Narrator: Threatened by a ruthless demon, humanity was on the brink of destruction. All seemed lost, until a lone mage stepped forward and took up the fight. After his triumph, he was hailed as the Wizard King and his story has become legend.

Previously on Killer Ice....

Rades: I knew the Magic Knights were in the area.... but they send a Black Bull? And a young one at that!

Asta: Get away from her you psycho! She's just a little kid, she has nothing to do with this!

Rades: HA HA! A little runt Black Bull with a rusty sword threatening me?! Where do you get off? You think you can stand against my army- hold on... did he-

Amidst the chaos and Rades wondering why his undead weren't moving, the girl gets and bolts for Asta, crying.

Girl: I was so scared!

Asta: I know but you did so good, getting over here when you did! Right now, I need you to get behind me while I deal with this lunatic.

Girl: O-OK!

Rades continues his sadistic laughter as he finally realizes who Asta is.

Rades: Now I see... You're that supposed anti-magic brat that's been causing quite the stir!

Asta: So you've heard of me?

Rades: Sure... but this still can't be right. The Black Bulls might be a squad full of degenerates and the disgrace of the Magic Knights squads but not even they would dare take on someone as lost a cause like you! Pathetic little scum!

The disgraced ex-Magic Knight summons a portal and like clockwork, more corspes moan and creak as he commands his gnarly abombinations to slaughter both young girl and non-magic user.

Rades: KILL THEM BOTH! LEAVE NO EVIDENCE OF THEIR EXISTENCE, HAHAHAHAHA!

Noelle: They're really creepy!

Leo: I'm glad to see you're okay, Tyrus, my rival! I just hope my other rival is okay.

Tyrus: Knowing that bonehead? Trust me, Asta lives for this type of thing. Minus all the walking dead we're seeing.

A zombie bolts for said ice mage, as he promptly cocks back a punch with a ice punch and obliterates corpses' head clean off of its shoulders, thanks to his hidden gauntlets funneling some of his magic power.

Fuegoleon: You can worry about looking for the other Black Bull boy later, Leo! These fiends, there's magic power inside of them and while they can move, there's no sign of life force within them. Which means-

Everyone: To make sure they stay down, we must destroy them!

Tyrus: Oh how I've longed to hear something along those lines. Let's hope my abdomen will work with me!

He begins to foam to at the mouth, as his breath produces an icy after-effect while Leo charges up his flame magic.

Leo: Let's see how you fancy this spell! My Flame Magic: Spiral Flames!

Fuegoleon: Flame Magic: Sol Linea!

Tyrus: Ice Magic: Ice Missiles! HAAA YAHHHHH!

The three fire off all their attacks to major success, leaving no traces of corpses in the beautiful chaos, leaving Noelle astonished at the Crimson Lion Kings siblings power.

Noelle: That's incredible!

The rest of the Magic Knights followed suit with Siren, Hamon, Klaus, Mimosa, Alecdora, Yuno, Charlotte, Sol, and the Silva siblings firing off their most powerful to some extent lethal attacks.

Klaus: Steel Creation Magic: Go SPIRAL LANCE!

Hamon: Oh my! This just won't do at all, you needn't fight like savages though I suppose that's what you are! But at least you can die with grace and poise! Now go Glass Creation Magic: Verre Fleur! OHHHHHH HA HA HA HA!

Alecdora: I'll destroy all these lifeless sacks to pieces! FEEL MY WRATH YOU DISGUSTING FILTH! SAND CREATION MAGIC: SAND ARMORED GUARD!

Yuno: Wind Magic: TOWERING TORNADO!

Mimosa: My Dream Healing Flower Cradle can heal any of those who have been wounded or injured! Please step forward, if you are able and come see me!

Charlotte: Is there no end to these soulless and vile creatures?!

Sol: You creeps better not even thinking of touching Char! Earth Creation Magic: RAGING MOTHER GODDESS!

Charlotte: That's Captain! Not one step further. No one is permitted to touch me, Charlotte Roselei. Briar Creation Magic: Corpse Hunting Brair Trees!

Solid: How revolting! You make those two filthy commoners look like nobles! Water Creation Magic: Slashing Sea Bullet!

Nebra: Mist Magic: Solid Mist Clones! That's too bad, these dullworths are barely worth the effort. Those two commoners Solid speaks of actually made me work a little.

Nozel: Receive your punishment! Mercury Magic: Rain of Silver! This is what happens to those who are even foolish to step up against our illustrious House Silva and land. We crush them!

Fuegoleon: FLAME CREATION MAGIC: LEO RUGIENS! NOW BURN TO ASH!

