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.

Rades: You really wish to know what we're after? Why.... we're after YOU! FUEGOLEON VERMILLION! WE CAME FOR YOU!

Fuegoleon: For me?

The young knights were taken aback by this but Leo exclaimed at this sudden revelation.

Leo: WHY HIM? WHY MY OLDER BROTHER, WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING?!

Fuegoleon: I'd like to know this as well.

Rades: SURPRISE! AND GOOD RIDDANCE!

Just as suddenly as the revelation hit the five Magic Knights, a portal forms around the boots Fuegoleon and soon enough much like the others this one in a sense envelopes him, shocking the quartet of Leo, Asta, Tyrus and Noelle.

Fuegoleon: Spatial Magic again, eh? Alright then, I'll play your little game. And maybe now we can get to the bottom of this-

He disappears as Leo screams.

Leo: FUEGOLEON!!!!

As he's transported to a no name realm with its own gravity, Fuegoleon lands on his own feet ready to investigate.

Fuegoleon: Strange.... what is place? I'm no longer in the kingdom, nor can I sense Leo's mana or anyone else's for that matter...

He walks around aimlessly trying to find a way out when a person walks towards and alarms begin to ring in the Crimson Lion Kings Captain head....

Fuegoleon: IT'S YOU!

His lights are suddenly turned out by this mystery robed individual who had unnerved him and the last thing Fuegoleon could remember before he went out was that his pendant would be snatched as he fell to the throes of unconsciouness.

Leo: YOU EVIL BASTARD! WHERE DID YOU SEND MY BROTHER?!

He was further enraged as Rades continued to cackle in the youngest Vermillions' face as Tyrus tries desperately to pull him back.

Tyrus: Stop man, he's not worth it!

Noelle: He's just toying with you! He's not the one responsible for casting this spell, but the person responsible for sending him away, has to be close to their target, regardless of skill or range.

She looks around the mountains of corpses...

Noelle: They're somewhere nearby. Tyrus, Asta. Stay alert!

Tyrus: You need not but say a damn word, Noelle. Come on out, we're done playing hide and seek.

The Black Bulls and lone Crimson Lion King try to search with little success as Asta closes his eyes and bolts towards to their corpses nearest Leo and Rades.

Asta: There!

He slashes down heavily driving a number of corpses up, one of which enters a portal, shocking the other three.

Tyrus: Shit, that was not there before! You were right, Noelle. Our other friend is lurking like an apex predator.

Noelle: He was hiding underneath the corpses?!

Tyrus looks up, seeing a pale individual with markings across both sides of his face on top of a green building.

Tyrus: Close, Noelle. He's on top of us!

???: Very nice observation skills, you two. I had a feeling one of you would be privy to sussing out my magical transformations. But I couldn't even get past you both with this shabby, putrescent disguise.

He then to the combined disgusts of the Knights, rips off his face as he insults Asta's brazen charge whiich drew him out in the first place.

???: Despite being such an animal, it's already over now.

Leo: Over? What is?!

Tyrus: Yeah, spill! We already defeated your damn partner in crime so entertain us you bag of bones! What're you hiding?

Valtos: My name is Valtos... and as for hiding, well... see for yourselves, whelps!

Another portal forms and after a few seconds, a body drops and it scares the shit out of them but it drains all the life out of Leo as blood pools around an open wound of a certain Crimson Lion King. Fuegoleon Vermillion has been defeated and his right arm has been completely ripped off the bone his eyes now glossy as he was near death, knocking on the Grim Reaper's door. Rades smirks as with this sudden and impromptu defeat, Leo Palma began to lose its grip and intensity on the twisted ex-Orca.

Tyrus: OH MY GOD NO!

Asta: No....

Noelle: Ahhhhhhhh.... AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Asta:: RAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Leo: BROTHER!!!!! NOOOOOOOO, FUEGOLEONNNNNNN!

???: How pitiful. I come here after receiving word from the master, only to find you fighting this. Meager kids? Truly pitiful indeed.

Noelle, Tyrus, Leo and Asta look around as another booming voice rings out as mist surrounds them and Rades.

Tyrus: Another trap magic?

In the mist would emerge four cloaked individuals as Noelle remarked.

Noelle: This magic.... I've never felt anything so.... piercingly cold!

Leo: Five of them now?

Tyrus: This does not bode well. It's like the dungeon all over again!

Asta: This wound, none of these scrapes and scratches will stop bleeding. There's one thing I haven't tried yet or else I'll be in serious trouble if I lose any more blood.

Rades: BAHHH! I don't remember asking for any of your help!

???: Really?! You better try thank you for us bailing you out! You know what would've happened if we kept watching from the sidelines.... You would've been captured, set up, gashed, cut open and skinned alive for your many crimes... Heh-heh... and if that happens I want to be the one who does the dissecting!

Rades: Will you just shut up?! It finally looks like the tables are turning again, you little shits!

He gets caught off guard as Asta is the one now chuckling, who then slashes away at his body, stunning both Noelle and Tyrus.

Tyrus: HAVE YOU LOST YOUR- huh? Oh, I see what you did there, you cheeky bastard, you!

Noelle: Asta!

Tyrus: It's okay, he's finally using his brain twice in the same day!

Asta: I'm offended! I'm a lot smarter than I let on, Tyrus!

Tyrus: Righhhht!

Asta: Hope you all don't mind if I pull off a slight surgery! Now I'm ready to fight at full strength again.

Tyrus: Good... because doing the heavy lifting is not my style. I prefer sharing the workload!

Asta: Just watch.... I'll prove it to you.

He looks over meaningfully at the unconscious Fuegoleon.

Rades: Seriously?! He negated Jimmy's curse magic like it was nothing! Nevermind that, he just sliced himself with his own damn blades! Unbelieveable, WHO WOULD EVEN DO THAT TO THEMSELVES?!

???: HEE-HEE! This kid's pretty funny! Can I pretty please open him up?

Tyrus: Try it and I'll kill you my damn self.

???: Be quiet and focus right now!

???: Phooey, you're no fun!

They open up their hands, each glowing a different color as Asta speaks.

Asta: Here's the thing! I've been fighting an uphill battle since I was born. No matter how many bodies you've got, no matter what you do to me, it doesn't matter! I'LL CUT THROUGH EVERY SINGLE LAST ONE OF YOU! YOU HEAR ME?!

Tyrus: TALK TO THEM... THIS WHAT I WANT TO HEAR! LET'S GO, WHICH ONE OF YOU UNLUCKY BASTARDS WANTS TO EXPERIENCE BRUTAL COLD FIRST?!

Asta and Tyrus draw their weapons as they shout to the heavens.

