Chapter 15

Aftermath


"Speech"

'Thoughts'

"Magic"

Duel Points

Flashback

Location / Date / Time Skip


Last time on Rise of the Monsters:

"No!" Digging his claws into the ground, Vetto held on as he hard as he could. "I won't let a royal rat defeat me! I'm taking you with me!" A battle axe crashed onto his left hand, forcing him to let go and look up. "What are you doing, you fool!?"

"Honoring our deal." Heraklinos replied, doing the same to the right hand. Vetto cried as he was swallowed onto the swirling mass. Heraklinos turned back to Virgil, regret in his eyes as he picked up the Grimoire. "I hope we meet again."

"As do I." Virgil said before his friend willingly fell back into the portal. It closed behind before the field cleared and the Duel Sphere faded away.

From one of the side tunnels, Finral blinked in surprise. 'What the hell? One second, Asta and Noelle were ready to fight that snarling man beast, the next only Noelle is standing. And the ground looks like a war zone.'

"Th-the the winners are the Black Bulls and the Temple Mages." Gifo mumbled in surprise. The people outside the temple cheered as the two spirits hovered around Noelle.

"But at what cost?" Virgil questioned as Noelle dropped to her knees. All she could do was cry over Asta's Grimoire.


Rising Hope - LiSA

Nigitta MESSEEJI, that's rising hope

The Black Bulls and Golden Dawn symbols appear before Asta and Yuno's robes are shown, with both of standing standing back to back. Asta grins as the shadows of Noelle and Leopold appear inside of him. Yuno merely smiles as the shadows of Mimosa and Shay appear inside him as well.

Yuruganai sekai hijou na genjou tsuzuku kabe wa nanjuusou?

Asta swings his Demon Slayer sword in the forest, with Virgil watching him. He then wipes away his sweat before he looks over to the sun as the light fills the screen.

Black Clover: Rise of the Monsters

IMEEJI toori nanka ja nai shizuka ni sawagi dashita honnou

Noelle is seen in her room, brushing her hair. She then widens her eyes as the shadow of what appears to be a monster stalks her.

Meiro mitai ikitomari nanda mou shikou wa DISUTOOSHON

Leopold jogs through the Crimson Lion Kings base as Tiger King floats next to him, giving him encouraging words.

Youshanai ne itsunomani miushinatta RUUTO, abaredasu

Yuno is finally seen taking a deep breath as summoning a tornado of wind as Lightning sits on his shoulder.

Pay attention! Hey what is it?

Magna swings his arm with a grin before he stands with the rest of the Black Bulls.

Watch your step now! Joushiki nanka iranai

Akiza and Tyranno let out smiles as they walk through a hall, with two shadows appearing behind them.

Are you serious!? no no no, don't worry 1,2,3

A shadowy person slowly opens their eyes, revealing the golden color as Shay stands behind them with a deep frown.

Fukikaesu shinzou no RIZUMU

Flashs of Asta, Yuno, Noelle and the Duel Spirits' lives are shown, with Virgil falling to his knees while crying.

Shikai mada kuranderu soredemo ikanakucha

Asta and Virgil stand in the middle of an empty battlefield, the wind blowing against their faces.

Kimi ga shinjiteru boku wo uragiru

Asta then turns to Virgil with a big grin, which Virgil returns with his own small smile before the two bump fists.

Wake ni ikanai tsuyoku KURAKUSHON ga naru

Asta then draws his Demon Slayer and Dweller swords before attaching his Duel Disk and running forward.

Kodoku na mama toki ga tattatte

Luck and Magna start fighting off several of Vetto's goons as the Beast Mage charges at the two.

Nigeru koto oboetatte

Kiato rushes it with his arm blades and clashes with Vetto, who grins wildly.

Atarashii kyou ga kichau kedo

However, he is then hit in the back by Kahono, who continues to sing in order to hold off Vetto.

