It is easy to see why so many people fantasize about the magic knights. The captains have a certain authoritative aura around them. Even as someone with little interest in the knights you can see that they hold a considerable amount of magical power. They had their splendor and different groups they led of course but you only could think of three off the top of your head. The Golden Dawn was considered the best. Royal blood and the best of the best entered the faction. If you were a member you practically set for life, or in most cases, you were nobility anyway so it didn't matter. William Vangeance is their leader and all you know about him is his superb magic pool and the fact he always wears a mask. The second group surprisingly enough is the Purple Orca. You didn't really care for the forgettable group but as your mother's favorite color was purple and seeing as your magic shared the same color, you couldn't help but research the group a bit. However, they were mostly forgettable. Maybe you could get in easy with them and simply exist as a knight. Alienor would be disappointed at the lack of action but you never promised to do big things. The last group, however... was one you knew entirely too much about...

The Silver Eagles 

The Silva family's personal knight group. Even now you can see Nozel with that judgemental blank face of his. You can't remember the names of his siblings but it looks like the older sister is behind him. Seeing them filled you with a burning rage. If it wasn't for the class divide between you two you would have marched to the Silva manor and demanded answers. But flashbacks of the manor reminded you of the days you spent being unplanned target practice for Noelle and being patched up Mimosa. Noelle never seemed like the type to be a snobby noble. Sure she tried but she wasn't nearly as wicked as her siblings. Mimosa was just nice in general. Truthfully, if it wasn't for the interactions you shared with her and Noelle you might just have a disdain for all nobility. That burly orange-haired guy seemed to share her last name so maybe that was the knights here family was attached to? You would have to inquire more after the games. Gah... your emotions slipped away so easily. From bored, to angry, to inquisitive. But now was time to focus upon the exams and it appears they have started as a magical branched descended from the heavens and provided you with a... broom? Yeah, you should have done more research...

The exams are going much easier than you expected. Gravity seemed rather abnormal compared to typical fire or death magic but it is that unique quality that helped you dearly in the early stages. Even though you had no plans to do good nor stand out, it was rather hard with the simplistic exam style. First, you easily hovered on the broom designed to harness magical energy and hover around. You decided of course to sit upon the broom carefully, folding one leg under you while the other hung free below. The next few exams swept by rather quickly. Blasting targets proved rather easy. Condensed gravity is a wonder after all. The developmental test was easy too as the seed you processed seemed to like the blood flowing through your veins and grew quite quickly in your palm. The hardest one to pull off was the creation test as you didn't know what to make. Finally, the gravity in your hand manifested into... huh... that was unexpected it. The magic's purple hue molded together to form a girl. you couldn't quite tell what her face looked like but she appeared to be an angel with little wings sprouting from her back as she pressed her hands against her face. It seemed your brain came up with something far more complicated than you thought. But as the examination grew to a draw the voice of the Golden Dawn's leader drew your attention.

Vangeance: All right. The next exam shall be the last. You will engage in actual combat.

Hmm... so they actually do require combat. You had somewhat expected it but the others around you seemed to be surprised. How could they be surprised? You didn't even want to do this but you were ready enough. Wait... you do want to do this but... hah. The leader of the Crimson Lion Kings spoke up next, the orange-haired guy that you couldn't remember the name of. So you'll just call him Vermillion for now. He seemed passionate about the upcoming fights as his voice boomed in the arena.

Vermillion: You will pair off and fight with your partner. You may use your grimoire to attack. Fighting is our duty so show us your true abilities!

Vangeance: As soon as one of your yields or becomes unable to fight, the exam will be over. There will be mages who can use healing magic on standby.

Vermillion: So fight to your heart's content!

As the others around you began to squabble trying to find partners you pulled to the back of the pack. You had no intention to run around like a chicken. If someone wanted to fight you, well you were right there. Pressing back against a wall, you flipped your grimoire open. It was still a mystery as to why so much of it was blank. It updated when you mastered new moves but does that begin at the idea phase after the actual training? A few moves developed simple enough but things like increasing or lowering gravity didn't seem to count as a move but rather it was just expected. So did that mean- You would have continued your thought but someone spoke out to you.

???: I would like to choose you as my partner.

The voice was rather calm and collected compared to the others around you. Closing the grimoire with your fingers your (E/c) eyes and met the eyes of the person that wished to become your first combatant outside of training...

It was a girl. She had the familiar air of nobility around her. Her fair skin and blonde hair pulled into a tight bun, not to mention the rather expensive-looking attire she wore. There is no doubt about it, she is gorgeous. You however were more curious as to why she would ask you of all people, a commoner. Her cold blue eyes met your gaze before the entire air of elegance crashed before you.

???: A-Ah I mean if you want to! I've been asking around but everyone is already paired off...

She seemed like a bit of an airhead. But she didn't seem like that bad of a person at first glance. The paranoia of course wouldn't let you be. What if she was just acting? What if she wasn't? What if... she knew you were related to Alienor and wanted to harm someone close to her? Gah, what the hell are you thinking...

???: Um... hello?