Asta and Tyrus: LET'S SEE WHAT YOU GOT!!!!!

Who're these mystery mages and what do they want with Noelle, Tyrus, Leopold and Asta? Find out... NOW!

The city continues to recover for the most part as the little girl Asta had saved earlier during the failed siege of the Clover Kingdom sits in a slim gangway as mages continue to tend to the injured around her.

Little Girl: I wonder what happened to those Magic Knights that saved me. I really hope they're okay.

On cue, Nero pats her on the head with a wing, in its own way trying reassure her that the Black Bulls were alright, not knowing of the deteroriating situation that had been occurring with Asta, Noelle and Tyrus as well as Leopold. Asta with Tyrus and Leo backing him up were ready to charge into their desperate situation.

Asta: LET'S SEE WHAT YOU ALL GOT!

Mage: Have our superior numbers driven him mad?

Another mage, a female named Sally, puts her hand out aiming for Tyrus as she brings her sadism and love of dissecting out for play.

Sally: Who really cares... I can still dissect them once we beat the resistance out of them!

Tyrus: What he means to say is this. We're about drive a whole of lot pain into your body. Numbers don't mean a damn thing to us! Just means more toys to break and play with. And the only one worthy of the looney bin is you, glasses. But do please, try to make this entertaining for me!

They shut him up as the quintet of mages fire their attacks at the near death Fuegoleon, his brother and three Black Bulls as Asta spins around like the Tasmanian Devil, deflecting the blasts before they could impact them with his blades but kept up the pressure.

Mage: Such foolish flailing about.

Tyrus: You're talking all that talk but who's expending their mana more! Idiot!

Tyrus pitched in as he too uses his sword as wells as firing Ice Missiles to ward off any attacks intended for Noelle and Fuegoleon.

Rades: Ha! These punks don't know when to give up!

Asta: HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Sally: Ohhhhhh. I know who are you!

Mage: This must be the Anti Magic boy we were told about by the Master.

Asta breathes heavily, no doubt the spinning defense taking its toll out of him.

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.

Asta: You got it Captain! I can do calm!

Tyrus: Are you really sure, you can? I thought screaming like a chicken with its head cut off was more of your style.

Asta: Sure I can, Ty! We're gonna calmly... tear these bastard to pieces!

Tyrus: Now that's something I can get on board with!

He cracks his neck along with his knuckles.

Tyrus: Alright we're done playing.... who's trying to get put in a bodybag first? I'll also set for anyone wanting to surrender like the good little cloaked clowns they are.

Mage: Not likely, whelp-

Leo: FLAME MAGIC! EXPLODING FLAMES!

Balls of dancing fire graze the aggressors at high rates of speed, you'd think Magna was there with his flame magic helping Leo out. But these attacks were fueled by pure contempt and rage.

Leo: AS IF I'LL LET YOU GET AWAY WITH DOING WHAT YOU DID TO MY DAMN BROTHER! I WILL BURN YOU ALL TO A FINE, BLACK ASH! ONE OF US WILL DIE HERE TODAY AND IT WON'T BE ME! How are you doing, Tyrus and Asta?! You two have room for one more?!

Tyrus punches and nearly slashes a mage from the side across as he looks back at Leo.

Tyrus: I'm doing just fine, partner! Thanks for checking in, STAY STILL YOU DAMN COCKROACH!

Asta: HELL YEAH, JUMP IN WHENEVER YOU FEEL LIKE!

He jumps in avoiding another blast as a mage avoids Asta's slash. Two other mages avoid Tyrus and Leo's projectile magic attacks as they continue to put the five mages on the defensive, screaming their heads off, juices flowing off the battle alone.

Mage: Damn it!

Tyrus: Damn it is so right! Here, hold my boot in your gut, stupid!

Tyrus kicks Asta's opponent in his abdomen as he drives him back a few feet.

Mage: These three, they fight like wounded beasts! Cornered as if they have nothing left to lose but somehow they're pushing us back!

The trio of young mages scream as they charge in varying directions.

Mage: They're completely fearless!

Rades: What's taking you so long?! Hurry up and get rid of these idiots already!

Mage: What do you think we're trying to do here, you moron? You have no room to talk! This wasn't our original objective! But you three leave us no choice!

They fire off another five headed attack before Sea Dragon's Lair protects Asta, Leo and Tyrus.

Tyrus: Many thanks, Noelle! Keep saving us, and you'll need to start opening a tab on each of us.

Noelle: If those fools think they were going to kill my friends that easily, then they were sorely mistaken!

Sally: Heyyyy now, that's some pretty interesting defensive magic she's got there!

Mage: Interesting indeed, Sally.... This young girl has the look from someone of the Royal House Silva.

Mage: Well in that case, we should respond with magic befitting someone of her royal station! Tree Creation Magic: Magic Draining Roots!

The roots begin to coil around her barrier protecting the boys as they stand shocked at what they were witnessing.

Noelle: TYRUS!

Tyrus: We're on it!

Leo: What're you planning, Tyrus?

Tyrus: For once... probably something very stupid. Which doesn't really fit my line of strategy. Asta... you know what to do, right?

Asta: Uh... sure?

Tyrus: Good.

Noelle: Oh no.... his counter spells weakened the barrier too much!

Mage: Ha!

The roots made a burping sound as the trio burst out ready to strike down the mage who destroyed Noelle's spell with little effort.

Asta: HAAAAA!

Tyrus: RAHHHHHH!

Leo: AHHHHHHHHH!

Mage: Admirable battle instincts, you three. But it's over. Wind Creation Magic.... DEATH BY TORNADO!

Multiple wind needles shoot out, piercing albeit not fatally, but nevertheless piercing Asta, Leo and Tyrus all over random parts of their respective bodies as they wheezed against this horrifying new attack.

Tyrus: Damn it, I knew it'd be desperate and stupid.... but the fact he caught on so quickly!

Asta: He... was too fast!

They drop down onto their stomachs, Asta and Tyrus dropping their blades as a sign that they had been momentarily defeated.

Noelle: ARE YOU OKAY?! SAY SOMETHING, PLEASE! TYRUS, ASTA, LEO! GET UP!

Mage: And now... to extinguish these young flames out completely! Haaaaaaaaa---

Noelle: I can't help them! Not while I'm still tending to Captain Fuegoleon...

More wind needles pop out with killing intent, ready to finish the job!

Noelle: PLEASE, NOOOOOOOO!

But just then, a shield of mercury bolts from the partly cloudly sky, stopping the needles from killing the two Bulls and remaining Crimson Lion King.

Rades: NOOOOO!

Sally: OOOOOOH! I've never sensed magic like this, I wonder who owns this magic!

