Welcome to the next chapter!
Darth Simp; Yeah, it's going to be quite fun. Yeah, he'll be around during that. That would be cool if Venta did that, thanks for the suggestion!
Kdidier; Thanks! Glad you like it!
ShadowUzumaki55; Yeah, a little relaxing time together. Yuno did yeah. Yeah, both managed to pass the ceremony Magna had set up. Glad that you like Nebra~
Silver crow; Thanks. Yeah, they have done. Nebra surely did. Asta definitely is happy yeah~ Glad you liked Sekke and Venta's interactions. Yeah, Asta had a smoother introduction. Yeah, Noelle seems to trust in Venta's thoughts and actions. Dorothy does yeah. Maybe he does have his own kind of pet down there. Yeah, Nebra covers all corners it seems, and yeah, seems some subtle shifts are happening with Nebra. It would be Rensuke yeah. I know the time he'll be getting Float, that's all I can about that right now. I know when All Might and the oc will make the connection that Nana they are speaking about are the same person. Yeah, he'll have sweet moments together with All Might. We'll see the Oc and Katsuki's relationship, it's gonna be quite different to how Izuku's is with Katsuki, but development and growth will still be there. Noelle and Nebra could do yeah. I couldn't say about their first mission, it will soon be shown. That would be funny about Jack and Yami. When it comes up, he'll explain about it yeah. Charlotte and Sol will have moments like that yeah. Maybe Venta could say something like that yeah.
Noelle fan; He did yeah, he's trying his best. Yeah, this will help the sisters become closer. Noelle surely did.
djinn; Thanks very much!
Guest 1; Yeah, that sounds pretty awesome to me. Yeah, I could see him saying something's like that. Thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 2; Nebra seems to have done yeah. Yeah, maybe her denial mode is shrinking a little bit as time goes on. Glad you liked their introductions. The sword might be yeah. Haha, seems like Vanessa is taking quite the forward moves huh. Yeah, Venta knows about every current Black Bull, even ones the other members don't know about, how will be explained as the story goes. Thanks very much. Phenex Oc, then Continuation of Villains Hero came second and third. Thanks for the harem suggestions. Thanks for the votes! The oc is going to be Tomura's brother, same parents and everything. Yeah, it could double like a healing type quirk. Yeah, that's what I was thinking about with the Quirks, One For All has the power, so these would cover some bases that OFA doesn't. I'd have to think about it.
helios darkus; Okay. Nero's in this chapter. Yeah, they had some fun interactions. Yeah, we'll certainly see their stuff in the future.
Guest 3; That sounds like a cool story for a child of Ophis to have. Thanks for the suggestions.
Guest 4; Thanks for the votes. Yeah, maybe it will be.
Redwing; They have done yeah! Nebra surely did. Yami wouldn't get rid of him lol, maybe bet him on occasion. Thanks for the votes.
Andrew123456; Pretty soon.
Lorenzo Macchiavelli; Okay, thanks for letting me know.
Guest 5; Thanks for the votes.
makotoxvalerie; Yeah, when the time comes, we'll see it, and have some hints about it along the way. He could find a sword yeah. Yeah, that would be nice if he did it in honor of Yami. That would be cool if he did that with Sylph. Seems they do want her gone huh.
With those reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter.
Little grudges!
The next few days at the Black Bulls remained, mostly uneventful. At least nothing amazing happened, beyond some usual stuff that went on during the time they were at the base together. Venta though right now was currently exploring a small cave late into the night.
He had a tip that a Magic Stone could be there, so he went to go and see if that was the case.
Though the more deeper he went into it, the less likely that would be.
His eyes cracked back, and saw Grey was slowly but surely keeping up with him.
He thought it would be good to help her out like this, and bring her on a mission. It wasn't an official one, and he didn't think it would be dangerous as the lead was a little weak if he was honest with himself, but he did still try.
And with Grey, he thought she'd be able to gain a little more confidence if she did come out on some missions.
"V-V-Veeeeeenta-kuuuuun!"
Grey called out, so Venta stopped.
"What is it?"
"I-It's so da-dark in here! A-Are we alone?"
"We are, don't worry. There's no one around."
As he said it, a creature native to the cave let out a roar, which freaked Grey out, and Grey rushed towards his side, and hugged onto his arm.
He could feel that she was shivering, so he did his best to reassure her.
"Don't worry, it's just a wild bear, that's all."
"R-Really? Only a bear?"
"Yeah, it's only a bear. I promise, there's no one around here."
Grey nodded, believing in him.
They continued down into the cave together, with Grey becoming increasingly more worried, so he did his best to assure her that everything was alright.
"You know Grey-chan, if you're worried, you can transform into someone until you get more comfortable."
"R-Really? Even you?"
"Sure, go for it."
Grey did just that, and became an exact copy of Venta.
Staring at Grey was like looking into a mirror.
He also found it funny that Grey, now transformed into him, was hugging his arm.
"Like this...I feel more like you Venta-kun, so brave."
"You don't have to look like me to be brave Grey-chan. I promise you, there will be a time when you will get to show how brave you really can be."
Grey felt her cheeks going red ever so slightly.
Hearing his words, she did feel a bit more confident.
But then she paled as Venta glanced back.
"Oh, there does seem to be someone coming here now."
Grey let out a cute squeal, and hid behind Venta.
Venta watched as a single Mage came down towards them. Venta watched the man's face as he came into view. He remembered him from back at the Magic Knights exam, it was the one called Salim with his lightning magic being showcased around him.
"A Black Bull!"
The man said with an accusing tone.
Venta raised a brow.
"Yeah, and you're the lightning guy back from the exam. Something that I can help you with?"
"This is my cave! Get out!"
"It's just a cave that popped up a few days ago, and I was asked to explore it by my Captain."
"Listen commoner, my family is important to this world, and you are not. So, I suggest that you either leave this cave, or I'll have to have you executed."
Venta rolled his eyes.
"We'll be leaving once we've had a look around. Then you can do as you like with the cave."
Salim didn't like the sound of that.
So he summoned his electricity around him.
Grey looked towards Venta who gave a gentle smile back.
"Tch! Speaking to me in such a nonsense tone! I'll destroy you faster than you can-"
Suddenly, a wave of gravity smashed through the area.
