So heads up.... this'll be a long chapter combined with episodes 52-53. There won't be many more instances of me doing this but whatever gets us closer and faster to the major arcs like Elves Reincarnation and Dark Triad/Spade Kingdom Invasion Arcs. Plus I've got some schemes for the Witch Queen's Forest mini-arc. So enjoy the chapter, May The Strongest Win, Reunion Between Brothers!

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 became legend. Following their hellacious battle in the Underwater Temple, Asta, Charmy, Finral, and Yami reported back to the Wizard King Julius with everything they discovered back in tow but just as they were about to conclude the meeting...

Marx: Forgive my interruption, Sir. But it's urgent! Kiten, the border village between our kingdom and Diamond Kingdom who are infamous for a number of skirmishes with them over a number of years are being attacked again!

The Diamond Kingdom were being led on an invasion of the bordertown Kiten led by three of the Eight Shining Generals Ragus, Brocks and Yagos.

Asta: Whoa the Eight Shining Generals, I never heard of them!

Yami: Legend has it they're the strongest mages in the entire Diamond Kingdom.

Asta and Charmy: WHAT?????!!!!

Yami: You two could liken the Generals to our Magic Knight Captains here in the Clover Kingdom.

One squad however would rush to Kiten's aid in all of the chaos.

Marx: They're here! The strongest Magic Knight Squad in the Clover Kingdom....

Yuno along with all of his Golden Dawn compatriots as well as Captain and Vice-Captain showed up to quell the attempt of strongarming.

Marx: The Golden Dawn!

Yami and his knights also opted to join the fight with Vageance, Lagris Vaude and the other Golden Dawn Magic Knights out in Kiten as the Black Bull Captain had some intrusive, plauging thoughts about his former squadmate.

Asta: Okay, just you wait Yuno! Tyrus might be sidelined.... but I'm not gonna let the margin get any further between the three of us. I'm coming!

The chaos continues to rain down on Kiten as the combination of hostile mages collide with the Golden Dawn's Langris, Klaus, Alecdora, Yuno and Hamon. Most attacks from the Dawn's elite hit with devastating success. Langris and Vangeance look on at their commoner rookie as he cuts swaths of mages down with torrents of wind magic.

Langris: My, that's very impressive. He's obliterating all of the scum with little to no help.

William: And he's only going to get stronger, Langris.

Langris: Still it's quite unfathomable that so much power could radiate from a mere commoner, but I shouldn't be surprised with our rookie genius, Yuno. Should I, William? The fact that he's risen already to Junior Magic Knight First Class is indictative of that when he hasn't even been in the Golden Dawn a full year.

William: Indeed, but we shouldn't let Yuno and the others have too fun much now should we. Should we show them the immense power their Captain and Vice-Captain possess, Langris?

Langris: Absolutely, Sir. You take the first move, Captain.

Vangeance's grimoire glows a divine green as he begins the summoning of his World Tree Magic.

William: By the time we're done with these Diamond Kingdom intruders, they will have regretted ever stepping into and muddying our kingdom with their diabolical intent.

(Changes on Gamushara, Black Clover's OP 5.... Noelle and Tyrus share a frame together signifying their ever evolving relationship as friends and comrades after Asta's and just before Luck and Magna's. Tyrus gets his own frame after the title card, still sporting his sling from the dislocated shoulder suffered from the Underwater Temple and despite having more movement in it he winces in obvious discomfort looking to the sky as the next frame pans to Noelle. The silhoutte of Tyrus has both of his older foster brothers in it around 0:46. Asta's grimoire has a page that shows Noelle, Tyrus and Yuno on a page together at 1:03. Everything else remains throughout the package until the very end when Asta and Tyrus for whatever reason are forced to clash blades in a forest as dragon and devil as collide in a spiritual duel, *wink, wink* at the end, Tyrus stands next to Asta, right between him and Vanessa, now sporting a cobalt blue shirt with silverish pants underneath his trenchcoat and Black Bulls robe and his new twinning headband Vanessa custom made for him.)

Finral continues to strike out with an inordinate amount of ladies, this pair he had been flirting with or attempting to with were numbers seven and eight.

Finral: My, my! Aren't you two of the cutest women I've seen by far in the entire Clover Kingdom! There's a hill nearby that has some immaculate flowers as beautiful as you two! Come on, why don't you two join me?

He opens a portal, but they pale when they unbeknownst to him see Yami, along with Charmy and Asta behind him with faces that would kill him with the intensity of one million spells over.

Yami: You two ladies might want to run away unless you like blood on your dresses.

Finral: What's the matter, you two? You look like you just had a chance encounter with the boogeyman or someone of horror legend.

They scream and run away.

Finral: HEYYYYYY, NO!!!

Yami: Oh, I'm so sorry they ran away but can you really blame them? You were stinking up the joint, horribly!

That booming voice makes him like his retreating quarry, pale as he turns around to see his Captain and teammates, the former none too pleased with his usual antics.

Finral: WHAT WAS THAT FOR CAPTAIN?! I HAD THAT HOOK, LINE AND SINKER!!!

Charmy: Shake it off!

Yami: Can it, you flirtatious failure! The three of us need a ride to a town called Kiten. You been before there, no?

Finral: What? But I thought we had the day off!

Yami: YOU GIVING ME SASS THERE, FINRAL?! How about I cave your fucking head in and let you have all the time off you want? You get time off when you die, idiot!

Finral: Yahh--- WHAT??!

Asta: COME ON, FINRAL. LET'S DO THIS!!!

Finral: HANG ON-

Yami: You better get to portal opening now Finral, or else I get to open one in your damn skull! Who gives three shits about women you can't pick up, you little lowlife?!

Finral: I'm terrified right now!

Asta gets in his face, now exchanging their captain's overwhelming warmongering fear for merciful pleading.

Asta: Oh come on Finral, you're our only shot to Kiten! We're begging ya!

Finral: Whoa, I wouldn't go so far Asta!

Charmy: What about my Meal Saving Prince of Provisions?!

Finral: You're what?!

Yami: I'm five seconds away from skull opening, Finral!

Finral: ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT WILL YOU ALL CALM DOWN FOR A SECOND?!

Meanwhile in Kiten, the evacuating civilians were shocked to seeing magic roots creeping up multiple buildings as they looked towards their saviors with their patches best identified with a sun overlooking the Clover Kingdom's Royal Capital.

Civilian: LOOK, IT'S THE GOLDEN DAWN!

Yuno takes up the charge, drawing both equal parts respect and rage from the Shining General known as Brocks who now undertook a clay battle armor.

Brocks: HAHAHAHAHAHA! So, you're supposed to be the advance guard for the Golden Dawn? Gotta say, you're not some little punk brat I made you out to be originally.

Ragus: Goodness, Brocks! Control your battle lust, man. Such a wretched look and appearance for a Shining General. Embarrassing, truly.

Brocks: You want a piece of me, Ragus?! Get down here and say that with your chest, damnit!

Ragus: Allow me to aid you, my fellow Shining General. I can't bear to watch you get humiliated by a mere child.

Brocks: I will not allow you to interfere not after you were talking all that bluster and hot shit! Stay out of my fight!

Yuno focuses on Brocks completely, the raucous amount of cheers soon being drowned out by the analytical side of his battle sense and IQ.