Tyrus: PIPE DOWN ALREADY! YOU'RE GIVING ME A DAMN HEADACHE WITH ALL THIS DAMN SCREAMING, ICE MISSILES!

Rades: Huh?!

Multiple ice projectiles pierce No. 4 Jimmy into the mummy's right flank as Tyrus joined his brother.

Tyrus: Always so reckless and hogging the spotlight aren't you, Asta? Didn't even leave me some to play with, for shame big brother! We've got you little one, just stay there alright and wipe those tears.

Rades: Another Black Bull?

Tyrus: And like the one you've been fighting, my horns are nothing to be trifled with... but if you want to play around, I will gore you and that damn monstrosity into oblivion. Kneel before my brutal cold you psychopath.

Noelle, who had been roaming the capital trying to figure where Asta and now Tyrus had scurried off to finally caught up to her teammates as the former was bleeding significantly on his waist and face and the latter still a tad exhausted as they fought back and froze all the cursed magic balls they could much to Rades's bubbling rage.

Noelle: There they are! I have to help them.

20 Minutes Ago...

Tyrus: Look alive Noelle!

He punches through the gut of one of the corpses as he freezes the body over as she then fires off a waterball to devastating impact, shattering the undead walker to icy ashes.

Noelle: Don't command me, I'm royalty!

Tyrus: I'm trying to make sure both of us survive so we can get to Asta sooner! And the sooner I can throttle that no brain bastard for jumping in blind like he did.

Noelle: Is someone worried?

Tyrus: I know you're not talking, Miss I Want To Check The Commoners Every Twenty Minutes.

Noelle: Okay, ouch.

Tyrus: Ha ha. Got you. I like this little thing we got going on.

Noelle: WHA? I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT COMMONER!

Tyrus: You don't gotta yell, I swear between you and Asta, you two are gonna put me deaf. But anyway, let's continue to crack some heads and get to Asta.... I think we've all earned some good eats from Charmy after this little stunt-

Asta: HAHHHHHHHHH!

Tyrus: FOUND HIM! Noelle. I'm going ahead, help the Crimson Lions Kings as best you can!

Before she could object, Tyrus broke off in a sprint in Asta's general screaming direction hoping to find his adopted brother and lend some assistance.

Noelle: BAKARUS, WAIT!

Noelle was about step forward when images of Nozel, Nebra and Solid suddenly pang her vision, freezing her in her tracks.

Dream Solid: You can't even control your magic properly. Can there be any greater failure to House Silva?

Dream Nebra: You were as good as banished from our house and because you liberated a no name village in the Forsaken Realm and clear a dungeon, you, an abject failure have the guts to show your face here again? The absolute nerve and fortitude you have.

Dream Nozel: You've let two missions go to your head, Noelle. This is no place for an pathetic insect like you, leave now while you have some semblance of dignity left. Wasn't murdering our mother enough of a life sentence for all of us?

Noelle: N-No... they're right Asta and Tyrus are plenty strong. I'd just be in there way.... PLEASE HELP THEM! ANYONE, ASTA AND TYRUS ARE IN TROUBLE!

Her pleas, however fall on deaf ears as zombies close in ready into Acier Silva's youngest offspring with reckless abandon before a flame torrent burns them asunder as she witnesses a calm yet stern Fuegoleon walking towards her.

Noelle: Thank you so m-

Fuegoleon suddenly chops down on her head tomahawk style with his bare fist earning a yelp from the Black Bull female.

Fuegoleon: CONCENTRATE!!!

Noelle: OWWWW! What'd you do that for?!

Fuegoleon: Tell me Black Bull girl... you're not simply hesitating because of your siblings harsh criticisms for you back at the banquet hall, are you?

Noelle doesn't speak before flames surround the intense Vermillion Royal.

Fuegoleon: THERE'S NO TIME FOR THAT ON THE BATTLEFIELD! ONE BAD CHOICE HERE AND THAT CAN MEAN THE LOSS OF ONE LIFE, TEN LIVES, MAYBE EVEN HUNDREDS OF LIVES.

Noelle backs up but begins to sink in the Captain's words.

Fuegoleon: You must purge yourself of your insecurities! You stand here as a member of the Magic Knights. If you are here today, then that means you are here of your own accord. You must be determined and sound of heart, and wish to grow stronger.

Noelle: Stronger....

Fuegoleon: There is no shame in being weak, Lady Noelle. The shame is in accepting and staying weak!