Salim didn't have time to activate his Magic, and he was caught up in the wave, blasting him out of the cave.
Grey tilted her head.
"Who was h-he?"
"Someone named...what was it again...Salim I think. Anyway, lets keep going~"
Grey looked towards the place Salim was, and knew that they'd be fine, so they continued on.
Getting down to the lowest levels, Venta and Grey saw that it was a small area, only housing two jewels. Venta glanced at them, but couldn't feel anything from either of them.
"This place has been picked clean apart from..." Venta snapped his fingers, and brought the jewels to his hand via gravity magic. "These. They must have missed them." He took the pink and blue jewels, and presented them to Grey. "Here, why don't you have them?"
"F-F-F-F-For meeee?!"
"Yeah, I think they'd suit you. Your hair colour, matches this blue jewel, and the pink would make you look even more cute."
Grey flushed when he said that.
She accepted them, and held them close to her chest.
He looked around once more, and exhaled.
"Well, apart from that, this was a bust. Seems like the Captain's gonna have a boring report to read haha."
"E-Even then...I really...I really did...e-enjoy myself..!"
Venta smiled towards Grey and placed his hand on top of her head, noticing that she had dropped her transformation and was now in her usual Grey form which he really did like to see, and he was glad that she felt comfortable enough to do it.
"Me too, it's great, isn't it? Going out, exploring. It can be a bit scary, but that's also apart of the adventure."
"I-If I'm with you...then I wont become so nervous..."
Venta's soft smile caused Grey to flush even more, unable to keep the redness off of her face.
"That's really sweet." Venta petted Grey's head, before moving towards the exit. "Ready to go?"
Grey nodded, and rushed closer.
She wrapped her arms around his own, before they walked out together.
It was later that night, when Venta was sat on his own, that he and Nero finally had sometime to talk to one another. The bird landed on his chest as he laid down on the couch within the Black Bulls base.
"Hey Nero, you've been quiet lately."
Nero's eyes went towards Venta's own.
"Been sleeping in your hair, it was soft and fluffy and I liked it."
Venta lightly smiled towards the bird.
"Well, I'm glad that I could offer you such a nice nest."
"Did I miss much?"
"Eh, nothing much. Apparently Nebra-san lives here now, and she splits her time here and with the Silver Eagles."
Nero wore surprise on her face.
"How?"
"She bribed her way in basically."
Venta snickered out, finding it funny that's how it went down.
Nero raised an eyebrow at that.
"She did what?"
Venta thought she'd say that, so he did his best to explain.
"Well, it seems that Captain Yami wishes to have some entertainment, but she did buy him a new sword. I don't really get it, but it seems that she's happy, so I guess that I'm happy for her as well. However, I have been doing some research, and I think that, that I might have something that could help you become a fully formed girl again!"
Nero's eyes widened slightly.
"W-What? You have?"
Nero was beyond surprised.
But Venta nodded.
"It isn't a thing that I can say a hundred percent. But there is something's that I have been going over lately, discussing with the current Wizard King when he had a moment, and I think that there could be something that might be able to help. But I need some information first, I've got some ideas on how to get the information. So I don't wanna get your hopes up yet, but it might be a good shot."
As he spoke, Nero could feel a slow but steady warmth building within her chest.
Bubbling to the surface, she felt it nearly taking a hold of her.
But she managed to keep it at bay for the moment and simply kept her stoic expression.
"I see, even then I do not mind. It is fine for me to wait a little longer."
Venta shook his head, as he reached out and lightly petted the top of the birds head.
"I think that if I had even one more Magic Stone, I would be able to help you. Even if it is only temporary each time. I think it would be better than nothing, right Nero? You'd be able to experience the world as a human again, and I'd be able to see your face instead of the cute fluffy bird look that you've got going on."
Nero looked left and right.
She then flew towards Venta's face, landing on the armrest beside said face.
She then placed her fluffy neck towards his own and gently rubbed.
"Yes...it would be good. I'll wait to see what comes of it."
"Trust me, I hope that it is simply a case of just needing one more Magic Stone. I think it will help anyway."
"If you think it will, then perhaps it will."
Venta smiled.
He had a little more investigation to do, but he was sure that he'd be able to find a way for her to become a person again. Even if he had to keep repeatedly giving his Mana to her for her to maintain the transformation before fully breaking the curse itself.
The next day, shuffling in his bed, Venta felt Dorothy curled against him, and had her head laid on his chest.
His eyes slowly peeled open, feeling a weight on his body.
Since he didn't feel any Mana, he knew who it was right away.
It was only one person it could be.
"Morning future husband!"
Asta was perched on his lap.
She had sneaked in during the night, he remembered that and though he didn't mind at all that she did, he always did find it cute when she would give him such big adorable eyes that he didn't know what to do with them.
Raising his hand to her face, she happily nuzzled against it.
"Good morning Asta-san, so what are you doing?"
"I was waiting for you to wake up, so we can do something exciting!"
"What is it you want to do?"
As he asked, Asta took his hand and held it close to her chest.
Feeling the softness of her chest, he did feel his cheeks tinging into pinkness.
Though he kept a mostly calm expression on his face.
"Erm...a mission maybe? That would be fun! Ooh, maybe we can even just train or something! That would be good! Ooh, afterwards, can we go and cuddle on the couch? Like in my dreams? It would be the best, don't you think?"
"Yeah, okay. Lets speak to the Captain first, and then we'll go from there."
Asta bounced on his lap, excitedly looking down at the young man.
"Venta-kun! Can you also tell me what Magic Knights actually do?"
Venta gave a curious look.
He was surprised that she didn't seem to know about it.
"You don't know?"
"Nope."
Venta thought it was rather cute that she said it like that.
"Our job is to protect the kingdom Asta-san, and its people. We do lots of missions, ranging from minor to major. It really depends on what's needed. Then there's also missions the Captain likes to give us if he gambles and bets us. I also seem to get betted a lot when it comes to the Captain."
As he said it, Dorothy raised her hand with a piece of paper in it.
Venta took it and read it.
[That reminds me, I also have to have a card game with your Captain again. If I win, I'd like you for the week.]
Venta glanced at the sleeping beauty of a Captain, seeing that she looked rather calm.
Giving a small smile, he shrugged, and turned back towards Asta.