From the shield emerge Nozel, Nebra, Solid, Sol, Charlotte, Klaus, Hamon, Alecdora, Mimosa, and Siren, much to the surprise of Noelle.

Noelle: What? You're back!

Mage: The rest of the Magic Knights?!

Alecdora jumps to a building parallel that of Valtos ready to confront the lanky mage.

Alecdora: Did you think that paltry trap magic would be enough to save you from us? A little distance wasn't going to stop you from facing true punishment.

Valtos: You're back?! How, from so far! Explain!

Alecdora explains that cooperation, though it really didn't some styles like he, Nebra, Solid and Nozel's, was the key to it all. All in all he called the spell Super Compound Magic as it featured a little bit of magic from each of the kidnapped mages and captains.

Hamon: Ho, ho, ho! Merging our magics while vying for dominance? Such a novel idea!

Sol: Well, I guess we can't write men off entirely especially if they're as powerful as Captain Nozel, huh?

Charlotte: Yes it appears that they can be useful sometimes.

Solid: Blech... say what the rest of you will but this cooperation business leaves a gnawing pit in my stomach and an awful taste in my mouth!

Nebra: The Silver Eagles have never been known to play nice, so this was a nice little learning experience while it lasted.

Nozel: And yet.... it is the duty of all Magic Knights. To protect the Kingdom to their last breath. If we must work together to achieve that goal, then so be it.

Mimosa runs over to both of her cousins, seeing Fuegoleon's less than stellar shape.

Mimosa: My goodness, what happened to Lord Fuegoleon?!

Noelle: He's badly hurt, Tyrus and I did the best we could but this is a situation only meant for you, Mimosa. We stopped the bleeding.

Mimosa: How very horrible, of course! I'll spare no expense! But who could even be this powerful to put him in this rough a shape?!

She looks over to see her other cousin Leo as well as Tyrus and Asta unconscious but slightly in a better shape than the Captain as she begins her healing process.

Mimosa: Someone, please check on the others! Are they still breathing?!

Klaus and Noelle immediately drop down to check on Asta and Tyrus after they get a faint pulse from Leo.

Klaus: Come on Asta, wake up for us!

Asta painfully begins to stir.

Klaus: Good, he's still with us! Lady Noelle, what of Tyrus?

Noelle: Tyrus, please!

Tyrus: Not.... so... loud. Ugh.

Noelle: He's okay, the damn idiot! I'm so relieved, he's way too young to even die, doesn't help he's charmed his way into my heart. AHHHHHH NOOOO NOT AGAIN, I HATE IT WHEN YOU'RE RIGHT VANESSA!

He quickly slips back into a unconscious state, worrying Noelle until she feels a strong heartbeat radiating from his chest causing her face flush red, but his eyes just didn't want to open. Little did anyone suspect, Tyrus was dealing with a situation in his inner consciousness. Klaus realized the five mages responsible for defeating Asta, Leo and Tyrus didn't coast on by luck.

Klaus: For these five mages to defeat someone as powerful as these three, just how strong were they?!

Valtos escapes while Alecdora is distracted as he begins advising them intruders of their dire plight.

Valtos: Our losses will be too high if we fight the returning Magic Knights... we should retreat now while we have what already came looking for!

Nozel: What... leaving so soon? Stay a little longer! Mercury Magic: Rain of Silver!

Silver pellets begin to rain on the villainous group before Sally sticks her tongue out to the side and summons forth a giant.... lizard?

Sally: NOW... Gel Magic! Sticky Salamander!

Nozel: It'll take a far more powerful spell to do away with Rain of Silver, little girl!

Sally: Think so? Let's try that theory out! Dark Magic Item! Properties-Based Absorption!

She injects the salamander with a syringe as it turns a shade of red and absorbs Nozel's spells with little effort.

Klaus: That's impossible! Swallowing a Magic Knight Squad Captain's magic like it's nothing!

Nozel: But how? What sort of magic item did she inject that monstrosity with?

She then directs the salamander snatch up Asta and Tyrus as Klaus and Noelle barely have time to dodge as to not get caught up.

Klaus: Asta, Tyrus!

Sally: And gotcha!

Nozel: What're you planning to do with the both of them?

Sally: That's a secret! Muhahahhaha!

Mage: We'll leave you all for now, but remember this day Magic Knights! We are... The Eye of The Midnight Sun. And we will- nay we SHALL bring the Clover Kingdom down to its knees!

Valtos summons a portal, allowing all the terrorists to escape with their newly minted hostages in tow.

Noelle: ASTA, TYRUS! They took both of them... and they were defenseless. Let's follow them!

Klaus: Stop Noelle. We're all worried about them but trying to pursue them won't work...

Noelle: And why not?!

Klaus: Because we have no means of tracking their kidnappers nor Tyrus and Asta down in the condition we're in now. And we have no idea what would await us if we somehow succeeded in tracking them down.

Noelle: I don't care, they're my teammates-

Her feelings for Tyrus as well as worrrying for both of her teammates had been clouding her judgement, something that Nozel hadn't associated with her as he chastised his younger sister.

Nozel: Let them go for now.

Noelle: Big brother.

Nozel: Our priority right is putting and retaining a foothold on the Royal Capital defenses. For all we know Noelle, there can be more enemies lurking around. We have neither time nor manpower to waste on the two of them. Steel yourself.

To Noelle, she couldn't believe what her brother was spewing. She would expect something like that to come out of Solid's mouth or maybe even Nebra's. Those words were way worse than the daggers that had cut her verbally during the luncheon earlier in the day.

He approaches Mimosa and the comatose Fuegoleon.

Nozel: How's Fuegoleon, Mimosa? Will he and Leopold survive their injuries?

Mimosa: I've done all I can with my magic... but I'm afraid it won't be enough for either one of them. They need more than what I can provide, Nozel! They need the medical ward right now and their advanced healing as soon as possible. Fuegoleon especially doesn't have much time on his side!

And then Solid began running his mouth..

Solid: Heh.... A one-armed squad captain? Is there any more ghastly sight more pitiful?

Nebra: Hahaha!

Solid: This is what House Vermillion has become. This is their revered captain and one of their best fighters reduced to? It makes me almost ashamed to be a royal!

Noelle: How can you even say that, Solid? The Captain fought valiantly alongside us!

Nozel: Because we are Magic Knights, Noelle. If we do not win, then we may very well not exist at that moment.

Noelle: So trying counts for nothing?!

Solid: Ha! Try less than nothing, dear sister! The Crimson Lion Kings-

Nozel: ENOUGH Solid.

Solid: Nozel?!

Nozel: We were not even here to assist Fuegoleon and the others during the insurgency, which makes us even less than him. So keep the insipid and useless comments to yourself. And you and Nebra can see to the town's defenses. This is no time for you childish and petty squabbles.

