Chapter 2
Proving One's Worth

"Inferno Magic: Dark Hollow!" From Raiden's Grimoire, black flames emerged and covered his blades.'I don't know if I can take them all out so I'll have to stall for Johan to take them down stealthily while I cause as much noise as possible. That is fine by me, but considering I don't have any defensive spells, it will be bad news if I take any of those attacks head-on. Regardless, if the bandits are anything like the ones from before, I should be able to blitz them.'

Raiden gasped, noticing two bandits coming down at him from the trees.

"Wind Creation Magic: Gust of Javelin!" They both cried out as they created two javelins of wind and threw them at Raiden.

Raiden remained unfazed, jumping in the air and slashing through the javelins with ease, surprising his opponents. He hit them in the head with the handles of his blades, knocking them down to the ground.

"He's good." Thomas mused, sitting on a branch and watching from afar."And he's not a Magic Knight. His magic is impressive as well as his agility. But what's even more mesmerizing is how he can cut through our attacks." He folded his arms, leaning on the trunk while he watched Raiden easily breaking any weapon his subordinates made to attack him."But..."

"Wind Magic: Wind Bullets!"

Raiden jumped back, looking around and noticing he was being surrounded by five bandits in all directions."Just how many of these guys are there? Alright then...Inferno Magic: Blaze Cut!" Crossing his arms, he began twirling around in place and slashing at the air, creating black slashes of black fire that cut through the wind bullets, hitting all of his targets. One of the slashes cut through a tree, knocking the bandits that were there to the ground. The leaves were beginning to burn due to the flames and the fire was spreading to the nearby trees.

"How is he cutting through our attacks?!" One of the bandits cried out."I never heard of fire magic this strong!"

"My Inferno magic is no mere fire magic." Raiden addressed them equally, twirling on his heels."You can keep trying to come at me, but unless you try something new, you won't be able to-"

More wind bullets came his way, as he slashed through them with ease. However, he didn't notice one landing right in front of him, exploding and causing some dirt to land on his eyes.

"Shit!" Raiden tried rubbing the dirt off of his eyes. Six bandits took advantage of his and created wind spears, jumping in to finish him.

"Inferno Magic..." Raiden muttered, slightly opening his eyes once his opponents were mere inches away from him."...Scorching Impaler!"

From his body, spikes of black flames came out and impaled the bandits around the arms and legs, pushing them away as they screamed in pain.

"Don't worry. I avoided any vital spots so that won't kill you." Raiden stated, calling his spell off and dropping them to the ground. Shifting on his heel, he glanced over to the leader of the bandits."You should cut your losses and leave. If you care about your friends, that is."

Thomas stood up on the branch."That was an interesting defensive spell. Anyone that comes close to you is bound to take severe damage. Had you been bloodlust, they wouldn't be alive right now."

"You're wrong." Raiden rose his head, his eyes meeting the leader of the bandits'."I don't have any defensive spells. I don't have any spell that isn't meant for attacking."

"You only have offensive spells?" Thoma furrowed his brow, asking for clarification.

"Yeah." Raiden lowered his arms, his blades almost touching the grass."I only move forward, not letting anything get in my way."

"I see." Thomas nodded in understanding."So, you've trained specifically to be an attack mage exclusively. But you don't allow that to leave you vulnerable. That last spell of yours defended you, even though you can't cast defensive spells. However...I've seen enough. I have a fair grasp of your capabilities."

Thomas jumped down to the ground, facing Raiden with a small smirk."Let's see what you're capable of, boy."


Johan continued tiptoeing from tree to tree once he exited the mansion from the back. He had noticed that the bandits were distracted due to Raiden causing a ruckus in the front, so they didn't notice him crawling in the shadows."This should be enough." He stood up, grinning. Without another word, he started sprinting towards one of the bandits, tackling him before he could react.

"What the hell?!" One of them shouted, watching in awe as Johan tackled another bandit and then another."What are you all doing? Attack him!"

"We can't!" Another one shouted."He's using the others as a giant meat shield! If we attack him, we'll hit our comrades!"

"Then attack him in the back! He has that shield of his, but it's a mere shield without any magic!" He retorted, opening his Grimoire."Wind Creation Magic: X-Cross!"

An "X" made out of wind appeared, launching itself to Johan's back but not doing anything."What?!"

"Oh, sorry." Johan finally stopped, letting go of the four guys he had tackled. A purple aura began surrounding him as he took his shield."I cast a spell. Obsidian Magic: Terra Barrier. It boosts up my durability and my defense. Anything that surrounds my body. Even my shield."

