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

Previously on Killer Ice:

Julius is looking above his kingdom as the hustle and bustle of the common realm began early in the morning, when Marx rings through with urgent news.

Marx: Ahh, good timing. I'm sorry to interrupt sir. But we have urgent-

Julius: We have a situation on our hands, yes? Calm it down, Marx, the timing couldn't be any better. I know just who to give the assignment to as well.

Marx: Who did you have in mind? I'll get the word out.

(Later that Night... Black Bulls Hideout.)

Luck: Come on Magna, spar with me just once? No holding back either! I asked Tyrus, but he won't.

Magna: Mm- no way battle freak. Can't you see I'm eating and helping Asta workout?

Luck: I'll eat your flan if you done fight me!

Magna: Keep your grubby little hands away from my flan unless your wanting your skin to be used as a jacket.

Noelle: How about Silvantus Schnauzer?

Tyrus looked at Noelle as the bird was resting comfortably in between his front spikes.

Tyrus: Absolutely not, and by the way it's looking... I think the bird hates that name too, Noelle. What's wrong with Shadow-Dancer?

Vanessa: Yeah the bird does need a name... how about Wine? Right, Wine?

Tyrus: It looks unamused by your antics.

Gauche, in his typical sister lover fashion whips out a photo of Marie.

Gauche: This is Marie... Tyrus, I'll let the bird use one syallable of her name if you can find a name befitting my angelic little sister, better yet... I'll do it. How about Ma?

Tyrus: No. That's just the first two letters of your sister's name! It needs a full name damnit.

Magna: This birdie is tough and badass, it needs a way tougher name. Let me see, HOW ABOUT MAGNUM FIRE!

Noelle: That's a horrible name....

Magna: Says the royal who called it Sliver Shauzer or whatever.

Noelle: SILVANTUS SCHNAUZER!

Charmy: How about we call it-

Tyrus: Finish that sentence and I swear to God, I'll eat all of your food Charmy!

Charmy: Do you think it lays eggs?

Asta: You're all wrong! It's Birdie Boy!

Noelle: It's Silvantus Schnauzer!

Magna: Magnum Fire!

Tyrus: No, it's Shadow-Dancer!

Asta: No, he likes Birdie Boy!

Noelle: Silvantus Schnauzer!

Tyrus: Shadow Dancer!

The bird having enough of all their antics, began pecking Asta, Tyrus and Noelle in sequence, earning yelps from all three.

Asta: OW OW OW!

Tyrus: HEY KNOCK IT OFF!

Noelle: OUCH, HEY!

Luck: Huh..... how about we name him Nero?

The bird waves its wing up, seemingly approving of Luck's on the fly name for it.

Luck: See I think he likes it!

Noelle, Asta and Tyrus: Nero?

They all question what they were even arguing for as a portal opens revealing Captain Yami and Finral.

Yami: Alright everyone, listen up it's down to business.

Vanessa: What'd they need you two schlepping over to the castle for?

Yami: It's a mission... well, kind of. Pay attention, everyone. I was called in because a new dungeon has been discovered.

Everyone looks in shock and awe at their captain as he just spoke those words as Magna got hyped.

Magna: A NEW DUNGEON! SERIOUSLY?! You mean it Yami, sir?!

Asta: WOOOWWWWW, THAT'S AWESOME, WHAT'S A DUNGEON?!

Everyone either huhs or facepalms at Asta's loveable but dimwitted nature. They quickly give him the synopsis of what the typical dungeon mission consists of as they all have mixed emotions about it.

Noelle: So a new dungeon opened up. And Captain Yami got summoned by the Wizard King? I'm guessing that means that the Black Bulls are being sent to investigate it?

Yami puffs out some smoke as he nods.

Yami: You really are Braids' baby sister. You might even be sharper than he is. The dungeon's location is also in a dicey location as well. It's on the border between our kingdom and an enemy country... The Diamond Kingdom.

Tyrus: Wait, the Diamond Kingdom.... I thought they usually kept to themselves.

