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

An impromptu semifinal matchup in the Royal Knights Selection pitted Asta's Team B against Langris's Team G, a battle completed festering out the Vice Captain's attempted fratracide of his older brother Finral. After getting a much needed breather, the mysterious masked mage doubling as Mimosa and Asta's pulled out a unique spell that reflected Langris's magic right back at him.

Marx: Casting an entire spell like that over all of his body... it's just asking for a consistent drain in one's magic power! While bold, it's an also extremely catastrophic and risky strategy.

Yet despite Langris remained unscathed and forever cocky... until Asta surged back onto the scene.

Langris: I HAVE HEARD ENOUGH! IF YOU WANTED TO LIVE, YOU SHOULD HAVE GROVELED AT MY FEET FROM THE MOMENT OF OUR FIRST ENCOUNTER OR JUST KEPT YOUR FUCKING COMMONER MOUTH SHUT. BUT NOW YOU DIE! GOOD FOR NOTHING, WRETCH!!!!!!!!!!

Asta: You can call me names all day till the cows in Hage Village come home.... BUT YOU WON'T BE LAUGHING WHEN YA SEE MY POWER UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL! I'LL BURN IT INTO YOUR VERY SOUL, LANGRIS!

POWWWWWW!

Langris: GAAAAAAAHHHHH!

WHOOOOOOSSSHH! BOOOOOOOOM!

And thanks to his Black Asta state as well as his devastating Black Meteorite ended Langris's rampage but unknowingly, Langris's spatial magic had broken through Mimosa's guard, shattering Team B's crystal!

Tyrus: N-N-No way.

Noelle: You can't be serious.

Yuno: It's-

Announcer: Yes, both crystals were destroyed at precisely the same time! THIS MATCH IS A DRAW!

Mimosa: My goodness, Asta did all that for virtually nothing!

Despite the devastating result for Team B, the Magic Knights were inspired by Asta's effort and were motivated even more to take it to the Eye of the Midnight Sun. Meanwhile the final two semifinal matchups witnessed Rill reverse his opponent's compound magic to shatter their crystal while Tyrus and Yuno spared no explanation or expense in doing away with their opponents, setting up what appears to be a memorable matchup.

Julius: Next match is match two of the Semifinals. However, it's much more than that! As a result of the first semifinal matchup ending in a draw, this next matchup between Team I and Team P will now effectively double as the finale of our GREAT ROYAL KNIGHTS SELECTION EXAM TOURNAMENT!

Ruben, Rill and Nils stare down the four man squad of Tyrus, Noelle, Yuno and En as the intensity was so thick, you could cut it with Yami's katana.

Yuno: Asta, Tyrus.

Tyrus: Asta, Yuno.....

Tyrus and Yuno: Consider this my way of moving forward!

The final matchup... NOW!

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

Tyrus: Oh it's up! Up for real, the goosebumps on my arms are forming goosebumps their damn selves!

Announcer: AND NOW FOR THE FINAL MATCHUP OF THE SELECTION EXAM! RILL, RUBEN, AND NILS OF TEAM I, PLEASE STEP FORTH!

Rill laughs while his Silver Eagle and Crimson Lion King teammates acknowledge the order with Rill's butler Walter offering a cup of tea.

Walter: Here you go, Master Rill. Please enjoy this nice cup of herbal tea I made for you before you go out to battle. It'll help clear your mind and boost your creative focus since you're at a numbers disadvantage.

Rill: YAY! Thank you so much Walter and please you don't have to kneel!

Walter: When your mother hears of your accomplishments, there's no doubt in my mind she'll be overcome with happiness and joy to know her son is keeping House Boismortier proud and prestigious as ever!

Rill: Yeah, you really think so Walter?!

Walter: Indeed, Young Master.

Rill: Then I must definitely win this, and celebrate by sending Mother a new commission on behalf of the Aqua Deer!

Walter: You are indeed the captain of the prestigious Aqua Deer. Remember that, and show no mercy towards your four opponents on the battlefield.