Kono negai tatoe mahou ga nakutatte

Asta rushes in and rolls on the ground before he slams a card on his Duel Disk, summoning Virgil just in time to block a magic blast.

Kanaenakya, chikatta

Noelle, with a determined expression, screams as a large creature with red eyes charges towards another monster.

Boku wa kimi to mada mitai mirai arunda yo

Yami concentrates his magic before launching a Dimension Slash at a glowing portal, creating a blinding blast.

Nakisou demo kuyashikute mo tomatte irarenai

Asta and Yuno are then seen walking towards each other with determined faces.

Nigitta MESSEEJI. That's rising hope!

The two pass each other before drawing their cards, aiming them at one another. The final shot shows everyone together under the Clover Kingdom symbol with smiles.


Eye of the Midnight Sun Hideout

The rogue mages stared at a tube of green liquid and the man inside it, his hair flowing upwards. "It doesn't seem possible for Vetto to lose." Valtos said in disbelief.

"Once again, the humans cause Licht grief." Fana added. "I won't forgive them."

The spacial mage glanced behind him at the large stone tablet they stole from Julius' attack. 'We must recover the Magic Stones. Only then will Master Licht's dream be realized.'


Underwater Temple

Magna suddenly popped up before clenching his gut in pain. "Stop moving, ya virgin." He glanced over to Vanessa sitting next to him, drinking as usual. "You'll reopen those wounds of yours."

"I am NOT A VIRGIN!" The fire mage snapped back before finally looking around. His body was covered in bandages and gauze and he found Luck was in the same position. "What the hell happened to us?"

"You got knocked out after getting trying to take down a monster." Gauche said from the side. "Then Asta and Noelle had to pick up the slack and beat him for you. Then the stupid bird found the Magic Stone and we've been waiting a whole day for you two to get better."

"You wanna risk serious bodily harm to them when I teleport, be my guest!" Finral shouted back. "But I'm your superior and I listen to Captain Yami, not you!"

"Useless." The older brother mumbled, angering the playboy. Gray hid under her sheets, making Vanessa chuckle.

"Damn it…" Magna gripped the sheets in anger. "All that training and I couldn't even do anything…"

Luck was slightly less depressed. "I sure hope I can get back to fighting soon." He chuckled, throwing punches from his back.

"How can you be so chipper!?" Magna shouted at his rival. "We got taken out before we could really show what we could do!"

"I guess we're just not at that level yet." The blonde replied before turning to Vanessa. "So where is Noelle, anyway?"

The five uninjured Magic Knights froze at the question as Vanessa pulled her flask down. "She's… dealing with a friend."

"A friend, huh? Looks like we missed a lot." Magna muttered before sighing. "I bet Asta's loving all the attention now. He and Nono really pushed past their limits."

The five mages suddenly flinched at his words, something Magna and Luck noticed. "Yeah. Where is Asta? Is he up?" Luck asked in confusion.

"Magna... Luck..." Finral caught their attention, a look of sorrow on his face. Not just him, but Vanessa, Gauche, Charmy and even Grey all looked sad. "Asta's... dead."

And just like that, Magna and Luck suddenly felt a pit in their stomachs.


With Noelle

The fourth Silva child stood next to Kahano's bed as she pushed herself up. "Kahono, I'm sorry. I couldn't stop him." She shamefully said. "You're my friend, but I couldn't protect your voice! Can you ever forgive me?"

Tears were falling from her eyes when she looked up to see the redhead motioning over to her. Timidly, she walked over just as Kahono lightly bumped heads with her. 'Quit being silly, Noelle. Voice or not, you save me and my home. Thank you.' She said with her magic, shocking Noelle.

'Your magic was amazing! Besides, I still haven't given up on my dream. I will recover and go to the surface. I'll sing again, no matter how long it takes. So when that happens, you had better some to watch me perform.'

Wiping back her tears, Noelle smiled and nodded. "Only if you give me the best seat in the house." She chuckled, trying to hide her tears.