"Surround him!"

In a matter of seconds, Johan found himself surrounded in a circle.'This might be a problem. I can only stall them since I can't do any offensive spells.'

"Wind Creation Magic: Breezefree Hammer!"

Johan cringed as he saw hammers made of wind magic coming down at him. He had to watch his footing and use his shield to block the attacks in all directions. He took a step back, easily dodging the hammer incoming to the side. Taking a firm step forward, he elbowed the bandit in the face and grabbed him by the shirt, tossing him against another one.

"Obsidian Creation Magic: Seven Shields!"

A total of seven miniature shields appeared on all sides that the attacks were coming, blocking the hammers and pushing the bandits back.

"Wind Creation Magic: Air Cannon"

Johan's eyes widened, glancing up at the sky and watching a ball of wind coming at him.

"Alright then." He eyed the bandits banding together on the side."Obsidian Creation Magic: Magical Cylinder!"

A cup made out of obsidian appeared above Johan, taking the attack and absorbing it. Simultaneously, another cup on his side, releasing the attack and firing it to the group of bandits, knocking them against trees."And for you guys! Obsidian Restraining Magic: Prison Sphere!" Obsidian rock flew up to the sky, surrounding the mages in the air up to their necks and forming spheres.

"I think I'm all done in this side of the school." Johan sighed, wiping the sweat off of his forehead."Now I have to go to the sides and clean up a bit."


Raiden hissed as he felt his body crashed against a tree, knocking some leaves off of it."Damn it..."

"You like that?" Thomas asked, his Grimoire shining in lime-colored energy."This is my Tornado Magic. You can try to destroy it if you want, but not even your Inferno Magic can destroy all of it."

"We'll see about that!" Raiden's slashes at the air, sending two slashes of black fire at Thomas.

"Tornado Magic: Gust of Eternal Wind!"

A cyclone of wind came out of the Grimoire, shooting at Raiden. The Inferno slashes cut through the cyclone, but the attack dwarfed over them. Raiden screamed as he felt himself being thrown away further into the forest like a ragdoll.

"Thanks to my magic, it doesn't matter if you try to attack me up close or from afar. I can just send you blasting away." Thomas chuckled, leisurely walking through the path he had created. Some of the trees had fallen and were on top of each other."You still want to keep going?"

Raiden gritted his teeth, still shocked at the fact that a tree trunk had fallen inches away from his body, nearly squashing him to death.'He's aiming his attacks at the ground to cause as much collateral damage as possible. If his tornados aren't going to kill me, it'll probably be a tree or a rock that does.' He swallowed the lump in his throat as he scanned his surroundings, his theory proving correct once he saw the many trees scattered about.'But I can't let this hinder me...this is nothing.'

"I guess not." Thomas muttered, frowning once he saw the youth show his teeth at him."You have a lot of potential for a kid. Why don't you just join me instead? I could use a second in command like you. You've proven yourself to be quite capable."

"Tch. Don't act like you already won this fight." Raiden spat on the ground."This isn't the hardest fight I've had. Not by a long shot. Besides, why would I join evil scum like you? It's because of people like you that the world is the way it is today. What gives you the right to come in here and kidnap these children?"

"Business is business, boy." Thomas scoffed."Do you think the world gives a shit about morality? I need to eat too, you know. My men need to eat. It's either the kids or us and I already chose what to do."

"Human trafficking. I have half a mind to just end you right now." Raiden's voice lowered to a cold whisper."But...I want to be a Magic Knight. So incapacitating you is as close as I can get. But...doesn't mean I have to be gentle."

"I like that spirit. Use it to withstand my next attack. Tornado Magic: Gust of Eternal Wind!"

Thomas splayed his hands out as a tornado formed out of his Grimoire, sending everything close to him flying. Raiden planted his swords in the ground, doing his best to hold his ground.

"Oh, no." He rose his blade, cutting through an incoming boulder that almost flung him. More trees and rocks came his way, forcing him to jump in the air and go along with the intense current of air. The Inferno Magic-user jumped from tree to tree, cutting anything that he couldn't dodge.

"So, he got used to this level. Let's up the ante then! Tornado Magic: Slash of a Thousand Winds!"

This time, the tornado became stronger, faster, and fiercer. Raiden felt cuts all over his body and found himself having a harder time withstanding the pressure. All it took was his foot to slip to send him flying without control. He crashed against a bigger tree, his eyes widening upon seeing the many objects flying his way.'I can't deflect all of them in time!'