Ragus: The townsfolk. They seem quite confident in your abilities, young one.

Brocks: THE HELL, RAGUS?!

Ragus smirks of acknowledgment then turns into a dangerous curl of sadism as he focuses his lightning magic on the young wind mage as the elemental magic crackles ever so violently.

Ragus: Very well, let's see how confident you as well and they remain in your ability to protect them!

Yuno: Arrows. Now, Bell.

Bell: You got it, Yuno. Leave this clown to me!

Just as Ragus's magic fires off several impressive lightning arrows, Yuno calls out an incantation of his own.

Yuno: Now, Wind Magic. Swift White Bow!

The two elemental magics meet in a brilliant clash but the wind magic decimates the bolts easily.

Ragus: What the? That can't be!

The Shining General barely has enough time to fire off a shield which too also gets destroyed from the blast radius alone.

Ragus: INCONCEIVABLE! You were easily able to deflect my lightning arrows so swiftly and to add on, you broke my barrier as well?! EXPLAIN NOW!

Yuno: You wished to find out.... if I could defend myself and the people behind me, yes? Well, let me ask you the same question.

Ragus: Who the hell is this kid?

Yuno: I can protect myself and all my friends! But, let's see if you can do the same, Diamond Kingdom intruders!

Bell: You heard him! That's right, Yuno and I are one beautiful soul connected to each other! Um, HELLO YUNO?! ARE YOU STILL IGNORING ME? CAN'T YOU AT LEAST GIVE ME A QUICK YES OR NO?!

Yuno: Tch. Hello, Bell.

Bell: Forget the hello, I require a full fledged explanation out of you, Mister!

Brocks: HAHAHAHAHA! Look at you now, bet you want my help now don't you Ragus?

Ragus: How dare he make me, one of the prestigious Eight Shining Generals look like a clown?! I'll make him pay! I shall exact my revenge upon him my own way, stay out of our way Brocks!

Brocks: OI, HE WAS MINE FIRST!

Ragus: HE'S MINE!

Brocks: MINE!

Ragus: MINE, I SAY!

Brocks: DAMN YOU RAGUS, HE'S MINE!

Bell cuts the argument short.

Bell: What're you idiots yapping on about?! Yuno clearly belongs to me!

Yuno: Idiots...

In the shadows, a fully healed Lotus Whomalt, injuries recovered from his battle with the Black Bulls back in the dungeon bordering the Diamond and Clover Kingdoms, slight smirk painted on his face at the newfound strength coming off of Yuno.

Lotus: Look at him... he's gotten so much stronger since the dungeon when we last crossed paths back then. Shame how fast they grow up before your very eyes, kids these days. Makes me feel like an old man, even with my own young girls. I remember they would used to say such silly things like things like, we're going to marry someone like our daddy someday. Now they act like as if they're embarassed of me nowadays. Heh, they won't even let me wash my underwear with their clothes.

Diamond Mage: Uh, General Lotus?

Lotus: They're always like... leave us alone daddy! And you're breath smells like onions-

He hears the unruly sounds of wiggling roots as he then pales in horrors as his surbodinates- all in the meanwhile Klaus begins taking out mage after mage.

Klaus: Now, Steel Magic, Spiral Lance!

His incantation destroys mages left and right but for every defeated Diamond intruder that was blown away, a new wave showed up enacting a silent rage from the blue haired noble.

Klaus: Seriously?! There's so many of them, it's like there's no end to these aggressors!

Alecdora and Siren fire off their respective magics as they push off and seal intruders whereas Hamon lifted everyone up in the air with his glass spell, Verre Fleur. Mimosa took up front ranks as she began healing fellow Magic Knights and civvies alike while voicing her displeasure with the ongoing attempted invasion.

Mimosa: This isn't good at all! They have us outnumbered despite our ongoing success. What?!

She cranks her head when she sees multiple Purple Orcas covered in a sticky mucus like substance, defeated and snot riddled.

Yagos: HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Look at all you pitiful little weaklings struggling beneath our mighty unified powers!

A lone Orca mage, who was able to avoid the mucus radius stands the bellowing mage as he processes everything, all the while looking at his defeated compatriots bodies.

Mage: His magic... keeps clinging.... to us! Our magic isn't properly cooperating with us the second this mucus hits us. GAHHH!

Yagos: There you go, boy! Couldn't let you miss out with your friends and not see what the rage of my magic was all about. That was my Slime Creation Magic, Mucusnail! This "nasty" little spell here weakens the magic of anyone it catches and latches onto after the fact! Pretty unique, huh?

The Purple Orca mage struggle against his prison binds as Yagos taunts him relentlessly.

Yagos: Yes it brings me great pleasure seeing stupid fools like you struggle against your binds uselessly! Writhing in agony is all you can really do, so please struggle more!

Langris: Wow, that's quite the nuisance-filled spell you've got going there old man.

Yagos: WHAT?!

The first and last thing the elderly mage notices is a blue streak pulsating from Langris's right hand and arm but before he could do anything, his limb with half of his mucus shield are quite literally separated from his entire being as a sadistic smirk radiates from Finral's younger half brother.

Finral: Or rather, it would have been.... if it weren't so useless against a spatial mage such as myself.

Blood gushes as Yagos begins to recount what mistake he could have possibly made.

Yagos: What.... was that spell he just hit me with now?! I can't feel my arm! Is this the true power of spatial magic?

He falls unconscious, a carved out piece of a building following him soon after with a thunderous boom as Langris "laments" about his power output.

Langris: Oh well... that's the one drawback with this particular spell. It happens to destroys just about everything in its path. Oh well, I guess some of our finest builders will have to fix it for me. Construction was never really my strong suit anyway.

More branches and tree roots continue to grow as Lotus gets his first looks at the Golden Dawn Captain William Vangeance in his full glory.

Lotus: If I'm not mistaken, that's the captain of the Golden Dawn, William Vangeance in the flesh. Interesting. Question is, why is he just standing around like that. His grimoire's open all the way, yet the only thing I can see are what appear to be a bunch tree roots spreading all over the place. Maybe, he's growing a huge tree, yeah that's a peaceful thing to think about. Strong enough magic to protect a whole city let alone possibly an entire kingdom.

The smoke mage grabs for one of the roots when suddenly realizing.

Lotus: Impossible, is the Golden Dawn's captain absorbing other people's magics?! How and why is it always I'm the first to notice these type of things?! Listen up, you three! This is Adjutant General Lotus here! The enemy general, William Vangeance, Captain of the Clover Kingdom's Golden Dawn Magic Knight Squad seems to be in the midst of launching a large scale attack!

Ragus and Brocks continued to argue as to who would rip Yuno into shreds flat out ignoring Lotus.

Lotus: The range will span all of Kiten at least! I repeat, the Captain of the Clover Kingdom's Golden Dawn is preparing to launch a wide scale attack around Kiten- And they're not listening! Should I go running? That would be the best course of action, I don't even know where Yagos is. WHATTTT?!

Suddenly, an emerald green aura explodes from the Captain's body as he creepily states.

William Vangeance: Finally, the time has come. And now, the great tree shall bloom at long last!

His subordinates each feel the surge in their captain's overwhelming mana as they look over to William's general direction as the roots... suddenly grow in massive size. Invading Diamond Kingdom mages attempt to stop the consolidation of surging power but are forced to scramble in every each way yet they failed in getting away as the sentient limbs grab ahold of them.