Yami: They do for the most part... but with the dungeon bordering our two lands, I have no doubt they're going to be sending their best as well. This mission will have to be carried out carefully and thoroughly. Who knows what could happen? Some explorers have found devices and treasures that could change civilization-

Asta: OH OH OH! Send me! Please Captain Yami, sir! Maybe I'll learn how to use the most powerful magic items!

Tyrus: You don't have magic, remember?

He falls comedically on his back as his legs twitch.

Yami: The loudmouth is right about one thing....

Tyrus looks at the captain just as Asta gets back up.

Yami: Magic power or not.... I was already thinking of sending you three rookies on this trip. I want you to get as much experience under your belts and grimoires as possible. Well, scratch the thinking part, the Wizard King himself actually you, Asta and Noelle go on this mission.

Asta: Huh? WHAATTTTTTT, THE WIZARD KING PERSONALLY REQUESTED FOR ME!

Magna: Hey now, way to go, Asta! So, you got an in with the Wizard King or something?

Tyrus: Actually, no. This is the first I'm hearing of it...

Yami: Oh and Luck, you're going with them. Mainly because I don't want you begging me to fight but you also need to supervise them. Take the lead on this one.

Luck: Wait, really?

Yami: Sure, I can't have you losing your edge and killer instinct if you're stuck on guard duty.

Luck: Wow, thank you sir! I won't let you down.

Yami: Alright that's all. You four, get as much as sleep as you can... You leave first thing in the morning after breakfast. Dismissed.

Narrator: A new mission. And it starts now!

(A/N: Changes for Opening #2... Tyrus right after Asta and just before Noelle at 0:16. In the collage, he's sandwiched between Finral, Noelle and Grey towards the left side. At 0:39, he appears after Noelle and just before Klaus wielding a long bladed and opulent blue sword and will be seen teaming Asta and Yuno as while the former cuts one of Mars's giant crystal swords, the latter dashes with Yuno to counter attack as we get final looks of Yuno, Tyrus and Asta doing some of their signature spells. Now then here's PAiNT it BLACK)

Night rolls over to the morning and after having gotten dressed, eaten breakfast and handling whatever else needed to be executed. Noelle, Tyrus and Asta stand with Luck and Finral with the rest of the Black Bulls in front.

Yami: Remember Luck, protect the rookies but also lead the charge. You four, show those Diamond Kingdom rejects and whoever else was sent on behalf of the Wizard King that you're not to be trifled with.

They salute him as Luck shadow boxes acknowledging the orders put him on by his captain while Finral summons a portal.

Vanessa: Be careful out there!

Magna: Good luck and give 'em hell you three!

Asta: Yes sir!

Tyrus: We won't let you guys down.

Noelle: I suppose we can manage that.

Finral: Alright here you guys go. I wonder how many ladies I can pick while you four are gone...

Tyrus: Really Finral?

Gauche: Since I'm not needed here, may I please go see my little darling sister Marie?

Yami turns on both womanizer and sister lover as his expression darkens as only Yami Sukehiro could.

Yami: If you're looking for a reason to get killed, then by all means, set up a date or visit any siblings. I dare you.

Finral looks absolutely struck with fear while Gauche drops his picture of Marie, both shutting up almost immediately after the threat of death. Meanwhile Luck and the three rookies step through the portal as Finral lets them know they're at their intended destination

Finral: Alright, lady and gentlemen, we are here. The sunset is immaculate from this hill. I'd highly recommend it for a date night by the way.

He winks at Noelle and Tyrus who look completely oblivious to what he's hinting at. No doubt Vanessa spilled the beans of the mutual attraction between both royal and commoner but both had been playing everything close to the vest. Both Noelle and Tyrus had slowly come around to trust each other ever since Sosshi Village and the more she hung out with in her own words Bakarus and by extension Stupidsta, the more she was intrigued by the former the more she became acclimated with his routines and customs as a teammate and person. No reason to throw away a perfectly good friendship and partnership because of feelings neither might wind up returning.

Charmy: I'll have some delicious nommies prepared for you four when you get back!

Tyrus: Thanks, Charmy!

Yami: Get it done, you four. I'll see you when you get back.