"Obsidian Magic: Half-Moon!"

In front of Raiden, Johan stood with his shield in front, planted firmly on the ground. Thanks to his spell, the shield grew in size, big enough to cover both of them."Raiden, grab me, and don't let go!"

Raiden didn't question him and simply grabbed his shoulders, grimacing once he felt the full force of the tornado overwhelm them.

"I was wondering what had happened to the rest of my men." Thomas hummed to himself, stopping his spell."It seems the other one took them all down. And from what I just witnessed, he has a great defense.

Meanwhile, Johan's shield went back to its regular size, huffing."That was intense. Felt like I was in the eye of a storm. We should do that sometime, actually."

"You're crazy." Raiden grumbled, dusting off his shirt."But thank you. You saved me again."

"Don't let that get you down. He's no pushover, I'll give him that. Besides, it's okay to rely on people now and then." He gave him a thumbs up."I've got your back. Your my sword and I'm your shield."

"Right." Raiden nodded, allowing himself a faint smile."But how do we close to him? If I can land one attack, that should be it."

"Let's try and improvise." Johan looked up at the sky, an idea popping into his head when he saw a cloud covering up the moon."Let's go with some new. See what we can come up with."

"We're improvising, really?" Raiden inquired, deadpanning."Alright then. Sounds good to me."

Thomas rose a brow in curiosity.'What are they plotting now?'

Raiden broke into a sprint without another word, his back slightly bent and his blades grazing the ground.

"Here he comes. Tornado Magi-"

All of a sudden Raiden took a left turn and went around back to where Johan was, taking Thomas by surprise."What is he doing?"

Johan grabbed Raiden by the collar of his shirt and used his momentum to spin around in place, gaining more and more speed.

"I get it. He's going toss him over at me. It'll be difficult to react in time at the speed he's going, I'll start my spell no-"

Once again, he was interrupted once he saw Johan throwing Raiden into the forest, his body submerging in the darkness of the lightless night."What?!"

"Inferno Magic: Dark Hollow." Raiden said, his blades engulfing themselves in black flames as he began running.'Perfect. Not even I can see my flames since they barely produce a dim source of light. He swung his arm, sending a slash of flames at Thomas, barely grazing his cheek.'Unfortunately, I can't really aim in this darkness. So I'll just have to keep my ears open.'

"What?!" Thomas touched his bleeding cheek, shuddering."Where is he?!" He began looking around frankly, squinting his eyes to try and get a view of something. Another slash grazed his leg, nearly cutting deep enough. With a yelp, Thomas jumped back."His flames are so dark! And without the moonlight, I can't see anything past the trees! I guess I'll just have to blow the whole forest away! Tornado Magi-"

A right hook nearly knocked him out, sending Thomas rolling on the grass."What?!"

"Sorry about that. Third time interrupting your spell there." Johan gave him a toothy grin."I won't give you time to use your Grimoire."

"Y-you..." Thomas felt another cut, this time on his back, and the burning sensation that the black flames produced. He stumbled forward, receiving a punch to the gut that knocked the wind out of him. Desperately trying to gain some distance, he rolled on the ground, barely avoiding an Inferno attack.

"Keep going, Raiden! We got him! He's right in front of me!" Johan kept throwing jabs, not allowing Thomas to get more distance as he kept advancing. The Tornado Magic-user kept trying his best to block or dodge, but the darkness of the night and the speed of the attacks made this an arduous task.

'I can't even cast a single spell! And every punch this big guy is giving me feels like a whole building being throw against me! And the other one keeps attacking at random places, which makes it impossible to counter!' An uppercut forced his head up, causing him to spit blood.'The moon...' In effect, the cloud that was covering the moon was almost gone, allowing some moonlight to slip through.'This is my only chance!' He lowered his head, giving Johan a bloody grin."Hit me with all you got!"

"My pleasure!" Johan took a step back, charging his fist."This is lights out for you, buddy!"

"No... it's lights in!" Thomas cried out, jumping back as Johan's fist connected against his chest, sending him crashing into a tree.

'He jumped back to reduce the impact of my punch...But why would he do that?' Johan pondered, his eyes catching a new source of light in the sky. The moon was revealed in all its glory, providing light all around them."Oh. That's why."

Raiden stopped his running, catching his breath and turning off the flames on his blades."Man...all these continuous spells are draining me. I fought so many of these already bandits and this one is a tough as they come. We have to finish him before he casts a spell, Johan!"