The words strike her very soul and heart but unlike those of her crude and cruel siblings, Fuegoleon was institiuting tough love into the Silva royal hoping to stir more confidence into Noelle as she immediately thinks of Asta pushing her as a teammate, as well Tyrus due to not only her burgeoning feelings for him but also the two pushing each the best versions of themselves as the image of her and Tyrus meld together with her overlapping him.

Noelle: That's right... He's been proving that all along, hasn't he. Asta and Tyrus can do it... SO CAN I! WE CAN GROW STRONGER, TOGETHER!

Leo: Don't worry Asta and Tyrus, your new rival has got your back. Now go give that brute a taste of his own medicine and your blades. GO OUT THERE AND SHOW ME WHAT YOU GUYS CAN DO!

Tyrus: Roger that, Leo!

Asta: Yeah! Thanks so much!

Leo: There's no need to thank me!

Asta: Now it's my turn!

Tyrus: I think you mean... OUR turn. Brother! Let's show this bastard what commoners can do when they're pushed over the edge!

Asta: THEN LET'S DO IT TYRUS, WE'RE GOING TO TAKE THIS GUY DOWN IN ONE FELL SWOOP!

Jimmy fires off more cursed magic projectiles as the blades deflects and slash through with proficient and expertise as Tyrus provided the defense while Asta charged forward.

Tyrus: GO, I'VE GOT YOUR BACK ASTA, I'LL DRAW THE CURSED MAGIC TO ME!

Asta: RIGHT AND I'LL HIT HIM WHERE IT HURTS THE MOST!

And just like a tornado touching down at the birth of its cycle, Asta begins spinning relentlessly towards No. 4, screaming his head off in typical Asta fashion as he finally breaks through and connects on a clean blow but he kept going making a beeline for Rades.

Asta: I'M.... NOT..... DONE.... YET! Hold on let me stop, gonna fall.

Noelle: He did it!

Tyrus: Of course he did, that's Asta for you. He'd rather die than give up anything. Couldn't be any prouder of calling that knuckleheaded idiot my brother!

Girl: You're amazing!

Leo: I don't think I ever seen such an unmage like fighting style. You're just fascinating, ha-ha-ha!

Fuegoleon simply nods in approval at the two commoners efforts as they seemingly stopped Rades' terror full pace/

Rades: A silly attack like that should have never been able to fell Jimmy, let put him down for the count! Hey Jimmy, can you hear me?!

Asta: Your sidekick is done for! This time, you're coming after me yourself, you hear me?!

Rades: OHHHHHHH?! THINK YOU GOT ME BEAT, DO YOU NOW?! NO WAY BOY! COME FORTH, ALFRED NO. 2

Suddenly, a legless corpse with its arms crossed and two eyepatches and straitjacket appear through a lightning show!

Rades: NOW NO.2! SAY HI TO ALFRED! GO AND GET HIM AL!

Lightning shoots all around as Asta suddenly retreats next to Tyrus who was taking it all in as Rades cackles sadistically.

Tyrus: Great just when I thought Luck would be the only source of lightning I'd have to ever deal with... THIS HAPPENS. Asta.... LET'S DANCE WITH NUTS AND BOLTS OVER HERE THEN!

The terrifying Alfred No. 2 collides with the Black Bulls.... NOW!

The siege on the Royal Capital while still, intense began to slow down for the most part as Nozel's Rain of Silver attack field spell continues to rain down on the undead while he remarks silently to himself.

Nozel: That's strange. They may be great in numbers but... they are also very poor fighters. Who is commanding this horror show?

His siblings Nebra and Solid fire off combination attacks, the latter still flashing his trademark wolfish smile while Nebra displays a less than satisfactory smirk, probably feeling she should have been more than done by now.

Nozel: Better yet, why employ such a strategy? What exactly are they after? The King...

(Clover Kingdom Castle. The King's Chambers....)

We get our first glance at Clover Kingdom's King Augustus Kira Clover XIII (13th) and while he may be of royal lineage, he definitely does not fit the typical description of an average king. The pompous, arrogant, and for all intents or purposes lazy leader of the kingdom sat high above in his throne like a petulant child with two beautiful mistresses way above his paygrade as Marx tried to debrief the royal on the hellacious situation but Julius's assistant was having an even more difficult time reigning in His Majesty than the Wizard King.

Augustus: Why isn't the Wizard King here himself? This are the gravest and most dire of circumstances, and yet he dares not show his face or execute his sworn duty! Whatever excursion or journey he is on, he should've hastily beckoned to my side at the first sign the Capital was under siege.

He continues to munch down on some grapes one of the mistresses feeds him while he rants on and on much to the hidden annoyance yet compliance of Marx.