Mage: AHHH HA!

Mage: NOOOO!

Out of the wreckage would emerge a massive tree, snatching up mage after mage in its massive and seemingly never-ending topiary, screams being silenced. Amidst it all, William goes up to the apex of the giant tree hearing the screams, his mask subduing a massive horror-movie worthy smile with Lotus sweating profusely by the magic on display.

Lotus: W-W-What the hell type of magic am I witnessing right now?!

William Vangeance: Witness my World Tree Magic... Great Mistilteinn Tree. All for the good of the Clover Kingdom.

Just as the tree had finished growing, the Black Bulls had finally shown up to Kiten.

Asta: Wow... so this is Kiten! WHOAAAA, LOOK AT THAT GIANT TREE!! HOW DID THEY FIT THEIR ENTIRE TOWN IN THERE?!

Charmy: I wonder if it has any giant yummy fruits up there!

THWACK! SMACK!

They yelp in pain as Yami chops down on their heads.

Yami: Could you both stop being an idiot and a glutton for once in your lives? Hm... I'd bet my next month's wages this had to come from Captain Shiny's spell book.

Asta: N-no way... YOU MEAN TO TELL ME THIS IS AN ACTUAL SPELL?!

Yami: Seems like the Golden Dawn... have it all under wraps. And before we got here no less.

Finral: So does that mean we can go back please?

Yami: Nah, better yet. I want to check on my fellow Captain and see how his plebs are holding up as well. I have my own pressing matter to attend to. Alright, you three help Captain Feather Mask's people with the evacuation efforts. Do me a solid, and try not to die either while I go have a talk.

Yami springs up like a gazelle to wherever Vangeance maybe hiding within the contents of his spell, horrifying Finral while Asta and Charmy rattle off a yes sir.

Finral: Asta's about as injured as injured can get and Charmy's... drooling. We couldn't at least get Noelle, Vanessa or Luck on this too? Tyrus is out too... Definitely not nervous at all.

Vangeance overlooks his Great Mistilteinn Tree as giant roots overlap most, if not all of Kiten.

William Vangeance: Goodness... it seems there was a tremendous amount of magic just now on the battlefield. Fortunately, this should have cleaned up most of it up.

Mages: Our army has been completely decimated!

Breaking off from their petty argument concerning Yuno, Brocks and Ragus finally realize the disaster that's ensnared them for the most part from escaping.

Brocks: There's no way.... OUR ENTIRE ARMY HAS BEEN DECIMATED?! HOW DID WE LOSE SO MANY SOLDIERS IN SUCH LITTLE TIME?! DAMN YOU GOLDEN DAWN CAPTAIN, I'LL KILL YOU!

He uses his clay magic to race up to wherever Vangeance is hiding. Yuno tries to run interference, a lightning bolt arrow racing past his cheek.

Ragus: You shouldn't be so greedy, young man. It's not a good look befitting someone of your power.

Asta: MY ARMS MIGHT BE BROKEN, BUT I CAN STILL FIGHT WITH TWO PERFECTLY GOOD LEGS! HAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Mage: What the?!

Asta stomps on a mage like a Goomba who had his sights set on a lost family as the now armless wonder looked at them.

Asta: Hey, you three! Come over here so you can escape, we're evacuating everyone now!

True to his legs pointing over Charmy and Finral's general direction, the Cotton and Spatial mages were hard at work, getting any and all innocent civilians out of Kiten.

Charmy: Just step onto these cotton platforms, okay?

Finral: Alright, in you go! Who's next, are you at all hurt Miss?

Woman: No, not at all but thank you and your friends so much for helping us out!

Finral: Please, we're Magic Knights. It's our very duty to safeguard the people of the Clover Kingdom! Say, if you're not busy, maybe we can go out for some-.... tea later?

Despite putting the charm on and some bass into his voice, the beautiful woman was already halfway through his portal. Forcing him to shed, as you guess a few solitary tears in failure at his attempts of swooning the ladies.

Finral: No, no. Chin up, if I look down....

Charmy hears sudden pinging as she and Finral look up to see two insignificant objects clashing like thunder and lightning.

Charmy: Huh?

Finral: That's new. It seems like one of our guys is going at it with one of the Diamond Mages in the sky. And it looks like they're giving it all they've got.

Asta looks up when unbeknownst to his superiors when he realizes there's only one person both bold and greedy enough to take such a mantle. Yuno continued to give pursuit on the Shining General Ragus after Brocks had broke off for his pursuit.

Asta: It's Yuno!

Charmy: Careful, my meal-saving Prince! Go-Go-Go! MEAL-SAVING PRINCE! Win, Win, Win! BRING ALL THE FOOD TO ME! YEAH!

Ragus and Yuno continue their aerial clash, not one gaining a true advantage over the other as the Golden Dawn's breakout rookie fired multiple wind blades at the Shining General's Hawk Creation Magic.

Ragus: I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF YOU, PESTILIENT INSECT! HAH!

He summons forth a lightning lance and destroys all of the projectiles that had previously pursued him, only to run into another volley on his flank side.

Ragus: UGHHHH!

He gets knocked off course before regaining his composure and knocking more arrows loose from their projected target.

Ragus: TCH. Ah-!

Yuno cranks up the pressure as the vain Shining General thinks to himself of the teenager.

Ragus: I... never anticipated a mere whelp.... BEING THIS STRONG BEFORE! BUT I AM A SHINING GENERAL OF THE DIAMOND KINGDOM, I WILL NOT BE BESTED BY A UNREFINED TEENAGER!

He charges up his mana as he races back up to Yuno.

Ragus: You're quite the skilled brat, BUT YOU WILL SURRENDER TO MY BEAUTIFUL AND FLAWLESS MAGIC!

Yuno: Who cares about beautiful?

A wind tunnel overwhelms Ragus as Yuno continues to growl dangerously....

Yuno: In battle, beauty should be the last damn thing you concern yourself with!

Ragus: OHHHHHHHHHH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Yuno: Winning should be the only thing taking residence in your head! That's all there is to it, that's what my rivals have taught me.

Ragus: Gaha.. this magic of yours.... it's so beautiful!

Yuno's wind trident drives through Ragus sending him crashing into a building's roof cruelly and causing a mini dust-nado to form in front of Asta and Charmy.

Asta: He knocked him out! IN ONE GO, NO LESS.... I knew he was getting stronger, but this is ridiculous even for Yuno!

Charmy, however shared a much different reaction.

Charmy: Ahhhhh, the winds of love! My sweet prince.

He steps down after colliding and defeating Ragus quite easily.

Yuno: Huh... I knew I saw a familiar face... or rather speck from up there. So... what brings you to Kiten, Asta? And where's Tyrus for that matter?

He stalks towards his brother and rival as Finral looks over the developing scene between his fellow Black Bull and Yuno.

Finral: That guy... he joined the Magic Knights at the same time with Asta and Tyrus. Right, I remember him! All of the Squad Captains raised their hands for him, it's all coming back now.

Yuno: And why in God's Green Earth are you squabbling around on the ground all beaten and arms broken? So gross but again... what else am I expecting from you?

Finral: He's the one who worked his way up to the Golden Dawn's elite? Talk about a rapid ascent. Makes me wonder why Tyrus didn't join him as well. A guy like that makes the Black Bulls outside of Asta, Tyrus and the Captain look like chickens. Plus, he's a freaking lady-killer! And popular too.