"It's too late for that..." Thomas stood up, blood trailing down his face onto his robe."You almost had me. But...it was all for nothing. Tornado Magic: Great Spiral of Fury!"

Thomas rose his hands as his spell took effect. The tornado started on the ground, rapidly rising and taking shape, taking everything around up into the sky. Johan and Raiden yelled as the force of the wind gave them no choice but to be tossed around into the sky as though they were a sack of potatoes.

"And now, Tornado Magic: Slash of a Thousand Winds!"

The tornado picked up speed and was now cutting all around the young men. Raiden closed his eyes, afraid that one of the attacks would cut his eyes."Johan! Do something!"

"I can't!" Johan used his arms to cover his face, feeling the ferocious attacks digging into his arms."None of my spells can cover us entirely, only individually! If I use my Seven Shields, we will still take attacks!"

Raiden clicked his tongue, growing more and more annoyed at the whole situation."Fuck it! I guess I don't have a choice but to-"

"Yin Creation Magic: Explosive Dance!"

Thomas gasped, watching as a young man carrying a big black sword engulfed in a white aura landed next to him, its blade hitting the ground and causing an explosion of black energy that send the leader of the bandits rolling on the ground and causing his spell to disperse.

Johan and Raiden fell to the ground, their bodies covered in injuries."Who was that?"

"Don't know...but he saved our butts just now." Johan sat up, wiping some blood off of his arms. The new person in the fight was wearing a black robe with the symbol of a bull on it. Along with that, his attire consisted of black baggy pants with blue boots and black laces. He had a black shirt underneath a sleeveless blue vest. He had fair skin, chocolate-colored spiky hair combed to the left with a few bangs going down his forehead. He turned back, revealing a pair of dark eyes.

"Yo. Thank you for fighting so hard for everyone at the orphanage. I'll take it from here." He took out his Grimoire, this one was completely black, with a three-leaf clover colored in white."Yin Creation Magic: Hell Breaker!"

The young man manifested the same huge blade had used earlier, grabbing it with his two hands."My name is Abel, from the Black Bulls! This is going to be my only warning! Surrender!"

"A Magic Knight...as if things weren't complicated already..." Thomas moaned in pain, using a tree to help himself up, but his body had sustained too much damage and was forced back on his knees. Abel frowned as he saw the man, unable to stand back up, and returned his blade to his Grimoire. He walked up to him, a blank expression on his face. Once he was a few meters from him, he stopped.

"Hey, listen. Let's not fight, alright? I'm not here to pick a fight if I don't have to. But this is my home. You were trying to kidnap and possibly do some horrible things to the people I call family. I'm not going to hold remorse for you, but I would appreciate it if you turn yourself in. Come on, you're beaten and low on mana. There's no reason to do anything unnecessary."

"You...don't want to hurt me? Even though I threatened to take the kids?" He asked in disbelief, earning a smile from the Black Bull.

"Nope. That's not how I do things. I want to be a hero. And heroes don't go around attacking people who are down already." He extender his arms, offering to get him back on his feet.

Thomas blinked, confused by his action. Reluctantly, he grabbed his hand and was helped up."Thank you..."

Abel simply grinned, patting the man on the shoulder."No problem. Now, wait for me while I get your friends rounded up." He turned on his heel, addressing the two young men behind him."Do you guys know any binding spells? If you can help me get all the bandits around, I'd really appreciate it."

"I do!" Johan rose his hand."Hey! Behind you!"

Abel's eyes shot open, looking over his shoulder and seeing Thomas holding a knife and going for his neck."You naive little brat!"

Before he could stab him in the neck, a white arrow pierced through his arm, pinning him against the tree."What the hell!" He cried out in shock, hissing and dropping the knife due to the intense pain.

"Seriously, you can't be giving your back to the enemy. Almost got you killed." A monotonous voice spoke up from above them. A young man, quite similar to Abel, except his hair was combed to the right and had a lighter shade of brown, stood above on his broom. He was wearing the Golden Dawn's uniform and his Grimoire was completely white, except for its three-leaf clover clad in black.

"Cain!" Abel smiled happily."You're here! And you're okay! And you joined the Golden Dawn!"

Cain didn't seem impressed, simply scowling at Abel and jumping down to the ground."Don't get too excited. I'm here because Captain Vangeance told me to. When I saw you jumping into the fight, I couldn't believe you were the backup I was given. After I requested the Captain to not put me in any missions with you..."