"So yeah, that's the basic things that we do. I'm sure the others will have their own opinions on what we do. But that's the gist of it, I'll tell you more complicated stuff soon, I'm sure that Noelle-san also already knows so I don't have to really explain..."
His voice stopped when suddenly the door opened revealing Nebra.
"Can you believe this darling? They're hogging the baths again, so I might have to go back to the Silva house to properly bathe..."
As she spoke, her eyes noticed Asta, and Venta's positions.
Seeing the former excitedly waving towards her, and the latter simply laying underneath her, it was quite clear to Nebra that something was happening that she couldn't figure out by herself, her mind was going into quite the overload.
"You! What are you doing here?"
Asta tilts her head.
"Eh, I'm just visiting my future husband!"
"But even though I tried to sleep in here last night, the Captain of the Coral Peacocks wouldn't allow me to and ended up kicking me out." As she said it, Dorothy herself rose up from the bed, and faced Nebra. "Captain, I think there's a misunderstanding going on around here, I'd like to go out with this boy, is that fine?"
Captain Dorothy to her surprise shook her head.
She held up some paper that said [I can't give up Venta-kun at night, he's cuddly.] something that did cause Nebra to have a vein pop from her forehead.
"B-But, I'd like to sleep in here with him too."
Dorothy didn't say anything and kept her arms around the young man.
In return, Nebra gave harsh eyes.
Asta didn't know what to do, so she ended up hugging him tightly, which only seemed to spur Nebra on even more.
Later on at breakfast, Venta, Asta, Noelle and Nebra began eating their meal together with Magna. The others seemed to have gone all of a sudden, with Venta noticing that Magna was looking towards Noelle and even Nebra in slight worry.
Noelle noticed it and looked on curiously.
"What? Is there something on my face?"
Magna shook his head, remembering the water attack that Magna received from Noelle.
Even more than Asta, Noelle seemed to be quite dangerous with her Water Magic currently.
Noelle shrugged, and turned to Nebra, seeing her eating casually.
"So, big sister...erm, when you said that you were now a Black Bull, does big brother Nozel know about it?"
"This is a private matter, he doesn't have to become aware."
Nebra answered in a slightly detached manner, that Noelle thought was a win as usually Nebra would be more detached than she was being at this current moment in time.
"I see...erm, then big sister, it's..."
Nebra glanced at her, and then towards Venta.
She paused on Venta for a few moments, before looking back at Noelle.
"That spell back in the entrance exam, you said the word Dragon, didn't you?"
"Y...Yes, that's right."
Noelle answered, having a slight nervous touch to her tone.
She wasn't used to her sister speaking to her like this.
Though as the six months between gaining her Grimoire and now her entering the Black Bulls, Nebra was changing.
It was subtle, but it was clear for Noelle to see that something within her was beginning to change.
"So do you believe you'll rise to such a strong powerful legendary type of creature? A Dragon is supposed to be majestic, strong, and very capable. Do you believe that you'll be able to become like that?"
Nebra's words seemed harsh.
But Venta could see the hidden meaning.
It was like she was trying to encourage Noelle in her own way.
Noelle herself didn't say anything for a solid half minute.
But then she did look towards Nebra.
"I can't say about the future big sister, but I can say that I will keep doing my best."
Nebra didn't say anything at first.
But then she gave a single nod of her head.
"I see, then that is something I'd like to see. Dragons are a huge name to live up to, if your Magic does take the form of such things. So, I expect that you live up to such a name. You now have control over your Magic, yes?"
"Yes...that's right."
"Then continue to prove to me, and others that you are a member of the House of Silva."
Noelle didn't show much, but she did allow a little smile to appear on her face.
Hearing the words of her sister praising her, in her very Nebra like way, it did feel good.
It almost felt like Nebra was trying to encourage her.
Asta, in the middle of that, leaned over to Venta.
"Venta-kun, it seems to be quite intense huh."
She whispered, Venta nodded.
"Yeah, it's best that they can speak about it together."
Asta nodded, and casually moved onto Venta's lap.
He himself looked to see the small girl being rather happy that she did.
Though when she did, both Noelle and Nebra's eyes fixated onto the young girl.
"By the way, why aren't you ever doing any chores?"
Asta asked Noelle, who ran a hand through her hair casually.
"I am royalty, so it isn't something I have to worry about."
"Eeeh! But it is! I've been doing laundry and washing up and everything! And you big sister of Noelle! How come you don't do chores? You live here sometimes, don't you?"
Nebra looked on with sharp eyes.
"You want me to belittle myself into doing manual labour such as these?"
"Yes!"
Asta replied, with Venta giving off a small laugh as a response.
Nebra on the other hand raised her head, and turned it away, Asta blinked in perplexity.
Soon afterwards, Yami came down the stairs. Nebra glanced at him, who did the same thing right back, before he sat down.
"Captain, Asta-san said that she'd like to do a mission, so have we got any available at the moment that I'm not aware of?"
"Nothing yet, haven't got anything for us to do." Yami's eyes danced between the two newbies, and Venta. "By the way, Venta. Since you're the Vice Captain, I've got a special task for you, I'm sure you'd love to do it."
Venta tilted his head.
"What is it?"
Yami's eyes went towards Asta and Noelle once more.
He then glanced at Nebra who gave an elegant smile, something Yami did find to be a little funny.
"Yeah, the two newbies, make sure they don't get themselves killed. At least for a little while. The paperwork alone would be more trouble than it would be worth." Underneath his words, Venta knew Yami was concerned for the two newbies as he called them. "Besides, I'm sure you can keep them out of trouble. One wants to be your wife, and the other is Nebra's sister, so she has to have something going on."
Noelle blinked, and pointed at herself.
Yami nodded and continued.
"That's right, I'm sure that it would be alright if you stayed with your Sensei, right?"
"W-Well, if it is Venta-kun, I don't mind..."
Noelle whispered so quietly that only those next to her could hear her, and even then it was hard to hear due to the quiet tone that she used.
Yami didn't hear her but it seemed she was fine with it, so he waved his hand.
"And you Anti Magic girl, you wanna be with your husband, right?"
"Hell yeah! I wanna be with him always! We're even gonna be the best couple ever!"
Nebra and Noelle's eyes shot for the young girl, who didn't seem to be all that bothered by the fact that she had the sisters staring at her, in fact Venta noticed that Asta didn't seem to notice at all what was going on currently.
