Narrator: The Clover Kingdom... In this place where the be all end all is magic, there is one boy who can't use it. His name is Asta. His strength, desire, guts and overwhelming determination to best his childhood friends and rivals helped him become a Magic Knight. And though his situation is practically unheard of, there are a few within the Clover Kingdom that share his plight in having tiny amounts of mana but can barely use any spells at all. These people make up a very small minority, forced to live their lives in the shadows.

We see a man walking with a cane before he cruelly falls down, the cause more than likely from exhaustion but he doesn't waver, picking up his walking aid and marching forward.

But like everyone else, they do their best to survive until the next day's approach.

Everlasting Shine Changes
1) After Yuno is shown with Bell, Noelle is shown to be relaxing with Tyrus, her arms wrapped around his stomach while the two's hair whip thanks to the wind. Kuraokami is shown to be sleeping on his master's shoulder.
2) In the Captain's Package, Yami is shown after Charlotte and his mirage shows Vanessa sleeping, Gauche talking to Marie and Charmy cooking after which Nozel, Solid and Nebra are shown. The aforementioned Charlotte features Sol and Selene being carried by the former's golem.
3) Tyrus is shown in a front of grave, flowers armed but before the tears can emanate, the Black Bulls and his sister Selene comfort him and he slowly begins smiling as then Yuno is shown with the major players of the Golden Dawn, being swarmed by Mimosa, David and Letoile with the rest looking with warm smiles or smirks.
4) After Secre is shown, a snippet of Valkyrie Noelle and Spirit Dive Tyrus clashing is shown before Loropechika, Undine and Gaja are introduced.
5) A quick snippet of Asta, Tyrus, Yuno as infants are shown as their progressions as Magic Knights is displayed from rookies, to intermediaries to current day as their special forms ignite, trails dancing in the air before they're shown looking at the Clover Kingdom from afar, their grimoire laying on a rock with Tyrus and Yuno's necklaces hanging on the Demon Slayer Sword

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These events you are about to witness take place a few months before the Eye of the Midnight Sun's second devastating attack on the Royal Captial. The setting? A town that is neither poor but is not brimming with wealth at the same time. Not large but not small as well. It was just an ordinary place with ordinary citizens located within the Common Realm of the Clover Kingdom.....

The flashback continues, taking us to a average sized house... where chemical bottles and books are stashed neatly and organized by importance and alphabetical order. We then see two women, one with a doctor's robe and another with a scarf and green jacket wrapped around her body. The doctor rubs what appears to be a substance on her patients' arm and wrist.

Woman: Ow!

Doctor: Try to be a little stronger. This wound should heal up rather quickly.

The wounded, a woman by the name of Dazu Tayak thanks her doctor, Bow Nocde who quickly waves her and accepts her graciousness.

Bow: Hey, it's going to be all right, you hear me?

Dazu looks at her, eyes watery as she guides herself into the doctors' arm for some comfort, the soft bubbling of boiling water overheard.

Dazu: I should probably be heading out now.

Bow: You can stay, no one will be here for a long while. I'd actually welcome your company, Dazu.

Dazu: Mm. I know, but he'll be coming back home soon. I should be there to welcome him.

Bow: I see.

Dazu opens the door, swiftly saying goodbye and once again thanking the healer for doing away with her injury. She takes a look around her village to see all of the happenings as the Sun began to set, fields were being tilled by farmers as they said hello to her, kids played in the crops being as careful not to trample the baby plants while she took a look at her home village. As nightfell on the city, she, her husband Vide and Meshu, her elderly mother-in-law were in the process of having dinner...

Vide: Another great and blessed meal. I thank you, Dazu, my dear wife.

Dazu: Of course, honey.

Meshu: It really is delicious, sweetheart. You've outdone yourself. You really are a great cook.

She cringes a bit when her mother in law says her soup has gone cold.

Dazu: I'm so sorry, let me go reheat it for you!

Meshu: No, there's no need for you to walk all the way to the kitchen, dearie. It'll be easier if you just warm it up with your magic.

Vide: Go on.

Dazu: All right, if you insist. Mother, I'll need some of your Flame Magic, Mother. And Vide, I hope you won't mind if I borrow some of your Spatial Magic.

They accept as she then waves a tiny violet ball of energy is then produced with Dazu quickly orbiting it around Meshu's bowl of soup as it quickly warms up to a suitable temperature.

Meshu: That's perfect! Thank you so much my dear. Your Catalyst Magic really does come in handy.

Vide: Seriously, I wish I could borrow other people's magics like you do for my own purposes, talk about a valuable skill!

She chuckles awkwardly as they continue to dine on their dinner for the night.... when suddenly-

THRRROOOOOOOM! BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

A massive explosion rocks the entire house from the fireplace, with Meshu being caught immediately in the blast zone and Dazu and Vide being thrown back from their chairs a considerable distance! High above and unknown to the family and citizens of Tiulyu, the Gravitos Stone also known as the hideout for the elves and Eye of the Midnight Sun co-conspirators rained boulders from the super structure, bombarding the village, causing fires to spring all over the place and out of control!

RUN AWAY! WHERE DO WE GO?! IT'S THE END OF WORLD! MOMMY! SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP US!

BOOM! CRASH!

A man who had fallen in the chaos is spared from immediate death only to find himself at the mercy of three possessed Purple Orca Magic Knights who were protecting village from a potentially chaotic situation. All three raise their hands summoning flickers of flame, water and wind magic, eager to wreak havoc.