(Y/n): Ah! Sorry about that I've been spacing out a bit. I don't mind being your partner at all Ms...?

The blonde gave you a wide smile before offering a hesitant handshake.

Delilah: My name is Delilah Oliver. B-But please just call me Delilah!

You took her hand with a soft grin of your own. 

(Y/n): Nice to meet you, Delilah. I'm (Y/n).

Thus, your partner for combat had been selected. Delilah was rather chatty once she calmed down from her initial panic. She used fire magic and though it was rather common she was proud to have it. Her family was minor nobility but still held some powerful positions in the capital, though it was supposed to be a secret apparently. She seemed interesting enough but you couldn't help but find your nose back in your grimoire in a vain attempt to unlock its secrets.

Delilah: You aren't going to watch the first bout?

(Y/n): Ah...

That was all you managed out. It wasn't for a lack of respect of course but... in truth, you were still struggling with what you wanted to do. You could say you wanted to be a knight but what kind? And with who? Alienor had been a Silver Eagle so she was at least respected for joining an elite group. They could burn for all you cared but it brought up the question of if you wanted to join groups like the Crimson Lion Kings or more of an undercover choice like the Aqua Deer or Purple Orca. If you were valued high enough could you join the Golden Dawn? Would you even consider it? Then there were of course the other groups like the Green Mantis' and Black bulls. You didn't know anything about them but they seemed like the perfect place you could simply coast in until Alienor recovered. It all depended on the aftermath of this fight of yours. And now that Delilah wasn't panicking, she was pulling you along to become the second round of fighters. Lucky you...

The other contestants were the ones that got onto your nerves the most. They panicked easily, were surprised easily, and despite not watching the first fight they ridiculed this one contestant for simply being born in the country. You were a commoner. Is that a problem? You could level this arena with a thought and they want to act so superior. Maybe you were just in a move with all this examination stuff. Standing across from Delilah, you could feel the eyes of the knight leaders on you. It was strangely calming despite the nervous feeling in your stomach. 

Delilah: Let's go!

(Y/n): Of course.

The girl decided to start the conflict first. She did in fact use fire magic, summoning strands of flaming ember as a set of whips. She clearly had not fought before as she recklessly charged forward with no concern. you didn't even need to move as your grimoire floated forward and flipped a couple of pages in. Raising your right hand, your pointer finger straightened in the direction of the girl and a condensed lavender orb appeared just before your fingernail. 

(Y/n): Gravity bullet.

The orb shot forth from your finger hitting the girl square in the chest. She let out a hacking cough as the orb expanded upon impact causing her to slide back softly. Delilah to her credit simply wiped the spittle from her lower lip and charged again, only to receive another gravity bullet. This happened over and over. Did she want to draw out the fight? Was she trying to look good in front of the knights? Maybe you should- The whispers...

???: That's a bit rough...

???: She clearly doesn't know what she's doing.

???: C'mon that's enough!

???: It's a fight for a reason.

???: but he's just dragging it out. Poor girl.

Delilah had her head down but she was trembling softly. With a breath, she took hold of her whips once more, casting out an attack that whipped past you entirely before another gravity bullet hit her shoulder. Why wouldn't she end the fight? 

Delilah: Hah... that last attack hurt! Why are you being such a brute when you asked me to fight?!

(Y/n): What? 

Delilah: I didn't even want to fight you, but you forced my hand, you ruffian! Just because you hate nobility doesn't mean you should take your anger out on me commoner!

Even more whispers...

???: I can't believe this!

???: He's hurting her on purpose?

???: Typical commoner! 

???: Stop the fight!

???: What the hell kind of guy tried to hurt a pretty girl like that?!

So that was her plan... Turn the crowd against you and hope the crowd and fight turn the knights against you. Hah... maybe your paranoia wasn't so off. This is why you didn't want to do this. Nobility toying with people, the knights not doing anything about such flagrant lies... It was boiling over from frustration straight to pissed off.

(Y/n): Hmm... Alright. Then let's end the fight now.

Delilah: W-What?

(Y/n): You wanted to make me the bad guy right? 

With that, you went to work. The blonde readied her whips only for her hand to fall. Followed by her arm and shoulder before the rest of her body was struggling to even stay standing. Within the blink of your (E/c) eyes, the girl was hit with another staggering amount of pressure before falling to stone-ground on her knees.

(Y/n): If you can't handle my gravity at 1% then I will kill you by 2%.

Delilah: W-What is this...

A cloud of fear passed over the girl's eyes as a gravity bullet rested just before her nose. Her arms went limp from the increased gravity before suddenly it was released. Delilah let out a cough of a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding in as you lowered your hand and began walking away.

(Y/n): Delilah is unable to fight. And if she still can then I don't care I'm not fighting.

Delilah: You...

Behind your back, Delilah scrambled to her feet, her hair now flowing loosely due to the gravity pulling at her bun. She had a deranged look on her face as she readied a fire whip but it hardened into an ember-covered spear.

Delilah: You filthy commoner!

She hurled the spear at your back but you had been more than prepared. Twisting your torso, you launched your still prepared gravity bullet, but it had grown much larger. The spear hit the orb of gravity magic and shattered to pieces before the orb slowed to a still and lightly touched Delilah's chest.