Yuno: Did you get these injuries fighting someone, like I know you to have? Then that must you've gotten stronger. Both you and a certain ice mage we know and share a rivalry with. Just know.... I won't lose to either one of you, so keep getting stronger like I know you Asta. Got that?

Bell gets temporarily shocked when she sees...

Bell: Is he smiling?!

Charmy too revels in the mere sight of Yuno smiling as she semi-faints while falling on her behind.

Charmy: Such a handsome smile! I could honestly have one thousand servings of it and somehow I'd be asking for more!

Asta: Ha, it's not just Tyrus and I! It looks like you've gotten even stronger too, Yuno! But I won't lose to you guys either, you hear me?

Finral: So... he's a Golden Dawn elite, has killer looks and his magic ability is off the charts?! But he's competing strength for strength with both Asta and Tyrus.... two members of the Black Bulls! One of which is a total meathead and the other is too loyal and cocky for his own good. And Asta has no magic yet the three hold each other to a high standard..... Guess, those three make pretty good rivals, huh.

He thinks about his half-brother Langris...... before shaking his head as Asta and Yuno's thoughts are interrupted by Klaus and Mimosa.

Klaus: Yuno, there you are!

Mimosa: Thank goodness we found you, we were looking all over you when Captain Vangeance summoned his tree spell. Everyone got seperated in the chaos.

Klaus: And Asta too?!

Mimosa is about to fangirl as she turns beet red.

Klaus: Dear God, what happened to your arms man?! Does it hurt when I do this?

He begins to press down, not realizing he's hurting Asta horribly.

Asta: OW! HEY, EASY, EASY KLAUS!

Klaus: Of course, I didn't ask you that because I was worried! Your sudden appearance just caught us off guard, where is Tyrus now that you mention it?

Asta: Out.... with cracked ribs and a dislocated shoulder.

Klaus: Oh.... well you two should have never let your guards down! Fools!

Mimosa races over to her burgeoning crush, grimoire lit ablaze.

Mimosa: Here, let me give it a try. And then when this is all over, I can race over to the Black Bulls hideout and heal Tyrus.

Asta: Please, you don't have to worry about me Mimosa. You should save all your energy, take care of the villagers and then come back to me.

Mimosa: So-so selfless. You're right, I can't go worrying about just one person! T-Thank you, Asta!

Klaus: Precisely, forgive us Asta. But we simply do not have the means or time to worry about you.

His calls upon his steel chariotas he beckons for Mimosa. Once she's in he looks towards his other subordinate and Asta.

Klaus: You two should stick close to one another for now. I'm sure it's difficult to fight without your arms Asta, so I'll loan you Yuno. We're going to find and heal as many stragglers as we can, we'll be back as soon as our abilities allow us. Not that I'm coddling you or anything!

Yuno: You can leave now, Sir.

Klaus: Mm.

Mimosa: Goodbye, Asta! Please, take care and give my best to Noelle.

They race off in search of more evacuees as Asta shouts out after them with Charmy finally emerging from her hiding spot.

Asta: Bye guys, see you later! OW!!!!

Yuno looks in concern as Asta continues to wheeze and groan in labored pain as he prevents his mouth from saying anything. Meanwhile clay continues to surrounds Brocks, snapping twigs and branches left and right in all directions as the muscular Shining General roars in William Vangeance's face.

Brocks: Well, well, WELL! So this is where you scurried off to, you little masked rat! You must be the Golden Dawn's illustrious captain, William Vangeance! HAH, I underestimated you. Who knew a Clover Kingdom rat would have such terrifying power?

William Vangeance: Yes, and I must say you too have some pretty impressive magic for yourself as well. There's no reason to die for such a vain and silly reason. If you retreat with all your underlings and leave Kiten all at once, I won't harm you without provocation.

Brocks: What.... did you just say to me?! We Diamond soldiers never bloody retreat, NO MATTER THE CIRCUMSTANCE! YOU HEAR GOLDEN DAWN, NEVER!!!!! DIE AT THE HANDS OF MY RED CLAY MAGIC, BRILLIANT ARMOR HEAVY ARTILLERY!

William narrows his eyes while taking a slight step as he harshly swipes through his grimoire, wind following him quickly. Brocks then mocks him as the spell seemingly grabs him.

Brocks: What the fuck was that weak little spell supposed to do to me?! Was that supposed to damage me? Let me guess you've run out of magic already, well let me go ahead and squeeze the rest of your life out of you! VICTORY IS-

William Vangeance: Mine. World Tree Magic, Mistilteinn Seed. You should be honored, Shining General Brocks of the Diamond Kingdom. Your magic is being used as nourishment for the good of the Clover Kingdom and its inhabitants.

Brocks, now knocked out in a tree falls down as a portal forms behind William, shocking the Captain as Lotus attempted to assassinate the captain.

William Vangeance: A trap?! He must've been concealing his mana and waited for the right moment when I subdued this other menace!

He suddenly is welcome by the sight of Yami coming out of nowhere to cut Lotus's attempt of unaliving short.

William Vangeance: Yami?!

Yami: That's my name, don't wear it out. Nice to see a friendly face there... Captain Feather-Mask.

Lotus: Owwww! Hm... I thought I could turn things around if I ambushed the Golden Dawn's captain but now the Black Bulls Captain is here? This won't end well for me if I stay here.

They land on opposite sides of Vangeance as Lotus remembers the first instance he was subjected to the cruel and unusual punishment of fighting Yami Sukehiro.

Lotus: Who would've thought I'd have the unworthy pleasure of fighting this guy again? He definitely put a lot of muscle since we last met! Kinda... makes me feel like an even older man being left behind by the current and next generations.

Yami: Looks like you owe me one there, Vangeance.

William Vangeance: I thank you for shutting down that attempt on my life, Yami. You have my gratitude. So, you read his ki is what I'm assuming? Such a wonderful little trick you possess.

Yami: You! Old Diamond dude I don't know. What's the big idea trying to kill my fellow Squad Captain? Ready to surrender yet.

Lotus: Awww, come on! I'm quite offended you don't know or remember who I am! Here, look!

He flashes Yami his chest.... Which just draws his ire.

Yami: I don't want to see your hairy ape-like chest, man! Put your clothes back on or I'll really have an excuse for cutting you down!

Lotus: Harsh!

Yami: Well, what's it gonna be?! You trying to fight and die? Come at me with everything you got.

Lotus: Definitely not the greatest situation I've been in. Which means for you guys, I'm going to handle this the Diamond Kingdom way. So....

He suddenly jumps up into a smoke vehicle with multiple Diamond Kingdom mages in passage as he brazenly shouts out.

Lotus: RETREAT!

Yami watches as the smoke mage makes off like a bandit with his tail tucked between his legs.

Yami: Well, he's a decisive little bastard, I'll give him that much respect, now then. View's somewhat spectacular up here and it's the two of us here.... How about a chat for old time's sake between former squadmates, Vangeance?

A few minutes pass by as Yami breaks the ice and tension.

Yami: Gotta say all these years have passed and your Magic is still as impressive as ever. Takes an absurd amount of strength to even manage something like this.