Abel was about to protest but decided against it, simply staying silent. Cain looked in disgust at the bandit, shaking his head. "Well, we're done here. I called in some backup to help me take them away just a bit ago. Should be here soon. By the way, what are you guys doing here?"

Johan stepped up in front of Raiden, a big, friendly smile on his face."Hello! My name is Johan Axelbreeze and here is my good friend, Raiden Zareth. We're from Suke and we made our way from the Forsaken realm all the way here to reach the Capital. We want to become Magic Knights, but I'm afraid something came up and we had to delay our departure."

"I see." Cain took a moment to process that information."Well, the entrance exam already passed, but I could vouch for one of you. I was watching the fight the whole time and I see you're both promising recruits."

"You were watching us fight?" Raiden rose a brow, glaring daggers at him."Why didn't you help us sooner?"

Cain shrugged nonchalantly."I was curious to see your skills. I never heard of Inferno or Obsidian magic before, so I wanted to see what it could do. But like I just said, I can probably only get one of you through the backdoor, if at all."

"Hey, why doesn't one of you come with me? I'm sure Captain Yami doesn't care about procedures like that!" Abel beamed enthusiastically.

Johan and Raiden glanced at each other."Can you give us a second? We have to have a little discussion."

"Take your time." Cain waved his hand as he went over to Thomas, opening his Grimoire. Meanwhile, Abel just stared at Cain, not knowing what to do.

Johan and Raiden turned around, huddling together."Okay, we struck gold. We'll celebrate when we get the chance. Secondly, now it's the time where we make a big decision. Who is going where?"

"I told you I don't like to stand out and keep up appearances." Raiden muttered."The Black Bulls seem like a squad perfect for me. You're stronger than me, hence, you have more chances of being accepted into the Golden Dawn."

"Huh? No, I'm not."

"What do you mean?" Raiden looked at him as if he had grown a second head."You have more experience than me."

"But when we fight, we end up in a stalemate."

"But because it's immovable object vs unstoppable force." Raiden retorted, pushing Johan with an annoyed expression."Let's just get this over with already."

"Okay, okay." Johan chuckled holding his hands up before his expression became deadly serious."But remember what I told you. We'll be in separate squads and I won't be there to make the hard decisions for you. You have to think for yourself."

"I told you, I'm not a ki-"

"Raiden, I'm serious." Johan grabbed him by the shoulders."You almost did it just now. And then what? You have to control yourself and keep your head cool. Think about what you're fighting for." Johan gently planted his fist against Raiden's left shoulder.

"What I'm fighting for..." Raiden repeated, nodding."Right. I have a promise to keep. I'll do my best." With a smile, he returned the gesture and lightly punch Johan's left shoulder with his hand."We'll definitely make it."

"Good." Johan went back to his friendly grin."Guess we're ready to go. Yo, you guys! We're good!"

Cain finished dragging Thomas by the shirt and dropped him on the floor. He was tied up in what looked to be a white rope, making him unable to move."Perfect. So, who is coming with who?"

"Raiden here is going with Abel and I'll be going with you," Johan explained to the twins.

"Good enough for me." Cain put his hands in his pockets."But like I said, just because you're coming along with me doesn't guarantee you'll be admitted into the squad. You'll be put to the test and see if you're apt enough for our ranks."

"Sounds good to me, boss man." Johan playfully slapped him on the back, nearly knocking him to the ground."Sorry!"

"At least you're physically strong. Damn, nearly dislocated my shoulder there." The brown-haired teen rubbed his shoulder."Anyway, Abel, go tell the people at the orphanage that everything is settled. I'll take care of the bandits with Johan so you two can get going. I saw Steven earlier, ignoring my advice to stay in the village. I told him to start making his way back before I came here. Don't tell the rest of them I'm here."

"Huh? Why not?"

Cain simply glared at him, not saying another word. Abel sighed, nodding."Okay. I understand. Come on, Raiden."

"Pick up our stuff, Raiden." Johan hollered, earning a thumbs up from the younger man. The bulkier man then turned to the Golden Dawn member."Okay, so what would you have me do?"

"Round up the bandits that you guys knocked out. If they wake up, knock them out again. Then we'll take them to the village. I requested from back up from another squad, so they should be there later in the morning."

"Right away!" With that, they got to work and piled up the unconscious bodies of the bandits, forming a big pile of people.