Female Purple Orca: Human scum.

Purple Orca: Prepare yourselves for total decimation and the wrath of the newly reincarnated elves.

Purple Orca: Vengeance shall be ours, here and now!

The possessed coldly and callously though not in their right mind, execute the poor man as the Gravitos Stone continues to trek for the Royal Capital. Dazu having sustained a major head wound, did not care for the bleeding that had trickled down her hair and in turn onto the bricks but rather her first thoughts were in finding her husband and mother-in-law within the rubble.

Dazu: Don't worry! I'll save you, Vide and Meshu!

But her words despite sounding courageous and valiant ultimately fall on deaf ears well into the night. Meshu, gravely wounded calls out to her.

Meshu: Please hurry, Dazu! You have to get us out, or we'll die!

Dazu desperately tries to rip a giant piece of rubble and concrete off of her spouse as she worridedly exchanges a look with Meshu. Trading back to her husband, she cries out when she witnesses Vide crying and hacking inordinate amounts of saliva and blood.

Dazu: SOMEBODY, ANYBODY! PLEASE HELP ME! MY HUSBAND AND MOTHER-IN-LAW ARE SEVERELY INJURED AND I NEED ASSISTANCE!

Vide: I-I-I know you won't let us die here, Dazu.... I believe in you.

He utters out something inaudible to us.... but it seemingly shakes the Catalyst Magic user to her very core. And then more explosions ring out, ultimately consuming her home, family and her...... as Tiulyu is laid to complete ruins courtesy of the first stage via the elves attack. When the chaos has died down, Dazu stays relatively unharmed outside of her bloody head wound as she silently mourns over her now departed family when a green light overtakes her senses.

Dazu: Huh.... green light? But it's too early for the sun to be rising at this time.

She sees what appears to be a giant tree on top of Clover Castle, just as the possessed female Purple Orca stares Dazu down.

Female Purple Orca: Curse you, human.

She suddenly is relieved of her control of her human slave, with the actual Magic Knight passing out immediately after the possession is undone. What happens next is a blur to her but Dazu sees hundreds of spirits floating towards the tree, a byproduct of Golden Dawn Captain, William Vangeance and Elven Tribe leader, Licht with an assist from Asta's Demon-Destroyer Sword.

Civilian: LOOK UP THERE! THAT'S THE MAGIC OF CAPTAIN VANGEANCE OF THE GOLDEN DAWN!

Female Waitress: It's so serene and peaceful.

Male Magic Item Shop Owner: Does this mean the Magic and Royal Knights saved our home? Is the Clover Kingdom is no longer under attack?!

And just like that.... a new day had risen over the Clover Kingdom.....

(A few days later....)

When all is said and done.... Tiuylu is one of the most ravaged provinces of the Clover Kingdom.... most buildings are totaled to the point where they needed to be intentionally leveled. People had been in the process of recovering all of the dead, and assistance from the Royal Capital had been granted. Dazu had been in a state of deep shock, having in less than two days went from tending an injury to burying both her husband Vide and mother-in-law, Meshu as their wounds proved too catastrophic even if she somehow were to free them from their rubble prisons. Bow had stopped by to pay her respects but also to alert Dazu of the alleged "source" of the chaos that turned their hometown upside down.

Bow: I'm terribly sorry for your loss, Dazu. But you need to take a look at this.

She hands her a newspaper.... the very same newspaper that had spread itself all over the Clover Kingdom with a particular loud-mouthed Black Bull's face smeared on the cover.

Dazu: Hold on.... "The Devil's Servants"? It says here "That some of the Magic Knights were recently suspected of communicating with a devil and mingling in the use of.... forbidden spells." "The accused are set to face trial at the hands of the Magic Parliament very soon."

Bow: Meaning that attack we suffered? It appears it was just one of many incidents that affected the entire Clover Kingdom. Rumor has it that the only reason the Magic Knights lashed out as they did.... was because of a powerful devil had been pulling the strings and assumed control of all of their bodies.

Dazu: Wait, are you saying they were possessed? A devil... was responsible for all of this?

She begins to cry again, the tears much heavier this time than when she first failed to save Meshu and Vide from their demises as the doctor comforted her. In the aftermath of everything however, the next steps had been laid for the Clover Kingdom.

Julius: I'm asking each and every one to make sure your squads are as powerful and balanced as can be. None of your factions can afford to have any weaknesses. We only have six months until Her Majesty, Queen Loropechika of the Heart Kingdom launches her full-scale attack upon the Spade Kingdom. From there on, we will lend our all of strength and power in her quest to face the Spade Kingdom whilst protecting our own borders as well. Please for the next half year, do everything you can to raise their magic stages to Stage One or beyond that to Zero Stage. Does this arrangement work for you, Chairman Damnatio?

Damnatio: How do you mean, Your Majesty?

Julius: Well, as we've already established, the Magic Knights are going to need to train for six months in order to be successful and also have a fighting chance in taking the Spade Devil out. And as you might've figured out, Asta's still waiting to receive his sentence. But I'm sure even you can table that mighty difficult decision until after the upcoming quarrel is dealt with, yes?

