if we laugh……”

“……Huh, other than his crappy magic, isn’t he kinda strong?”

The simple fact he could throw such a heavy sword was impressive all on its own, but it was even more amazing that he shattered the stone slab with it. Having witnessed such a spectacle, they fell silent, finding themselves not in the mood to laugh.

“Mimosa! Who broke his slab first!?”

Acting as casual as ever, Asta loudly asked Mimosa for the results. Mimosa squinted her eyes at the broken slabs of stone with a troubled look on her face for a short while before saying,

“……I’m sorry! I blinked, so I didn’t see it happen!”

“HEY!”

Asta was the one who retorted, but everyone thought the exact same thing. Keep your eyes open for just a little longer, darn it!

“I-I’m sorry! But Asta, don’t you know!? If you don’t let your eyes blink, they’ll become dehydrated, you know!?”

“Wait, are you messing with me right now!? Of course I know that! That’s why I’m asking! Why was moisturizing your eyes a higher priority than our contest!?”

“W-well, there was certainly a tight gap between us, so how about we call it a draw?”

Klaus smiled bitterly as he waited for Mimosa and Asta to finish their exchange.

“Well then, how about we move onto the next contest?

The next practice exercise he chose for their contest was commonly known as “parchment tearing”. It’s an exercise where mages use their magic to shoot down pieces of parchment with a target drawn on them flying through the sky. Since the parchment moves around freely via manipulation magic, it’s quite difficult to hit the center of the target.

“Well then, ready, sta….. g…… umm, star…… go!”

Here, too, Asta stunned Gris’s group. Actually, he stunned everybody watching him.

“ORAAAAAAH!”

He jumped up to where the pieces of parchment were flying and pierced the center of one target after another with his large sword. Everyone’s gazes landed on him again as he displayed an even greater feat of strength than before. However, as before, Asta paid no attention to the eyes that were on him.

“…… I’m sorry! I tried to keep track of how many papers you’ve knocked down, but I lost count!”

“HEY!”

“I-I’m sorry…… but Asta-san!? Please don’t be surprised when I tell you this, but I only have ten fingers!”

“I’m surprised by the contents in your head! Why haven’t you been using your head since earlier!? Did you loan it out to someone!?

“W-well, we shot down about the same number, so let’s call it a draw……”

After Klaus mediated between them like that, they moved onto the next contest.

“……Hey, Gris. I’ve had enough. Let’s go back to our own practice exercises.”

After that, Asta continued to clear one practice exercise after another in an unconventional way. As Gris watched Asta, waiting for a chance to dig into him, one of his followers said in resignation,

“Looks like he has a lot of eyes on him now. We can’t simply mess with him now.”

With how showy Asta was, it was only natural. Although not overt, most of the people who were there doing basic exercises were now watching Asta and the others. Although, most of those gazes were filled with derision and scorn, as if they were saying ‘How barbarous…..’ or ‘That’s not the way a Magic Knight would fight’. However, whether their thoughts were positive or negative, almost all of them had one thought in common – he would be a tough opponent to beat.

This may be obvious, but Magic Knights attack exclusively with magic. However, the large sword which spawns from Asta’s grimoire negates magic, and he’s able to continuously attack with a seemingly inexhaustible amount of physical strength. For many mages, he could almost certainly be called their natural enemy. Why was this magicless peasant boy awarded the title of 3rd class Junior Magic Knight, and why has he been able to continuously make significant contributions in his missions? Though they were exceedingly reluctant to admit it, they all were beginning to understand why.

“Nothing’s gonna come out of us watching him any further. Let’s go, okay?”

“Right? Mimosa was cute, too, so I’m satisfied.”

And so, Gris’s group finally realized how much trouble Asta actually was. No matter how far they stick their noses into his business, they weren’t going to get any satisfaction out of it. This is what one of Gris’s followers believed when he put his hand on Gris’s shoulder, but,

“……Why?”

Gris whispered in a frightfully low voice.

“Why does this brat fresh from the country, this peasant who acts like he’s never struggled a day in his life…… get to have such an amazing grimoire…… Just because he was lucky enough to get that grimoire, he gets to join the Magic Knights and receive praise from our superiors!

“……Hey, Gris?”

Seemingly unable to hear his followers’ words of worry, Gris squeezed his words out like a curse. Rather than anger or hatred, his voice seemed to be filled with sorrow.

“Why have I even bothered struggling to make it this far……!?”

Gris’s voice trembled as he spoke. At that moment,

“Emergency. Emergency. Calling all members who are currently training. The Diamond Kingdom has invaded our airspace.”

“!!”

Using amplification magic, the voice of Vangeance’s close aide, Alecdora Sandler, resonated throughout the entire venue.

“Currently, several enemy platoons are flying toward the town of Kiten. Any squad members who are in the middle of training should rush toward their location immediately. This is not a drill. I repeat, this is not a drill.”

“W-what the heck!? Huh!? T-the Diamond Kingdom is attacking!?”