He casts a withering glare towards Solid and Nebra, the former shutting up almost immediately almost like a dog who had been caught pooping on the floor in front of their owner.

Solid: R-right.

Alecdora: Alright, there's some sort of spell that's blocking all transmission magic, so our chain of command is all out of whack! That would explain why outside reinforcements never arrived to assist. Everyone, do stay sharp!

Charlotte: We need to secure the perimeter, so keep your eyes open Sol!

Sol: You got it, Char!

Charlotte: Call me Captain.

Sol: Alright, securing the perimeter, Captain Char!

Charlotte just settles for both formality and pet name her subordinate was going for as they go forward with their job.

Hamon: At the rate things are going, I don't know if I'll ever get to that dessert ha-ha!

Alecdora: Quickly, Klaus. Return to HQ and see if you can get some backup.

Klaus: On it!

Noelle looks around at everyone springing into as her mind continued settling on two indivduals before resting on one.

Noelle: Asta.... Tyrus.... Please be okay.

Meanwhile in Tyrus's mind....

Tyrus: Christ.... why and has my mind always been this chilly? Where am I anyway.... Ughhhhh!

He sees the open wounds in his body, realizing what had happened before he blacked out as he walks around a landscape filled with memories of his past from meeting Sister Lily, to receiving his grimoire, to selecting the Black Bulls and even meeting Noelle...

???: You ask a lot of questions.... for a meager human.

Tyrus looks to see a ice dragon and this serpent immediately clicks in his mind...

Tyrus: You're the dragon I saw in that sword!

Dragon: I have a name....

Tyrus: Well, how come I never heard it? Least of all, why'd it take a dungeon for you to be discovered?

Dragon: My name is.... nevermind time is fleeting and I must leave you for now child. Just now know, you're not alone in your journey. Tyrus.

Tyrus: WAIT!

He's thrusted back to reality but decides to play as if he sleeping so that he doesn't raise any alarms with his kidnappers

The sun was beginning to set Clover Kingdom as the mages who had previously assaulted land in front of a castle like structure.

Mage: Rades... Are you sure we weren't followed? Better yet, put your petty need for revenge to the side. The result nearly ended in our lives being cut down. The master may have taken a liking to you, but don't get cocky. Mucking around with those creatures of yours, taking on a Captain of a Magic Knight Squad by yourself and letting three kids beat you? You're such an arrogant fool!

Rades: Oh please spare me your petulance!

Mage: If you had just stuck to the plan, we wouldn't be on the run like we are now!

Rades: I don't see what complaining or ripping into me is going to do! Especially since my puppets, my precious puppets were the victims in all of this!

Sally chimes in as she's seen carrying both Asta and unbeknownst to her a very conscious Tyrus.

Sally: We can't forget about Catherine. Things didn't turn out for her so great as well.

Rades: As if I care about that mana driven hag.

Valtos: Quit squabbling.

Rades: I don't know why you're upset, you got everything you wanted out of this Valtos!

Valtos: Oh and Sally? Why did you even bother capturing the two Black Bulls, what do you plan to do with them? As a matter of fact kill them. They can't come with us.

Sally: WHAT?! AS IF I WOULD DO ANYTHING THAT RASH. TWO YOUNG MEN IN THE PRIME OF THEIR LIVES AND YOU WANT ME TO KILL THEM?! ESPECIALLY THE ONE WITH NO MAGIC! Do you know how rare it is for someone to have not a trace of magic in their body?

They begin to stir at her incessant shouting.

Tyrus: On the first Wizard King.... WILL YOU SHUT UP?!

Asta: Where am I? What is this Tyrus and I are in, it feels kinda warm and sticky...

Mage: Bite your tongue whelp. As for you Sally, as for those who have been truly acknowledged by the Master can pass through here and know where we are headed. We need not more unnecessary trouble tracking us down. Like Valtos said, kill them before they prove to become a bigger problem.

Rades: You know, I'd be more than happy to kill them for you Sally! That duo would make an unstoppable force in my new corpse army!

Tyrus: Oh right, because you did such a great job the first, second and third times, Eyepatch! What's a failed fourth attempt?

Asta: Oh no, not good! Looks like we got captured in all the chaos.

Sally: Oh goody goody! My other test subject woke up!

Asta: Wait....

Tyrus: A girl? I mean the voice was obvious but she looks around Asta and I's age!

Sally: Come on, you two should provide an arguement as to why you two should my test subjects and not corpses.

Tyrus: I would quite literally off myself than to be dissected by you or be one of Rades's corpses. Hard pass. Though it means I wouldn't get to hang spar with Luck, chill with Magna, get some advice from a sober Vanessa, or even hang with Noelle get to know her further... wait WHY AM I DAY DREAMING ABOUT NOELLE IN MY WORST MOMENTS! STUPID FEELINGS!

Sally: Oh come on it'll be fun! I'll get know to you and everything to the last detail and your grimoires!

Asta: Hell no!

Tyrus: What part I would rather off myself did you get through that cuckoo brain of yours?! We can talk to her through this gel but we can't move, that's just fucking great!

Mage: Enough! We can kill them in here and dump the bodies somewhere. But bringing them to the Master is out of it.

Julius: Hi there, you've all kept me waiting. I was wondering when you'd show up.

Asta and Tyrus quickly look and their eyes nearly bulge at the sight of Julius Novachrono playing their savior and the kidnappers worst nightmare.

Mage: WHAT?! You're here!

Rades: No it can't be!

Valtos: The Wizard King, Julius Novachrono!

Mage: H-How did he find us and our hideout so quickly? Why is he here now?!

Julius: I hope you had fun in the Royal Capital.

Mage: KILL HIM NOW!

But before they can orchestrate their attacks, Julius stops short of two random mages, using his magic to eviscerate them to nothingness!

Tyrus: DID HE JUST?!

Valtos: Answers! WHAT DID YOU DO?!

Julius: I killed them, sorry about that. But the numbers you would have had on me would prove a tad bit troublesome. Way easier for me this way.

A giant tree shoots out from nowhere, but the incumbent Wizard King shoots through it with a simple beam, earning a piercing scream from the mage, causing everyone to be either scared, curious or inquistive the last two which Tyrus and Asta were.

Julius: You all started this by invading my home.... It was your choice to invade the Capital, kidnap two of my mages while severely injuring another to the point of death. And now you're nervous? Don't tell me you came to kill without expecting the same treatment yourselves?

Valtos: So strong! But what else do you expect when you're face to face with a Wizard King?! And with my magic power drained.....