Kahono looked over at her brother and found a stupid look on his face. 'When'd you wake up? And what's with the goofy look on your face?'

"She's… beautiful…" Kiato mumbled, a blush forming onto his face. 'Is she… the Sea Goddess? I'm in love!' Kahono tilted her head in confusion at his stupidity. "Alright! My leg has to heal now! I need to woo her with my dancing! You'll introduce me, right sis?"

'Something tells me Noelle is off the market.' She thought to herself, a smile on her face? 'Where is Asta, Noelle? Is he still recovering?' Noelle suddenly flinched at Kahano's words, something that they caught. 'What's wrong?'

"We... We won. But... not everyone made it out." Noelle whispered before she suddenly stood up. "I should go."

"Goddess? What's wrong?" Kiato asked before he and Kahano saw a few tears run down Noelle's eyes as she ran out the room. The two siblings looked at each other, feeling something very wrong had happened.


With Yami

Yami stood in front of a pair of grave marker, his hand up in respect. "What are you doing here?" He asked without turning around, scaring Noelle, who was coming up from behind.

"S-sorry." She gasped out, walking forward.

"Answer the question." Yami ordered.

"I guess I wanted to see what you were up to." Noelle answered, coming to a stop next to him. "Two markers?"

"One for the freaky big guy, and one for the runt." He answered, shocking Noelle. "I know he wasn't a member for long, but he was still a part of our little group. Freaking dumbass."

"Do you really think he's dead? I mean... there's no body." Noelle asked as she sat next to Yami.

"Maybe he was blown to bits and all that's left is dust. I don't know." Yami blew out some smoke before looking at Asta's marker. "He was loud, annoying, and he caused a mess." Noelle was about to retort when she noticed something in the captain's eyes. Almost like he was sad. "But he was a fun guy and he did save our lives. So, it only makes sense I make him a grave."

Noelle said nothing as she looked at the markers. She somewhat knew what happened to Asta, but even then, the rest was still a mystery. She had his Grimoire and Virgil was still around, so did that mean Asta is still alive in the Shadow Realm? Or was Asta's connection to his Grimoire and Virgil cut the moment he entered the Shadow Realm? Just thinking about it gave Noelle a headache.

"You know something about this whole thing, don't you?" Yami questioned as he turned towards Noelle with a serious look, making her flinch. "Finral said you were here when the runt bit the dust, but you act like he isn't gone. What are you hiding?"

"Nothing. Honestly." Noelle answered before she looked back at the marker. Wanting to clear up any suspicions, Noelle copied Yami's actions and put a hand up in respect. Yami looked at her for a few seconds before he sighed, standing up.

"Whatever. Let's just go back and give Julius the stone. I'm sure the idiot would want us to move on." Giving Noelle a headpat, Yami walked away. Once he was gone, Noelle lowered her hand and bit her lower lip.

'Don't cry... don't cry... don't...' It was too late as tears began to fall down her face as she cried in front of Asta's marker. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry... I'm sorry..."


Later

Temple Entrance

"Thanks for all you've done for us." Yami declared, his squad waving behind him. "Charmy, you got all the little terrorists?"

"Yes, sir." Charmy held up four small cotton balls, the Midnight Sun members trapped within them. However, instead of her usual happy attitude, Charmy answered the captain with a rather somber tone. Almost all of the Black Bulls had rather sad expressions on their faces, though given their recent loss, it was understandable.

"Kiato, Kahono, I promise I'll find a way to heal you both as soon as I can." Noelle declared, stepping back from her friends.

"Okay, let's go." Yami ordered Finral.

"Yessir." He waved his hand and a portal opened up behind Gauche. He lead the charge into the portal as they walked in one by one. Noelle turned and started walking through it, when she turned at the sound of horse singing. Kahono was struggling to sing her friend goodbye when the entire temple joined in.

Wiping the tears from her eyes, Noelle walked away with a smile before Finral followed, closing the portal.