Asta: Thanks, Captain!

Luck: Bye! Hey Tyrus, I always see you with it at all times but where's that huge necklace you wear?

Noelle: I'm actually wondering that myself, you never go anywhere without that thing..... N-NOT THAT I CARE ABOUT WHAT YOU WORE TODAY!

Tyrus: Eh, I just didn't feel like wearing it. Especially on a mission as dangerous as this, I couldn't afford it getting lost. From what Father back home told me, I've had that thing with me since he and Sister Lily found me when I was a baby. So I left it back at the base in my room.

Asta: That's like not wearing my headband.... Are you sure you're feeling alright, Ty?

Tyrus: Alright, alright! Whether or not I look better with my necklace is a discussion we can have over whatever dinner Charmy makes us. Let's get to that dungeon. But I appreciate the feedback and concern everyone.

Luck: Alright then, let's go!

The four trek through the forest as they make their way to the dungeon.

Tyrus: Not that I don't appreciate our resident spatial mage, but Finral couldn't have gotten us closer to the dungeon?

Noelle: I agree, preferably right to the entrance at least.

Luck: Nope, sorry guys. Fin can only send people places he's already been. If it's somewhere where he hasn't been- well then we just have to grin it and bear it.

They climb up an obscenely large log as Luck scouts ahead.

Luck: Whoa... Looks like he dropped us off pretty close you guys!

Asta, Noelle and Tyrus get a look and that's when they see it. The clearing leading to the dungeon as well as a destroyed castle's ruins.

Tyrus: I take back everything back I said about Finral.... The view is absolutely spectacular! It's something about that desolate castle that really makes the dungeon pop.

Entering the dungeon, Noelle and Tyrus cautiously walk behind Asta and Luck given the former has the only means of light and the latter is leading the mission. She wraps her arm around his, Tyrus taking immediate notice of this as his face flushes red which only makes her flush red too but quickly hurrumph.

Noelle: Don't get any ideas about this simple action, I just don't want to get lost.

Tyrus: How many times do I have to tell ya, you don't have to explain yourself, little Miss Royal? You just caught me off guard, don't read too much into my blushing.

Noelle: Just so long as we agree on this...

Asta: Huh? Hey, who asked you to tag along, Nero?!

Back at the hideout....

Everyone is up to their usual thing, Magna juggling some fireballs as he stews.

Magna: I still don't know how the Wizard King knows about Asta.... it's just too convienent.

Yami: And you probably never will.

Yami gets a quick flashback to the first time he ever met Julius.

Yami: In fact, Wizard King sees most things we don't. Doesn't help he's weird as all hell.

He barks out a sudden laugh, gaining the attention of the remaining squad not named Tyrus, Noelle, Luck and Asta.

Back to the Dungeon.

The rookies are weirded out by Luck smiling but by also how dark the dungeon is even with Asta carrying the only nightlight provided.

Noelle: It's way too dark in here...

Tyrus: Could you probably ease your grip on my arm, Noelle? It feels like there's a python clinging and squeezing all the life out of it.

Noelle: Excuse me?! I do not cling, WHOA!

Tyrus: ACK!

She accidentally trips on a wedged out brick, thus knocking into Tyrus who then bowls into his brother as Asta then drops the light as it shatters into pieces, earning a shrill scream from Noelle.

Asta: AGHH! I can't see anything now! Thanks a lot, you two.

Luck laughs at their misfortune not even caring they were all without light at this point in their journey.

Tyrus: Well shit.... looks like we've got to bunch together. Stay close everyone and don't stray from the group. Luck, we're looking at you, good buddy.

Luck: Awww, no fair.

Noelle: Ow, ow, ow.

Tyrus: How are you hurting? I'm the one whose face who legitmately got smashed into brick, it's a miracle I didn't lose any teeth after that.

Noelle: Oh I just LOVED having my foot stomped on.

Asta: Well, what do you want me to do? It's pitch black in here. Calm down you two.

Noelle: Maybe I would be if you didn't smash our only means of light, Bakasta.

Asta: I only broke it because you two clowns ran into me and I tripped!