Rick: Final match and he's as ever cool as a cucumber. I guess that's truly Captain Rill's outlook.

Curtis: He has been winning this entire time and he hasn't even been close in the wins. It's been pure domination. However, this next team he and his teammates are going up against.... They're no slouches themselves.

Nils: Captain Rill has been carrying our team from the outset of this very tournament.

Ruben: We might get selected as Royal Knights, but it wouldn't be because of our efforts. We've been essentially riding the Aqua Deer Captain's coattails this entire time.

Kira XIII: Hmmm.... where did those two come from?

WE NEED TO STAND OUT MORE!

Announcer: TEAM P! EN, TYRUS, NOELLE AND YUNO. Please step forth!

Tyrus: Thought you'd never ask!

En: For what it's worth.... I hope you'll go easy on us!

Tyrus: Say what?!

En's Mushroom: BRACE YOURSELVES FOR PAIIIIIN! BECAUSE OUR TEAM IS GOING TO DESTROY YOU AND GRIND YOU INTO NOTHING BUT SAWDUST!

Tyrus: I agree with the fungi. But let's go out there and make an impact, give us your best shot!

Noelle: I hate to be that girl, but you do know we can all hear you right?

Tyrus: Where's the mushroom telling the lie, Noelle? We made it this far, and I plan on winning. What about you?

En: I'm sorry Princess Silva, sometimes it's hard trying to control my inner monologue. Sometimes the little guy's got a voice of his own.

En's Mushroom: GIVE IT YOUR ALL, NOELLE AND TYRUS!

Noelle: AHHHHH, NOT AGAIN!

Tyrus: That'll never get old!

En's Mushroom: What's wrong, your face is as hard as a rockbed truffle! GET FIRED UP KID, JUST LIKE WHEN YOU BEAT DOWN YOUR BROTHER! MUSH, NOELLE, MUSH-

PLOP!

Noelle: Shut up already, I got the message!

Tyrus: Damn Noelle, you could've at least given it to Charmy.

Noelle: Quiet, you! AHHHH, Honestly it's a miracle I've been able to team with Tyrus this long and I haven't melted down like an ice cream.... I- I MEAN.... not that I'm worried about him or anything, Tyrus is more than capable of handling himself. Besides he's worried about Asta like we all are, I can't pile onto him anymore than what we're going through. He's my squadmate, and nothing more! YEAH, YEAH! A DEAR FRIEND. OOHHHHH WHO AM I KIDDING!

Tyrus: Earth to Noelle!

Noelle: AHHHHH!

Tyrus: Girl, relax. It's just your teammate, friend and overall best squadmate Tyrus. You're too wound up, breathe a little bit. You act like you're about to face Solid and Nebra again.

En's Mushroom (On Tyrus): HER FACE IS BURNING UP, SHE'S GOT MORE THAN ENOUGH SPIRIT TO WIN THIS-

Tyrus moves to flick the fungi off of his robe like a booger but fails to get it off.

Tyrus: That's enough, my pizza topping friend. I don't think that why she's fired up.

Noelle: AND NO ONE ASKED EITHER ONE OF YOU!

She moves to punch Tyrus but actually smoothly clocks the mushroom off of him.

Tyrus: Nice punch there, Silva. You're getting there.

Kuraokami: Can I eat the fungus, Master?

Tyrus: You're- hold on. En, are your mushrooms edible?

En: Actually, yes they are.

Tyrus: Alright have fun, Kami. But do it quickly!

Kuraokami: JOY! Now get in my belly, fungi. It'll be but a quick death.

Bell: Ugh these people are so noisy! If they mess things up for you, I'll be sure to make them suffer!

Yuno: Bell. I'm sure he's going to do the same with it the Ice Spirit. So let's give it everything we have, we're pulling out all the stops!

Bell: You mean it, Yuno? ALL RIGHT, YAYYYYY!

Green Praying Mantis Mage: What did that Golden Dawn kid just say?