Clover City

Wizard King's Office

"A third eye, you say…" Julius mumbled as he sat before Noelle, Yami and Charmy. As usual, Yami came by to deliver the mission report, bringing the two women with him. "It's shame the body was unrecoverable. An autopsy would have provided us with valuable information."

"Well, here's the Magic Stone." Yami said, holding up the rock.

"I must say, you did a commendable job." The blonde said standing up. "You received your share of injures, but nothing can compare to the lost of your comrade." Julius then morphed his face to a deep frown. "It truly is a shame Asta is gone. He was a good Magic Knight and someone who I would have liked to see grow." Charmy and Noelle shared his sadness while Yami silently smoked his cigarette.

"There's something that doesn't add up." Yami spoke up while looking at Noelle. "I could barely hold down that freak, but somehow, you and that half-dead magicless brat took him out without a hair left behind." He then gave Noelle a serious look. "So how the hell did you do it?"

Before Noelle could think of a bogus answer, a transmission erupted from behind the blonde. "Wizard King, forgive me!" Marx shouted. "It's Kiten, the border village between us and the Diamond Kingdom! A Diamond unit is attacking as we speak!"

The Black Bulls were in shock as Julius shook his head. "Of course they strike now."

"Here's an image of what's happening." Marx faded and the magic projection showed a swarm, maybe even an army of Diamond Kingdom troops flying towards them.

"This is a far cry from our usual skirmishes." Julius observed. "Especially when you consider that three of the Eight Shining Generals are leading them. Yagos, Broccos, Ragus."

"The Eight Shining Generals?" Noelle repeated in a mix of shock and horror. "But they're supposed as strong as out Magic Knight Captains."

"And Kiten is a focal point in our border defense." Marx added. "If we lose it, we'll be open to a Diamond Kingdom invasion. Not to mention, they have no qualms about causing civilian casualties." The battle raged before them on the projection when Marx sudden gasped in shock. "It's them, they came."

Noelle flinched as she saw Yuno, Mimosa and the rest of the Golden Dawn stepping forward. "My Savior of Sustenance!" Charmy shouted, confusing the member of royalty.

One of the Generals charged at Yuno before he waved his hand. Spirals of wind shot forward and tore through the clay before the dust settled. Lightning nuzzled up to Yuno's neck as the General pushed himself up, coating himself in clay.

"That's the Wind Spirit!?" Julius cheered in excitement. "I'd love to meet it in person!"

'Does he not understand that there's an invasion going on?' Noelle asked in confusion.

"It's great that the Golden Dawn is there, but there's still three of the Shining Generals." Julius suddenly snapped back into serious mode. "I'd like to send some more people there, but I don't even know who we have available."

"Do you want me to go there?" Yami asked the hundred coin question. "I'm pretty sure Finral been theres before, so we can get there quick."

"That would be excellent if possible." The Wizard King replied. "This could be a diversion of some kind, so I can't just leave as I want. Not to mention the king is here."

"It's fine with me." Yami declared. "Besides, there's somebody I've been meaning to check on. And the rest of you are coming with me."

"…Wait, what!?" Noelle asked in surprise, scaring Nero a bit.

"I'm not wasting Finral's power on two trips." He replied. "Besides, you'll be needed to help evacuate people and put out the fires. Now suck it up, push past your limits."

'I get to meet my Savior of Sustenance again!' Charmy cheered.


With Finral

"Wow, you girls look really great today." Finral declared to the two women standing in front of him. "There's a hill nearby where some beautiful flowers grow. How about a quick trip there with my Spacial Magic?" A portal appeared next to him, before he noticed the scared looks on the girls' face. "What's wrong? You look scared to death all of a sudden."

Three sets of eyes seemed to be staring daggers at him before the girls panicked and ran for their lives. "What the hell do you think you're doing!?" Anger filled his voice as he shouted at the three.

"Shut up, insect." Noelle huffed, flicking her hair.