William Vangeance: Please Yami, you're giving me too much credit. It really falls on the individuals or rather enemies gracious enough to give up their magic for the tree to even stand on its own.

Yami: So... World Tree Magic. Interesting. Only kind you got there, William?

William Vangeance: I'm sorry? What are you trying to imply here, former squadmate of mines?

Yami takes a drag of his cigarette, exhaling some smoke out.

Yami: Well, I'm a person who just believes in gut instincts ya know? Vangeance, I have to know. Man to Man, Captain to Captain. Friend to friend....

He thinks back to Nean when he and his rookies battled Licht and by extension his surbodinate Valtos. The eerie similarities in the appearances of his fellow Captain and the leader from the Eye of the Midnight Sun.

Yami: Do you mind taking off that mask for me?

With everything for the moment turning normal, Yuno asks the burning question.

Yuno: Asta.... your arms, are you sure they're alright?

Nero hops on his shoulder, Asta not even noticing the anti-magic bird as he answers his rival.

Asta: Yeah, don't worry yourself Yuno. I'll be plenty fine! It's not really as bad as it looks, see?

He waves his arms up and down as Yuno smirks while pulling out a communication device.

Yuno: I see you're just as reckless as ever, but why don't we check on him for a second?

Suddenly a small version of Tyrus pops as he stretches out his other fully-functioning arm and limbs with a familiar fun sized serpent spirit dancing along his shoulders.

Tyrus: Go for Tyrus.... Yuno, hey man! Isn't this quite the surprise? You're actually doing me a favor, I was able to get away from both Luck and Noelle just now.

Yuno: Good to see you, but what's this I heard about you cracking your ribs and dislocating your shoulder?

Tyrus: .....Let me guess, Asta ran his mouth about the injuries we previously suffered not too long ago?

Yuno: About the gist of it. You two were always so hot-blooded and ready to go in a fight, no matter how a perilous a situation seemed.

Tyrus snorts.

Tyrus: Please, you should see the other bastard. Not in any better shape thanks to us, hell even our Captain.

Yuno: I'm just happy to see both of you meatheads are still alive. Truly, it would've been boring being the Wizard King that easily.

Tyrus: So long as I'm breathing, I'm going to make it absolute hell for the both of you. Just the way I'm wired I suppose- Hang on a second....

Asta walks on up the wind mage when they both notice something off about Yuno.

Bell: What the hell! Is Yuno.. ACTUALLY SMILING?!

Asta: I only ever noticed this with Tyrus and Noelle to a degree, but did you get a little taller since we all saw each other in Nean?

Tyrus: Now that you mention it, I can't believe I didn't see it then. Asta may be onto something there Yuno.

Yuno: Right, I forgot to mention... I may have or may not have grown about another four, five centimeters at best.

Bell: This isn't the Yuno I know.... he barely spends any time talking to me but he's chatting it up with these yahoos and THEY get a whole conversation with him?!

Asta: HOW THE HECK DO YOU TWO KEEP GETTING SO TALL!

Tyrus: Not like we're planning it, Asta. Our bodies just react accordingly.

Asta: Just you two jerks wait, I'M GONNA GROW LIKE 20 CENTIMETERS TOMORROW AND BE TALLER THAN THE BOTH OF YOU!

He stands on his tippy toes just as Yuno does the same.

Yuno: Never gonna happen, Asta.

Asta: You think you're so cool, Yuno!

Noelle: AH HA! There you are, Bakarus-

Tyrus: Whoops, looks like our favorite royal found me guys. Gotta go, pray that I survive the wrath of Noelle Silva!

Noelle: You shouldn't be out of bed, you idiot! Get back here!

He ends the call just before they hear horrific screaming as it goes off completely.

Yuno: Did he-

Asta: Just die? Knowing Noelle, she's probably going through with it right now. But Tyrus takes even her strongest magic on the chin, he'll be fine-

Bell: WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING YUNO?! Who is the little shrimp and who was the other suave idiot on that device of yours, ANSWER ME NOW! WHY ARE YOU TALKING TO HIM SO MUCH, BUT DON'T EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE ME IN THE SLIGHTEST?!

His smile goes back to usual neutral look as it pisses the wind spirit off even more.

Bell: Mmmmmm.... YOU'RE DOING IT AGAIN, STOP IGNORING ME YUNO!!!!

Asta: Hey, Yuno. What's with the obnoxiously loud little girl floating on your shoulder- Wait, is that the infamous Sylph the Wizard King talked about all that time ago?! I never seen Yuno make that type of face before, she must be extremely powerful!

Bell: TELL ME NOW, WHO IS THIS MUMMIFIED IDIOT OF A SHRIMP PERSON?!

Asta: If I'm a pipsqueak, what would that make you?!

Yuno despite his cheek being grabbed all sorts of ways had been able to talk coherently.

Yuno: They're just a couple of guys I used to live with for a long time.

Her heart shatters at his revelation.

Bell: WHAT?! Y-Y-You lived with them?!

Yuno: Yep. Used to eat together, study together-

Asta: Not to mention bathe together and sleep together.

The information is too much for the Wind Spirit's body and mind to fully process as she hilariously then spews blood out of her mouth while also collapsing.

Bell: S-slept together? B-bathed together?!

Charmy runs past the boys as she stops short of Yuno while offering a giant cupcake/muffin hybrid of sorts.

Charmy: So... I know it's been quite a while since we last met, but I felt I never got a chance to properly thank you for saving my meal the last time out! You're like a prince from out of a fairytale.

She wiggles embarrassingly as Yuno immediately registers Charmy's face from during the failed siege of the Royal Capital.

Yuno: That's right.... you're one of Asta and Tyrus's teammates from the Black Bulls.

Charmy: Please enjoy this hearty snack as a symbol of my gratitude!

Yuno: Thank you.

Charmy: Oh! Please, allow me to throw in some extra dragees to make it even tastier than what it originally is.

Yuno: Hm... Well here it goes.

Bell, immediately getting jealous puffs out her cheeks and flies above her human guardian, scoping out Charmy.

Bell: Another insolent little brat? Great, what's her story. It's clear as day she's head over heels for Yuno!

Charmy: My name's Charmy! Mind if I call you Yuno?

Yuno: It's no trouble at all. Go right ahead, mm super tasty.

Charmy: I'm glad to hear it!

Bell: Hah! My Sylph senses are telling me this little shrimp of a girl is no threat to me whatsoever.

Oh, how wrong would she be.

Yuno: By the way, I should apologize profusely for laying down on top of you. I was just so exhausted fighting that Midnight Sun member, I think you can piece the rest together.

Bell: WHAAAATTT?! NOT HER TOOOOOO!

Charmy slaps his waist in a playful manner as the dwarf gushes like an idiot.

Charmy: Oh you don't need to worry about that, I certainly didn't lose any sleep over it!

It was at this point Bell had enough and began tugging at Charmy's bun.

Charmy: Huh?!

Bell: What do you think you're doing, you little shortstack?! You better not be summoning up spells that would seduce Yuno, you baking succubus!

Charmy: Hm? What's with little thing shouting so much, I wonder if she tastes good.

Asta: Dear God, Miss Charmy! She's the Wind Spirit and we don't eat spirits!

Bell: YOU TWO IDIOTS NEED TO BACK AWAY FROM YUNO, HE IS MINE AND MINE ALONE! DO IT NOW BEFORE I GET ANGRY!