Coral Peacock Mage: Does that mean he's been holding back this entire time? Both he and the two Black Bull boys?!

Gordon: Tyrus's friend is so cool... I wish I could be like that.

Rill: Hahahahaha! This is gonna be so fun, maybe against either one of you, I'll be able to create my next masterpiece!

Tyrus: Real cute there, Captain.

Yuno: But I doubt that, don't let that stop your inspiration though. But I also look forward in seeing how far my skills have improved since becoming a Magic Knight.

Walter: Master Rill will be the victorious one.

Bell: No, Yuno will.

Walter: Correction, the Young Master will wipe that smirk off of Yuno's face.

Bell: Yuno will win!

Walter: MASTER RILL, WIND SPIRIT!

NO! YES! NO! YES! NO! YES!

Noelle: Now who're the noisy ones?

Tyrus: Right, Yuno keep Bell or whatever her name is in check until the fighting!

TEAM I VS TEAM P: The battle lines were now drawn as everyone got a good look in on the final.

Rick: Here we go.... the two heavily favored teams.

Curtis: Exactly.... how's the Aqua Deer Captain's team going to respond to the four on three disadvantage? This is the match that will decide the winner.... the suspense is killing me!

Kirsch: Though I, myself am I not playing in the starring role, I expect a lavish and absolutely beautiful appearance!

Leo: I want to reach new heights from now.... heights that new Fuegoleon and Mereoleona have reached yet! I WON'T TAKE MY EYES OFF THE ACTION FOR EVEN A SECOND!

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

Meanwhile as the announcer lowered to signal the teams.... Asta had just started to come to.

Asta: Nggggghhhh... AH!

Mimosa: Asta, you're awake!

Magna: Bout time there, buddy!

Asta: Mimosa, Magna, Miss Charmy? Where am I?

Mimosa: The infirmary.

He suddenly darts up in a panic, his body still wracked with pain.

Asta: WHERE'S LANGRIS?! OW, MY ARM!

Mimosa: Asta, you need to lie back down!

Asta: That's... haha... easy for you to say, Mimosa!

Magna: It's over and that's that.

Asta snarls in bitter frustration, as he had just remembered while he technically had defeated Langris and destroyed his crystal, his team's crystal had been shattered as well thus deeming Team B and G's match in the Semifinals as a draw.

Asta: Right... our match ended in a draw. How's Finral doing?

Mimosa: I'm afraid Sir Roulacase hasn't awaken yet. The doctors believe his injuries were far too serious for normal treatment so they too moved him into the castle infirmary in efforts to continue working on him. I'm sorry Asta, but that's all any of us have for now.

Asta: What about Ty, Noelle, Yuno and their other teammate?

Charmy: Happy to report they kicked butt and won both of their matches!

Magna: The deciding battle's supposed to be getting underway now.

Asta tightens his knuckles as he snarls....

Asta: Tyrus... Yuno....

Announcer: TEAMS I AND P, THE FINAL MATCHUP!

Rill: I'M SO EXCITED!

Yuno: I'll take care of the Aqua Deer's captain, you guys protect the crystal and I'd appreciate it if you kept the other two off of my back.

Tyrus: We got you, it's something about Captain Rill's magic that rubs me the wrong way. The way he did Klaus and Luck's team. I hate letting you have all the fun, but if you got a surefire strategy against him. He's all yours, Yuno.

Noelle: More power to you, Windy.

Announcer: Annnnnddd.... begin!

Yuno immediately charges forward leaving his brother, Noelle and En in the dust.

Rill: OH BOY, HERE HE COMES! COME AT ME, GOLDEN DAWN ELITE! OVER HERE!

Nils: You don't have to call him over, Captain.

Ruben: Just as I figured, the Golden Dawn superstar is headed right for our crystal and Captain Rill. Now's our chance!

Nils: YES!

They take off leaving arguably the two strongest mages to fight it out.

Tyrus: Just like we talked about, En you guard the crystal. Noelle and I, we'll handle Nils and Ruben. I can sense two heavy mana flows....