Julius: I'll tell you what. You're skilled enough to be a challenge but... I'd rather not go through all the trouble. Let's make a deal rather. I'll let the first person to surrender to me, survive. Do we have any takers? Please don't be shy!

Sally, the two other mages, Valtos and Rades dig their heels in refusing to give up as they fire off their strongest magic attacks at Julius who at this point, is toying with them but gives off the false hope that he is running from each measure.

Valtos: How is he moving like that?! It should be impossible!

Julius: Peek-a-Boo. How about a test for yours truly! Let's see if it will work on you, shall we? Time-Binding Magic: Chronos Station!

Four blue spheres appear out of nowhere, trapping the mages, Sally, Rades and Valtos.

Rades: WHAT.... DID... HE DO?!

Mage: Body frozen stiff!

Valtos: Can't move!

Julius: Well would you look at that! I got you all, or I probably just overestimated your skills. I hope you enjoyed this moment, because you'll be staying stuck like that for a long while.

Tyrus and Asta soon drop from their gelantious prisons as Sally is frozen.

Julius: Ahh if it isn't two of the new Black Bulls, Asta and Tyrus... Fancy running into you here!

Tyrus: Very funny sir.

Julius: In any event, it's good to see you're both in relatively good shape! We three just keep running into each other under the strangest circumstances.

Asta: Uh, yeah.

Tyrus: So... can they hear us? Or see us? Their grimoires are still glowing, so they're still alive.

Julius: Outside of the two I already killed, I can assure you these ones are fully aware of their surroundings despite being frozen in time.

Asta: All these powerful mages and he captured them that easily with his magic? That should legitmately impossible.... but he pulled it off!

Julius approaches the teenagers reminded that they alongside Yuno asked him earlier in the day how they could become Wizard King in the future.

Julius: You two alongside the Golden Dawn rookie, your other brother Yuno wanted to become Wizard King someday, isn't that right? Then I suggest you both carefully consider what you two have seen here today at this very moment. These are some of the things that a Wizard King must deal with from time to time when he or she gets pulled from their desk. This was only the smallest example of this power you two would hope to out match someday.

Asta: This is who I'm chasing?! The strongest man I've ever seen in action. The one I have to surpass if I want to become the Wizard King!

Tyrus: The man is no joke, this is who Yuno, Asta and I are racing to become one day? Sometimes, I wonder if way in over our damn heads and just being kids..... NO OF COURSE WE ALL WANT THIS. AND I'LL BE THE ONE TO BEAT THEM TO THAT PERCH!

He offers his hand to either one.

Julius: Can either one of you stand up?

Asta: The Wizard King in all of his power.

Tyrus: His eminence, his glory...

Both boys look at the extended as they desperately try to stand on their lonesome which piques Julius's interest.

Tyrus: Get up you sorry sack of shit!

Asta: Idiot! Stop shaking!

They finally stand despite their wounds making them want to crash again.

Julius: Well it looks like you don't need my help after all.

He looks back at his trapped victims.

Julius: As much as it pains me to say, you folks have some pretty intriguing magic. It surprised me, now then! Tell me about this as I have a few questions about it. And I need answers.

He approaches a stone tablet, which has a few engravings in it that point towards the bottom.

Julius: This stone tablet! You've been after some jewels, some of which you've already acquired. What're you planning, I've never seen writing like this before nor such a pattern so unique. Actually hold that thought, since you're in no position to talk while my spell's active. We'll have a nice chat about this back in the Clover Kingdom once you're in chains.

The stone tablet begins to glow intensely.

Julius: Get ready.... something's coming you two.

Asta: So bright!

Tyrus: No kidding!

From the light would emerge a robed individual, his cloak down revealing his full features with distinct markings on his face as well his hair braided as the light continued to blind Asta and Tyrus significantly though the latter could start to make out a face.

Asta: Where is all this light coming from?!

Tyrus: I don't know, but I'm getting nothing pure malice from our new friend.... he's not playing any games right now!

Julius locks eyes with the light mage who still floats above him and his surbodinates. But as brightly as it burned, the magician disappeared with the stone tablet and the lot of Rades, Valtos, Sally and one mage, leaving one behind, suggesting that he was nothing more than dead weight.

Asta: Where did he go?

Julius: He got away. His pals too. He was a light magic wielder, faster even than I am. I wonder if he was their leader.

Tyrus: Faster.... than the Wizard King. There's no way, was that the same person... that could've beaten Captain Fuegoleon?

Julius: Oh well, there's no sense in worrying about something so fascinatingly troubling when I can deal with it down the line. Anyway, he did leave us with quite the gift. So how about we get back home?

Marx: Ah... There you are sir! Where even are you?!

Julius: Hey hey there, don't go biting my head off yet Marx. Rest assured I'm alright! Been a bit busy on my end, I had our transmission magic temporarily suspended.

Marx shook his head.

Marx: You can explain your actions later sir, you're needed at the medical ward now. It's about Captain Fuegoleon and his younger brother Leopold!

His face darkens quickly at the mention of the Vermillions'. True enough, the Clover Kingdom mages were doing their absolute best and sparing no expense in healing an unconscious Leo and comatose Fuegoleon. As everyone stood guard outside awaiting the earliest update, Mimosa clasps her hands hoping she had done a good enough job healing her cousins for the doctors and nurses.

Mimosa: This is simply awful... they'll pull through right?

Noelle: You did everything you could, Mimosa. Don't beat yourself up, please. It's not like you at all.

Sol: Poor guys, I hope they wake up soon!

Charlotte: As do I. Fuegoleon is one of the few men I've actually come to respect as a man and value as a comrade.

Alecdora: We've bolstered the magic barrier... the transmission magic has been restored as well, more knights are currently on the ground, rounding up any loose stragglers.

Hamon: The Capital should be secured as of this moment and we're still searching for those two rabble- I mean two Black Bulls that went missing during the chaos.

Despite his jovial disposition, the cousins Silva and Vermillion look downcast as Klaus tries bringing their moods back to even-keel.

Klaus: They haven't had them for long and they're both hellaciously stubborn. When they return, I'm going to slap them silly!

Alecdora: This large influx of mana and magic power- It's!

Suddenly Julius appears in front of everyone with Tyrus and Asta in both of his arms with the lone Midnight Sun member still suspended in his time prison.

Julius: Hey there everyone! Sorry to keep you waiting.

Mimosa: It's the Wizard King!

Noelle: And he's got Asta and Tyrus!

Tyrus: So... embarrassing. Hey guys, did we give everyone a good scare?

Asta: The gang is all back and better than ever!

Sol: Hey look. He's got a captive!

Tyrus: Man, for a second I thought I was going to be a plaything for that crazy chick. Thank the Wizard King for saving Asta and I at the same time- OWWWW!