Damnatio, as we know him to be as a man of few words and very cold exterior and interior looks at all of the Magic Knight Squad Captains, the incumbent Wizard King and the group of subordinates from the Black Bulls and Golden in the accused Asta, his squadmates consisting of foster brother slash rival Tyrus, Tyrus's girlfriend and Asta's close friend Noelle Silva, Finral Roulacase and Asta's unknowing crush, Mimosa Vermillion before his scales do the talking. He gets up, that ever calm and composed looked written in his face.

Damnatio: I suppose I cannot object to that.

After the meeting had adjourned, a rageful shouting burst throughout the Magic Parliament's headquarters.

Kabwe: WHAT THE HELL IS THE MEANING OF ALL THIS, CHAIRMAN KIRA?! ASTA OF THE BLACK BULLS AND THAT DAMNED NERO WOMAN WERE CLEARLY BEHIND ALL OF THAT SUFFERING AND TRAGEDY THAT THE CLOVER KINGDOM HAS ENDURED AND WE'RE CUTTING THEM FREE?! WHY, BECAUSE THE REST OF THEIR PUTRID SQUAD SHOWED UP TO BAIL THEM OUT? THOSE TWO ARE SERVANTS OF THE DEVIL, SIR! YOU KNOW IT AND I KNOW IT! I'M SORRY BUT WE CAN'T LET THEM SCURRY AROUND FOR SIX MONTHS ON THE EXCUSE THAT THEY'RE TRAINING!

Kabwe Carillon is not a happy camper to say the least and with good reason.... his nephew had been one of the many victims that didn't make it during the elves attempted destruction of the Clover Kingdom and believing Asta and by extension Secre or anyone else associated with him to be co-conspirators, he understandably wanted action taken against the devil-possessed Black Bull. Damnatio heard his rant but tabled it with a counter-argument, though the royal's tone fostered no retort from the guard of the Magic Parliament.

Damnatio: As I've already explained to you before, Kabwe. What matters for now is that we cooperate and allow the Magic Knights to train and that we lend our aid to the Heart Kingdom unabated. It is of the utmost importance that we must maintain a unified front in the face of that devil that is not only situated in the Spade Kingdom but is only wreaking havoc in the Diamond Kingdom with intent to conquer our borders as well.

Kabwe: BUT SIR DAMNATIO!

Damnatio: Enough. Our next course of action is already decided upon.

Kabwe stood fast in his stance, never holding his tongue.

Kabwe: Forgive me for speaking out of turn and saying so, Lord Damnatio, but I can't believe you honestly approve of the Wizard King's shenanigans!

Damnatio: That's because I honestly don't. However there are many other complicated factors other than my own stance to look at that are in play here. Factors beyond even you or I.

Kabwe: THE ONLY THING THAT IS MORE IMPORTANT IS THAT DEVIL BEING EXECUTED WHO CAUSED ALL OF THIS DESTRUCTION AND DEATH! THERE ARE MULTIPLE PARTIES TO BLAME, LIKE THE EYE OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN FOR WHAT THEY DID TO THE CLOVER KINGDOM... BUT THAT DAMNED DEVIL WAS THE ROOT OF ALL THIS EVIL! Sir, they killed my nephew!

Damnatio: Enough, I said.

Kabwe: NO! I'm sorry, Sir. BUT THESE VICIOUS CRIMINALS NEED TO BE PUT TO DEATH! IT IS THE ONLY WAY TO PROTECT OUR PEOPLE! THAT'S WHAT THE MAGIC PARLIAMENT'S FOR-

Damnatio: SILENCE, FOOL!

His tone immediately kills any more protests Kabwe effectively had, the guard's arms sinking down in defeat but trembling with bubbling rage.

Kabwe: Right... then I'll take my leave, Sir.

Evening time had soon consumed the kingdom... and the Noble Realm had its fair share of restoration efforts to get through.... Kabwe stewed in his displeasement of how everything had occured as he walked around the Royal Capital.

Kabwe: The Wizard King.... he's the one who has Lord Damnatio wrapped around his little finger. Why are WE letting the Devil's Servants go unpunished? AND FOR HALF OF A WHOLE YEAR?! THIS IS RIDICULOUS, LUDICROUS! Those damned scales of justice have tipped right in favor of darkness and Lord Damnatio is just marching alongside the beat of the drum! I guess it's really up to me to bring them back into the light whether he approves or not! For the sake of the Clover Kingdom!

Dazu: Is that him?

Bow: Yes, I'm certain that's him, there's no mistaking it. He alone hates the devil more than anyone else here in the Clover Kingdom's Magic Parliament.

Bow and Dazu hide in the alleys of the Capital, robes masking their identities as they spy on Kabwe from a distance.

Dazu: Right... let's get a move on then. E-Excuse me, Sir?

Kabwe: Eh? The hell do you want? Listen I don't have any money on my being if that's what you're going for.

Dazu: No it's not that.... are you Kabwe by any chance?

Kabwe: Who's asking? I'm sorry but do I know either one of you?

He narrows his eyes at the two women.

Dazu: No... I'm afraid we haven't had the pleasure of meeting. We were actually hoping you could spare us a few moments. To just talk.

Kabwe: Um... about what, if you don't mind my asking? Because I'm busy at the moment.

Dazu: I lost everything when the Eye of the Midnight Sun attacked the village town of Tiuylu. And it wasn't just them. Many lives were lost in the rampage when they came through. My husband Vide and mother-in-law Meshu were among the deceased that were accounted for when everything had settled.