"I meant like a mentor."
Yami sweat dropped, Asta pulled out her tongue.
"I-I knew you meant that! And yeah, of course! I'd love to be with him as a mentor!"
"Great, great. Then there you go Venta, you get to have two girls follow you around."
Venta sweat dropped with the grin that was on Yami's face.
"Haha, right Captain. You already have Karna-san after all, huh." Yami almost spluttered when he said that. "Speaking of, it seems she hasn't been around for the last few days."
"Yeah, she's quite busy, but I'll be seeing her probably tomorrow since she said she's busy with a mission. Speaking of busy, actually I do have a mission. But Magna, it involves you."
Venta knew what it was, while the three with Venta drew a blank.
Magna also knew and showed a bright strong smile on his face.
"Yeah, lets do it!"
"Wait, if it's a mission, can I go?"
Asta asked, but Magna waved his hand.
"This ain't a mission for newbies!"
Asta's face fell while Venta laughed to himself.
"Asta-san, you aren't going to be missing anything, I assure you."
"Really? What mission is it?"
"One that is more of a personal indulgence than anything else."
Asta drew a blank, though Nebra looked on curiously.
"I believe I understand. So, that's the kind of man that your Captain."
"Hey, don't make it sound like it is something dirty!"
Nebra locked eyes with him.
Staring at one another deeply, the pair looked at each other strongly.
"No?"
"No!" Yami replied, then looked towards Venta, and shuffled closer and closer. He then held out his hand. "Venta, my Vice Captain. The man that stands beside me, and one I put trust into. The man that I readily can say that I would go into every battle with, with my head held high."
Hearing the praise was indeed nice.
But Venta knew there was another reason behind it.
"How much do you need?"
Yami shows a strong expression.
"Cutting the formalities I see. Well, I wouldn't need much. I have a good feeling about this. I'm even going up against that witch Dorothy today. I'm sure today is the day that I wont lose to her. I've got everything planned, to the finest detail."
"I see, and how much was it?"
Yami gives a sheepish smile.
He then explains how much.
Venta sighs.
"Well, you have paid off the last debt, so I think it's alright if you have this for the next loan."
Yami looked relieved that he heard him say that.
"You are amazing. Don't worry, I'll double, triple the amount that you're going to get back! I have this plan Venta, I surely can't lose to someone that's asleep again, can I? I mean, I think that this strategy is full proof."
Venta didn't really believe him.
He knew Dorothy apparently had mad card skills, and Yami seemed to always lose.
But he did want to support his Captain so he didn't mind that much.
"Alright Captain, I'll believe in you."
"Damn straight, now lets get to it."
Venta sweat dropped, and handed the money over to Yami.
"Good luck Captain.."
"Don't worry. I've got this now. This plan cannot fail, I wont lose to her again, I refuse to lose to her."
Venta laughed it off, and watched as Yami walked out of the base.
Magna looked towards Venta, so he flicked his hand and gave him a small bag, Magna's face grew with delight.
"Thanks Vice Captain! See ya later!"
Venta waved them off, leaving the other three dazzled.
"Wow Venta-kun, that seemed like a lot of money."
"I recently managed to sell a few things I got from a dungeon, it wasn't that much compared to how much I got from said dungeon."
Nebra slowly nods.
"My, quite a thing you've hidden, isn't it darling? Perhaps you may take me on a date-"
"Actually, I'm going out with Yuno-san today since we've got no mission, sorry Nebra-san ."
Venta's words caused Asta to splutter.
"E-Eh? With Yuno?!"
"Yeah, this is the time she said she could get a little bit of time off. Before a mission that she'll be going on in a few days."
"Yuno, she's so crafty! I didn't know about that at all!"
Venta could see that Asta seemed to be a little annoyed.
Though he presumed it was because of the rivalry the pair shared.
Nebra and Noelle both looked stunned that Venta was indeed going out with Yuno...on a date.
Having had a few days to settle in, Venta and Yuno finally had the chance to go around the capital together. First Venta went towards the Golden Dawn to go and pick her up.
He just simply walked into the grounds, when he saw a man with sand around his body.
The man's hand went up, stopping Venta from progressing.
"No Black Bulls allowed."
Venta raised a brow at the man, before tilting his head right.
"Didn't know that was a rule here."
Venta replied, with the man who's name is Alecdora pulled closer.
"What I meant to say is that our Captain William doesn't want for you to come here."
"Is that so? I didn't get the memo on that."
Venta's words caused the man named Alecdora to grind his teeth.
He never did like Venta as he didn't know Venta's status, and due to being a Black Bull, thought that he was underneath him, and he didn't like how Venta could interact with William as well.
"Here's the memo now, you may leave."
"I'll be leaving once I meet up with a friend of mine."
Alecdora focused sharply on the young man with cold eyes.
"You mean that street rat girl? Being in Golden Dawn means you are something, and she's let in. It seems to be a fluke."
"Or perhaps she's actually really strong. Maybe it's that. Your Captain seemed to recognize her talent, didn't he?"
Alecdora scoffed.
"Talent isn't for commoners, talent is for people like me. Nobles that have amazing hidden power."
"Even if that was the case, she still is talented, and strong. I'd suggest trying to get to know her power, and see if you have anything in common before jumping to conclusions you know?"
As he said it, Alecdora turned and tightened his hand to the point that his knuckles began turning white.
But then saw that Venta was moving past him, as he saw no point trying to argue with Alecdora as he was someone that wouldn't listen to many, only his Captain since he had a very deep admiration for him.
"Wait, I didn't say you could go in! Leave at once!"
"I once spoke to your Captain and he said I'd be allowed to come if I have a good reason too, or he invited me. And I have a good reason, you may speak with your Captain if you'd like to do that."
Venta put it in the nicest way that he possibly could do.
He didn't want to sound arrogant, or trying to antagonize either, that wasn't in his nature.
But he also wasn't going to be pushed around by Alecdora either.
Alecdora didn't like the sound of it, and summoned his sand around him.
"I'll teach you some-"
Before his sand could become anything useful, he saw that it suddenly fell to the ground with a click of Venta's fingers, with a purple outline surrounding the sand at the same time it weighted down.
"-manners?"