Augustus: His primary task is that of defending and safeguarding the Noble Realm and the Royal Person at any and all times. As he is our mightiest mage, the Wizard King is responsible for MY wellbeing above all else! Has he forgotten that?!

Marx: I assure you, Your Majesty, he has not. Sire, we the Wizard King's staff will do our best to protect you until he returns!

Augustus simply scoffs at the determination of Marx's statement, still very much upset about Julius being a no-show and not feeding his already inflated ego.

Augustus: That damned Julius! He thinks just because we share authority and military power, he can just run off and do whatever he pleases! Arrogant paup. Sometimes, I think he forgets that this kindgom has but one ruler, and it is me! Augustus Kira Clover the 13th, not Julius Novachrono!

Elsewhere, Charmy having finally realized for better or worse the Capital was under attack kept gallavanting around the banquet hall and its surrounding areas. Or... in her classic glutton fashion, Charmy was just scared that a chef throwing down in the kitchen was about to spill a giant bowl of what appeared to either be porridge or fried rice as two of his assistants begged him to stop and get out while the getting was good.

Assistant: Chef, what're you still doing here?!

Assistant 2: We need to get out of here while we can still walk, sir! The capital is under attack!

Chef: YOU FOOL! I would never turn tail during the cooking of a dish! I AM A CHEF, and a little invasion isn't going to scare me the hell off from completing this absolute perfection you see before your eyes!

Assistant: With all due respect sir, the banquet is over. The Magic Knights have left to safeguard the city and quell the insurrection.

Assistant 2: He's right, there's no one left to serve!

Chef: WHAT?! They dare leave before even trying my main entree?!

Assistant 2: I mean it IS a national emergency.

Assistant: Which means we need to get out right now!

Charmy: WAUUUUGHHHH!

Chef: Hm? Hey, where'd this little kid come from?

Charmy: You mentioned a special entree that needed devouring, right? I'D BE HONORED IF YOU LEFT ME TRY IT FOR YOU!!!!!

The three cooks stood in silent shock, not sure what to make of her sudden offer as the head chef took stock in the Black Bulls' insignia stitched into Charmy's robe.

Chef: A Magic Knight... robe? She must be one of the big shot from the awards ceremony earlier today! Look at her, those eyes! The blaze of determination! The drool! Sparkling with desperation.. this one. Is something special alright!

Charmy flashes a couple of teeth as he smirks right back at her.

Chef: I HOPE YOU'RE HUNGRY THEN! Just you wait there, Miss Magic Knight, I'll make a dish that'll ruin you for all other food!

Assistants: You can't be serious, sir! Assistant 2: We don't have time for this, we'll all die!

Charmy begins cheering, running around in circles as the chef grabs a pinch of seasoning in the iconic Salt-Bae fashion while putting towards more flame magic into his dish.

Chef: I am not afraid of death, my fellow chefs! Life is life and cooking is all!

Meanwhile away from the Banquet Hall, Asta and Tyrus were actually begging they could switch places with anyone not named themselves, Noelle, Captain Fuegoleon or his brother Leopold at this very moment. Shortly after Asta had defeated one of the terrorist Rades' monstrosities in Jimmy Number Four, a new corpse with lightning magic had been brought to the battlefield in front of the two fledgling Black Bulls, promptly named Alfred Number Two as it continued to fire white hot bolts at the two foster brothers in an effort to keep them away from its master. Yet everytime they found themselves with distance away from it, it closed in on them, only for or the other to slash or hack air as it disappeared.

Tyrus: This is really starting to annoy me!

Asta: No kidding!

Rades: HAHAHAHAHAHA! Poor little brats, seems like you're having a wee bit of trouble, especially you headband. That rusty anti-magic sword of yours is failing you! It's simply just a hunk of metal in your hands if you can't hit Alfred!

Tyrus: Watch out, another round!

Tyrus backpedals while Asta jumps in the air as they continue to desperately dodge bolt after bolt of electric current as the little girl watches on scared.

Little Girl: Please don't get hit!

Noelle: Don't just stand there! Come on, you need to run over here, trust my teammates! They can get it done.

She nods as while Tyrus and Asta gain the attention and fury of Rades and his corpse magic, she makes a break for Noelle. Right as she gets to the royal she begs the Silva royal to help them.

Little Girl: But they need help, isn't there anything we can do?

Noelle: Everything is going to be alright. Leave it to me, don't worry. I would never abandon someone like them... especially you, Tyrus.