Kabwe: I'm.. truly sorry to hear that. There were also countless other that suffered tremendous loss and tragedy after all that occurred.

Dazu: Yes. We're very aware at the destruction all of the Clover Kingdom has suffered.

Bow: We also know that you have suffered a grevious loss on your end. Someone close to you... they died during the chaos, didn't they?

Kabwe shares a pained look.... how did this woman know about his pain and loss?

Kabwe: I too lost family. A nephew that was very near and dear to me. The better question is how the hell did you know that, were you two spying on me?

Bow: Nevermind that. We want the same thing as you, Kabwe. Revenge for all the victims whose blood was unneccesarily shed in the Eye of the Midnight Sun's brutal and vicious attack.

They discard the hood portion of their disguise, the wear and tear of a long journey clearly evident.

Bow: And we're going to need your assistance to achieve such a lofty goal!

Kabwe: Hold on. You want my help? Just what is it are you exactly planning to do?

She hands him the newspaper with Asta's face on the front page.

Dazu: My intent- I mean our intent rather? Yes our intent is to annihilate and destroy the devil's servants with our two hands.

Kabwe: Devil's Servants.... are you referring to that Asta boy and Nero woman? You can't be serious. In any event, I'll need to hear you plans in full detail before I can decide on anything so.... major.

Bow: Of course, we wouldn't expected you to just accept otherwise.

Dazu: Come, let us discuss.

They all trade disparaging, disgusted or otherwise angry looks at Black Asta's mugshot before walking off to a more secluded place to discuss their sinister machinations.

In the wake of the Eye of the Midnight Sun's horrific attack, order had finally began to be restored in the Capital. Wizard King Julius Novachrono was swamped with load after load of busy declaration and mind-numbing paperwork concerning the rebuilding efforts. Meanwhile each of the Magic Knight squads engaged in their own brand of intense training to prepare for the upcoming war with the devil in Spade Kingdom in a effort to increase their magic stages.

We see various shots of the squads from Mimosa, Klaus and Yuno taking the fight to Alecdora's Sand Guard, to the Blue Rose Knights sparring with Charlotte in a handicap situation so that she could gauge their power levels, Nozel taking on his brother Solid's, Curtis Wolne and Rob Vitesse's best attack solo, Kirsch swarming his subordinates with Cherry Blossom Storm of Petals, to Fragil Tormenta the unofficial Vice Captain of the Aqua Deer using her Snow Magic and Jack well.... I think we can all guess what the Super-Sadist was up to in terms of his own brand of training concluding with Digit using his magic to swarm his squadmates in the Purple Orcas and Fuegoleon using Salamander to combat his best troops.

SPLASH!

Asta: MORE, HURRY UP YOU TWO! What's wrong, quit stalling and get back to it!

Tyrus: You make it sound so easy, Asta. But you keep talking spicy, and I'll make sure my magic gives your ass a brain-freeze you won't ever forget.

Tyrus, in his Spirit Dive form had a few nick-ups and scrapes all over his gear and Noelle wasn't any better, her hair tousled all over the place despite maintaining her near perfect side ponytails, all three clearly bruised and battered from what appeared to be hours of hard work and locked in concentration.

Tyrus: This magic, Kami and I's partnership, it's getting stronger with each passing day. And to think, he's not even one of the Four Great Nature Spirits and he's increased my power this much!

Noelle: And it's nothing. But a little water would be good right now, don't you two think? How about a break, say thirty minutes?

Tyrus: Sure I don't see a problem with it. We've been pushing each other like crazy, any more and one of us is bound to keel over.

Asta: But... I'm not thirsty at all, I can still take your best shots!

Noelle: AND I SAY IT'S TIME FOR A WATER BREAK, ASTA! AND I'M ROYALTY SO END OF DISCUSSION!

Asta: Geez, all right, all right! How do you do it, Ty? Knowing you two are an item and Noelle's bound to snap at you any moment?

Noelle: What was that?

Tyrus: Easy there, Shark-Girl. Asta meant no harm, just playful ribbing. And your answer Asta... I exercise great patience and caution with Noelle. How do you think I survived with you and Yuno for so damn long? Noelle was my friend long before she became my girlfriend.

Asta: Yeah, but she's always bringing up that whole royalty bit. What does you being royalty or nobility have to do with anything either way?

Tyrus: I'm still adjusting to the whole noble lifestyle, Asta. You can't expect me to answer that.

Noelle: And plus, I just need a break, SO I'M GONNA TAKE A BREAK, OKAY! If you two aren't thirsty, then you don't come with me, idiots!

She concludes with a mighty harrumph before turning on her heels and leaving the foster siblings.

Asta: Is she... mad at me?

Tyrus: No.... I do think you frustrated her enough to the point where she's blurring the lines. I've been noticing Noelle putting a lot more pressure on herself though. I'll give it a go and see what's up with her.

Secre: Do you. She is your significant other after all.

Tyrus: Why do I get the sense, you're hoping that Noelle drowns me, Nero?

Secre: Now why would you ever think something like that?

Asta: You'll know where I'll be buddy! Come back safely.

Tyrus: Ha. Always do, Asta.

While Asta gets a quick set of calisthenics in working on abs, quads and shoulders, Tyrus follows Noelle through the forest that leads to the hideout as they ventured inside. She quickly absconds a glass of water, with her boyfriend staring at her through the threshold.