Venta followed up with, Alecdora ground his teeth, as Venta disappeared in the large base of the Golden Dawn.
He looked around and murmured "Damn, this is quite nice..." though he did love the Black Bulls, he could acknowledge that Golden Dawn did have a really good looking base.
While walking, he was curious as to how Mimosa, and Yuno got on.
Moving through the area, he felt where Yuno's Mana was, so he walked that way.
He glanced back, seeing the Alecdora was trying to follow him, so Venta didn't even pay any heed, and kept moving on.
As he did, he was surprised when he felt the Captain's presence coming closer.
So he stopped, and looked on to see the Captain himself come around the corner.
Alecdora looked on with a cocky expression on his face.
But that was replaced with surprise when he saw William casually waving, something that he didn't do with Alecdora.
"Ah, Venta-kun. What a surprise. What are you doing here?"
"Hey Captain, I just came to take Yuno-san a little tour around here. Is that alright?"
Alecdora kept shaking his head over and over.
But William nodded a single time.
"Of course, that's acceptable."
Alecdora's lips fell as did his face.
"Great! So, how are you Captain? Been having any adventures lately?"
William's lips curled upwards ever so slightly.
"Nothing so exciting. Though I wasn't able to attend, I did hear that you beat the Vice Captain of the Coral Peacocks several months ago now, and now have been promoted. I believe it was only a matter of time, and I am glad that your Captain saw the potential."
Venta rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.
"Haha, well that's very kind to say. Though don't forget, closest to Wizard King, I'll have to fight you one day with your World Tree Magic. Aah, the thought of countering that kind of power, it really would be amazing to see."
Alecdora didn't look happy that Venta spoke to William so casually.
It felt like an insult for him to do such things.
"I have also thought about your Gravity Magic and how to fight against that. Maybe one day when you reach Captain status, we could have a fight."
"Well, that would only happen if my Captain suddenly gave up or something like that haha. So might have to do it before then, I can't wait to see what kind of challenge that you'll be as we have a fight with one another."
"Perhaps, though I do think it would be good to see you as a Captain. I am sure it wouldn't be such a far into the future thing. It might happen before you know it." William pulls back, and bows ever so slightly. "Then I have some duties that I have to attend to, I'll leave you and my new member to become even more acquainted. Though it seems that you already are, is that right?"
"Yeah, we met over six months ago now."
"And the potential she has, I am blessed she chose this squad."
Alecdora didn't like that even more than ever before.
He even felt jealous that a street rat, as he would think of Yuno as, being someone worthy of praise from his Captain.
And how Venta and he spoke, it felt like a kick to the teeth for such a man.
"Yeah, I'm sure..."
"Ooh actually, I did have another request. The Wizard King himself said that you had a book that might interest me. If you don't mind, can I borrow it?"
William tilts his head, and listens to the book Venta was speaking about.
Then he nods.
"Yes, I do have that. I don't think it would be trouble to allow you to borrow it for a little while. Please wait here, I'll be right back."
"Thanks!"
Venta watched as he walked off, leaving Alecdora to come closer.
"Alright, what's the idea of you and my Captain speaking on such casual terms?"
"Because we're casual with each other."
Venta replied, he thought it was obvious.
But Alecdora didn't seem to be thrilled by it.
"No, it doesn't work like that Black Bull. He is the Captain of the most prestige squad within the Clover Kingdom. You are apart of the Black Bulls, even as the Vice Captain of the squad, it doesn't mean that you have the right to casually speak towards him in such a friendly manner."
"So you'd rather I be rude with him?"
"No!"
"I'm getting mixed messages right now."
Venta murmured, Alecdora scowled.
But then stopped, and ran when William came walking back.
"Here, this is the book."
"Thank you, if you need anything, let me know."
"I'm sure that I will do, thank you."
Venta smiled, and waved as he walked off, leaving Alecdora gritting his teeth at the sight.
Going towards Yuno's room, he knocked on the door as he felt two Mana's inside. Recognizing them, he was glad that they were together, and it seemed that Yuno had taken his advice to heart about him becoming friends with a certain girl.
When the door opened, Mimosa was the first person he saw.
"V-Venta-kun! You're here!"
Mimosa excitedly said, something that made Venta lightly smile.
"Hey Mimosa-san, Yuno-san. How are you both?"
Mimosa nodded strongly.
"Yes, I'm okay. I'm glad you're here, being in Golden Dawn is a new experience. Everyone is a bit strange sometimes, but there are a few people here that aren't so bad. And Yuno-san and I have been able to become friends."
Venta was glad for them to have such a beginning of a connection.
Yuno seemed a bit quiet, but Venta thought that was to be expected as that's how she was.
"I'm glad you're settling in. And I'm sure you'll be happy to know that both Asta-san and Noelle-san are settling in as well."
Mimosa looked relieved, as Yuno nodded.
"I wouldn't expect anything different from Asta. So, are you ready?"
Mimosa blinked.
"Ready? For what?"
Venta went to answer when Yuno stepped forward instead.
"We're going out together."
Mimosa's face dropped.
"G-Going out? Like a date?"
"Yes, I suppose it could be seen like that."
When Yuno said that, Mimosa's face dropped ever so slightly.
"S-So, that's how it is..."
"Yes, that's how it is. I am ready now Venta-kun."
"Then lets get going." Venta turned and looked towards Mimosa who seemed to be foaming at the mouth. "A-Are you okay?"
"Y-Yes, I'm okay..."
Venta raised an eyebrow.
"Are you sure?"
"Y-Yes, don't worry about me..."
Venta wasn't sure what to think about it.
But then he saw Yuno come to his side.
"Ready?"
Venta glanced at Mimosa who was waving with what looked like a shaky hand.
"Eh...yeah, I'm ready."
Venta watched Mimosa for a few moments, before he left together with Yuno for their day out together.
Getting to said capital, the pair began walking through it. The young woman noticed how many eyes turned in their direction as they walked. And she could hear the whispers.
"A Black Bull and a Golden Dawn together?"
"Why are they walking side by side?"
"Wait, that's the new hopeful, right?"
"Ooh, it's Venta-kun! Hey Venta-kun!"
People seemed to recognize them, and some didn't seem to recognize them and questioned why they would even be together in the first place, which Venta totally could get as it was weird to see such a combination together.