Noelle: I am royalty, I don't trip! I fall with grace.

Tyrus: You tripped, I tripped, Asta tripped. Hell, we all tumbled!

Noelle: Insects!

Tyrus: Royal Pain!

Luck: Hey is this it? OH, that's bright!

Noelle: AGHHHH!

Tyrus: GAHHHHHH SO BRIGHT!

Asta: I'M BLIND!!!!

The light quickly overtakes the four Black Bulls sense of sight. Once it died down, they all take in the sights of what they were witnessing.

Luck: Hoooooooooohhhhhhh....

Tyrus: No.... freakinnnggg.... wayyyy.....

Everyone stood in amazed silence as they get their first look at the innards of the dungeon as little sparkles of blues emanate all around the place. A giant maze with waterfalls, staircases coming from all directions and sides.

Noelle: So..... is anyone up for exploring with a royal?

Asta: SOOOOOOOOOOOO COOOOOOL!!!!

Tyrus: A literal labryinth... it would take an ordinary person months let alone years to explore. It's just that freaking massive!

Luck: Hmmmm.....

Noelle: ......

Asta stays silent as all four continue to take in their surroundings.

Asta: Whoa! This is like the most coolest place ever!

We pan in on Nero who as always looks uninterested.

Tyrus: Noelle, Luck.... I know you guys can feel it too. The mana here. It's crazy, overflowing in a sense.

Noelle: You're not far off but what's happening with the place is the better question?

Luck: It seems to be getting warped all over by magic- OH?

A violent twitch suddenly strikes the battle crazy maniac as he looks towards the three rookies.

Luck: There's way more outside I previously detected! You're right Tyrus, the atmosphere is crazy thick with it.

Noelle: Yes... I don't think I ever been in a place so steeped in mana!

Asta: How can you tell?

Noelle: Wait, you're standing in a room with this much mana and you can't even feel it?!

Asta: Nope, nothing.

Noelle: Well, I suppose that tracks for someone that has no magic to their name.

Asta: You don't have to rub it in Noelle!

He falls to the ground on his knees, defeated as he bangs his hands on the cold, hard bricks.

Asta: IT'S NOT FAIR! I WANNA BE ABLE TO FEEL MANA TOO! I WANT MY OWN MANA! I WANNA, I WANNA, I WANNA, I WANNA! DO YOU KNOW HOW LUCKY YOU THREE ARE! YOU THREE HAVE BOATLOADS OF IT!

Tyrus: Trust me it's not all it's cracked up to be.... especially if you wind up getting sick Asta. Then it's just a horrible shitstorm.

Asta continues to whine and cry as he wraps his knuckles around the ground as a spell activates.

Asta: Uhh, what's that?

The other three well two being Noelle and Tyrus realized too late what was happening with Asta.

Noelle: YOU IDIOT!

Tyrus: MOVE ASTA!

Suddenly spikes shoot out from the ground and nearly pull a Sosshi Village with Asta but he narrowly avoids impalement.

Noelle: Whoa! Is that trap magic?!

Tyrus: Yeah and it just about gave me one less brother. Watch where you punch next time, Asta!

He pulls out his grimoire as he slices through the rocky visual of death, obliterating it into tiny particles.

Noelle: Do try to be more careful, you almost got us all killed Asta!

Asta: Heh-heh, my bad. Sorry, guys.

Luck: OH-OH MY TURN!

Tyrus: LUCK, NO!

The lightning mage ignores his fellow elemental-based mage as he steps on a random block, activating another trap, signaling more boulders to spring out, with Asta of course destroying them. Luck realizes he's pushing towards his limit as he focuses in on the singularity points that were recently used. His lightning catches onto something and his eyes turned big as saucers, his lips curling into a devilish smile.

Luck: I knew it.... we're not the only ones here. There are a few more people in here with us.... and the strongest of them is coming from right over there.

His lightning kicks up violently as the three young mages wonder what had gotten into the Cheery Berserker.

Luck: Lightning Creation Magic: Holy Lightning Boots!