Noelle: Yeah... they're making a beeline for our crystal!

Tyrus: Then we make our stand right here, you two. Let's go to war.

Yuno: Wind Magic, Wind Blade Shower!

Rill: Go Picture Magic, GAME OF THE GODS!

God: HRH... HAHHHH!

Yuno: Alright, switching it up then. I've never have faced an opponent of his caliber, this is... this is exactly I wanted.

Rill: So that's what William's new and top rookie is like?! I understand fully now!

Leo: Greeting each other with tough spells, just to gauge one another's powers? Nice!

Klaus: And it appears this is just the opening act. Neither the Captain nor Yuno are close to displaying their full power or arsenals yet.

Sekke: WHAT?! THAT'S NOT HOW YOU SAY HELLO, HA-HA!

Curtis: Look over there, there's are fight breaking out over there as well.

A rock slide was fully underway making its way towards Noelle, Tyrus and En who had just wrapped up their preparations.

Nils: Their team crystal is directly ahead of us!

Ruben: HURRY!

Tyrus: Trying to catch us off guard, huh? I don't blame ya but the problem is... We're no goddamn amateurs, BRING IT ON!

Nils: Ice Magic, ICE NEEDLE!

Ruben: Sandstone Magic, ROCK FALL!

Noelle: Both at the same time?! Tyrus, I hope you have a plan!

Tyrus: Yeah, I do. En and I will handle the ice magic, haven't faced someone like that since Mariella. Think you can beat the brakes off the other fellow, Noelle? Alright Rigard, let's do it!

Tyrus bolts after Nils as En summons his spell.

En: Fungus Magic, Towering Mister Mushroom!

HERE I AM!

Tiny Mushroom: NOW BRING IT ON!

BOOOM! GAHHHH! GAHHH! GAHHH!

Noelle: You better not let me down, Tyrus. Water Creation Magic..... Sea Dragon's Lair!

Nils: DAMN IT, WE WERE THWARTED!

Tyrus: Hey, wouldn't be the first time the Black Bulls fucked something up for someone, but now I gotta run it up on you two! STARFIRE BREAKER!

Ruben: If you three want a shoot-out, then a shoot-out brawl is what you'll be getting!

Nils: WE'LL WIN THIS!

Ruben: WE'LL DESTROY THAT CRYSTAL

AND BECOME ROYAL KNIGHTS!

BOOM!

Tyrus: Good! It'd be far too boring if THAT took you out of the fight. Give me more, I will surpass my limits. LIKE MY CAPTAIN WANTS! I WILL BECOME A ROYAL KNIGHT, YOU HEAR ME?!

Noelle: The battle's been split into two, just the way we wanted it! Nice work, Tyrus. Now I keep seeing why my heart wants what it wants. Yuno just has to keep the Captain of the Aqua Deer at bay and destroy the crystal. And... we'll protect ours!

As if on cue the battlefield switches over to Rill and Yuno who were flying around yet still locked into a stalemate. Rill laughs uncontrollably as the Squad Captain avoided attack after attack.

Yuno: Wind Magic..... TORNADO. FANG!

Rill: THAT'S IT KEEP IT GOING, ROOKIE! AHAHAHA!

Yuno: And now..... my CRESCENT MOON SICKLE!

They destroy all the rock and granite in front of them, as Rill continues to wage war with the Golden Dawn's top rookie!

Rill: HERE YOU GO!

He puts Yuno on the run as he nearly pierces the threshhold to the next layer in the atmosphere as he looks at Rill.

Yuno: Bell... are you ready?

Bell: I thought you'd never ask me, let's show him what I'm capable of!

Yuno: Wind Magic, Swift White Bow!

She uses her breath and blows down, sending a storm full of wind bows hurtling towards the crystal.

BOOOM! BOOM! BOOOM! BOOM!

Rill: YESSSS, THAT'S BEAUTIFUL!

BOOOM!

Rill: Whoopsie!