Charmy: You'd better choose your next words carefully you little appetizer. I am not a succubus, I'll have you know I am nineteen! A WORLDLY WOMAN WHO CAN TEACH INNOCENT LITTLE YUNO THINGS ABOUT THE WORLD YOU CAN'T! My sexiness doesn't need any magical enhancements, NEH!

Bell: Sexiness? You're built like a fifth grader with the biggest forehead I've ever seen!

Charmy: OHHHHH, I KNOW YOU DIDN'T JUST GO THERE SISTER! TAKE A LOOK IN THE MIRROR!

They collide heads, never giving up.

Bell: Try me, I'LL SHOW YOU WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU CROSS A SYLPH!

Charmy: The only thing that's going to happen is you being a decoration my next dish if you keep running your mouth! You know what, forget everything. I'M JUST GOING FRY YOU UP AND EAT YOU FOR SUPPER!

She gives hot pursuit of Bell, Yuno still eating his cupcake as Asta tried to stop his Black Bull teammate from devouring one of the Four Great Nature Spirits.

Asta: CHARMY, COME ON KNOCK IT OFF!

Yuno: Bell, I think that's enough.

Finral: Looks like you guys are having plenty fun.

Asta: Finral!

Yuno: Who's this?

Asta: Oh he's one of Tyrus and I's senior superiors from the Black Bulls. I'm sure you've heard plenty about him.

Yuno: Actually, I haven't. No offense.

Finral: It's alright. It's not as if I'm expecting one of the Golden Dawn's elite, especially the crowned jewel rookie to immediately recognize me-

Langris: Ohhhh my, what's this? That couldn't be my dear older half-brother, now would it?

Finral freezes over at the voice as he turns to see an approaching Langris Vaude, fresh off of defeating one of the Shining Generals.

Langris: It's been simply ages since we last crossed paths, Finral. Never fancied running into you now, and of all places for our reunion... Kiten.

Finral: Of course you're here...... Langris.

Asta and Yuno both sense a bit of venom and residual anger dripping from Finral's voice as Langris lands on his feet.

Asta: Wait, who's that?

Langris: Your lack of a killer instinct and fighting skills are what made you the Black Sheep of our honorable House Vaude, or rather 'Black Bull' in this case. And you dare show your face here. What business or stake could YOU possibly have in battle?

Asta: That's not true! Finral, who's this enormous jerkwad talking down on you?

Finral: Just as your brother stated, he's my half brother, scratch that. half Little brother who seems to forget I'm older than him. Noelle's not the only squadmate you have with noble or royal ties.

Yuno: That would be my superior ranking knight. Vice Captain of the Golden Dawn, Langris Vaude.

Asta: WHAT?! V-Vice Captain?

Langris: Let me guess, Fin. Still slumming it out with the Black Bulls as their resident pack mule? Haha! If you weren't so hopelessly incompetent and such a womanzier, maybe Father would've long designated you as the next head to the House of Vaude instead of me. But it just seems you're content with being the loser of our family.

Asta: You're so WRONG! Finral's way too awesome as a fighter, friend and senior to me, in fact, HE PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN OUR LAST BATTLE WHEN WE BEAT ONE OF THE HEAD FIGURES FROM THE EYE OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN!!!! MY BROTHER AND I WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DEFEAT HIM HAD IT NOT BEEN FINRAL FOCUSING AND DIGGING DOWN DEEP WHEN HE DID!

Langris at the same time dismisses yet plays along with Asta's assertions when it came to Finral.

Langris: Really.... so you mean to tell the same useless chump that's MY brother somehow managed to be useful in battle? That's a true shocker, seriously you've got me.

Asta: HEY THAT IS YOUR BIG BROTHER, STOP ACTING ALL HIGH AND MIGHTY AND TRY TO SHOW HIM SOME COMPASSION YOU DAMN JERK!

Langris: Show him? Respect and compassion.... it's not like Finral has earned any of that from me, I don't care if he and I are related by blood or not.

Asta: YOU LITTLE-- Finral?!

Finral: It's alright, Asta. Truly. Langris is only telling the truth.

Asta: No he's not! Finral, you were a major help when we kicked Vetto's ass, don't let this jerk regardless of his rank or blood ties, talk down to you like you're a dirt pile-

Finral: Just drop it. For me at least?

Langris: We've already decimated the Diamond Kingdom's platoon. And our Captain should be finishing off the last remnants of their pathetic ranks with his World Tree Magic. So sorry not sorry to say, but the measly little Black Bulls won't be needed here anymore, Finral. But you can answer me this, when did the Bulls become a daycare center?

He points a cruel finger to Charmy, ignoring Asta altogether.

Finral: Ah?

Langris: Pft, don't tell me your role has been reduced even further by Captain Sukehiro? Pack Mule to babysitter, that's insulting even for you. Now I actually feel somewhat bad for you, Finral. Looking after these snot-nosed rugrats, I can't imagine anything more fitting than you.

Asta: HOLD ON, WHO THE HELL ARE YOU CALLING A SNOT-NOSED RUGRAT?!

Charmy: I'LL SHOW THE WILES OF A REAL WOMAN-

Finral: LANGRIS, THAT'S FUCKING ENOUGH!

His voice booms as his younger brother is satisified now having hit a nerve with his eldest half-sibling.

Finral: You can drag and insult me all you want. You haven't come with anything original since we joined the Magic Knights.... but what I won't tolerate. IS YOU INSULTING THOSE THAT ARE MY SQUADMATES WITHIN THE RANKS OF THE BLACK BULLS!

Langris: Wow... who knew that's all it took to rattle you. Glad to see there's some fight still left in you, Finral. Hm?!

A snot bubble comes from out of nowhere which he deftly swats away. Everyone outside of him is horrified, even Yuno when they see a monster with all the subdued Clover Kingdom mages and innocent civilians in it roaring and making headway towards the Vice Captain. Controlling it, was an awakened and very angry Yagos without an arm.

Yagos: I'm done now playing... boy! Vice Captain or not.... On the honor of the Eight Shining Generals, you'll have the great reward of being KILLED BY ME! TIME TO DIE, GOLDEN DAWN BRAT!

Langris: And here I was thinking I killed you back there. I guess the Grim Reaper just didn't want a decrepit stupid old man like you, did he? It's a bad situation with all those people in there, if I attacked them, no doubt they'll get hurt as well.

Yagos: THAT'S RIGHT YOU STUPID MAGIC KNIGHTS, YOU CAN'T LAY A FINGER ON ME! SO WHAT'S IT GOING TO BE, WILL YOU DIE OR ARE YOU ALL GOING TO BE FAILURES AND LET THE PEOPLE DIE?!

Please, help us! No, I don't want to die!

Asta: Damn it!

Langris: I don't have time to hesitate, I have to put this old fool down once and for all. Eh, too bad. I hate having casualities hang on my head but your sacrifices will help the Clover Kingdom keep going. Sorry about this.

Asta: DON'T DO IT!

Langris looks over at his brother, Asta, Charmy and his surbodinate Yuno as Asta rips into Finral's sibling.

Asta: How can you idly stand by and actually justify killing INNOCENT PEOPLE?! OUR FELLOW CLOVER KINGDOM CITIZENS! IT'S OUR DUTY AS MAGIC KNIGHTS TO PROTECT THEM AND HELPLESS!