"I'M YOUR SUPERIOR!"

"Quit your whining and take us to Kiten." Yami ordered.

"What!? Wasn't today my day off!?" Finral questioned.

"Like hell you get a day off." The captain growled back. "The day you get a day off is the day you die! Now open a portal to Kiten, or I'm gonna open one up in your skull. Comprende?"

"I am so scared." The spacial mage whimpered out, a bit of pee entering his pants.


Kiten

"Now that's pretty amazing." Langris Roulacase, Vice Captain of the Golden Dawn chuckled as he looked out over the destruction Yuno unleashed on the invaders. "It's hard to believe that a commoner has come so far within our ranks when he hasn't been with us for even a year."

"He's quite the talent, and he's only getting stronger." William replied, his Grimoire flipping pages. "Now Langris. Let's head out there as well. We'll show these ignorant fools what happens when they step foot in our country."

Yuno landed in front of the clay mage before a lanky man on a thunderbird floated in front of him. "You seem to be well loved by the citizens." Lagos, as the first General shouted in anger from his fight being interrupted. "Let's see if you can protect both the citizens and yourself."

He pulled his arm back and unleashed a volley of lightning arrows. "Arrows. Lightning." The spirit flapped its wings and mini tornados shot forward, tearing the other spell apart and blasting the Diamond Mages back. "Now, where were we?"


Slime covered another street of the city, coating knights and civilians in the opaque fluid. Another stream flew forward from the General and trapped another Knight. "My Mucus Magic slowly weakens whoever it catches, you're doomed." Yagos chuckled. "I get a real kick watching people squirm and wriggle as their life drains from them."

"Hmmm… That magic looks like a pain to deal with." Langris mumbled as he raised his hand. He swung it down and a huge chunk of not only the slime, but the invaders left arm as well. "But it's totally meaningless when I'm facing it."

"The hell kind of magic was that!?" Yagos coughed out. "That wasn't teleportation, was it!?"

Langris looked beyond the falling general as a pair of buildings tumbled over. "Oops. Well, someone else can fix that, I suppose." The ground began shaking and Langris smiled as he watched a MASSIVE tree grew out if the center of the town. "Looks like the captain is going all out as well. All to protect the Clover Kingdom."


"So, this is Kiten…" Charmy declared before staring up at the giant tree. "GIANT TREE MEANS GIANT FRUIT!"

"Both of you shut up." Yami chopped Noelle and Charmy in the head, making them wince in pain.

"I didn't say anything…" The royal mumbled as she rubbed her sore head.

"Looks like Golden chicken's magic…" Yami declared, looking at the trapped invaders. Instantly, he jumped and started hopping up the tree. "I'm gonna go check on the battle. Goldy Guts is probably at the top. You three help the civilians. Oh, and try not to die."

"Hold on! How long will this take!?" Finral shouted, his cries going unanswered. Dropping to his knees, he cursed his fate as he glanced at his teammates. "We're doomed…"

"Shut up and get to work." Noelle huffed before pulling out her wand. Water pooled at the tip before she fired off a shot, hitting a Diamond Kingdom soldier before she jumped down from the wall.

"Hey, what are you-!?" Finral opened a pair of portals and Noelle landed safely on the ground.

"Everyone, come this way! We can evacuate you to a safe location!" The Water Mage shouted as Charmy summoned cotton-balls, carrying people up to Finral and an open portal.

An explosion in the sky caught the senior squad members attentions, causing them to look up. "Someone is fighting a Diamond Kingdom General on their own? That's crazy." Finral mumbled, making Noelle look up as well.

"It's him." She declared as a blast of Wind magic hit the invader. A large glaive of wind hit the man before he crashed into a house, causing it to crumble. "That was just one spell…"

Yuno landed on the ground and turned, surprised by the girls appearance. "Strange, I was expecting Asta to show up. Don't tell me he actually couldn't make it?" He questioned as he walked forward, Lightning floating by his side.