She watches as he deflects a bolt of lightning meant for his chest while her heart skips a beat, as he parries it up towards the sky harmlessly while dodging another three bolts as she peers over to Asta doing the same as his sibling and rival while giving the young redhead one last look as she escapes the hell Rades was responsible for causing.

Asta: HAAAAAAAAAA!

Tyrus: IS THAT ALL YOU GOT, EYEPATCH?!

Tyrus fires another round of projectiles to provide Asta some covering fire while jumped to attack from the sky. However this failed like every other strategy the two had as both got a healthy dose of electricity through their bodies albeit not enough to be lethal.

Asta: COME ON, TELL IT TO GET DOWN HERE!

Tyrus: It's not really fun we gotta do all the leg work while you keep cheating, you piece of shit!

Rades: Haha! Did you two really think it would be that easy? Alfred isn't just going to stand still just because you ask him to, you damn idiots.

Tyrus: We kinda figured that, bonehead. Damn it!

The two kept finding themselves scurrying around the ring of fire as Noelle thinks back to the dungeon mission when the duo fought like hell to keep Mars at bay away from her when she was then greviously wounded and an occupied Mimosa who had been trying to heal Noelle in the treasure hall.

Tyrus: You damn right! Let's end this you Diamond wedged bastard!

Asta: We'll bring him down you guys, don't you even worry about it!

Tyrus: After what he pulled, I'll get a couple of stabs and cuts in for you Noelle! Think of it as indirect revenge.

Asta: AND YOU'RE NOT DESTROYING US! I MAY HAVE NOT ANY MAGIC POWER, BUT THAT'S OKAY! BECAUSE WHAT I DO HAVE-

Asta: ARE MY BROTHERS AND FRIENDS!

Noelle: Asta and Tyrus when they combined their magics to take out that Diamond Kingdom mage and when Asta's sword got imbued with my magic, if I lent Asta my power again and they can take this thing down, damn if the enemy is high above ground!

Leo: Lady Noelle! If you're going to step in and assist your squadmates, then allow me to help you! I don't want that coward to bring any harm to my rivals.

Noelle: Great. Let's give them all the support they can handle then.

However, Rades was a lot sharper than he let on, being an ex-Magic Knight and all as he summoned a new corpse to deal with the royals.

Rades: Sorry, but 4 on 2 is unfair. Hope you don't mind the playmate I left you two! HAHAHAHAHAHA!

Leo: Such muddy magic, not a good match for mine.

Noelle: Asta, Tyrus... Just hang in there you two idiots. But that wound Asta caught earlier, it looks bad. If Leo and I don't do something soon, both of them could be in serious trouble. Huh-

Two plasma streams shoot towards the royals as the curve all sorts of directions not even trying to hit or wound Noelle or Leopold in the slightest as Rades taunts both brothers.

Rades: Hey brats, remember what you told me earlier? That stuff about me coming after you two myself? BAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAH! Don't you two get it?! I wouldn't bother fighting you two myself, I got plenty of other minions to handle my chores for me! I just get to sit back and watch. That way, I can achieve maximum results with minimum effort and risk. There are perks to not being a musclebound meathead or know it all goody two shoes! I not only have a brain, but I also know how to use it as well. That's more than either one of you can say for yourselves right now! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! IDIOTS THE BOTH OF YOU!

Tyrus looks up, a steely yet cold resolve painted on his features as Asta wonders what they should do next.

Asta: What should we do? This guy is a monster more than he is an actual human being. It's a miracle Tyrus hasn't been seriously wounded but I can tell, being on the defensive all the time is starting to wear on him. For him to be this cunning, I know he's getting tired. We can't give up now, though!

Rades: What're you thinking about over there? How to defeat me?

Tyrus: That's exactly what we're thinking. So can it for a second, Eyepatch.

Rades: Well you two can stop wasting your time, nothing you can do will save you now. Alfred!

At his master's command, the corpse began to pulse and rattle violently with lightning surrounding it.

Tyrus: That's.... not good.

Noelle: Tyrus!

She tries to run towards to her teammates but another stream shoots out at her, once again keeping the water mage at bay. But gracefully she dodged each one as both she and Leo watch the undead continue to charge up a massive pulse of energy meant for the Black Bulls.

Asta: Damn it, now what is this thing planning?!

Rades cackles as demands his slave to finish both Asta and Tyrus as the body pulse grows even more violently as both boys draw their weapons.

Tyrus: Bring it, you limbless bastard!

The pulse would have connected with both boys fatally. Would have being the operative word if a wave of flame magic hadn't connected with Alfred, absolutely incinerating the zombie into ashes and nothingness afterwards, leaving everyone stunned, none moreso than Rades.