"So, that pretty much sums it up. Johan and another Magic Knight are round him the bandits and are going to rendezvous with other Magic Knights to help them take them." Abel explained, finding himself on the floor as multiple children were pulling on his clothes, hair, and cheeks."Guys, you're going to hurt me if you continue. I don't have any healing items with me."

"Seriously...look at you, all grown up and a Magic Knight." Sister Lucia ushered the children away, helping Abel back on his feet. She then engulfed him in a big hug, nuzzling against the top of his head."We're all so proud of you!"

"Sister...you're going to suffocate me..."

"Now, now." Sister Rika put a hand on the woman's shoulder."Let's not send him wounded back to his squad. I'm sure he had his hands full fighting those bandits."

"Honestly, I didn't do much." He breathed in relief once the tanned woman let go of him."Johan and Raiden were the ones who did all the work."

Sister Rukia shifted her gaze over to the raven-haired boy."Did guys manage to beat them? I was so worried when we lost sight of you. All we saw was the black fire spreading through the forest.

Raiden's eyes widened, noticing that his Inferno magic continued burning the leaves, mostly leaving the trees completely bared. Opening his Grimoire, he called off his spell, returning the fire inside."Sorry. It's not a regular fire, so it doesn't extinguish by normal means. But back to the matter at hand, you guys should be safe. They're rounding the bandits as we speak and will take them to the nearest village."

"Wait a minute!" Sister Rukia rose her voice, startling the two teenagers."Where is Steven?! Abel, please tell me you saw him!"

"I'm right here."

The group turned to see a small boy with short, ginger hair and brown eyes standing behind Abel."Big bro Cain found me in the village and told me to stay put until everything was handled. But then Abel took me and told me to stay hidden in the forest, saying to only come out after everything was over.

The children all gasp, glancing around each other with a few excited squeals.

"Oh, dear. You had us all worried. I'm glad you're safe and sound." Sister Rukia gave Abel a sympathetic smile."You didn't bring that up just now. And Raiden also kept it a secret."

"Actually, Sister, I kept it a secret because I figured he wouldn't want to be mentioned, going by the fact that he didn't want to come in to report the success of their mission." Raiden stepped up, hands behind his back."I'm sorry for withholding information."

"It's fine. Don't worry about that." It was Sister Lucia who answered for both of them."A lot of things happened. But if you must know, Cain left the orphanage a few years ago. We recently learned he had become a Magic Knight but he did not attempt to contact us."

"I see." Raiden took an interest in the topic, but decided to not pry since it was none of his business."Anyway, I'll go get our stuff. Abel here is going to recommend me to his squad, and Cain will recommend Johan to his."

"You don't have to worry about that." Sister Lucia went past the doors, grabbing the bags that the children had brought down."I had a feeling you'd be in a hurry to continue on your journey as soon as you dealt with the bandits, so we got your bags ready. Plus, I prepared some snacks."

"Great. Thank you so much for your hospitality." Raiden bowed slightly, taking both of his and Johan's luggage.

"Stay safe everyone!" Abel stepped on his broom, followed by Raiden."I'll be sending you a letter soon!"

"Goodbye, boys! And stay safe!" Sister Rukia waved at the pair as they began ascending into the sky."We'll be rooting for you!"

Abel continued waving goodbye, flying over to where Johan and Cain had rounded up the bandits and were ready to take them to the village. The bandits were all tied up except for their legs and Johan had confiscated their Grimoires, putting them safely inside one of his obsidian spheres.

"Hey, we're taking our leave!" Abel cried out from above."You sure you don't need our help?!"

Cain waved his hand dismissively while Johan did the talking."We got it! You guys go ahead and enjoy your day!" Johan rose his hands once he saw a bag falling towards the ground, easily catching it."Thanks!"

With that, the pair headed over to the Black Bulls' base, speeding on Abel's broom.

"I take it you don't have a broom either?" Cain placed his hands on his hips, groaning when Johan shook his head."Well, that's fine. I'll get you one when we go to the village. You guys, start walking in an orderly fashion. Any of you does anything suspicious, you're getting an arrow to the knee."

The bandits moaned in response, walking slowly as they made their way towards the forest in a straight line.

"I want to thank you and your brother for helping us out." Johan spoke up, his eyes on the road."Without you, we would have been toast. ANd still looking for a squad to take us."

"No problem. I commend people who show their strength. You have great defense spells but you also know your way in a fight." Cain surmised, intrigued by what he had seen from both of them."But...don't lump me in with him. He's no brother of mine."

"Huh? But you guys are practically twins?"