When people did recognize, he waved at them casually, and showed a serene smile.
Seeing that, was something hard for Yuno to replicate when she was try and wave at people passing them by. It was clearly difficult for the young woman, Yuno didn't have much experience with greeting people at all like this.
"So Yuno-san, how has your first few days of being Golden Dawn been?"
"It went as you had said, they didn't seem to really want me to be there. Well, some at least, not all. I've been spending time with Mimosa-san, and it seems that we have several things that are in common."
Venta lightly smiled at that, glad for her.
"That good, Mimosa-san is a lovely girl. I'm glad you're getting along so well."
"Though Venta-kun, there was this man with Sand Magic, he seemed to be quite..."
"Arrogant? Believing you'd take the place of him in your Captains eyes?"
Yuno adopted the slightest of smiles.
Seeing what Venta had said, she believed that he probably had to deal with Alecdora few times in the past as well.
"Yes...I believe that would be the best way to say it. Anyway, it is enjoyable to go around the capital like this. This is the first chance that I have gotten to enjoy the sights. And my Captain is rather good as well, I've had a few conversations and he's easy to speak to compared to some that are more intense."
"He is yeah, he can be a bit quiet, but he's a really great guy. People say he's closest to becoming the Wizard King. So competition for you I guess~"
Yuno revealed a small noticeable smile.
"Venta-kun, may I ask...do you have aspirations to become the Wizard King? I don't believe you've ever said."
"Hmm, that's a good question, and honestly, I'd say that it would be cool, but it isn't everything that I'm going for. I've got other things to worry about currently than that. If I was asked to be the Wizard King, I wouldn't say no to it."
"I see, then I don't have to see you as competition."
Venta showed a small smile on his lips.
"You're quite funny you know?"
"Am I? I just said what was deep within me. That's all."
As she said it, Venta glanced behind them, and saw that Asta was following them.
Moving from house to house, staying behind a wall, and watched on.
Yuno's eyes glance back to see Asta looking directly at her.
"It seems shorty is trying to follow us."
"Aah, yeah. She's been doing it for a while now."
Yuno blinked with perplexity.
"She has?"
Yuno couldn't sense her, so she did show some surprise on her face that Venta seemed to know that she was following them.
"Yeah, I sensed her a while ago."
Yuno looked even more perplexed.
She didn't get how he would do that.
"But, she doesn't have Mana, so how did you use Mana Sensing?"
"I didn't use Mana Sensing. I used Ki Sensing."
Yuno paused.
She hadn't heard of that before.
So she had to ask about it directly.
"Ki...Sensing? I'm afraid I don't know what that is."
"It's something my Captain taught me, apparently it comes from his homeland, and I thought it would be useful to have in case someone threw off my Mana Sensing or something. Comes in handy with Asta-san."
Yuno was amazed to hear that.
To think Venta could do something like that.
"Are there any other tricks up your sleeve Venta-kun?"
As she asked, Venta kept hearing in his head "ME! ME! ME! ME!" and he knew his Devil was becoming excited.
"I've got a few things up my sleeve yeah. Don't you always have to have something up your sleeve?"
"I suppose you're right." As she said it, she glanced back at Asta, so she moved her hand and took Venta's own, vexing the small girl. "Venta-kun, you know, I did consider joining the Black Bulls, to be closer to you."
Venta blinked several times.
"You did?"
"Yes. But I also knew that to grow as well, that I'd have to find a squad that best suited me. The Black Bulls are more Asta, and I am more Golden Dawn."
"Golden Dawn is a great squad to be on, the Captain of that is a pretty chill guy. Can't say the same for some of his people though."
Yuno cracked a rare smile.
"I'm glad Mimosa-sans nice, I appreciate talking to her. I was surprised to find out that she was a Vermilion, I didn't expect a royal to be like her."
Venta laughed lightly.
"She definitely is a very odd case huh? She's the sweetest royal I've met. Noelle-san as well is really nice, she tries to hide behind a façade, but I can see within her how kind she can be. I think Mimosa-san just doesn't really mind what people think of her."
Yuno nodded, her smile growing a little more.
As it did, Asta noticed, and her teeth chattered together.
She continued watching as they went around together, seeing how close that Yuno was being with Venta.
As that was going on, Yami and Dorothy were in a familiar stare down. Magna had been cleaned out, having lost all of the money that Venta had given him to the sleepy Captain herself.
Yami on the other hand wouldn't back down in the slightest.
Even against such a foe.
"You might be skilled, but I will not lose to you sleeping Captain Dorothy."
Dorothy held her cards to her face.
Her closed eyes couldn't give away anything that was on her mind.
Yami picked up a card, and saw that it was one that he needed.
But he kept on a poker face.
"Since you've been winning, what is it that you want from me next?"
Dorothy passed on a note.
[If I win, I want Venta-kun for a week. And for your squad to take care of a mission near Sosshi. To do with wild boars. My squad got it, but we're busy for the next few days.]
"Geez, it seems that you do like having him as a sleeping partner. And Sosshi huh?"
Magna raised his head.
"Sosshi?"
"Yeah, she wants our group to take care of a wild boar that's there. It doesn't bother me, because I'm not going to lose. And if I win, I want to have a feast prepared for me and my group, that alright with you?"
Without waking, she nodded.
Yami smirked and showed his cards.
"Read them and weep, if you can see through your closed eyes."
Yami was confident that he'd win.
He was so sure that he'd win that it was clear on his face that he would do.
So when Dorothy laid her cards down, his face dropped immensely.
"What the..."
Yami was baffled, and even began shaking.
He was speechless.
He had...lost.
Dorothy pulled the cards necessary and got the win.
Yami then stood up, and slammed his hand into a nearby table, breaking it with his incredible strength.
"How are you doing this?! You're sleeping right now! How can I lose to you?! You're sleeping! You're unconscious and somehow playing cards!? How does that even make sense?! You're asleep!"
Magna could see that Yami was repeating a lot of the same things.
It seemed that he truly was unsure of how this was happening.
Even with Magic, he was still baffled, and unsure of many things going on.
Dorothy, as he raged, produced another note, and handed it to Yami who read it reluctantly.
[Since I have won, I will give you details on the mission to Sosshi, and also about Venta-kun as well, I'd like him for tonight.]