'That guy joined the Magic Knights the same time Asta and Noelle did.' Finral recalled to himself. 'Now he's part of the Golden Dawn's elite? And I bet he's looking down on us.'

"Let me guess, he's back at your base, training again?" Yuno questioned, shocking Finral. "The next time you see him, tell him I won't lose."

Charmy collapsed to the ground with a smile on her face as Noelle hugged her arm. "Look… about Asta-."

"There you are, Yuno!" The two turned to see Klaus and Mimosa running over to their squad-mate.

"You're not injured, are you?" The healer questioned before seeing her cousin. "Noelle, it's good to see you again. What are you even doing here?"

"The Wizard King sent us to help evacuate the citizens." She explained as Charmy hid behind a tree.

"Then we'll leave you to it." Klaus summoned a steel chariot before he and Mimosa climbed in and took off, unaware that Thunder Lord, Poseidra and Virgil floated over the humans.

"Virgil, I'm glad to see you." Thunder Lord greeted his friend before looking at the newcomer. "Poseidra? When did you get a partner?"

"A few days ago." Poseidra answered with a glare. "Didn't think you would beat me in getting a human partner, feather brains."

"Maybe because unlike you, humans actually find me tolerable." Thunder Lord retorted as the two glared at each other.

"As fun as it would be to see the two of you fight, we have a serious problem to discuss." Virgil told them while getting in the middle. "My partner, Asta... he was taken into the Shadow Realm."

Thunder Lord gasped in shock while Poseidra just grunted. "Yuno's rival? How? From what you told me, he is a decent duelist."

"Our opponent was Gladiator Beast Heraklinos." Virgil explained what happened in the duel, making Thunder Lord frown. "His Grimoire is still here, which means he may still be alive."

"Not for long." Poseidra rudely blurted out, getting glares from the two other spirits. "He has no magic, no Grimoire, no duel monsters to help him. That boy might as well be a fish out of water. We all know the Shadow Realm is no place for humans."

"Which is why I'm here." Virgil looked down at the Magic Knights before looking back at his fellow spirits. "I need your help to find a way to enter the Shadow Realm."

"Opening a gate to the Shadow Realm is as easy as reviving the dead." Thunder Lord confessed with his arms crossed. "Not only is it impossible to enter it willingly, but our human partners would not be able to last even half a day in there. It's practically suicide."

"But we have to try." Virgil tightened his grip on his lyre. "I owe Asta much for his help in the past and leaving him inside the Shadow Realm... I could never live with myself." He then gave Thunder Lord and Poseidra a pleading look. "Please help me rescue my par... my friend."

Thunder Lord and Poseidra looked at each other, taking in what Virgil was saying before they made up their minds.

"You can always rely on me, old friend." Thunder Lord spoke up while putting a hand on Virgil's shoulder. "If it were the other way, I would be asking you to help me find Yuno." He and Virgil then looked over to Poseidra, who glared at them before sighing.

"My human won't shut up about this 'Asta' brat. Which means I have to help too." Poseidra begrudingly confessed, making Virgil smile. "But just the three of us isn't enough."

"Agreed. Thunder Lord, please try and get in contact with Tiger King. I will see if I can find Force Strix." Virgil explained.

"Force Strix had a partner?" Poseidra was shocked at the revelation. "I never imagined that he would pick a human. But what happens if you can't find him?"

"Then we may need to bring in others into this battle." The spellcaster answered before the three spirits disappeared.

"Uh, I uh…" Yuno looked down to see Charmy offering a small bun to him. "I just wanna say thank you for saving me that other time. How are you feeling now?"

"Oh, you're that girl from before." He said, taking the bun. "Sorry I pushed you to the ground like that last time."

"It's fine! You don't need to apologize for that!" She chuckled. Lightning floated down next to Charmy and sniffed her before licking her cheek. "Cut it out, that tickles!"