Tyrus: So.... are we gonna talk about it talk about it?

Noelle: Ah. What is there to talk about?

Before he could respond, Finral and Gauche appear in the hideout through a portal.

Tyrus: Oh, hey guys. How's your training going?

Finral: Is that water?

Gauche: You may not be Marie, but since you have water on your being, I'll thank you this one time, Noelle.

Noelle: Don't thank me, I'm not pouring either one of you glasses.

Finral: She does know we outrank her, right?

They all sit down as they take in the eerie silence of the hideout.

Gauche: It's quieter than usual.

Tyrus: Yeah.... somehow I miss Luck and Magna tryna to kill one another, Charmy cooking up a storm or the obligatory Captain cratering a part of the base. I don't know if it's because I grew up with a buncha snot nosed brats in addition to Asta and Yuno back in a crowded church but this.... this kinda unnerves me.

Noelle: Well that's because everyone else off doing their own training and Henry is doing his active best to not drain us of our mana.

Gauche: And you two slackers?

Noelle: Hey, that's not fair! I was clearly getting some water!

Tyrus: And we were due for one. We alongside Asta, have been going at it for nearly four hours straight with minimal stretching or water breaks. As if you have any room to talk Gauche.

Noelle: Yeah, let me guess you were off spying on your sister and forced poor Finral here to be your transport mule.

Gauche: Tyrus, you better come get your girlfriend or else-

Tyrus: Finish that sentence and I'll definitely make Marie a true orphan. You won't do a damn thing to her. Just like how don't play about your baby sister is exactly how I don't play about threats towards Noelle, though she can handle herself.

Gauche: Tch! If you must terribly know. I was helping train this poor miscreant you call Finral. With that done, now I can go off and adore my perfect angel.

Tyrus: Hang on, didn't your already waste once a month privilige on Marie when you ambushed us at the Vermillion residence?

Noelle: Oh yeah, and then the elderly Sister embarrassed him, Mereoleona and Fuegoleon.

Gauche: OH SHUT THE HELL UP, I DON'T NEED THIS!

Finral: Man I'm beat! We could make a killer trio with my Spatial Magic and his soul crushing Mirror Magic. We'd be unstoppable if only we can nail down the timing.

Gauche stands and begins to excuse himself.

Gauche: I'm going to rid myself of the filth that has already accumulated itself onto my body. BEFORE I see my angel.

Tyrus: Pretty sure Sister Theresa is gonna whoop your ass again too for violating whatever orders were placed against ya.

He narrowly avoids a Reflect Refrain from a mirror Gauche had laid out as a security measure.

Gauche: TCH! Damn your otherworldly senses. As I was saying.... I can't show up to see her, knowing I did nothing to relieve myself of the current perspiration surrounding my body.

Finral: Oh right, I completely forgot! He's actually in the clear with Sister Theresa. Apparently there was some major meeting for all the Sisters in the church and she won't be back until tonight so that Neige kid is watching them. And apparently I'm the lucky one who gets to go with him

Noelle: Well, I guess when the apex predator is gone, no better opportunity.

Tyrus: I swear if I ever become a Magic Knight Squad Captain and she gets her grimoire in time, I'll have to convince poor Marie to join another squad or my own hypothetical one lest she get smothered to death by Gauche before her first real mission.

Noelle: You never told me about that lofty goal of yours.

Tyrus takes a swig of his water.

Tyrus: Don't get me wrong, that's a long ways away since we're still teens and all but yeah, that's one of the first and natural steps I have to take before I can become the Wizard King.

He kisses her on the cheek, as Noelle tenses up but just as quickly melts into it.

Tyrus: I'm gonna go meditate and find my inner peace, you guys are more than welcome to join me if you'd like.

Noelle: I might just take you up on that.

They all then hear the ungodly screams of Gauche Adlai, as if he had just became the first victim of a slasher film. Meanwhile, Asta had reached over 1,100-plus crunches, somehow not catching any cramps in the process.

Noelle: Just how long does Asta think he can keep going?

Tyrus: Growing up with him, you'd be surprised. The guy once did 4,000 pushups in the span of two hours and ten minutes. And yes I competed with him, he beat me by ten, only because my arms gave out.

Noelle: Well he's got to be famished, don't you think?

They then looked at one another and the couple then realized Charmy wasn't there, off doing her own specialized training..... when Noelle got the bright idea.

Tyrus: PFFFFTTTTT....

Noelle: You want to get diced up?

Tyrus: Come on, darling. We all know sword play is my thing.... okay now that I said that, that sounded super weird. I meant to say expertise. But as adorable as it is you looking out of us, you've admitted yourself that you're not the best cook. Besides that noise I made wasn't to make fun of you, the get up on you... too precious!

Noelle: But I know I can at least make a sandwich! You trust me, don't you?

Tyrus: Of course, of course, Noelle. Let's see what you got!

(Nean Village...)

In the Common Realm village town of Nean, the town square had been bustling with noise, you'd think that Midnight Sun hadn't attacked the place a week ago....

Kid: Here Marie, the ball's coming your way!

A medium-sized yellow ball makes its way to Marie when she rares up her leg.

Marie: Got it!

And boots it heavily despite her tiny frame...... all the while with several men and women with rather weird mask designs prey upon her from a window.

Masked Man 1: There! That must be her.