Noelle promptly smacks him upside the head beating Klaus to his action he wanted to act on.

Tyrus: The hell is your malfunction, Princess?!

Noelle: That's for getting kidnapped! Never have I met someone so damn careless and reckless!

Tyrus: Geez, making me feel a whole lot better little Princess. Huh?!

She then quickly hugs him as her face quickly, her siblings either looking in bated interest or disgust at the unfolding scene.

Noelle: I was worried about you and Dorksta. You two are my teammates, so do be more careful.... for the Black Bulls... and my sake. Please Tyrus?

He looked her dead in her pink eyes as he does his best to return the hug as he felt the sensation of six set of royal eyes burn into his very soul.

Tyrus: I'm a stubborn bastard, you've seen it firsthand. But for you and my other teammates? I'll see if I can manage and keep my thrill urges in check. But you want to let go? I can quite literally feel Nozel and Solid wanting to murder me on looks alone.

She quickly releases her hold on him as Klaus pushes the girls out of the way making his way to the foster brothers.

Klaus: ASTA, TYRUS! You two are really here!

Tyrus: In the flesh, Klaus.

Klaus: But... they took you both! I thought you two were gone for good!

Asta: Well.... I guess we missed that part of the kidnapping.

Klaus: Do you know how I was worried about you two?!

Asta: We're fine.

Tyrus: Seriously you don't gotta cry. We're alright, Four-Eyes.

Noelle deadpans.

Noelle: Whatever happened to slapping them silly? Huh?!

Mimosa is next as she pushes all three of Klaus, Tyrus and Noelle out of the way to get to Asta.

Mimosa: Asta, you've come back to us! I was so worried about you and your brother, I can't even begin to tell you!

Tyrus: I can't even tell.... ugh.

She quickly, much like Noelle did with his brother, hugs Asta.

Mimosa: I mean... it's so good to see you!

She blushes stupidly as Nero comes in out of nowhere and begins its daily tradition of banging its beak against Asta's head. Some time had passed as everyone had debriefed their leader on the situation pertaining the attacks on the Capital.

Julius: I see. And we don't have a timetable as to when Fuegoleon could possibly wake up? Losing a man like that would do terrible for morale as well as any future aspiring mages wishing to join our ranks... The consequences of my misjudgement.

Charlotte: No, Sir.... It's our inexperience that even led to something like this and we discovered something else as we transported Fuegoleon and his brother here. The pendant he's usually seen wearing, it was missing when we flipped him over.

Julius: Missing, you say?

Charlotte: Perhaps they staged their attack as a means to get closer to him and then steal it from him. Do you have any idea who they may be, Sir?

Julius: Well no.... but there have been rumors lately. It sounds like more or less they have a grudge against the Clover Kingdom.

Mage: We are the Eye of The Midnight Sun.... We will- nay, we SHALL bring the Clover Kingdom to its knees!

Julius: In fact it might not be as simple as that.... the multicolored jewels embedded into that tablet. They were arranged in a particular pattern yet... some of the spots were still empty. Fuegoleon's pendant? Could it have been one of the subjects to whatever nefarious plot they're planning. What happens when they're all in place? Charlotte could be right... They targeted and even tried to kill Fuegoleon to get the pendant off of his person. Duly, they might have also sought to disable rather than kill since they felt he might've been the biggest spoiler to whatever ambitions they had. We have been covertly investigating a number of dissidents but this truly was the first time I have been able to link anything solid to a single group. This Eye of the Midnight Sun is a lot stronger than I could have anticipated. Large scale attack with immense power. Perhaps it would have been best if I stayed in the Capital. this could've been prevented. We'll interrogate the prisoner for everything he knows, whoever they may be. I only ask one thing of you all as Magic Knights. And that is to perserve the peace of the Clover Kingdom. Our people have been through enough as is. And to achieve that, we must put and lay everything on the line.

Asta: Yes sir-

Nozel: Excuse me, Sir.

Solid: We're right behind you brother.

Tyrus: Kinda anticlimatic of him just to walk off now?

Asta: I thought we were doing the whole group salute solidarity thing? Way to ruin the moment-

Julius: There's a popular saying... Don't wake a sleeping lion. But it appears our mysterious enemies may have actually awoke a couple of sleeping Eagles.

Nozel stalks off with Nebra and Solid in tow as he stews heavily in his thoughts as he remembers what he told Noelle prior to Asta and Tyrus getting kidnapped and silencing Solid's childish taunting of a wounded Fuegoleon. He thinks back to the first time he and the Vermillion rubbed shoulders and became rivals. Seeing Fuegoleon being easily defeated, void of one arm, his pendant missing and he wasn't there to assist in the slightest. It didn't sit well with the unabashed and at times cold-hearted eldest child of Acier Silva.

Nozel: Inexcusable.... What an utter failure on my end. I can never allow that happen again. Fuegoleon, my closest friend and rival.... I will find whoever did this to you. AND I WILL BURY THEM! I SWEAR THIS TO YOU.

Hamon: Huuuu.... I never felt that useless in my entire life not since I was a toddler... I hope it never happens again.

Sol: We won't let it!

Charlotte: I promise. We will get stronger!

Julius: I'm glad to hear it.

The doors suddenly bang open.

Leo: AND I'M GOING TO BE THE STRONGEST OF YOU ALL JUST WAIT AND SEE!

Mimosa: Leopold!

Leo stands, using the door as an honorary crutch.

Noelle: You should still be resting!

Leo: ASTA, TYRUS! I'm glad to see all three of us survived! It's appropriate that my two rivals defeat death too! We must- grow stronger together! I will work until the day I surpassed even my eldest siblings! And then? I WILL BECOME THE WIZARD KING!

Tyrus: Heh heh, get in line.... Rival.

Leo: And now this!

He conjures a tiny flame on his thumb as he burns his forehead.

Flashback....

Leo: Brother?

Fuegoleon: Yes, Leopold?

Leo: That diamond marking on your forehead? What is it?

Fuegoleon: It's a sign. This mark means I'm committed in overcoming and surpassing my limitations everyday and becoming King. It's the symbol of House Vermillion and an oath made to oneself.

End Flashback.

Leo: This mark, symbolizes my personal oath!

Both of his quote on quote rivals smile brightly or otherwise smirk knowingly at his renewed sense of purpose

Asta: Yeah!

Tyrus: Then let the good times roll, Leo! Let us three become the best rivals known to man.

Asta: So... who exactly are you again?

Leo: WHAAAA?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

Tyrus: Unfortunately he's not.

Everyone laughs at the three.

Leo: HOW DO YOU NOT KNOW WHO YOUR OWN RIVAL IS?!