He carefully dodges each blasts, evading both destruction and stumbling as he runs down a collapsing boulder! Soon he makes a water lake, but is still in retreat, the captain going as far as to make a gigantic ice block as Yuno continued to pursue him

Rill: HEY, NOT BAD THERE! BUT I'M WAY BETTER! HERE YA GO!

He surrounds him in water and fire coils, effectively trapping Yuno. Trapped he was in real as the coils then morphed into giant arms.

Rill: Aw, man. It seems like I misjudged you quite a bit. You've got the power and finesse... but you're missing the flair.

CRACK.... CRACKKKKKK!

Yuno: Not finished.... still a long way to go! HAH!

Rill once again distances himself away as he then summoned a giant boulder monster to destroy Yuno's Swift White Hawk attack spell.

Mantis Mage: Wow, the kid sure knows his way around Wind spells. It's like everything he's fired off, he nearly has landed a successful attack every time!

Coral Peacock Mage: Well he is the latest owner of the Four Leaf Clover Grimoire, so it stands to reason.

Kirsch: That may be true... but still he's fighting the Captain of the Aqua Deer. And Captain Rill Boismortier knows how just to fight as elegantly as I do. He's got quite the unique defensive strategy and he nor the crystal suffered any damage thus far.

Rill: Awww.. such an adorable little spirit. This is really getting interesting, entertain me some more you guys! I just don't think you two have what it takes to inspire me.

Bell: WHO DOES HE THINK HE IS, USING CHILD'S PAINT TO BLOCK MY MAGIC?!

Yuno: Bell, it's time. Let's show them Tyrus isn't the only person who can tap into spirit magic.

Bell: YAYYYYY!

They sink down, dropping to even level with Rill as Yuno shares an expression of respect.

Yuno: I was hoping I'd be able to save this when I got to face Asta in the finals.... but. You're just as worthy to face my ultimate magic, given you're a Magic Knight Captain and have shown you've earned the title. SO HERE YOU GO!

BOOMMMMMMMM!

Much like in his battle against the Eye of the Midnight Sun member Catherine, Yuno had controlled his mana using the heightened focus he had developed in the same fight he had been deprived of all five of his senses. After that, following the training he had endured using Mana Skin to envelop himself in a protective barrier, the young Golden Dawn knight had much like Tyrus developed a method of gathering enormous amounts of mana into his very being. Then he honed the skill even further beyond to the point where Yuno had finally learned the ability to harness the Wind Spirit's immense magic power for his own..

The ritual sends chills down Bell's spine....

Bell: Ohhhhh.... I am becoming one with my Yuno... I LOVE THIS FEELING!

Mimosa and Magna watch the match from afar in the infirmary as Asta weakly keeps his eyes open.

Yuno: Asta. Tyrus. This is where I leave you two in the dust! Between the three of us, I will always be the winner!

Tyrus and Nils clash blades together as a shiver runs down his back.

Tyrus: Well shit... just when I thought I had ya beat, Handsome Jerk.. Looks like I need to get even stronger, mastering this spirit shit ain't no joke.

The light show is done.... revealing Yuno to have what appears to be a half finished crown orbiting his hair, which has also turned semi green but largely remains black, a blown-out cape, and thorned rune orbiting his left forearm as he chants out the name of the new power-up he and by extension Tyrus had been experiencing in the Royal Knights Selection Exam.

Yuno: Spirit Assimilation: Spirit Dive.

Mage: Look at how much power that guy is generating!

Wainsley: It's like his teammate from the first round matchup when he took out one of the Silver Eagles. But so much more powerful and intimidating!

Kirsch: It's.. beautiful!

King Clover is simply left astonished while Julius looks on admiration.

Julius: Mastering an ability like this.... it takes tremendous strength and finely honed intuition. Well done to the both of you Tyrus.. and especially you, Yuno!

Rill: WOW! THAT'S REALLY AMAZING TRICK, YUNO!

Walter: Young Master Rill.