Yami shook.
Dorothy beat him at every twist and turn.
Yami inhaled and exhaled strongly.
He then faced the young woman.
"You might have won today...but I shall return more powerful you could possibly imagine."
Dorothy didn't say anything, as per usual.
But she did look happy, something Yami definitely wasn't at this current time.
Back with Venta and Yuno, with Asta following, they continued moving through the area of the capital, taking in the various sights.
Yuno didn't show it, but she did look quite happy to see the new things that she hadn't before.
Even with Asta following, spending more and more time with Venta…
She felt nice.
It felt good speaking to someone that was wise, yet didn't take themselves too seriously.
Spending the entire day with Venta like this, even managing to hold his hand…
She was blessed.
"It's quite amazing the first time you see it, isn't it?"
Venta commented, drawing Yuno's attention.
"Yes, I haven't had the time to see it, but it is quite amazing. Though Venta-kun, may I ask you something?"
Venta nodded.
"Sure, what is it?"
"Then...it's a little personal, do you still mind if I ask?"
Venta shook his head.
"Not at all, please ask away."
"Then...I've been wondering, about your family...are you like Asta, and myself?"
"Do you mean if I have family?" Yuno nodded. "I did at one point."
"Do you remember them?"
"Yeah, I remember them. It's quite hard to think about so I tend not to do it, only on important days."
"Important days?"
"Like birthdays and such, important moments in my life. Things like that."
"I wonder what it would be like to remember such things? I have no memories of my family."
Venta, with his hand in hers, gave a gentle squeeze to it.
"I see… Say Yuno-san, may I ask you something?"
Yuno nodded this time.
"Of course, what is it?"
"Even though you don't remember your family, the Church and those are your family, right? The family that will stand by you."
"Yes...that's right."
"When you think of it like that, then I think a family doesn't have to be that of blood. Like the Black Bulls, they're my family. And I'd do anything to make sure they could smile. They accepted me into their lives, my Captain in particular, it might seem like we have a bit of an odd relationship, but I honestly respect him so much for what he's done for me. If he asked me to march into a fight, then I know he would be doing it for a good reason. Of course, doesn't mean I blindly follow him~"
Yuno's lips curled upwards, and she showed a soft smile on her lips.
"I see...you know, Asta does annoy me at times. But I am glad that she is someone that can help me strive to be better. Even with her goals in mind, I still am pushing for my own goal. To become the Wizard Queen, and while I know that this doesn't work like this, despite how Asta says it, I wouldn't mind...if you became my..."
She stopped herself before she could say it.
Venta believed he knew what she was going to say, so he lightly smiled, and moved closer.
As he did, he lightly kissed her on the cheek, causing her to blush at the touch.
When he did that, Asta's face fell.
"Venta-kuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuun!"
Asta shot closer.
Yuno regained her stoic face, as she appeared before her.
"Hey Asta-san, finally come out of hiding?"
"Ugggh...Venta-kun, you and Yuno…."
Venta lightly smiled, and then repeated the process, kissing Asta's cheek, to her delight.
"Asta, why have you been following us?"
"I can't let you marry Venta-kun first!"
Yuno released a sigh.
"We went on a date, I wasn't going to marry him today."
Asta wasn't sure if she could believe her.
Though Venta did find it funny that Asta did believe such a thing.
"W-Well, you could have! Don't forget about Sister Lily, she also wishes to marry Venta-kun!"
"I don't recall her saying that though short stuff."
Asta scowled as Yuno stared at her emotionless.
"Well, she will one day! I can feel it in my bones! Then Venta-kun and I will already be wed, and we'll live happily!"
"And if I wished to marry him too?"
Yuno asked with a raised eyebrow.
Asta looked on with her face falling.
"Y-You do?"
"Depends, I could do."
Venta watched as the pair of girls seemingly spoke, more argued on Asta's side.
But he was glad that he could have a good time with Yuno.
Even if Asta did follow, he felt like he learned more about how Asta was, and her mindset.
At the end of the day, Venta walked back together with Asta. Holding one another's hands, on her suggestion, they entered the building of the Black Bulls, when they saw that Yami was sat at a table, and he looked dejected.
Magna sat there as well, looking equally dejected.
Venta moved towards Yami.
"Captain, what happened?"
"She beat me again."
He growled out, Venta slowly nods his head.
"Captain, I'm sorry about that."
Yami shook his head.
"I will rise from the ashes."
"Like a Phoenix?"
Venta wondered, with Yami showing a strong, a very capable look that told others what was going to happen next.
"Yes, and I shall be back once I've gotten a new strategy. For now though, you know the routine."
Venta sweat dropped.
He surely did know what was going to happen now.
"I'll be going off to the Coral Peacocks soon then."
"Yes...but, our rookies do have a mission."
Asta's ears perked.
"Wait, we do?! What is it?!"
Asta was excited.
Even Noelle had to admit that she did have some excitement within her.
"We have a mission that will test your strength. Your endurance! Something that will take every little bit of knowledge that you have, and one that will push you to your limits!"
"Cool! I'm ready!"
Yami laughed.
"Good, because tomorrow you're off to Sosshi village, and you'll be dealing with a wild animal! Venta, as their mentor, you'll be going with them. Make sure they get some combat experience and teach them whatever pops up, how missions go, you know."
Asta's eyes turned to like stars, as Noelle looked unsure of what to think of it.
Venta though showed a light smile.
"Got it, leave it to me Captain."
"Yeah, and afterwards...you know the routine."
Venta lightly chuckled to himself.
"Right, understood Captain. I'll be ready for tomorrow morning, bright and early."
Noelle glanced at Venta.
"How early?"
"Maybe five in the morning?"
Noelle's face dropped while Asta leapt up and down.
"Ooh yeah! I can't wait! I can't wait for this! Going with my future husband on our first mission together! Venta-kun, afterwards, can we cuddle on the couch and talk about our day? I think that would be good, right?"
Venta gave a sideways smile, and nodded slowly, something that did excite Asta a good bit.
Noelle on the other hand kept wondering what was going to happen now.
With the first mission, she wondered what she'd be doing and what she'd be fighting.
But with the training she had received, she knew she was going to do her best for those that were around.
Meanwhile, with the Eye of the Midnight Sun, Sally watched as Catherine was casually writing what seemed to be a love note.