Another individual by the name of Onoby looks at the picture from the newspaper which painted Marie and Gauche as accomplices along with Asta and Secre in the destruction of Clover Kingdom.

Onoby: Indeed. Marie Adlai. Former noblewoman, parents were tragically killed in a mysterious accident years ago. Is not only an orphan but the sister of a Magic Knight..... Gauche Adlai of the Black Bulls. Said Black Bull is an ex-criminal.

Siona: And she herself was possessed by a devil in the fighting and chaos. She caused great harm and ill-will towards a many of the people who were mere innocents in the attacks.

Onoby: If Chairman Damnatio and the Magic Parliament will refuse, then it's up to us to take care of this before that old hag from the church she resides in returns.

Siona: We agree on this.

The ball rolls into a deep, dark alley which Marie gives chase to but she's stopped dead in her tracks when the masked individual impedes her progress.

Marie: Oh.... I- um, excuse me!

Onoby looks at her menacingly though his mask hides his disgust and contorted rage.

Onoby: Come with me, Servant of the Devil!

He reaches out for Marie when suddenly another orphan hits the aggressor square in his chest...

Onoby: You little shit-stain!

Child: Just whaddya think you're trying to pull with Marie?!

The other orphans rally around her, ganging up on the much more physically dominant and imposing adults that tried to make off with Marie.

Onoby: Damn kids.... who the hell is even watching you snot nosed babies?!

Civilian: Who the hell are these guys?

Civilian: I'll sound off for some help, Sister Theresa, please we need you!

Neige emerges from the entrance.

Neige: She still hasn't come back from her trip with the other Sisters. What's going on out there?

Civilian: You don't understand, someone's trying to kidnap Marie, Neige!

Neige: WHAT?! Take me to the kids, now!

He comes across the kids and the would be nappers of the 10-year old Marie.

Neige: WHO ARE YOU GUYS?!

Marie: Neige, help me, I'm scared!

Onoby: Remember the name, fools. We are...

The Devil Banishers!

Neige: I don't care about your name. What you will do is step back and away from the children! Snow Magic, go, Snow Cry!

A snow cyclone pours out Neige's grimoire but this only amuses the leader of the Devil Banishers.

Onoby: Hahahahahahaha!

A shield absorbs the attack through and through, leaving him and his accomplices unharmed.

Neige: Of course these freaks would show up when Sister Theresa happens to be out of town! WAIT, MORE OF THEM?! Snow Magic-

Before he could call out his next incantation someone springs up out of the air, bat in the air and let's just say they don't miss their shot because just as Neige looked up, having not sensed their mana, he soon hits the ground with a hellacious thud thanks to Siona's antics. Gratefully his wound is not fatal by any stretch but it still had enough impact to send him sprawling on the hard pavement, knocked out to the kids' horror.

Marie: NEIGE!

Kid: Stop! HEY, LET ME GO!

Girl: GET OFF OF US!

Gauche's only sister turns around to find her fellow orphans being bullied or otherwise teased by the Devil Banishers so deadset in kidnapping Marie.

Marie: Guys, hang on!

Siona: If you know what is good for you girl, you will come with us. If you do, no harm will come to your friends than what is necessary. But if you continue to resist.... your little frosty friend will be the first to fall, and he'll be the first to die.

She cuffs Marie with gold and minorly rusted handcuff.

Siona: Ha! You won't ever escape again, Servant of the Devil!

Marie: What... why do you all think I'm a servant of the devil?

Whimpering and rightfully scared out of her mind, she searches desperately for an answer.

Onoby: The scale is tilting to the darkness. We will be the ones to tip it back onto the side of light.... For the sake of the Clover Kingdom!

Nean's townsfolk rallied once more the now unconscious Neige and their younglings included the persecuted Marie.... armed with pitchforks, gardening hoes, and unlit torches.... the people aggressively sought to free her.

Civilian: Someone alert the Magic Knights immediately!

Onoby: Let's go. We came here and got what we were looking for, release the other children but do tie them so they don't hinder us!

Neige starts to come around just as the Devil Banishers make off with Marie.

Neige: Ngh... leave Marie out of this! She's innocent!

Girl: Marie, no!

Boy: BRING HER BACK RIGHT NOW!

Marie: SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME! GAUCHE, ASTA, TYRUS! ANYONE, PLEASE SAVE ME!

Her screams despite being impossible to hear, somehow reach Gauche on the sibling plain and he immediately knows something's amiss.

Tyrus: Everything all right, Gauche?

Noelle: What's wrong?

Gauche: I could've sworn I heard the plaintiff screaming of an angel just a second ago. That or my hearing is just really shoddy.

Noelle: Oh, you're hearing things now?

Gauche: Heh. You're right, I'm sure Marie's just as anxious that her big brother isn't there to shower her with love and admiration either. Is that... supposed to be a treat for the beasts today?

Noelle: Clean your eyes and bite your tongue, it's clearly a sandwich for Asta! Tyrus and I are just worried about him since he hasn't come in yet. If you want a bite that horribly, don't be a jerk and ask for one!

Gauche: Hard pass... Finral? Naptime's over, let's hop to it.

Finral: Yeah, yeah, whatever. It's like none of you even know the word seniority or respect the chain of command outside of Captain Yami. All right, Noelle and Tyrus, I'm going to drop our signature Sister Complex Gauche off to see his adorable little sister.