Rill: THANKS TO YOU, I FINALLY FEEL LIKE I CAN ANYTHING IN THE WORLD! ALL CREDIT GOES TO YOU, MY MUSE!

Yuno: Now, Wind Spirit Magic,

Rill: Picture Magic,

SPIRIT STORM!

ZOOOOOOM!

SCREAM OF THE MYSTICAL DRAGON VOUIVRE!

AAAHHHHHHHH!

BBBBBBBBBBOOOOOOoOOOOOOOOOOMMMM!

Tyrus: Oh shit, EN, NOELLE TAKE COVER!

Noelle: SEA DRAGON'S LAIR, GET IN NOW!

The reverberations were mighty as the collision produced wind speeds on the level of several tornadoes over....

Rill: My work, just look at it!

Rill's Mother: PLEASE, Rill. PLEASE, STOP THIS INCESSANT PAINTING?!

Walter: One day even your mother, will be proud to have seen your work and finally come to understand this unique talent you have, Young Master.

Rill: THIS IS GREAT! I NEVER THOUGHT, A FIGHT LIKE THIS!

Rill and Yuno: COULD MAKE ME SO HAPPY!

Charmy: Woooooooow!

Mimosa: My goodness, Yuno's amazing! So strong....

Asta: Ghhhhh! No..... NO! Why.... WHY NOW! Tyrus and Yuno were supposed to be fighting me, this just feels like one tremendous kick to my stomach!

Yuno: I will win... right here and right now! EVEN IF HE IS A CAPTAIN, I WON'T LOSE.... TO ANYONE!

He soon increases the output of his spell, as it bubbles over with intensity.

Vouivre: RAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Yuno: Tch........ Rahhhhhhhh! RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Rill: There! Ya see?! YOU'RE GETTING IT NOW, YUNO! MORE POWER, KEEP IT COMING, MY FRIEND! WE TOGETHER, WILL PAINT MY MOST ICONIC AND BRILLIANT MASTERPIECE TO DATE!

TCH. TCH. TchhhhhhhHHHH!

Yuno: Just a little bit...... more! RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH, GAHHHHHHHH!

CRACKKKKKKKK!

Rill: Eh?

Tyrus: That sound!

Rill: WHAT HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?! NO, NO! WE WERE JUST GETTING TO THE FUN PART, DON'T TELL ME WE REALLY HAVE TO STOP FIGHTING NOW!

Kira XIII: I don't understand, why'd it shatter?! He blocked it didn't he!

Julius: To put it plainly... Rill summoned and unleashed a devastating amount of magic power. I suppose if we combine that with Yuno's attack, the crystal couldn't bear any more pressure from the two.

Rick: That was their crystal, was it not?

Curtis: It was. How foolish.

Announcer: In a tournament first, Captain Rill has destroyed his own team's crystal. Meaning the victors of the Royal Knights Selection Exam... ARE TYRUS, NOELLE, EN AND YUNO OF TEAM P!

Klaus: ALL RIGHT! I- I mean.... I am very proud of you Yuno! While they did win, it was because the other team sabotaged themselves. No sense in getting a big head over this.

Leo: I can't take another loss after this one. Asta, Tyrus and Yuno were the biggest stars of this showing and I'll be damned if I get left in the dust! BACK TO TRAINING WITH BIG SIS AFTER THIS!

Walter consoled Rill as best as he could.....

En's Mushroom: AHHHHH, SWEET, SWEET VICTORY!

En: Noelle, Tyrus.... that was great work you two.

Noelle: Of course, what'd you expect?

Chibi Noelle: GAHHHHH, I CAN'T BELIEVE WE ACTUALLY WON, WE DID IT, WE DID IT! I ACTUALLY BEAT SOLID AND WON THE TOURNAMENT! AND I DID WITH IT TYRUS!

Tyrus: It was.... but even so. I let Yuno pass me up. And while I'm glad we all won here, I can't help but be pissed off at myself!

He grips his knuckles, as he punches the ground drawing a bit a blood from his caramel skinned hands, scaring Noelle and shocking En.