"We're related by blood." Cain huffed, annoyance clear in his tone."Unlike the rest of the brats in the orphanage, we're actually siblings. But I want nothing to do with him. I only accepted coming here because I'd felt compelled into helping the orphanage. Otherwise, I wouldn't want to come back here ever again."

"Something happened?" Cain remained unresponsive, but that's all Johan needed to know."It's okay. I won't ask any more questions. All of us have skeletons in our closets."

"Oh yeah? I can't imagine you have a secret." Cain snorted."But I'll take your word for it. Who knows? Maybe we'll get better acquainted. That is if you have what it takes to join the Golden Dawn."

Johan smirked, puffing his chest."Looking forward to the challenge, sir!"


"So, you and Johan and related?"

Raiden cracked his eyes open, feeling how heavy his eyelids were due to the lack of sleep he got. He rubbed the edge of his nose, taking some time to compose himself."I should be asking you that. You and Cain are twins, that much I can tell. But why are you guys acting so..."

"Distant? Hostile?" Abel supplied, cracking a smile when he saw the awkward expression Raiden had."Don't sweat it. Yes, Cain and I are twins. We don't know our parents. All we know is that we've been living in the orphanage since we were babies. We were never close I guess. Our personalities just contrast each other to the point where we can't stand having a normal conversation. Or at least, he sees it that way."

"Yeah, I could tell." Raiden hummed in agreement."He seemed less happy to see you than you to him."

Abel chuckled, albeit Raiden could pick up a hint of sadness."Yeah...I don't know what I did wrong. He just...hates me."

A pregnant silence followed after he muttered those words, but no more words needed to be said about the topic. Raiden understood that the possibility of a reason as to why Cain would dislike his brother to the point of asking his Captain to not send him on missions with him was plausible, but it wasn't his business. At least, he should wait before asking more personal questions. He had just met this guy, after all.

"Say, aren't you going to ask?"

"I don't think it's my place to pry."

"Not that!" Abel shook his head."I mean, aren't you going to ask about how the Black Bulls are? Not interested?"

Raiden remained silent, weighing his choices."Not really." He mentally facepalmed, realizing how it sounded."I mean, I'd rather see them up close myself to make an appropriate judgment. But from what I hear, the Black Bulls are the worst squad of them all with pretty questionable members."

"I guess I'm not surprised. We are pretty infamous. But you know, they aren't that bad." Abel informed him with a sincere smile."I've only been there for a week myself and honestly, I haven't gotten to know them just yet since I'm taking a lot of missions. I haven't been to the base in a couple of days or so. But I feel like I belong, you know? I'm sure you'll get along with them just fine."

"I'll take your word for it." Raiden said, looking down below at the ground."So, you have Yin Magic? Never heard of it before."

"Right back at you, Inferno Magic." Abel chuckled."You're pretty incredible. I saw that the whole forest was on fire with those flames of yours. And you guys took down the bandits."

"My magic is different from regular fire-based magic." Raiden supplied, not wanting to disclose too much information about himself this early."Let's just say that yes, it is pretty strong. But in exchange for great attacking capabilities, my durability isn't the best. At least, compared to most people. Not like I would go down in one punch."

"I'd say." The brown-haired teenager poked at Raiden's arm."I think you'd be the one knocking people out. You're pretty damn big, jeez. You train a lot?"

"I have to." Raiden rose a brow, putting his arm out of his reach."If I want to maximize the use of my magic, I have to be able to fight properly and with any weapon. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to do much with it."

"Huh. You don't say." Abel folded his arms, ready to ask another question."Oh, we're here."

Raiden looked down below and in fact, they had reached somewhere.

Some rundown/abandoned type of mansion?

Unamused, Raiden decided to begin to play out the different scenarios in his head. How should he proceed and how should he introduce himself? Maybe he should be extra polite?

No, that wouldn't work in the long run. Not to mention, this squad probably didn't give a damn about ethics and manners.

Maybe try to feign ignorance and act like an airhead? Perhaps maybe he'd be likable and people would want to talk to him?

'Out of the question.' He mentally groaned, covering his eyes from the very first rays of sunlight.'Not to mention I'm not like that. And honestly, I would like to keep my distance as much as possible. I just want to do my job as a Magic Knight, that's it. There's no reason for me to get mushy with anyone. Socializing is such a pain...'

"We're here." Abel announced, stepping off his broom and grabbing it after waiting for Raiden to get off."Probably no one is awake. Maybe the Captain, but I'm not sure. Hopefully, he is."