Rades: No.. no... Impossible. Alfred! Reduced to cinders with one blast.

He then sees the shadow of Fuegoleon walking with purpose, the same way he came at Noelle when he 'instilled' his brand of tough love into his fellow royal as he walked behind Asta and Tyrus who had now dropped their guards.

Rades: It was him.

Asta: What's wrong with me? Why couldn't I beat him... but Mimosa's cousin was able to make such short work of it?

Tyrus: That's the second time Captain Fuegoleon has had to save me.... first saving my teammate from her horrible family issues and now this. This keeps up, he might have to open a tab on my head.

The Crimson Lion Kings captain put his hands on both Tyrus and Asta's shoulders as he talks while staring a hole through Rades.

Fuegoleon: I intefered with your fight. It was necessary but I do apologize.

They both look on at the collected and calm posture of Fuegoleon as he continues.

Fuegoleon: I thought it a pity if a Magic Knight your twos caliber were to be killed right now... Forgive me, the both of you. I will say though of you, for a commoner with no magic, you've handled yourself quite well against a difficult enemy. I can see now why Yami took you under his wing.

Yami: Haha.... AH HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Damn it you know what I like you, kid. None of those bozos up there may have raised their hands but tell you what join my crew.

Fuegoleon: He was right, and it pains me to admit this but Yami showed greater foresight than any of us that day. As for you, other Black Bull Boy.

Tyrus: Y-Yes Sir?

He smirks as he looks back at Asta and Tyrus.

Fuegoleon: Keep working hard, the both of you. You both have great determination and resilience to boot. Asta and Tyrus were your names, correct? Earlier when you both defended your teammate, Lady Noelle. You two said something that gained my attention. You both plan on becoming the Wizard King.

Rades: Say what?! Sure the little icicle has a chance, but that little no magic shrimp? You believe he can become the Wizard King?! Whatever anti-magic tricks you have in your arsenal, you're just a brainless brat! You'll never amount to anything!

Fuegoleon smirks as he calls out to both novice soldiers.

Fuegoleon: Asta, Tyrus. It seems my brother and I share something in common, as we both have the same set of rivals.

Asta does a double take just as Tyrus does his best not to let his brain overheat.

Tyrus: Did-did... did the Captain of the Crimson Lion Kings just declare me his rival?!

Fuegoleon begins to walk towards the terrorist as Rades realizes now there's nowhere to go as the captain of the Crimson Lion Kings was ready to sink his teeth into the quote on quote flesh on cowardice of the former Magic Knight.

Rades: Well, well, an interesting turn of events. It seems the Black Bull boys couldn't handle it but I got a new opponent out of the deal. The Captain of the Crimson Lion Kings..... The great Fuegoleon Vermillion!

Fuegoleon: You two have done more than enough... Leave the rest to me.

His aura of flames burst to life, a brilliant orange, red and yellow as Rades callously smirks. Noelle stands relieved seeing both of her teammates were okay or rather a trenchcoat wearing Black Bull was somehow still unharmed through this chaos.

Noelle: They're alright!

Leo: My brother has got this. I'm glad to see your teammates and my rivals aren't seriously injured. Watch out!

Two more plasma streams shoot out towards the royals as Tyrus calls out to them.

Tyrus: Noelle! Leo! Need some help?

Leo: Do not worry about us, Tyrus! We'll destroy with this monstrosity in record time.

Asta was left stewing in thoughts, about what Fuegoleon had just declared to him and Tyrus.

Asta: Did he really just mean what he said to the both of us?

Fuegoleon: It seems that my brother Leopold and I share the same set of rivals now as of this day.

Asta: A captain's rival?! No way! RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH- This is not a time to be giving up, I can keep fighting. Lemme fight with you!

Tyrus: You lovable bonehead.

Fuegoleon: Absolutely no, you will not!

Much like he did with Noelle, he tomahawk chops Asta painfully upside his head as it immediately registers with the non magic user.

Asta: Baha....... like I wasn't hurting enough already!

Fuegoleon: Exactly. A warrior must always be aware of his or hers body's condition, and assess whether he or she is truly capable of fighting. Right now, I would say most likely you and your brother are not.

Tyrus: And he's right Asta. You're badly wounded, and while I may not show it right now, I'm running on pure adreanline at this point. It's a miracle I haven't totally crashed out yet.

Fuegoleon: Your brash fearlessness may very well be the greatest weapon you can carry but you must learn to remain calm. That is.... if you truly wish to become the Wizard King. Now then, tell me. What is the purpose of this cowardly and needless attack? Your actions are far too inconsistent to be in line with that of any true invasion and far too organized to be any terrorism. Just who exactly are you?