Tyrus: I'll let you have this one, Yuno. But you won't be in front of my ass for long. And I have feeling Asta's on the turnaround as well. Right now, here's hoping I did enough... to make the Royal Knights! I'm sorry for that guys, just the effects of my own rivalry with Asta and Yuno rearing its ugly head.

A few hours have now passed, a beautiful yellow-orange sky looming over the arena as Julius speaks to the prospective mages.

Julius: The Royal Knights Selection Exam is now officially over. My congratulations once again to Team P.

Tyrus puts his hand onto Noelle's shoulder to stop her from crying right then and there as he, Yuno and En like all the other knights stand at attention.

Julius: And regardless of the situation or results here today, you all should be proud of winning the Semifinal. And just because all other teams were eliminated along the way, that doesn't mean anyone's truly out of the running. We're going to give each individual contestant a run down and comprehensive review of their abilities as well as their performance here today. And from there out, we will select upwards of 10 to 20 Royal Knights, at a later date.

Leo: AWESOME, THAT STILL MEANS I'VE GOT A CHANCE!

Julius: Everyone here is a phenomenally talented Magic Knight. There won't be any easy decisions, that is for certain. And finally, we have a special message from the King. So, if you all will please give him your undivided attention.

Kira XIII: Ahem. All of you have exceedingly well, exchanging sophisicated spells, pouring your heart, blood, sweat and tears. In addition, your uncanny ability to adapt and innovate given difficult circumstances and last, not certainly least, there was your keen execution of precise battle strategies. Really, any team truly could have been the winner from the very get go.

Leo: He actually sounds like a real king.

Tyrus: Gotta make up for that blunder during the Star Festival?

Kira XIII: HOWEVER, I STILL WORKED HARDER THAN ANY OF YOU! IF NOT FOR ME, THERE WOULD BE NO TOURNAMENT! I ORGANIZED ALL OF THIS, I'M WAITING, SHOWER ME WITH ME PRAISE!

Tyrus: There it is. Our ever so humble king.

Julius: Thank you, Your Majesty, but please try to relax.... We're all here because we heartily endorse the appointment of the Royal Knights and eagerly await the announcement. Think about it this way, everyone. We are all warriors devoted and dedicated to defeating the menace that is the Eye of the Midnight Sun. Isn't that far more rewarding than any other praise here today? Now then... whoever out of all of you who makes it into the Royal Knights, I'll be counting on you!

Magic Knights: SIR!

Announcer: And with that everyone, the Royal Knights Selection Exam is now complete!

Everyone begins to disperse but before she could leave Mimosa hears someone calling her name.

Tyrus: Hey, Mimosa!

Mimosa: Tyrus, congratulations on you, Yuno, and Noelle's victory!

Tyrus: Thanks, it sucks. I was actually looking forward to facing you, Asta and that Xerx fellow... Speaking of how is he?

Mimosa shares a pained look.

Mimosa: He's... upset. And honestly I cannot blame Asta, he was also looking forward to facing off with both you and Yuno.

Tyrus: I'm not surprised, it just sucks how you guys were robbed because of Langris's antics.... but something else has been wearing on my mind. Maybe you can help me.

Mimosa: I'll do my best. What's troubling you?

Tyrus: It's... well how do you know... if you like someone? And not as a friend.

Mimosa: EEP! Are you saying..... I knew it!

Tyrus: Keep it down, Mimosa! I know how I feel about her, but how do I know Noelle even likes me back?

Mimosa: Take a walk with me. We can get all of this stuff off our chests. Maybe you can help me out with the same thing.

Tyrus: Yeah, sure. Go ahead and take me to see Asta, I'm sure Charmy has a delicious snack with my name on it.

After going to seek some counsel in a good friend, they join the the already dwindling crowd through the portal as Julius and Marx overlook them.

Julius: Well.... I'd say today was a success.

Marx: Indeed. It also fulfilled your other goal as well.