Gauche: Call me that again, and you'll be wishing your brother killed you during the Royal Knights exam. And a bit isn't doing it justice. We'll be gone a long time.

Tyrus: Sure, sure. Just let us know which imprint the fiery grandmother nun puts her boot on you. All right, I got the idiot's drink, you ready Noelle?

Noelle: Yes. Here goes nothing.

Asta: 8,122! 8,123! 8,124! 8,125! 8,126! 8,127!

Secre: How long do you plan on being sprawled on the ground, Asta? It's been three hours.

Asta: TILL I HIT TEN THOUSAND! Wait.... NO, NO, NO! I LOST COUNT! YOU DISTRACTED ME WITH YOUR QUESTION, NERO AHHHHHHHHHHHH!

He laments as he ultimately restarts his count with more Devil Banishers Kabwe, Dazu and Bow amongst this strand stalking him from the bushes.

Dazu: That boy... that must be Asta.

Kabwe: Yes. The boy with no mana nor any magical ability to his name. And yet through it all, he dug down deep and somehow became a Magic Knight. NOTHING MORE THAN FREAKING DIRTY DEVIL SERVANT! Now then if you're all ready, let's do it.

Dazu: All according to the plan.

He continually bull-rushes his count, already in the hundreds when he stops after he branches snap and creak in the bushes.

Asta: Eh? Who's there?

Bow emerges from the bushes, playing the part of an injured damsel in distress.

Asta: What? Is she hurt.... and she's alone.

Bow continues to play her part, collapsing on the spot.

Asta: HOLY CRAP, ARE YOU ALL RIGHT?! HEY GUYS, I NEED SOME HELP!

Secre morphs back into her human form, Black Bull robe, dress and all, joining Asta in figuring who this woman was.

Asta: Hey, hey, stay with me! Who are you and more importantly what happened?!

Bow: Please.... I need you to take this.

She pops the cork off a tiny bottle which holds a blue substance but it quickly turns red as the contents quickly rupture and explode!

Asta and Secre: GAHHHHHH! COUGH! COUGH! COUGH!

Asta: OH MY GOD, WHAT IS THIS STUFF?!

Secre: We've... been... poisoned?

Devil Banishers prepare to kidnap the duo of Bulls as Kabwe looks at Bow.

Kabwe: Fine work, mighty impressive even! Quite the skilled potion-maker you are Bow.

Bow: Thank you.. but we have to give thanks to these two fools for playing hook, line and sinker.

Kabwe: Indeed.... I had only anticipated in capturing the devil's servant.... but also scooping up the forbidden magic girl as well? My day just keeps on getting better and better! Luck truly is on our side for once.

Dazu: So then, this must be Nero.

Bow: She has horns, clearly she's a devil if not has been communicating with one.

Devil Banisher: Yes, they are proof alone that she used forbidden magic!

Kabwe: All right, enough talking. Let's get these two filthy creatures secured, they will answer for their crimes!

Asta and Secre continue their coughing fits but before one of the Banishers could make their next move, Asta springs up and painfully wrings his wrist back!

Devil Banisher: OW, OW, OH SHIT!

Asta: STOP THIS NOW!

Devil Banisher: How could someone with no magic be so strong?!

Secre: I can't.... stay conscious.....

Asta: Nero.... Let my squadmate go!

Secre: Asta... please help me!

Her pleas are desperately met by Asta just as Noelle and Tyrus emerge from the hideout angry blazes hinted in their eyes wand and twin swords armed.

Noelle: Just what in the world do you all think you're doing to our friends!?

Tyrus: You're on Black Bulls property. Give me a reason not to disturb our Captain and squad-mates from training their asses off so they can come here and spill your blood. You're fucking with my foster brother and rival not to mention a good friend of mines over there!

Noelle: Now we won't say it again! GET AWAY FROM NERO AND ASTA RIGHT NOW!

Tyrus: Or don't. Make this fun so Noelle and I actually have an excuse to kill all of you right here now and right now. You dare defy Clover Kingdom Royalty and nobility?

Off of the distraction, Secre is able to use her Inverse Release to undo the magic tracking device that had been placed onto Asta by Fuegoleon and Nozel.

Asta: I.... can't move... my body... it's so heavy. Feel like I'm gonna burn out.

Tyrus: Asta!

Kabwe: We're out of time! Just take the girl and let's get out of here!

The couple nod at one another as he makes dead sprint for the Devil Banishers, Asta and Secre, both of his katanas raised to the air looking to land a decisive blow on someone if Noelle failed to.

Noelle: Water Creation Magic.... Sea Dragon's-

Tyrus: Ice Magic.... Glacial Sever-!

But before they could finish....

Devil Banisher: Plant Magic, The Flower on the Roadside!

Vines sprout out of nowhere, smacking Noelle's wand and Tyrus's swords out of their hands before another wave comes in and impairs their vision with dust!

Tyrus: AHHH, SHIT! I CAN'T SEE!

Noelle: I CAN'T EITHER!

Devil Banisher: Sand Magic, Sandscreen!

Kabwe: Quickly, while they're readjusting!

Noelle and Tyrus, tears stinging their eyes not out of sadness but pure rage and sand littering their eyes demand they return..

Tyrus: NERO, ASTA, NO!

Noelle: COME BACK!

Gordon: What was that.... it sounded like something bad was just happening out there.