Rades: You really don't know? Well, I suppose that can't be helped or that I'm surprised. Though, I'm ashamed to say I'm the only one who's enjoying this reunion.

Fuegoleon: Repeat that one more time.

Rades: HA! I was a Magic Knight, inducted as a top candidate six years ago!

Fuegoleon: One of us.... No, that can't be possible!

Rades: More than possible I assure you, Fuegoleon. Though, you didn't take too much stock in me at the time.

A flashback is shown to the time of the Magic Knights Entrance Exam just like the terrorist had referenced six years ago as a purple aura encapsulates Rades as onlookers and Captains prepare to make their votes known.

Flashback Fuego: He's a regular citizen yet possesses immense magic power!

Fuegoleon now remembered who Rades was... how could he ever forget that sadistic grin?

Announcer: Do we have any hands Captains?

Fuegoleon: It's been a long time but I remember you... your name?

Rades: Tch. It's Rades.

Fuegoleon: That's right Rades, you were selected by the Purple Orcas. So why cause all this needless mayhem against your home and fight against us?

Rades: Because those shortsighted fools kicked me out from their ranks.

This revelation takes the Crimson Lion as well as everyone within earshot by surprise.

Fuegoleon: You were expelled from the Magic Knights? That doesn't make sense, you had so much power, so much potential, tell us why?

Rades: It's because they were scared of what I could potentially do with my Wraith Magic... They said it was unnatural, forbidden, dangerous. I was exiled not just from the Magic Knights, but the Clover Kingdom as a whole. I was only an average citizen, no one cared enough to stand up for me so now.... I will destroy those that stabbed me in the back and I believe I could trust. I was beneath dirt to them, so now I'm going to put them in the dirt where they belong! My skills were greater than any noble, greater than anyone's and yet they'd cast me aside like I was nothing! FOOLS! There, you have my sob story Captain. I'm using my 'cursed' power to seize my revenge on the Magic Knights and this accursed kingdom that rejected me.

???: Well that's one of the purposes of this attack anyways...

Fuegoleon: All of this loss of life, chaos and mayhem just to fulfill your sense of revenge?! DO NOT TOY WITH ME, YOU FOOL!

Rades: You doubt me? Ha! That's the thing about reasons.... they're usually quite simple.

A portal forms behind the twisted mage with what appears to be another corpse coming from it.

Tyrus: What? Another corpse?!

Fuegoleon: LEO!

Leo: I'm right here, brother!

Fuegoleon: Do you or Lady Noelle require any assistance?

Leo: No, we've got this under control!

Noelle: Uhh.....

Leo: Don't worry about us!

Noelle: Hey!

Fuegoleon: Very well! You handle that abomination while I take the mage!

Tyrus: Their teamwork is damn near immaculate! With the Black Bulls or even just Asta, we're just organized chaos.

Asta: Wow, these guys are hardcore! Real warrior brothers!

Rades: You don't think that's actually going to work, do you?! Their magics are too mismatched for a decent fight, not that I was going allow you to help but- HUH?!

He immediately hushes up when a giant flamed lion bares down on him with the heat of one hundred suns as Fuegoleon was in no mood, he was ready to just end this.

Fuegoleon: That's enough talking, Rades! Time to fight! FLAME CREATION MAGIC: LEO RUGIENS!

The lion shoots a flame beam from its maw, only for the corpse to not be affected let alone destroyed as it had employed a magic barrier.

Fuegoleon: This wraith shielded itself in a barrier?

Rades: Hehehehehe! Meet my number one, Karl! This particular fellow was very good at defensive magic back when he was alive. Throw in my cursed power, we're practically impervious!

Asta: Geez, another one?! How many of these thing does he have?

Tyrus: Yeah, he's definitely not getting on my nerves. Like come on, just take the most tantalizing beating you ever received like a man.

Fuegoleon: Asta. Tyrus.

They both perk up at the calling of their respective names.

Fuegoleon: Remember what I said earlier? About staying calm under pressure. You two pay close attention.

Rades, now in Karl's shield continues to aggravate Fuegoleon, hoping to goad the respectable royal into a mistake.

Rades: You're so sure that you'll come out on top, aren't you?! Defensive magic isn't the only thing Karl excels at!

Purple aura'd darts begin to spray out the shield at the trio and Fuegoleon began to fire back with a defensive spell of his own as a flame whirlwind surrounds him, not surprising his opponent one bit.

Fuegoleon: Flame Creation Magic: Ignis Columna!