"Well, look who I found here." Finral stiffened up and slowly looked behind him. "I haven't seen you in ages, Finral. Tell me, what is the shame of our family doing on a battlefield when he can't even fight?"

"Finral, is he-?" Noelle started.

"My brother, the Vice Captain of the Golden Dawn." He confessed.

"Are you still the bellhop of those pathetic Black Bulls?" Langris mocked. "It's because of your ineptitude that I'll become the next head of the family."

"How can you just let him talk down to you like that?" Noelle asked. "Stand up for yourself."

"It's no big deal, Noelle." He chuckled back. "Besides, it's all true."

"All of the enemies have been beaten by our captain, so there's no room for the Black Bulls to do anything." Langris declared before glancing to the two girls. "Besides, when did the Black Bulls become an orphanage?" Noelle clenched her fist at the insult. "It's a lot of work looking after those two kids, right?"

"Who are you calling a kid!?" Noelle snapped back. "I'm pretty sure you and I are the same age!"

"Langris." Finral spoke up for the first time. "I don't care if you make fun of me. Have a blast at it. But do NOT make fun of my teammates!"

"So even you can get mad about something." Langris almost sounded impressed before moving to the side, a strange membrane flying past him.

The Black Bulls turned to see Yagos lurching forward in his magic, people trapped in his Mucus. "Boy…" The General growled as he glared at Langris. "I swear upon the title of the Eight Shining Generals that I will take your head back as a souvenir."

"Wow, you're still alive." Langris said. "Not to mention, you took precautions against my magic. I might hit those people. Guess I don't have a choice." He held up his hand and prepared a spell. "You will become martyrs of the Clover Kingdom!"

"Stop!" Noelle shouted. "You can't sacrifice the people you're supposed to protect! We'll do this job! Ready!?"

"Ready!"/"Me too!" Finral and Charmy shouted as Noelle pointed her wand forward.

Water started forming at the tip in a spiral fashion, catching Langris' attention. 'Any attack she launches will be seen by him. And then he'll kill the hostages. Is she really this stupid?'

"Water Creation Magic: Sea Dragon Roar!" Noelle fired off her most powerful spell at the General.

"Stay the hell out of this, you brat!" Yagos shouted. A portal opened up before the head, swallowing the attack. 'Where did it-' The attack hit from behind, launching him towards a giant angry sheep.

"Cotton Creation Magic: Strike of the Sleeping Sheep!" Charmy chanted, letting her monster punch the invader three times, knocking him out. The people in the mucus fell to the ground, only for Finral to open a series of portals. They fell in and landed feet first onto the ground.

"I see Asta has made all you as messy as he is." Yuno chuckled.

"Langris." Finral declared, catching his brother's attention. "It's true that I'm not as good a fighter as you are. But the Black Bulls will surpass the Golden Dawn!"


With Yami

Atop the massive tree, Yami stared at the masked Captain. The last two Diamond Mages were dealt with, leaving them overlooking the entire city. "Yami, you said you had something to discuss." William requested.

"See, I'm the kind of guy who trusts his gut over anything else." Yani explained, blowing out some smoke. "Vangeance, mind taking off that stupid mask?"

"I really don't like showing people what I look like…" William confessed.

"What? You wear that thing cause you're super ugly or something?" Yami chuckled back. "Don't worry. I won't laugh too hard."

"I know exactly what's going on here." The masked man said. "You think I'm the lead of the Eye of the Midnight Sun."

"To be perfectly blunt, yeah." He replied, taking a drag off his smoke. 'The two magics are totally different, but something is still bugging me. Their body frame, voices, even their ki is exactly the same. Still…' "It's been what, ten years since we meet?"

"It's been a strange history, I suppose." William chuckled. "We meet during a battle, and even became captains together. I know this doesn't make us friends, but we do have a past."

"And in all that time, I've never seen your face." Yami declared. "Care to change that?"