The Devil Banishers retreated through the forest but were really playing a game of cat and mouse mixed with capture the Black Bulls as two areal blasts rip through the sky as Spirit Dive Tyrus and Valkyrie Noelle took their talents and search to the air to locate the Devil Banishers and their squadmates.

Noelle: ASTA, NERO!

Tyrus: HANG ON, YOU TWO! WE'RE HOT ON THESE ASSHOLES TRAIL!

Devil Banisher: THEY'RE SO FAST!

Tyrus: BABE, I'LL COVER THE FUCKER THAT'S GOT ASTA, YOU GO AFTER THE CLOWNS THAT'RE SURROUNDING NERO!

Noelle: You got it, be careful!

Tyrus: ALWAYS!

He bolts after the Banishers as Noelle charges her next attack.

Noelle: Water Creation Magic, SEA DRAGON'S WATERBALL!

Her attacks while it scatters the Devil Banishers fails to registers any bodily harm....

Devil Banisher: That was too close!

Tyrus: I WOULDN'T START COUNTING MY BLESSINGS YET, SLAPNUTS! ICE MAGIC, GO SHATTER MACHINE!

Tyrus charges his entire magic into one go, and when he feels he's reached his peak, he gets into a stance and at the slightest movement he bolts at the Banisher holding his rival, foster sibling and childhood friend and hits him with devastating impact, Tyrus using his own body without regard of consequence of his well-being as a sickening crunch is heard in the aftermath.

Devil Banisher: Ohhhhhhhh..... shit......

The rest look on at the destruction caused by the Black Bull couple in shock, fear and awe and the face Tyrus gives them no argument, he was looking for blood and broken bones and one way or another, he was gonna get his fix of Jack the Ripper style sadism in.

Tyrus: I tried doing..... this the nice way.... but you muthafuckers tried to blind both Noelle and I..... and then have the actual balls to run away with Asta and Nero. Yeah... no. Fuck off being nice. I'm gonna bleed all of y'all nice and slowly.

Noelle: Tyrus!

Kabwe: There's no choice, leave him. We'll take the girl!

Dazu: I agree.

Devil Banisher: Please forgive me.

Tyrus: YOU WILL DO THAT ONLY OVER MY DEAD FUCKING BODY! AND I'LL FORGIVE YOU ONLY WHEN YOU COUGHING UP BLOOD UNDERNEATH MY BOOTS! ICE MAGIC-

Kabwe nods and sensing the alarming danger with Tyrus once again charging up another mana induced body blast, they scramble around him as Dazu and Bow pick up Nero.

Kabwe: Transparency Magic-

Tyrus: SHATTER MACH-

Kabwe: Share the Same Fate.

Noelle: You better not even think about leaving the cowardly way before telling us who the hell you all are!

Dazu: We, Black Bulls are the Devil Banishers.

Bow: And we shall drive the Devil to its demise.

Noelle: YOU WON'T GET AWAY FROM THE BLACK BULLS! NOT UNTIL WE ASSURE NERO IS SAFE!

Tyrus: And you're about to be dead ass goofies, STAY RIGHT THERE SO I CAN LEARN YOU SOMETHING BAD JUST LIKE YOUR PUNK ASS FRIEND! SHATTER MACHINE!

He takes off after them but unlike the first time when he solidly connected with the Banisher that tried to make off with Asta, he fails this time in rescuing Secre as Kabwe's spell took effect within just two seconds of Tyrus's smashing into them like bowling pins had they delayed any longer and his impact included his high rate of speed destroying several trees. He smacks his teeth, click his tongue before he sheds a few tears at his failure in saving his friend from the ancient times.

Tyrus: Nero..... she's... gone... NEROOOOOOO, NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Noelle: I- I can't sense their mana anywhere! Oh no, Asta! Quickly, Tyrus I need your help! We need to get Asta back to the base, and alert the rest of the squad!

Tyrus wipes the rest of his tears as he punches the ground, his Spirit Dive state directly influencing his strength as it split the ground beneath him.

Tyrus: Right.... Nero wouldn't want us bellyaching. We lick our wounds, get the squad and Captain Yami.... and find these fuckers and kill them.

(Back in Nean...)

Woman: How can anyone do that to such an innocent child? And to her friends no less.

Neige had been getting some much needed medical assistance after the sneak attack that had previously knocked him out and dually resulted in Marie being kidnapped. It was just at that moment Finral and Gauche had stepped through a portal to Nean.

Man: What is all this?! Gauche what're you doing here?

Kid: Gauche! Gauche, they took Marie, she's gone! You have to help her, now!

He tenses up like an aggressive Inland Taipan, eyes dilated and veins popping out everywhere as he looks the kid dead in his face.

Gauche: TELL ME EVERY FUCKING THING YOU KNOW, YOU LITTLE RASCAL! I WON'T STOP UNTIL THESE BASTARDS WHO DARE BRING HARM TO MARIE ARE DEADER THAN DEAD!

Tyrus: Asta! GET UP, MAN! YOU'RE NOT DYING ON NOELLE AND I!

Noelle: I've got a pulse but he's just out all together! Asta! Asta! AAAASSSSSSSTTTTTTAAAAA!

Asta still lays there, unresponsive to his friend's pleas to awaken from his slumber. Whatever mist or concotion had hit he and Secre, it was fast-acting and kept the anti-magic user in limbo.

F.W.C. 7,784 Words!

End of Chapter One Hundred and Twelve!