We potentially discovered the Magic Knight, unwittingly working with the Eye of the Midnight Sun.

Marx: As soon as Vice-Captain Langris recovers from his injuries, we will launch a full investigation into the matter.

Julius: I don't wish to make everyone a suspect, but I have a weary feeling.... that there's more to come. We cannot let our guard down.

Some time passes and after stopping by said ice cream parlor, Tyrus along with Mimosa visit Asta.

Asta: Thank you for everything, Mimosa. And congrats, Tyrus.

Tyrus: Please. I may have won but don't think I wasn't coming here immediately after. You had Yuno, Noelle and I all terrified though I don't think he's willing to admit it.

Mimosa: And of course. My magic while it can heal wounds on the body, but it can't heal the pain sewn into Asta's heart. I hate this for him.

Klaus opens the door, revealing Noelle and Yuno as well.

Klaus: Mimosa, are you ready? We're leaving now.

Tyrus: You go ahead and leave Mimosa, and hey? Thanks for helping calm my nerves, I think.... I'm in a better headspace now.

Mimosa: Yes, Klaus and think nothing of it, Tyrus. Go get her, I'm rooting for you both.

Tyrus: Same with ya and Asta. I know he's no expert in the love thing, so be patient with him.

Noelle: You've done enough, Mimosa. I thank you for watching over him while we handled the rest of the tournament.

Asta remained silent as it unnerved everyone as Yuno began to turn around and walk out.

Mimosa: Yuno?

Tyrus: What're you doing?

Klaus: You at least don't want to attempt to say goodbye?

Asta: TYRUS, YUNO!

They both stop what they're doing as they hear him.

Asta: I.... WILL CATCH UP TO YOU! THAT'S NO PREDICTION, IT'S A SPOILER! I WILL BE THE WIZARD KING, I SWEAR IT!

Yuno: Hmph. I don't feel like being caught up right now.

Tyrus: The hell, Yuno!

Mimosa: Yuno, wait up!

Klaus: Just wait a second!

While Asta dealt with another mental block, Zora is seen walking from the stadium grounds.... until he heard a familiar voice, breaking him out of dream he had of his dad handing him his inspiration doll.

Julius: Leaving so soon?

Zora stops in his tracks, hearing the 28th Wizard King's voice.

Julius: Thank you for telling the stories of those who lost their battles where they went terribly wrong. While... I cannot applaud the manner in which you did achieve victory, I'm certain those who wish to grow ever stronger will heed your advice and make for even more capable Magic Knights. We need your Trap Magic and ability to critically think in an awry situation. With the exam concluded, you more than likely have passed. I hope you'll consider joining us.

Zora: Psh. What're you going on about there, Wizard King? I might've kept the rest of those idiots guessing. But smart money says you know who I've been this entire time, yeah? That I wasn't Xerx Lugner. See ya.

Julius: Quite right. I will say, I'm not impressed you impersonated another Magic Knight, let alone the vice-captain of a Magic Knight Squad. But given you yourself are a Magic Knight, you're still qualified. Zora. Yes, I've fought alongside your father and what happened to him was not only tragic, but reprehensible. His name... was Zara Ideale. And in fact, his legacy is quite intact. He may have been a commoner, but he did everything in his soul and power to keep everyone safe. For his kingdom, he was a true Magic Knight, and he is the reason we even have the star system. It was our way of memoralizing Zara, to ensure commoners such as himself were acknowledged in a positive light. It is based on their merit, instead of their rank and their status. Yet even then, there are still those among the Magic Knights, who could stand to learn from a man such as your father. Isn't it past time you started wearing your robe?
The robe of your true squad and family, Zora Ideale.

Zora: Don't know who you're referring to there, Sir. Me? I'm just some lame excuse for a supermage who just happened to be passing through the area.

He looks up at the sky and the infinite amount of stars, hoping that his father Zara was among the many constellations and shooting stars.

F.W.C. 5,349 Words

END OF CHAPTER SIXTY-FIVE/LXV!