Rades: So you got yourself a magic barrier just Karl here, hmm? Fine then, let's see how you handle an impenetrable barrier with a devastating rapid fire attack!

Fuegoleon: You believe me to be defenseless or in trouble?

Rades: IS THAT ALL YOU GOT?! HAHAHA, I've got to say Captain, I'm very underwhelmed with your performance after all that blustering you were doing earlier.

Suddenly, Sol Linea bursts from the fire barrier with perfect precision as it pierces Karl and much like with Jimmy, burns to ashes much to the collected shock of Asta, Rades and Tyrus.

Tyrus: That was-

Fuegoleon: My Flame Creation Magic, Sol Linea. When you attacked, the mana around the barrier grew thin and weak in some places for the slightest of seconds. Those were the spots I targeted. Do you really think I've never been up against magic or pincer attacks like  that before. Listen up you two!

He shouts out to his brother and Noelle.

Fuegoleon: You are Magic Knights! In the line of duty, you will face constant and strong enemies that possess tricky magic. You must calmly judge your abilities and that of your enemies! Fight bravely but keep a cool head and maintain control. It won't be easy but if you can manage that, you will not lose! Understood?!

Noelle and Leo shout a resounding sir as Asta and Tyrus look on.

Tyrus: He quickly rallied Noelle and his brother who were struggling with that damn thing while taking stock of his enemy's weakness that soon? I see why people say he and Captain Vangeance are the two nearest to succeeding and becoming the next Wizard King!

Asta: This guy... IS TOO AWESOME!

Rades: That can't be! He beat my number one like it was nothing.... I should've won. NOT HIM!

Fuegoleon: Listen to me, Rades. You have incredible talent and what the Purple Orcas did to you was unjust and wrong at the time. Your magic is unique but without it being with a just heart and spirit? It's no more than savagery! YOU ARE A MONSTER, AND THEY WERE RIGHT TO EXPEL YOU!

Those words seemingly broke Rades as another mage flies over the Clover Kingdom while Marx gives an update on the situation.

Marx: I have an update on the attacks, my liege. Almost all of the assailants have been neutralized.

Augustus twirls his mustache in intrigue. No Julius and yet the Magic Knights were able to dispose of a full fledged terrorist attack just like that, they should've been a lot faster, no?

Augustus: Were they now? Well it certainly took them long enough, the Magic Knights should hone their skills. And Julius, is he still gallavanting around like a lost explorer?

Marx: He's out on an important mission, sire.

However that wasn't what the conceited incumbent to the throne wanted to hear.

Augustus: Honestly, I can't with Julius. His first thought should always lie with protecting the royal family, what could be more important than protecting meeeeee?

And for once, Marx agreed with the snobbish and arrogant king. Where exactly did the time mage run off to and why hasn't he returned yet?

Klaus: It's over.... I'd still like to know what exactly what these things were.

Hamon: Whatever they were, they worked up quite the appetite within me! I also find it highly unlikely they were our true enemy today.

Sol: This is what happens to people who are bold enough to touch Char! Serves you right, you dead clowns! THE WOMEN OF THE BLUE ROSE KNIGHTS ARE THE ONLY ONES WHO CAN HAVE THAT HONOR-

Charlotte: Enough, Sol. You're just asking to be misunderstood.

Sol: ONLY THE BLUE ROSE KNIGHTS CAN TOUCH HER TENDER SKIN-

Charlotte: Try again, Sol.

(With the Silver Eagles)

Solid: Haha, what's this? Are we finished playing already?

Nebra: That's a shame... like I said those two ignorant commoners were more of a challenge than these dullard husks were.

Nozel, however didn't partake in his siblings heckling of their opposition, seeing how weird the situation was.

Nozel: Something's not right here....

Alecdora: I guess it's all but over.

Mimosa: Hewww.. So creepy. So very creepy!

Yuno: I need to get stronger, so I can handle something like this easily the next time it ever happens.

Civilians in the streets however were amazed by the Magic Knights ensemble of strength and teamwork as they began to cheer. The mage in the sky previously mentioned, a witch named Catherine looked on in amusement.

Catherine: It's far too early to be celebrating.... the preparations must be nearly complete. Time for a feast, and such lovely young souls with high levels of mana. Absolutely.... Delicious!

She licks her lips menacingly as one wonders, what could these preparations the witch be alluding to feature. It was to say however, this was most definitely stage one of a more complicated plot.

Final Word Count: 6,719 Words. Read, Comment and Vote.

End of Chapter Seventeen. Might skip the next chapter or do a more condensed version of it so we can get to the next major moment of the mini arc. I'll see you until then.