Langris: There would only be more victims if I let that bag of bones do whatever he pleases. It's unfortunate, but I have no choice!

Asta: SHUT UP, I CAN DO IT BETTER WITHOUT SACRIFICING ANY LIVES! FINRAL, CHARMY! LET'S SHOW HIM WHAT THE BLACK BULLS ARE ALL ABOUT!

Finral: RIGHT!

Charmy: YOU'VE GOT IT!

Asta: Just watch this, Yuno!

Yuno: Alright, I'm watching. Show me what you got Asta.

Bell: NEHHHHH!

Langris: Hoo, hoo. What could this idiot ever hope to accomplish without two arms?! He's more brawn and emotion than he is logic.

Asta: HAHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Asta runs in the opposite direction.

Langris: Well, I can't say I blame him for a tactical retreat.

Charmy: Cotton Creation Magic.... Fluffy Sheep Cushion!

Charmy plasters on her game face as one of her signature sheep develops as bounces Asta off without incident. Yagos in his rage induced state roars at Asta.

Yagos: Who the hell do you think you are, brat? DAMN YOU, STAY OUT OF THIS, I ONLY WANT THE SMARMY LITTLE BASTARD FROM THE GOLDEN DAWN!

Yagos fires off a mucus induced appendage intending to fatally swat Asta, but his plans are thrown when Finral uses a portal to get him into the monster.

Yagos: Spatial Magic?! Wait, where did that brat go!

Finral: SURPRISE!

He summons a portal high above Yagos, revealing Asta with his grimoire ablaze and sword in his mouth.

Asta: HYAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

He slashes the spell, narrowly avoiding Yagos' head and stovepipe hat.

Yagos: There's no way.... MY MUCUS MAGIC IS GONE!

Civilians and mages alike all hit the ground with a rough sound not enough to kill but possibly rattle some bones and organs.

Yagos: WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME, YOU BRAT?! ANSWER ME NOW!

The process is repeated and soon the only thing Yagos answers to is a giant wall after Asta decks him in the back with the Demon Slayer sword.

Asta: OHHHHH GODDDDD NO- Eh?!

A gust of wind saves Asta from any more severe damage as the non-magic possessor lands deftly on his feet.

Asta: Thanks! Looks like I owe you one, Yuno!

Yuno: Ha. Don't mention it. I guess your fighting style confirmed me suspicions as always, you being reckless as always. But nice, Asta.

Bell: NOW he's smiling again?! Unbelievable! HMPH.

Langris looks, intrigued by Asta's stance on saving in the innocents as his brother shouts out to him.

Finral: LANGRIS! It's true, where I am at right now, I could never beat you. But someday so long as I am a member.... THE BLACK BULLS WILL SURPASS THE GOLDEN DAWN, I SWEAR TO YOU. EVEN IF IT KILLS ME, I WILL WIPE THAT DAMN SMIRK OFF OF YOUR FACE AND PROVE OUR FATHER WRONG!

Langris looks, not even saying a single word but rather developing a slight smirk on his face.

Yami: Gotta say all these years have passed and your Magic is still as impressive as ever. Takes an absurd amount of strength to even manage something like this.

William Vangeance: Please Yami, you're giving me too much credit. It really falls on the individuals or rather enemies gracious enough to give up their magic for the tree to even stand on its own.

Yami: So... World Tree Magic. Interesting.... only kind you got there, William?

William Vangeance: I'm sorry? What are you trying to imply here, former squadmate of mines?

Yami takes a drag of his cigarette, exhaling some smoke out.

Yami: Well, I'm a person who just believes in gut instincts ya know? Vangeance, I have to know. Man to Man, Captain to Captain. Friend to friend....

He thinks back to Nean when he and his rookies battled Licht and by extension his surbodinate Valtos. The eerie similarities in the appearances of his fellow Captain and the leader from the Eye of the Midnight Sun.

Yami: Do you mind taking off that mask for me?

William Vangeance is perplexed and intrigued but his voice remains cool and neutral. The Golden Dawn's captain and former teammate of Yami from their days as members of Julius Novachrono's Aqua Deer years past.

William Vangeance: My face.... isn't a face most people would like to see, Yami.

Yami: What, you wearing the thing because you're what? Super ugly or something.... What am I missing here? I promise I'm not going to laugh or anything.

William Vangeance: I understand, Yami. You're in doubt. You still believe or suspect me to be the leader of the rogue faction of mages, The Eye of the Midnight Sun, is that what this is all about?

Yami: Frankly... yeah I do, Vangeance. Sure his World Tree Magic is a farcry from Licht's Light Magic.... but something isn't right about William in the slightest. Look at him. He and Licht have the same builds, calm and collected voices and even crazier? Their ki is about the same! It's been about what? Ten years since I first met you, right?

William Vangeance: That's correct, give or take. We met on the battlefield and after that, we became apart of the same squad and fought from time to time.

Yami: So we've had a pretty long track history with each other, eventually becoming captains of our own squads. HA, I just remembered how crazily Nozel's braids bounced when Julius made that announcement? Bottom line, I'm not saying we're extra buddy buddy or anything of the sort. But we go back a long ways, don't we?

There's something about that clown that I also feel in you....

Yami: Alright, enough of me asking.... It's time to come off that mask, Vangeance. Alright?

A terse silence hangs in the air and throughout Mistilteinn Tree.

William Vangeance: Very well, Yami. I'll give you what you want and the answers you seek as well. Hopefully you're allieviated from all this unnecessary baggage looming over you.

He reaches for his masked helmet, undoing the clasp in the back as he finally reveals his actual face that few have seen before. The 26-year old Captain unveils a unique scar that covers a majority of the upper portion of his face, excluding his eyes and obviously all of his hair.

Yami: That's a hell of a nasty scar, William. Did you suffer that on the battlefield or somewhere else?

William Vangeance: No... I was actually born with this scar. I was, as you could probably imagine picked on a lot, called a cursed child.

Yami: That right?

He shakes his head up and down.

William Vangeance: Not even the strongest recovery or healing magics could get rid of it. I was labeled a freak, monster, every hurtful word a person could muster. Came to be feared. I, the illegitimate son of a certain noble. From until I turned eight, I had lived in the Forsaken Realm for a majority of my formative years. But suddenly and unexpectedly, the noblemen's son had passed away, so I was adopted and molded into an aristocrat. Fortunately for me, my world tree magic had been viewed as a blessing yet with such awe and admiration. But even despite all that.... they loathed the scar that had plauged my face and in turn, they loathed me. It especially didn't go over well with my foster mother and she brutally and violently assaulted whenever she saw fit. I couldn't or wouldn't even wish this sort of abysmal and hellish childhood on my worst enemy.

Yami digests everything his ex-squadmate rattled to him.

Yami: Yeesh, sounds like you had it truly rough. Didn't you?

William Vangeance: Yes, I did. But it all changed when I ran into Julius for the very first time. He cared not for my appearance, but rather the great power and latent potential I had displayed as a kid.

Vangeance thinks back to a time, as he was helping nurture and grow a tree when he met Julius.

Julius: Such incredible magic! Please, what is the name of this magic you wield, young man?!

Young William: I-It's World Tree Magic, sir!

