It had now been two days after Asta's mysterious disappearance. Through this departure, many magic knights were concerned, including ones from other squads. A meeting was held immediately within the Magic knight capital to discuss the matter.
Within the, gathering several Magic knight captains were present. They all sat down patiently, waiting for their next order.
"How boring. To think we were pulled down here for one magic knight," said Jack.
"Oh, it's not just any magic knight," replied Rill, "This is Asta we're talking about."
"So?! I'm sure he's fine. We're all overreacting."
"I wonder if you were to stay this relaxed. If it were your magic knights that went missing," questioned Vangance.
"Well, I wouldn't be here in this stupid meeting. I would be out there trying to find them, that's what!" hissed Jack.
"Now, now everyone. Let's not fight ok," insisted Rill.
Both the Captain of the Praying mantises and Golden Dawn shunned each other with their arms folded.
The art mage felt incredibly awkward, almost as if he was in the middle of a firing line.
Moments later, the door had opened and out came the wizard kings trusty advisor Marx.
"Morning everyone, I take it you are all well."
"The pleasure is ours's Marx," replied Willam.
"Thank you, Captain Vangance," he bowed, "Now without further ado, let's get down to business."
Black Bulls hideout
Back at the Black Bulls, news had circulated on Asta's disappearance. Most of his squadmates became incredibly agitated and worried, some were more worried than others, and some... not so much.
"Honestly, you idiots are making such a big deal out of this," said Zora.
"Well, excuse me for worrying about a friend," snapped Magna. "There's no harm in looking anyway."
"Yeah, you're right, Magna. Asta still owes me a battle to the death," shouted Luck, "I ain't giving that up just yet."
"Is that your reason for wanting to find him," sighed the fire mage.
"Yep," nodding with enthusiasm.
"Well, whatever it is, I'm going to bed. Rather not put myself through a wild goose chase," insisted Zora.
"HEY, COME BACK HERE! I'm not finished with you just yet, Zora" shouted Magna.
*Spacial portal opens*
"Did you find anything?"
"No, sorry Vanessa. I even checked the beach, and I still couldn't find him," replied Finral
The thread mage rubbed her head in frustration, "Guess it's back to the drawing board. Wait, why did you go to the beach? I didn't ask you to go there."
"Oh umm, n-no reason," he blushed, "I-I just took the initiative, you know."
"Yeah... sure you did."
"So-so, how's everyone else searches going?"
"Beats me, " Vanessa shrugged, "I am curious to see where Noelle has gone, though. I saw her heading out pretty early."
"And the Captain?" asked the Spacial mage.
"Captain Yami was pulled into a special meeting to discuss the matter. Looks as though they're gonna construct a couple search teams."
"Oh, that's great news," followed Finral, "With the help of the other squads, will find Asta in no time."
"You would think it would be that easy." In contrast to her squadmates optimism, there was an enormous amount of concern written on Vanessa's face. Having already worked with another squad on the matter. There was very little to be optimistic about.
"I just hope that he's ok and hasn't gotten himself into too much trouble."
Back at the Magic capital
The wizard's trusty advisor Marx had just finished assembling search parties for Asta's sudden disappearance. Each party consisted of several magic knights that would be spread out and have their own exclusive locations to search, thus increasing the chances of finding their target. The areas would vary depending on the strength of each party as places were more dangerous than others.
"Is everyone happy with the teams given?"
"I believe these parties are more than impactful," saluted Vangance.
"I still object," said Jack, "I could find that runt all by myself. A team would just hold me back."
"Well, sorry to be the bearer of bad news, Jack. I'm gonna have to politely decline your request," replied Marx, "I know you're a Captain, but the team you will be leading, will be heading into the Diamond kingdom. You will need all the support you could get."
"Oh whatever," he shrugged.
Despite not being happy with the demeanour of the Captain, Marx continued to keep writing notes. He was slightly shocked to hear the news about Asta's disappearance. But hearing the urgency in the Willams's voice, he knew he had to take the matter very seriously. An anti-magic user was an essential asset for the Clover kingdom, and it would be a disgrace if anything were to happen to him.
"Ok, I hope that settles it. Wait, hang on arent, we missing someone?" questioned the memory mage.
Suddenly out of the blue, a large bulky figure burst into the room. He had his hands on his knees and breathing heavily. That figure was Captain Yami, who not for the first time was late to another meeting... even Jack the ripper came in on time.
*sigh*
*sigh*
*sigh*
"Yeah, sorry guys, toilets gonna be out of commission for a couple of days."
Marx, who was appalled with the tardiness of the Captain, snapped his keyboard.
"IS THIS YOUR EXCUSE FOR COMING LATE INTO THIS MEETING! I SHOULD HAVE JUILIOUS STRIP OF YOUR CAPTAINCY"
"Oh, relax mushroom head. I'm here, aren't I?" replied Yami sitting down and lighting a cigarette. "So what's the scoop again? I heard our boy Asta's been missing these past days."
"That is correct, Yami," replied Willam, "For the last couple of days, Asta's whereabouts have been unknown, and we are fearful that he might be in some serious trouble."
"Dam... would be a huge bummer if anything happened to him," blowing a puff of smoke. "Whats our high and mighty Julius got to say in all this. Shouldn't he be in this meeting?"
"Well, if you must know," intervened Marx, "He's been working hard on his assignments. Like a good wizard king should."
"Julius staying on top of his assignments? You gotta be kidding me," replied Yami.
"It is true, for the last couple of days, I have been very proud of our wizard king. I didn't need to shout at him, not even once."
"Hmmm judging by your Ki, you're definitely telling the truth. This I gotta see for myself," throwing away his cigarette.
"Just where do you think you're going now," said Marx.
"Oh just unwind for me, mushroom head. I'm just gonna pay Julius a little visit."