When she looked at the note, she saw that it was addressed to Venta, and immediate alarm bells rang in her head.
"W-What are you doing?"
Sally's question was met with Catherine gazing at her.
"I've decided, we need new members, right?"
Sally scrunched her eyebrows together, wondering what was going on with Catherine all of a sudden.
"That's what they keep telling me. Though I just want to get on with my research, and you still haven't told me about the battle that you had with Venta-kun and how he used his Magic."
"Well, it ties into that. Because who better than a cute man that has my best interests in his heart~"
"He does?"
Sally sweat dropped, Catherine didn't seem to care.
"It was when our souls resonated with one another, how his words touched my heart, my body heating up, that I knew it was meant to be. My entire being, was filled with love and hope, and desire that day. I could feel it in his words, they were so speaking to me that I can't get them out of my mind."
"I didn't know souls could speak like that. Interesting."
Sally laughed at the very thought of it.
But it didn't stop the likes of Catherine to show her excitement on her face.
"Of course, when we saw one another, our souls resonated. We became something beyond words, beyond meaning. I have found a good man, I know that I have, and I believe it would be best to have him in our group. I am writing down a proposal towards the heads of the group to see if they agree with me."
"But that looks like a love letter."
Sally again sweat dropped.
Catherine's face fell slightly, and then she quickly covered it up.
"No, it isn't! This is just...this is...erm, this is merely something that I have been working on, our approach to how we're going to approach him. Approaching one another might be difficult, but I've got something deep within me-"
"What have you got within you?"
Catherine glared at the scientist with intrigue.
"Desire for such a handsome man. Now anyway, approaching him is going to be difficult for sure, because he is a sweet pure boy. But, I have ideas. One, since our souls resonated, I think he'd want to be around me."
"Right...okay."
Sally didn't seem to really go along with what she said, and she didn't deny Catherine either.
"So, if you don't mind, I'm going to go and write this letter in the privacy of my own room. Good day to you."
Catherine stood, and took her letter.
She began to leave when Fana happened to come along.
When Sally saw her, she thought "Oh God, how is she going to respond to the letter that Catherine-chan is writing?" knowing that there was something going on between her and Venta, and if she did like him...how would she receive the idea of Catherine seemingly also liking him.
Fana's eyes went towards Catherine.
"What are you doing?"
Whispering it, it sounded so dark that even Sally who wasn't bothered by most things, suddenly felt a chill run down her spine.
So for Catherine who was having the direct look of Fana, she did begin to feel worry shooting through her being.
"A-Ah, well, I was just thinking about something's, that's all."
"What are you thinking about?"
Catherine held a hand to her mouth.
She didn't say anything for a few moments, but she did feel something go through her that she didn't like at all.
Even Sally was shaking a little bit from the cold look that Fana had in her eyes at that moment.
It did look rather scary.
"I...I was just wondering if you'd like to go with me, and maybe speak about Venta-kun..."
Flames erupted around Fana.
Catherine let out a cry and jumped behind Sally who panicked.
"...Why do you want to talk about him?"
Catherine felt like her sweat was evaporating due to the intense heat of the fire.
"O-Oh, you know...I was just thinking about him, and his Magic, and how useful it would be for our group..."
As she spoke, the flames intensified.
Catherine felt her body's temperature increasing to new levels.
She didn't like it.
She wanted to move.
But she couldn't due to the intense gaze that Fana was giving her.
"Join...our group?"
Fana's words, as opposed to her Magic, felt insanely cold.
"A-Ah...d-don't you t-think t-that's a go-good idea…?"
Catherine stuttered on her words.
She didn't know how much longer she'd be able to keep going.
"...No."
When that single word left her lips, Catherine felt fire within her.
Though she wasn't being actually burned, Fana seemed to be quite terrifying.
"Fana-sama, I understand yes!"
Catherine basically cried out, while Sally looked on weakly, not sure what was going to happen next.
"Good...then drop it immediately..." Her eyes went towards her hand and saw Catherine's love letter. "...is that a love letter?"
Catherine began shaking this time.
She could see that Fana didn't look pleased.
"N-No, not a love letter! I'm just going...I'm just going."
Catherine bowed, and ran out of the room.
Fana's eyes then caught the eyes of Sally who stared back with intrigue.
"You seemed annoyed when she had her little love letter. Is there something-" Fana's flames blasted a nearby wall, Sally laughed awkwardly. "-okay, you don't want to talk, that's fine with me. But, I do want to ask you something, it's about the Magic Stone that Venta-kun has, what are we going to do with that? I mean, can we leave it in his possession?"
"Not indefinitely, there will be a time when it happens that we'll need it back."
"And the group will go for it with full force, correct?"
Fana didn't answer that.
Instead, she looked on with a cold steel like gaze.
"Right, then I'll leave you alone-"
"There's been another Magic Stone located." Fana explained. "We're sending out members now."
"Ooh, so does that mean I'll be deployed?"
"No, I need you to do something else for me."
Sally was intrigued.
"Hmm, what can I do for you?"
"You have to keep quiet, do not tell anyone else, understand me?"
Sally now was definitely intrigued.
What could Fana want all of a sudden?
"I'm listening."
Fana moved closer, and began explaining.
As she did, Sally became perplexed on what was going on with that.
But she definitely was intrigued all the same.
End chapter!
First, thanks to everyone that's voted on the poll! The voting will close on Sunday from the posting of this chapter, so if you'd like to vote and yet haven't, then please do!
So this chapter developed a bit more about the Grey/Venta dynamic and how he's trying to support her in becoming more confident, along with momentarily dealing with Salim. Nero and Venta also had a little moment together, as did he and Dorothy. Noelle and Nebra also seem to be getting closer, in their own unique kind of way. Venta and William seem to also have a pleasant relationship, to the ire of Alecdora. Venta and Yuno also went out together, while Yami went to face Dorothy again...and as expected, he wasn't able to win, and now has given Asta, Noelle and the others a new mission! While that was going on, Fana wants something from Sally, but what that is, we'll see soon~
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Venta; Mimosa, Vanessa, Secre, Dorothy, Rebecca, Asta (fem), Yuno (fem), Noelle, Elf Fana, Mereoleona, Nebra, Sol, Sally, Grey, Charmy, Charlotte,