"…Very well." Reaching up, the Golden Dawn leader removed his mask and Yami flinched at the massive scar covering the top half of his face. "This isn't a battle scar, if that's what you're thinking. I was born like this, called a cursed child. Not even magic can heal these wounds. People feared me because of them.I was the bastard child of a nobleman. Until I was eight, I lived in the Forsaken Realm. But then the heir died, and I was taken in as real noblity.

"Thankfully, my magic was enough to have people accept me. But my face was still a source of disgust. Even his wife, my step-mother, went out of her way to make things difficult for me. But it was also then that I meet Julius. He had no qualms about what I looked like and was only impressed by my magic. It was he who gave me this mask. I was so happy to the point I even offered him my Grimoire to him."

'I swear, I've heard this story before…' Yami said to himself. 'His face and build are the same, but those scars aren't made of magic. And worst of all, his ki is telling me he's telling the truth. Do they just look like each other by chance…?' "Sorry."

"It's alright." William replied. "I'm glad I got the chance to show you who I am. Thank you, Yami." A voice spoke up from his broach as he pulled it to his face. "Do not pursue. Focus on healing the injured." He returned it to his side before looking back at Yami. "We should get going. Transporting all of these prisoners will be difficult."

"I got a guy who comes in real handy for that stuff." Yami spoke up. "Work him hard."


With Finral and Co.

Finral sneezed before quickly looking around. "I think things have calmed down. We should find Captain Yami."

"Do we have to!?" Charmy questioned from in front of Yuno. "I need some way to get in touch with my prince of provisions." Lightning smiled and nuzzled into her neck before Noelle grabbed her by the robe.

"Let's go." She huffed, dragging Charmy away as Finral opened up a portal. Noelle threw the smaller girl in before turning back to Yuno. "Say hi to Mimosa for me."

"Do the same for Asta." He replied before floating upwards.

Finral leaned in and nudged Noelle's shoulder. "Should we tell him that-" Noelle pushed him into the portal before following after. Now atop a large wall, the portal closed behind her. "What was that for!?"

"Shouldn't you be worried about your promise to your brother?" She huffed back, making him flinch.

"What the hell was I thinking!?" He shouted, grabbing his head. "The worst squad picking a fight with the best one!? Have I gone totally crazy!?"

"What are you babbling about now?" Yami asked as he jumped down. "Oh, by the way Finral. You need to help the Golden Guts transport some Diamond Doofs pack to the capital."

"Do I have too?" He questioned, only to be meet with a brain claw to the head. "I-I-I was kidding!? Of course I'll help!"


Hours Later

Black Bull Base

As the sun finally started setting, Finral panted in exhaustion as the four stood outside their base. "There, we're home."

"About time." Yami grumbled. "So, that was a busy day. Get some rest and do better tomorrow or I'll kill you."

"Yes… sir…" Finral huffed out as Noelle walked into the base. Ignoring the drunken antics of her squad-mates, she walked onto her room before shutting the door.

"You aren't going to join them in the party?" Poseidra questioned.

She gave no answer and just climbed onto her bed. For the second day in a row, Noelle merely sat on her bed, holding her knees to her chest. The failure of her duel hung over her as her heart ached and her mind replayed Asta's sacrifice again and again.

.

.

..."le!"

She looked up at her door. It was still closed.

.

.

..."elle!"

She stood up and walked over to her large window. The royal looked out and found no one outside.

.

..."Noelle!"

The water user turned around at the scream and her eyes went wide. Asta was standing in her room... sort of. His body flickered in and out of focus as he held an orb between his broken arms.

"Asta?"


Yeah, this was a different kind of chapter. I knew everything couldn't be happy after the last duel, and this is the result. They lost a friend, even if they don't know how… But obviously, he wasn't going to stay gone forever since he's the main character.

As for what happens next, I am very excited to announce that this is the start of my FIRST original arc for this story. And I'll let you guess what it centers on. As for how it happens, that is for me (and my beta reader) to know and you guys to find out. See ya.

Beta read by The 3rd Dragneel