"Stop right there! Julius is currently working right now. I don't want anyone intruding on him."
The dark magic user ignored the wizard kings trusted advisor as he burst into his room.
"Yo, Julius! What Up! We're having an important meeting, wanna join us?"
The time mage was shell shocked. He wasn't expecting any visitors. But what was more annoying was the simple fact he specifically told Marx not to allow anyone to interrupt him while he completes his duties.
"Yami... This is a... pleasant surprise."
"MY SINCEREST APOLOGIES JULIUS," pleaded Marx, "I told this brut not to bother you, but he refused to listen."
"Jeez, calling me a brut, that's not very nice."
"AS IF YOU DONT CALL ME MUSHROOM HEAD!" hissed the memory mage.
"Now, now everyone, let's all just calm down ok," insisted the time mage, "As you can see, I'm especially busy right now. So I would appreciate some peace and quiet," he smiled.
The time mage grinned with his pearly whites.
"Sure you are, Julius," said Yami, "That's why you got all this mess lying around..."
Having spent years with Julius the Captain of the Black Bulls was expecting a heap of unfinished paperwork scattered around his desk. However, it was the complete opposite. Not only were the majority of these assignments complete, but everything was carefully laid out and organised. Starting from villager complaints, unearthing dungeons, squad requests, scheduling festive events and many more.
The sight left Yami speechless, had Julius really turned a new leaf recently.
"There is still a lot I need to take care of. So I would appreciate it if you would allow me to attend back to my duties, Yami."
"Well, I gotta say, I'm surprised," smiled the Captain of the Black Bulls.
"That's what I've been trying to tell you, Yami." said the memory mage. "Julius has been working very hard recently, and I don't want anyone to bother him. So if you could please..."
"You didn't let me finish Marx," he interpreted. The Dark user paused before lightening up another cigarette. "When I said I was surprised, I wasn't referring to all the work that had been done. You don't find it suspicious that Julius has suddenly turned a new leaf?"
The time mages forehead started to sweat, "Ju-just what are you implying, Yami? I am the wizard king, you know. The kingdom has been in slight chaos recently, so of course, it's important to stay on top of my duties."
"Spoken like a true wizard king," grinned the Captain.
Suddenly the dark mage, gripped Julius's collar as he slammed him against the wall. The abrupt reaction provoked an out raw, causing everyone to get off their seats.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING! HAVE YOU GONE MAD!?" shouted Marx.
"I don't approve of your actions, Yami. Release Julius at once," ordered Captain Vangance.
"Jeez, you guys need to relax. I'm doing you all a favour."
It was sudden, but all Yami needed was a closer look at the time mage. He released his grip before turning his back, "Well I got what I was looking for."
"Just what are you blabbering on about now. Apologise this instant to sir Julius" demanded Marx.
"I would," giggled Yami, "If that was who you say it was."
"What?!"
The Black Bulls captain blew some more smoke before turning his attention back to the time mage. Notwithstanding his calm look and persona, he began to feel troubled at this very moment. His mind already occupied with Asta's sudden disappearance, however, another problem was staring him right in the face.
"Marx... everyone for that matter. Did never occur to you why Julius is doing what he is. When has he ever done this much work and in so little time?"
"Are you implying this isn't the real Julius?" said Vangance.
"Finally... at least someones catching on."
The whole room stood silent as all eyes gazed on the time mage.
"Now, now. Hold on everyone. I'm not sure exactly what Yami is suggesting? But rest assured I am the real Julius."
The dark mage took a step forward, once again grabbing the so-called Julius's collar. "Listen here, you little weasel. I know it's not you. So quit this act and tell us who you really are."
"I think this is very uncalled for, Yami" replied the wizard King.
"YOU THINK THIS IS A JOKE, DUMB ARSE?! I know you're not the real Julius, I can sense your ki."
The room gasped in shock as Yami unearthed this surprising matter. It was unfortunate for the imposter, as he was finally caught red-handed.
"The jig is up. You're fooling anyone now. Also, how did you end up looking like Julius?"
"Yamis ki is never wrong. So it must be true then... tell us who you are," demanded the Captain of the Golden Dawn.
"Alright, fine... you got me." Before everyone knew it, clouds of smoke appeared from his stance... and out came the imposter's, true form.
"Suprise... Hi, everyone. Apologies it had to come down to this."
What came before the magic knights was a familiar figure. It was non-other than the wizard kings close representatives... Jin.
(Character I made up)
"Jin?! Wha-what are you... You've been impersonating Julius this whole time," shouted Marx.
"Yeah," scratching the back of his head, "Sorry about that, I was hoping it wouldn't come to this. That's why I was asking you not to let anyone interrupt me."
"Yes... I was" gazing angrily at the Black Bulls captain.
"Hey, don't look at me like that mushroom head. I'm the one who found the imposter in the first place. Be grateful."
The memory clenched his fist "Why you..."
"That's enough, both of you," said Vengeance "In case you guys have forgotten, this meeting was to discuss and devise a strategy for Asta's sudden disappearance. Jin, have you seen Asta these last couple of days?"
"Oh, the kid with no magic? Afraid not."
The captain of the Golden Dawn sighed in frustration. "Very well... as you're one of our wizard kings close representatives, may I request that you at least inform him regarding this matter."
"Of course", saluted Jin "I will inform Julius once I have the opportunity. But um... there's one problem."
"What may that be?" replied Yami, "Also, you still haven't told us why you pretended to be Julius this whole time."
"Yes and I'm going to get to that," said Jin waving arms "I would like to inform Julius. But the problem is... I don't know where Julius is."
"What?!"
Author note: Sorry again, guys I recently completed my degree and just a new job. Hence my focus wasn't on the story. New Chapter will be out the following Sunday.