Julius: Now that's a marvelous magic right there, and such a majestic name to accompany it! Truly, such wonderful magic and you're using it to protect and nurture. Everything with your kindess, like you wish to safeguard the innocent. Now with that being said, you must join the Magic Knights!

Young William: I don't know...

Julius: You don't want to?

Young William: It's not that I don't! But the Magic Knights, I never thought once in my life, I could join their ranks! There's my face....

Julius: Now, now. That's not an issue at all, young one.

Young William: I- What?

Julius: I'm serious. But if your face is all that you're worried about. I know how we can help out with that problem.

Some time later.....

Julius: How about this mask?!

Young William: Sir Julius.... I don't want offend you, but this seems so tacky.

Julius: AW What?! BUT I SPENT SO MUCH TIME FIXING THAT ALL BY MYSELF, IT'S MY BEST WORK!

William Vangeance: And I have devoted my power and grimoire to Julius's service as not only captain but as the Wizard King as well.

Yami: And that's a familiar story if I ever heard it myself..... The lines on his face still remind me of Licht, but I'm not picking the faintest trace of healing magic on them either. No tricks at work at all here. More than anything, his ki is giving off that he's telling the truth right now. I just guess the look was purely of chance. Right, well sorry about that.

William shrugs it off as he puts the helmet back on, bringing the classic look we associate him with.

William Vangeance: No it's alright Yami. Truly. It's illuminating and really takes a load off of my shoulders that I was able to tell you everything concerning me. Thank you, I mean it.

Yami: Sure thing, friend.

Captain Vangeance, do you read me? Captain Vangeance, copy! The Diamond Kingdom has begun its retreat at long last!

William Vangeance: Very good, don't give pursuit to those mages who flee and double your efforts on the recovery and healing. Copy. Over and out!

Yes, Sir!

William Vangeance: We should get back to work.... plenty of captives that need wrangling, plus I figure it'll do the civilians good to see some Magic Knight Captains in the vicinity.

Yami: After you. Oh wait, I got a guy who's a real expert with transport. I can loan him to you if you need it. Work him to the bone, haha!

William Vangeance: Heh, maybe not too hard now.

Finral: ACHOO! I think a cute woman must be talking about me. Seeing as how all the fighting has calmed down, you two ready to go meet up with Captain Yami?

Asta: Right!

Charmy: Already?! No fair!

Asta: See ya later, Yuno!

Yuno: Same, give my best to Tyrus. Don't get on his nerves too much, oh and don't eat anything you found lying on the ground either.

Asta: Hey that's not fair, I don't do that anymore! Well... I used to but damn it I'm older than that!

Charmy sidles over to Yuno....

Charmy: Um, there's no way I can get your address, is there?

Bell: HEY, STOP TRYING TO STEAL MY YUNO, YOU THIEVING HUSSY!

She screeches, while also attempting to blind Charmy with fairy dust.

Charmy: MY EYES, THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?! ARE YOU TRYING TO BLIND ME, THAT'S IT! I'M GONNA TURN INTO A TASTY DESSERT AND SERVE YOU UP TO MY SQUADMATES, COME HERE YOU- HUH?!

Finral summons a portal, grabbing Charmy as he follows Asta, bidding goodbye to Yuno in the process and leaving the glutton to shout obscenities at the Wind Spirit. Once they're out of earshot of Langris's snarkiness, Finral erupts in coward tantrum.

Finral: WHAT THE HELL WAS I THINKING?! SAYING THE WORST MAGIC KNIGHT SQUAD WOULD OVERTAKE THE BEST ONE IMAGINABLE!

Asta and Charmy stuff their faces, trying to figure out what was wrong with the spatial mage and why he wouldn't eat. Throughout the chaos, Yuno and Langris walk, the coup now over and concluded as the petty nobleman spewed his nonsense.

Langris: Seriously, what an abhorrent trio of "Magic Knights" if I could even call them that. You should really choose who you hang out with more, Yuno.

The wind mage clicks his heel, stopping in his tracks as he turns his head around ever slightly to meet Langris....

Langris: Come on, you're not at all embarrassed to be seen with them, people like that?

Yuno: And I would be because? Vice-Captain Vaude, I have never ONCE felt that way or thought like that before, so why would I start now? I'm very proud of Asta and Tyrus, who you didn't see here today. They're not only my brothers, but my sworn rivals as well.

Langris: HAHAHAHAHAHA! A simpleton like that?! I'll give the other one his due, since Captain Vangeance raised his hand for him during the Magic Knights Entrance Exams but he already made his bed and laid in it. What're you three in, a competition of sorts-

Yuno: That's right.

Finral: That was a little too abrupt of an goodbye, Asta. Don't you think you were little too quick with that handsome Golden Dawn fellow, isn't he like you and Tyrus's close friend or something like that?

Asta: It's fine! I'll see him on another battlefield at some point, after all the three of us? We're rivals down to the very core.

They seemingly syncronhize their words so that their intent radiates off one another.

We're all working to become the Wizard King someday!

Tyrus looks at the sky, seemingly acknowledging his rivals wherever they may have been.

Tyrus: Damn straight, you two.

Langris: The Wizard King?! PFFFFTTTT, THAT'S RIDICULOUS. Wait, you're actually serious?! Then again, peasants and commoners have never really been well-versed in holding their tongues or tempering their expectations, especially peasants and commoners who were raised far above their stations. But I supposed your arrogance is earned, since you were chosen as the next wielder of the Four Leaf Clover Grimoire!

Bell: I don't know what your problem is, Sir Smirks A-Lot but-

Yuno: It's alright Bell. Vice-Captain Vaude, there's no rule saying a commoner couldn't become the Wizard King...

Langris: Hm?

Yuno: So first, I'm going smash all expecations placed on me by people like you, and become the Captain of the Golden Dawn.

Langris's face twists in darkness as he realizes Yuno's ambition was truly boundless.

Langris: Oh, I see.... you've only been acknowledging my rank as a mere formality, there's no respect from your voice or aura. Well, I'll be sure to make it to where you absolutely.... Earn it!

Klaus: Yuno, Vice Captain! Good, we've healed up the rest of... the... civilians...

They both stalk off in opposite directions as Klaus wonders.....

Klaus: What exactly did I miss?

(Julius's office.....)

Marx: The majority of the Diamond Kingdom's forces have retreated. But we have captured an amount nothing short of a dozen, if not more. Kiten is safe, Sir.

Julius: Thank you, Marx for the continued updates. Let's move forward with repairing all the buildings that were damaged or destroyed in the chaos. Set up temporary shelters for the displaced as well, if you can.

Marx: At once, Julius.

As Marx leaves his office, Julius darkens.

Julius: Now then, what is this really about Diamond Kingdom? Your attempted invasion didn't pan out as originally thought. So..... what is it in our Kingdom you're truly after?

The Diamond Kingdom.....

???: Interesting... A Sylph? Offensive Spatial Magic users? Parasitic World Tree Magic that sucks the mana out of other mages.... It seems that they had much to contend with. Well..... those geriatric old relics of the past may have had their spurts of usefulness every now and then. But their day has passed. Now the time has come upon for us Mage Knights to step up to the plate and with it... comes a new age of Generals!

The sun sets revealing new mages of the Diamond Kingdom ready to assume military command of the invasive country and among them.... Mars.

Final Word Count: 10,737 Words.

End of Chapter Forty-One