He jumps in the air as he glow that familiar bluish-green Tyrus recognized from their first spar, the Baptism by Lightning as the rookie would call it. He looks down at his three wanderlust subordinates.

Luck: Sorry, guys. But something really important has come up, I gotta get going! I'm leaving the rest to you so clear the dungeon for me and we'll meet at the end!

And just true to his magic, Luck zoomed off like the charismatic lightning bolt he was.

Noelle: Hey, wait! Where are you going- GAHHHH! REALLY?! WHAT IN THE WORLD IS THAT BATTLE-HAPPY NUTJOB THINKING?!

Tyrus: WHAT WAS CAPTAIN YAMI THINKING?!

Asta, however was on a completely different level of thinking than his brother and royal.

Asta: That... WAS TOTALLY AWESOME! WE'LL SEE YOU LATER!

Noelle: THIS CANNOT BE HAPPENING TO ME!

Luck: I'll hook a left up here.... man, I hope whoever this person is can give me a good fight!

Luck meanwhile continues to his traverse the tunnels of the dungeon following the path of the individual he was chasing as designated by the lightning bolts in front of him. Meanwhile Asta acting as the leader now leads the way with Noelle and Tyrus close behind as she begins internalizing her current thoughts out loud.

Noelle: This is crazy. Captain Yami sends him out to obviously look after us and like the adreanline junkie he is, Luck abandons us for little to no reason!

Tyrus: You make it sound like we're helpless. We handled ourselves pretty nicely for a couple of rookies on our first mission. Besides, it's Luck, not saying I approve of his crazy murdering battle happy antics ALL the time but he was bound to do it at some point during the mission... might as well let him get it out of his system.

Asta: And whatever traps come our way, I'll just destroy them with my anti-sword. We'll be fine without Luck, no big deal.

Noelle, however looked at the ice mage and anti-mage with heavy skepticism as she rolls her eyes.

Noelle: It must be so reassuring to have such simple-minded optimism you two.

Tyrus: I'll refrain from any smartass comments from now since I know you're shaking in your feathers right now.

Asta: Hey, taking on a dungeon like this is going to be nothing for us. With your Water, Tyrus's Ice and my strength? It'll be easy as pie. And do you know why? Because I'm going to be the Wizard King!

Tyrus: Hard no. That's going to be me, Asta!

Asta: Nope, I won't let you or Yuno beat me!

Noelle: Here we go again. But this is the umpteenth time either one of you has mentioned this Yuno character, who is he exactly?

Tyrus: He's our other brother who we grew up in Hage with. In addition to the other kids. Has an affinity for wind magic.

Asta: Can be a real jerk sometimes too but honestly, I couldn't ask for two greater brothers and rivals than Ty and Yuno. They're always pushing me to be my best! He's a commoner just like us for as powerful as he is.

Tyrus: Oh stop you. I already have a big enough ego as is, anymore inflating it and my head will explode.

He looks back at them.

Asta: Come on now, let's step it up you two! Looks like we can cross over there. Ready Ty and Noelle?

Tyrus readies his grimoire.

Tyrus: Are you kidding me, I'm right beside you! Let's go, Noelle.

They continue to argue, albeit playfully as Noelle goes back to internalizing her thoughts while smile wistfully, as outside of Asta? She was actually alone with Tyrus.

Noelle: Huh... I suppose little insects can have their ambitions as well.... wait a minute, It's just the two of us! If you don't count Bakasta, it's really just Tyrus and I. Well Silvantus- no Nero and Asta are here. But it's like I can't help but tune them out now all of a sudden. Hrnnn-

She immediately snaps out of her thoughts as Tyrus calls out her.

Tyrus: Everything okay, Noelle?

Noelle: No, no! Everything is fine! Insect.

She brushes past him as he's now thinking to himself.

Tyrus: That's the Noelle I know and love- WAIT WHAT DID I JUST SAY?!

Noelle: Well? HURRY UP STUPIDSTA AND BAKARUS!

Asta: Alright, alright!

Tyrus: Don't gotta yell, Noelle. We're quite literally the only three people here right now- CRAP NOELLE, GET OFF OF THERE!