Asta: Well did you actually introduce yourself, I can't actually remember.

Tyrus: He quite literally did after we embarrassed Noelle's siblings how do you not remember everything that happened?!

Leo: I AM LEOPOLD VERMILLION, but in the spirit of friendly competition, just call me Leo!

Narrator: The Wizard King in his investigation had concluded the attack on the Royal Capital was the work of a terrorist cell now known as The Eye of the Midnight Sun... In a public speech, he made clear his determination to bring forth those responsible or foolish enough to strike the home of so many innocent people while he and the Magic Knights continued to fight. He was met with universal support from this decree. The invasion only succeeded the way it did because some of the mages responsible for guarding and maintain the city barrier had gone missing. Were they eliminated or like Asta and Tyrus, kidnapped? Or possibly did they go willingly? After his own investigation had concluded, Julius had come up with his own theory but it was a theory he wished not to make public lest, the people lose faith in the Magic Knights.

Julius: As much as I don't want to believe it myself.... there must be a traitor amongst the Magic Knight ranks. In the Royal Capital mages.

The next day rolls around as Julius is hard at work but to no avail interrogating Catherine and the cloaked mage.

Marx: It's no use, sir. With the protect magic cast on them, they won't be spilling anything anytime soon.

Catherine: Ha... We're not keeping quiet because of some spell. The Master is more than the Light and Darkness. He is more than just a man! HE IS OUR GOD!

Mage: We were abandoned... cast aside. Until he picked us up from obscurity.... You can do whatever you want with us, but we will never undercut or sell our Master out! We would rather die than betray him.

Marx and Julius take a walk to decompress and evaluate their next steps

Marx: Whoever this 'Master' is.... the audience he clearly commands is not to be trifled with Julius. He's most likely the one responsible for bringing Fuegoleon down to his comatose state, as I doubt his minions could have the strength combined to do so.

Julius: Right you are.... We'll have to ask the Captain. Let's pay him a visit. We must bide our time until the King of the Crimson Lions awakens once more!

Rades: DAMN YOU DAMN YOU DAMNNNNN YOU! YOU INSUFFERABLE BRATS ASTA AND TYRUS! YOU'RE THE REASON I'M HURTING RIGHT NOW.... I'LL HAVE A WHOLE LOT OF FUN KILLING YOU AND MAKING YOU TWO CORPSES! I'LL ASSEMBLE A WRAITH ARMY AND RIP YOU TWO APART LIMB BY LIMB!

Sally: Wait... are you talking about the Anti-Magic kid? No! You can't kill Asta or his brother! I've got research to do on them and I prefer live test subjects.

Rades: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN STANDING THERE SALLY?!

They continued to argue about what to do with Asta as she experiments with two vials of blood labeled with both of their names respectively. How she got their blood without them knowing, we will never know but Sally's going to Sally!

???: I was unable to save Gyorrk or Catherine...

Valtos was kneeling at the behest of the Master.

Valtos: Those two are willing but they are dedicated to you, Master. Their loyalty to your cause is absolute... I doubt they will reveal anything meaningful about your intentions.

???: It's not information I am worried about, Valtos. As long as they are alive, that's all that matters to me.

He pulls up his right sleeve, revealing his withered arm a byproduct of his clash with Julius.

???: I thought I had dodged it... but it seems his attack did graze me in fact. A spell that speeds the passage of time? Such power, his might is to be respected at all times. Still we will continue to march on our mission! Revenge will be ours, Valtos. I can almost taste it.

He looks out to the sea of cloaked followers that stand below him, ready to beckon at his very command.

???: Soon, the once very mighty Clover Kingdom will fall... and when it does? A new nation that is ours will rise up from their ashes and blood.

Another day passes as the girl Asta had saved has finally reunited with Asta, Tyrus and Noelle, the former two now fully healed from their injuries completely.

Little Girl: I can't believe how brave you three were out there! Thank you so much for saving my life.

Asta: Sure! It was our pleasure.

Tyrus: Think nothing of it sweetheart! Noelle, Asta and I were just doing our job as Magic Knights. We're just glad you made it out with no injuries!

Noelle: W-We were just doing our job as Knights!

Tyrus: Forgive the Princess, she's still used to getting showered with compliments.

Little Girl: Anyway I wanted to thank you. Here I made these from scratch.

She handed the trio of Black Bulls a picnic basket of unique cupcakes.

Asta: Whoa, they look awesome!

Tyrus: And I'm sure they're going to absolutely to pass the taste test with flying colors, you shouldn't have!

She bows before them before bidding them a goodbye as Charmy grabs the basket.

Charmy: I LOVE CUPCAKES!

Noelle: Wait what the what?

Tyrus: Better to not ask these questions.... if there's food within a twelve mile distance from Charmy.... just know food is going to be gone. Doesn't matter if it's yours or hers.

Asta: Charmy, where did you even come from?!

Charmy: Whereever there is tasty food, I shall appear Asta! Here, I got a few to spare.

Tyrus: Ummm, not to play particulars here... but you do realize that little girl made those for us, right? And, not you?

Charmy: It's okay I don't mind sharing!

Tyrus: Well... it would be rude to let her baking skills to go waste. Shall we, guys?

Noelle: I guess, but not because you told me to.

Asta: I guess, thanks Charmy?

They bite into their respective cupcakes as their tastebuds get sent ablaze.

Tyrus: Oh... wow. That little girl knows how to bake!

Asta: It's delicious!

Noelle: I suppose it's not bad at all.

They all notice Charmy is a lot more bubblier than usual, like WAY more bubbly. It was highlighted by her... dancing around the picnic basket.

Tyrus: Alright, I'll bite. You're a lot more chipper than usual, Charmy. Spill. What's gotten into you exactly.

She muffles through chewed bites that she found love for the first time and it wasn't food based, somehow Tyrus and Noelle were able to decipher this.

Noelle: Wait... I'm confused, how'd you get in the castle in the first place. It was just Tyrus, Asta and I that came to the Royal Capital.

She then envelops herself in a literal cotton just big enough to fit her entire body into as it then shrinks and floats into the back of Asta's hoodie.

Tyrus: BAHAHAHAHAH! OH WOW NOW THAT'S HILARIOUS!

Asta: THIS ISN'T FUNNY, TY. IT'S AN INVASION OF MY PRIVACY!

Noelle: Wow, I guess Charmy's appetite isn't the only thing that's incredible.

Asta: Hang on a second..... HEYYYYYYY YUNO! GUYS, DOWN HERE!

Klaus: Oh, I know that scream anywhere.....

Mimosa: Oh hi Asta, Tyrus and Noelle!

Klaus: I take it your stomach wounds are all healed? Wait, I asked you two that before, didn't I?