(Y/n): Gravity bomb.

Raising a clenched fist toward the blonde, you unfurled your fingers and watched the rapid expansion of the orb sending the blonde flying back against the wall of the arena. As soon as you were sure she was out you took the chance to let out a huff, cleaning the dust off of your shirt and pants before stepping toward the crowd. The other applicants meanwhile still seemed to be agitated at you. and if they weren't expressing frustration it was slight fear. You never were near the fraying point and you simply began to speak.

(Y/n): You can agree with her if you wish. She lied through her teeth, but I'm the bad guy. I'll simply say this and please don't take it as arrogance or being cocky. I beat her because I'm simply that good. If you have an issue we can settle this here. Or you can gang up on me after the exams and I'll still put you down as I did her. I'm carrying a burden none of you can understand... so if you have a problem with me let's finish this now because you lot don't deserve to be looking at my back better yet my magic. 

And with that, you felt better. You rejoined the crowd as they stood out of your way, allowing you to get back to your grimoire. you had no intentions of giving anyone else the time of day. You felt good from your emotional high, but as the adrenaline finally calmed down... you felt horrible. sure they were bad-mouthing you to a certain extent but you didn't mean it. There were plenty of mages there that were probably better than you. People with dreams of entering the knights while you were simply here on a stolen dream. You were content to wallow in your doubt when someone approached you.

???: Did you really mean all that?

You jumped softly as the rather loud voice filled your ears. Lifting your gaze in a sense of deja vu, you were met not with Delilah but another person. It was a male. He was shorter than you but rather muscular with green eyes and ash blonde hair behind a bandanna. The strangest part about him was... despite all the magic surrounding you this guy did not have a single drop of magic within him. So how did he get this far in the first place? Ah, but he asked a question didn't he?

(Y/n): Ah... I...

Closing your grimoire, you gazed at the front. What would Alienor have said about that outburst? Or your parents? It just felt so complicated all of a sudden.

(Y/n): No. I didn't mean it. I do carry a burden but it's of my own design. I'm sure you and all the others have the potential to be great knights.

???: Haaaaaah!

(Y/n): Eh?!

???: I knew you weren't a mean person! That blonde girl said all that stuff but you didn't let it define you at all! A lot of people say that I can't be a knight because I don't have magic... But that doesn't stop me! I will be wizard king one day no matter what they say!

(Y/n): I can tell you are uh... passionate about your dream. I wish you luck in your dream.

???: Ah... thank you! You're a good guy! I hope that burden of yours gets a little easier to carry too! Let's make sure our dreams come true no matter what!

The male raised a fist in triumph before rushing off to go watch another fight. It had to be one of the strangest encounters you had ever had. But his words did strike deep. Make your dream come true? How do you do that when it's not even yours? Hah... but you can't be getting all gloomy. Alienor would tease you all over the place if she found out. So now it was time to simply wait and see which of the knights would take you if any...

???: #53!

Your number finally arrived as you took the first steps forward. Nobody has been selected so far. Not a single one. How could the knights turn away so many? Sure it was the best of the best but... You finally reached the center of the arena and looked up upon the knights. You waited for no offers. You were so ready for it. Sure you had done fine but it would have been so much easier. But of course, that couldn't happen.

One hand raised. Then another... and another...

By your count, it was five. The Black Bulls, Aqua Deer, Coral Peacocks, Crimson Lion Kings, and... oh no...

???: T-The Golden Dawn?!

???: No way... he's a commoner!

???: I thought only royalty and nobility could get in there.

William Vangeance was the last to raise his hand, to the surprise of the other knights and to yours. There was no way you were good enough to enter them. this had to be some elaborate joke. But as your eyes met those of the Golden Dawn's leader and he offered a gentle smile... you knew he was not raising his hand in jest. How do you choose now? It would have been easy if no hands raised or maybe one or two but five?! With one being the Golden Dawn?! This choice... That's right... you weren't making this choice alone.

The Golden Dawn would set you up for life. Respect, money, the future as a whole. You and Alienor could be comfortable.

Aqua Deer and the Coral Peacocks were good in their own right and the two of you could relax in relative ease, especially with her injuries.

The Crimson Lion Kings commanded respect and you find yourself drawn to the security and reputation of the group.

Then there was the Black Bulls. According to the other applicants they were the most destructive and incompetent group of knights in the kingdom. Rejected by the rejects, they seemed like a horrible pick but in the end... You hadn't expected to be picked at all and Alienor didn't care about reputation like you did. So she would be happy anywhere including with a bunch of rowdy rejects. So maybe you could too? Gah, this choice is way too hard! With a breath... it seemingly came to your mind. 

You raised your hand and pointed upward the knights. Your voice was steady but nervous and filled with a fake confidence you conjured in the moment.

(Y/n): I want to join the...

These words would serve as the beginning of a grand journey across the Clover Kingdom and beyond. You weren't destined to walk this alone as these knights desired you and it was only right you gave them a reluctant response from a boy without a dream of his own...