It was too late, she had stepped on some trap magic, it's greenish hue already activated under her sandals, with thorny legs from the wood works, trapping the royalty almost immediately.

Asta: Crap!

Tyrus: Noelle- Hang on! Let her go you damn overgrown shrubbery!

Asta and Tyrus, sword and grimoire armed to the teeth began to hack and slash away, making sure to avoid Noelle at all costs while also killing off the trap magic, however just as they were about to free her? Tyrus also stepped on a trap stone, and weed tentacles sprouted up and entagled him as well.

Tyrus: Damn it, I got sloppy!

Asta: Tyrus!

His worries soon intensify as emerging from the nearest waterfall would emerge the stuff of nightmares. A giant man-eating plant, massive in its design, purple in its color, opens its disgusting maw as it trains its mandibles on both Noelle and Tyrus while honing in on Asta and Nero.

Noelle: There's such...  immense power coming from it.

Tyrus: And I'm betting it hasn't eaten anything in a long while. You and I now just became this thing's first and second course meals, Noelle.

The atrocious entity begins to pull them both towards its mouth as rows of sharp teeth appear in front of the two Black Bulls.

Tyrus: Asta, if you ever had a plan.... NOW WOULD BE THE TIME TO SPRING IT INTO ACTION BEFORE SHE AND I BECOME LUNCH FOR THIS THING!

Asta: I'M COMING YOU TWO, JUST HANG ON!

He begins slashing aways at the the tentacled bondages holding both his brother and Noelle hostage.

Asta: Noelle, Tyrus, get away! I'll turn this thing into a salad when I'm through with it!

They both look at him as he possesses a steely yet intense demeanor. Tyrus accepts this, knowing all well what that look meant whenever Asta sported it as he grabs Noelle.

Tyrus: Hang onto something, Noelle! We're in for a rough landing!

But before they can land, the tentacles once again wrap around them, Asta included as they now apply even greater pressure, so much so that Noelle and Tyrus can't make a move for either for their grimoires!

Asta: CRAP!

Tyrus: This big freak doesn't want to give up so easily!

They're all pulled back in, so much closely so that they see purple acid and what appear to be... human remains which make Noelle scream so loudly, her echoes piercing empty chambers.

Tyrus: Oh. Oh nah! THIS SOME OLD BULLSHIT!

Noelle: Not good...

Asta: Oh crap, we're done for guys!

Just before they can be liquified however, a strong gust of wind blows by them as it slices through the carnivorous plant with ease, killing it almost instantly while releasing the three rookie Black Bulls from their bondages as a voice rings out.

Asta: Where did that come from?

Tyrus: There's only one person I know with that type of wind magic....

Noelle: Such powerful magic and powerful precision to boot with it. But whose spell was that?

Black Bulls Hideout....

Yami: Oh yeah, I forgot to mention.

Magna: Captain?

Yami: Luck and the others won't be alone on this mission. Wizard King sent some Golden Dawn Knights to help with the excursion.

Magna: What?! The Golden Dawn as well!

Yami: Yep... apparently, our three hatchling rookies won't be the only ones putting on a clinic for him... Think the kiddies can play nice together?

Dungeon.....

A Golden Dawn robe flies due to the effects of the wind magic having taken place just moments ago as a cool voice speaks out to the Black Bulls. The Four Leaf Grimoire is then on display as Noelle, Tyrus, Asta and Nero get a good look at who was responsible for the slaying of the plant monster and the saving of their lives.

???: And with that.... my debt is repaid to you both, Asta and Tyrus.

The two brothers look up as they smirk in concert seeing their fellow foster brother in all his of calm and collected glory as two other Golden Dawn members, a blue-haired male and redhead female flank him on both sides.

Asta: Hey there.... long time, no see.

Tyrus: We were wondering when you were going to show that face of yours, ya handsome jerk.

Asta and Tyrus: Yuno!

End Of Chapter Nine, Part One of the Dungeon Arc! Read as every view helps me out, comment, and vote most importantly. I'll be back later once I get full charges of my Chromebook and Phone!

Final Word Count: 4,455 Words