Tyrus: You know it! I don't feel not one pang of pain on me bay bay!

Asta: Yeah, don't worry we're perfectly fine!

Tyrus: OY YUNO! WE HEARD YOU BEAT THE BRAKES OFF SOME WITCH! DAMN YOU, YA HANDSOME JERK!

Yuno: And that makes me a jerk?

Charmy: My meal saving Prince?!

Tyrus: Ya damn right!

Asta: What's the matter with you? Aren't you going to at least say hello to your brothers or something, stop being such a ladykiller!

Charmy: WAHHH, How do you know my Prince?!

Tyrus: We grew up together.

Asta: OH YOU THINK YOU'RE THINKING YOU'RE TOO GOOD FOR US NOW, HUH?!

Tyrus: Come now, a simple hello won't kill you, Yuno!

He steps forward, grimoire drawn.

Yuno: You both want a hello? Here you go.

Tyrus: And I think we might've pissed him off.

An eagle sprouts from grimoire as it dashes for the four Black Bulls, terrifying Noelle, Asta and Tyrus. The latter two draw their swords as Tyrus feels something click from his sword as his arm pulses intensely.

Tyrus: This power? Could it be- No time to be thinking!

Asta and Tyrus bat the Wind Eagle down as it explodes and leaves two inscriptions in front of Yuno's brothers.

Yuno: I may have overdone it....

Klaus: WHAT DID YOU DO THAT FOR?! YOU COULD HAVE KILLED THEM!

Asta: Yeah, Tyrus... you were right. Taunting Yuno in the morning is bad for your health.

Tyrus: Why... why do you think I rarely do so?! Huh- OH REAL CUTE YUNO!

"Take care Hagey The Snowman..."- Yuno

Noelle: Hagey the Snowman? Oh my god, that is too-

Tyrus: Finish that sentence and I'll get you back for Castletown ten-fold, Noelle.

Asta: LITTLE RASTA?! OH YOU ARE SO DEAD WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON YOU, YUNO! YOU- YOU BIGGER JERK!

Charmy: The fierce winds of true love......

Klaus: Wait Yuno, come back!

Yuno ignores the chatter and his superiors pleas.

Klaus: His magic... it's gotten a lot more powerful since the dungeon expedition. And it's not just because of his possession of the Four Leaf Clover Grimoire. What could've happened to result in such a sudden change.

Meanwhile flashes a slight smile as Sylph hangs closely as Asta and Tyrus continue to shout from below from nearly being blown off the map due to his Swift Hawk Attack as Mimosa lamented thinking about Asta.

Mimosa: Asta.... I promise, I will get stronger. The next time we face an enemy together, we will do it as equals so that I won't be so much as a burden to anyone again! I already Noelle has that same goal for Tyrus. And then- And then- GEEEEHEEE!

Asta: We'll have our showdown... right Tyrus?

Tyrus: You mean the one where I absolutely obliterate the both of you... yeah, but I already know you two will give it your all. You wouldn't be my rivals any other way if you didn't. But that can wait until we've matured as true Magic Knights, Asta. I won't lose to either one of you, got that Asta and Yuno? Let's get stronger in our own ways and then... we'll see who's tailor made for the Wizard King!

Noelle giggles slightly.

Tyrus: Something funny back there, Noelle?

Noelle: No, nothing at all... Hagey.

Tyrus: Nope, nope! Just go back to calling me Bakarus or Insect!

Noelle: Mm. I'll think about it.

Later that day....

Asta: Hey guys, welcome back!

Tyrus: How'd your mission go, Luck and Magna?

Magna: Not too bad, you three! I tell you though I am wiped out.

Luck: It was exhausting!

Magna: BUT WORTH IT! The two of us did so well, the Wizard King even gave us a star.

Asta: THAT'S SO AWESOME!

Luck and Magna even tell them about a new combo move much to the fire mage's chagrin. Magna was getting a little too full of himself stating it wouldn't be long before he succeeded Yami in leading the Black Bulls.

Magna: Get ready because the Age of Magna is fast approaching! Stick me with kiddies, you'll be going places.

Asta: YES SIR!

Tyrus: We forgot there's some news of our own we forgot to drop.

Magna: Eh, making moves of your own, Little Rex and Rasta? Lady Noe-Noe?

Asta: After the attack on the capital there was special Distinguished Service Ceremony, Noelle, Tyrus and I got promoted! And I guess I did pretty well, because I got promoted to Junior Magic Knight Third Class!

Magna: WHAAAAAA?! Hold on, what's a Junior Magic Knight....

Yami calls him an idiot and regales Luck and Magna with the Knights ranking system and how the Cheery Berserker and Rayaka native haven't sniffed a single promotion since they joined the Black Bulls.

Yami: You two are Junior Magic Knights Fifth Class... You best start showing Asta, Tyrus and our resident Princess Noelle some respect.

Tyrus: And just for the record.... yes Noelle and I got the same rank as Asta.

Yami: Charmy... you're a Junior Magic Knight First Class.

Charmy: That's right lowly subjects. Kneel before the great and powerful Charmy Pappitson, peons!

Yami: Yeah, apparently she caught a mana draining witch during the attacks. I think she was trying beat her up but hey what do I know? Anyways good work out there kids.

Tyrus: Thanks...

Asta: It's just what if Captain Fuegoleon never wakes up?

Yami: Fuegoleon? That's who you worried about? That flame-throwing stiffard who values honor and fighting prowess above all else is one of the toughest bastards I know. Something like this isn't going to keep the Vermillion down for long. Hell if it tracks with them, he'll just wake up even stronger than usual.

Tyrus: You do have a point.

Asta: Yeah you're right! Alright let's get back to my training!

Yami: No way kid. After everything you, your brother and Noelle have been through, you three need to rest.

Tyrus: Funny I was just thinking that. Hopefully it won't be for three days this time!

Noelle: Don't be an idiot, Asta! The captain's right. You and Tyrus are walking, talking wrecks. How you can even walk without even breaking something is miracle.

Asta: Time off, huh...

Finral: Time off you two? I've got the perfect solution! Tyrus, Asta! Let's go to a mixer!

Noelle: WHAAAAA?

Tyrus: A- Mixer?

Asta: HUUHHHHH?!

Yami: You've got work to do, Finral!

Finral: Don't you two worry about a thing! I'll handle the arrangements you guys!

Yami: What part of work, did you not understand?

Finral: So much to do, so little time!

Yami: I'M GONNA KILL YOU.

Finral: Oh, Captain Yami. Did you want to go too?

Final Word Count: 9,893 Words

END OF CHAPTER NINETEEN! READ, COMMENT, VOTE, ADD TO THE READING LIST!