As Asta was freaking out over the ominous directive that was suddenly announced to them, Klaus replied,

“So it seems……”

Kiten is a town near the border of the Kingdom where countless skirmishes with the Diamond Kingdom have occurred for some time now. Judging by the size of the enemy, this did not appear to be large-scale attack, however……

“This is bad…… Everyone is already exhausted from training.”

Not much time has passed since training began. However, some of them had just completed their duties, and others exhausted their mana while they were sparring. Finally, they were doing more than simply protecting Kiten. They also needed to protect other villages near Kiten, as well as important national facilities in the area, so their strength will be greatly dispersed. There were only about ten people at most who would be heading out to fight the enemy’s main force. Of those, how many of them could fight in perfect condition?

“Then, we’ll have to do that!!”

While Klaus was worrying about such things, Asta declared this as if to cut Klaus’s anxieties off. Then, his eyes fell to the white robes of the Golden Dawn he was carrying under his arm, which he had been neglecting.

“You guys could use the help of a guy who can energetically rampage his way through a fight, right!?”

He slowly put on the robe.

“You……”

Klaus couldn’t help but falter. Asta put on the robe he had refused so strongly to wear to help the very same Golden Dawn members who rejected him so severely. He was willing to bend his beliefs and put on his robe as if it were only natural.

“Right now, I’m a member of the Golden Dawn! So, there shouldn’t be any problem if I go with you guys, right!?”

“…….”

Klaus started to worry again. Certainly, his spirit was excellent. However, his argument was flimsy. Experience Enrollment aside, it would defy common sense to deploy someone who was not an official member of their squad to the battlefield. Most of all, he couldn’t expect the other members of his squad to work together with a peasant. Just Asta’s presence alone was enough to elicit looks of disgust from them. Who knows what they would say if he told them Asta was coming with them on an actual mission? It would be better not to take him along.

“Are you stupid……”

That was what the old Klaus would have thought.

“……Of course we wouldn’t have a problem! Let’s move out immediately!!”

“Yeah!”

Certainly, he is not an official member of their squad. However, he doubtlessly has enough strength to play an active role on this mission. It doesn’t matter what the others might say. He’s a proud member of the pride of the Clover Kingdom, the Magic Knights. There’s nothing to be ashamed about going on a mission with a comrade. If anyone tries to make a problem out of this……

“I’ll take all responsibility! Asta! Show the Diamond Kingdom and everyone here your strength!”

“Yeah!!”

Asta responded with full force, but then said just as loudly,

“But I can’t ride a broom, so please give me a ride!!”

“………”

“Now then~ We’ve come to play today, too……”

A soldier of the Diamond Kingdom by the name of Lotus Whomalt said with a lackadaisical tone of voice. He was riding a vehicle of smoke he created with his smoke magic, “Bustling Lazy Vehicle”, and looking down on the town of Kiten from above. The city was already being protected by a barrier which was maintained by the Magic Knights of Clover Kingdom and encased the entire country. A platoon of Diamond Kingdom soldiers surrounded a portion of its perimeter and were in the middle of launching intermittent attacks on the barrier. Naturally, this time, as well, their goal was to scout out the strength of the enemy. They just needed to engage with the enemy and obtain a general grasp on the kingdom’s overall might and the magic of some of the individuals. After that, they can find a suitable time to get out of there so that he could take a bath with his youngest daughter. That was Lotus’s plan for today.

“……Well, if we find a chance to whittle them down, then we will.”

As he said this to himself, the magic transmitter at his chest went off.

“This is a notification from correspondence to Vice General Lotus. We have confirmed that forces from the Golden Dawn are making their way here from the capital of Clover Kingdom. They are expected to arrive at Kiten in several minutes.”

“Oh, they’re coming, they’re coming. Their ace squad. Jeez, every single time they move way too fast. They’re really starting to get on this old man’s nerves.”

…Well, it doesn’t matter. If they find a chance, they’ll whittle the enemy down. What he was referring to was not Kiten’s forces, but rather……

“……Understood~ Let me know if you discover anything else, ‘kay~”

After disconnecting, Lotus returned his gaze to the battle being waged below.

“……Now, I wonder if I’ll get my turn on stage today~?”

— To be continued in Part 2 —

Jeez, the Golden Dawn needs to defend the town of Kiten so much that they might as well just move their base there. It certainly makes more sense that Yuno always seems to have a new power up whenever he shows up if he always has to fight off Diamond (and Spade) mages.

I appreciate how much members of the Golden Dawn seem to train, especially considering that practice and training hard seems to be looked down on by nobility and royalty, but it kind of defeats the purpose if you’re exhausted by the time a real mission arrives D:

Also, poor Klaus D: And poor Asta! I guess I would be traumatized by an Entrance Exam I literally couldn’t physically complete, too.

#Black Clover #Asta #klaus lunettes #mimosa vermillion #Lotus Whomalt #My translations #order of knights book

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