"Lead the way."

With that, Abel walked in front of Raiden, as the latter marveled at the base.'So this is where I'll be living from now on. I guess it could have been worse.' Feeling a cold sweat dripping down the back of his neck, he braced himself once Abel opened the door.

"I'm bac-"

"There you are, Abel." A giant man wearing a white tanktop suddenly shoved a paper in front of Abel."Been waiting for you. Hey, listen. I don't have anyone to send for this mission and the others are on missions. The four I sent are still at the Capital and haven't returned yet, so I have no one to send out right now. Mind doing this one? I know you just came back, but they're offering food and a place to sleep. You'll probably stay there a few days."

"Sure thing, Captain." Abel took the paper, speed reading it.

The burly man looked over Abel, his curiosity piqued."Who is the kid? Friend of yours?"

"Oh, right. This is the person that pretty much did the whole mission for me." Abel stepped aside, giving Raiden some room."He was passing through the orphanage when he encountered the bandits and offered to help. He told me he was on his way to the capital to take the exam but personal matters made it impossible to make it in time. So, I decided to bring up here to see if you'd be willing to accept him in our squad."

The man in question hummed to himself, scratching his chin."I shouldn't keep letting members enter through the backdoor, but it's not like that's ever stopped me before. So, why do you want to be a Magic Knight? Hell, why do you want to join the Black Bulls? Never had someone join us willingly unless we were their last choice."

"Well, sir, I chose your squad because I know my chances of joining any other squad are slim to none since I missed the day of the exam. So I thought this was an opportunity that I absolutely could not miss. I can't wait another year."

"You sound determined." The Captain observed, analyzing him from head to toe."I forgot to introduce myself, by the way. Name's Yami Sukehiro, captain of the Black Bulls. Tell me, why do you want to be a Magic Knight so bad?"

Raiden took a firm step forward, hands behind his back and standing straight, looking at the Yami's face solemnly."My name is Raiden Zareth and I want to protect the world from evil, sir!"

"Huh?" Yami was confused, so he opted for asking him to elaborate."What do you mean? Are you another person wanting to be a hero or some crap like that like Abel here?"

"No, sir." Raiden answered, his confidence never wavering at the gaze of the intimidating man."I don't care if I'm considered a hero or not. I just want to purge all evil from this world and make this a better place for everyone. I made a promise to someone. Someone very dear to me. And I will fulfill that promise no matter what."

Yami scratched his head, pondering on his words.'His ki doesn't lie. He's being completely serious in his words. Talk about a nutcase. But his personality just doesn't strike me, at least not yet. But if he's always putting that determination to good use, I guess I could just let him join.'

"Sure, I'll make you a temporary member for now." Yami disappeared back inside, leaving the two teenagers looking puzzled. Once he came back outside, he threw Raiden a Black Bull robe."It's yours for now. But you'll get to keep it if you complete that mission I gave to Abel. Abel, you'll go with him and you can make the final decision with me. Does that sound good?"

"My first mission and a chance to join the Black Bulls?" Raiden repeated, his eyes widening as he felt the robe in his hands. Without hesitation, he proceeded to put it over his clothes."You got it, Captain Yami. I'll handle this."

"He needs a broom, though."

Yami was one step ahead and had apparently gone back inside the house while they were distracted, bringing a broom."Here. Take this one."

"Thank you." Raiden gladly accepted the broom, putting it on the ground and stepping over it."Fill me in as we go, Abel. Let's get this over with."

"Got it. We'll be back soon, Captain. Tell Asta and the others I said hi to them!"

"Sure thing." Yami waved them off, pulling a cigarette out of his pocket."Still, I get a strange feeling from that kid. He sure will be an interesting one."


First off, I'd like to apologize for releasing the chapter later than originally intended. My bad. Secondly, I want to thank those who have been reading. Very much appreciated and I always welcome the reviews. I'm also happy because KenosDC1 was the one who reviewed since I've been following his story for a while now, so I consider this an accomplishment.

Thirdly, I want to address the fact that yes, the story starts after the attack in the capital but I have a reason to do so. It will all be explained as the chapters go by and as Raiden opens up more to those around him.

And finally, I welcome any suggestions for new spells and such. I have some in mind but I would like to get other opinions. If I see one that I like, I'll put it in the story and I'll give you credit for it!

PS: Yes, Abel and Cain are names inspired by the Bible. There are going to be a lot of Bibles references since I hinted at the existence of angels and such but not to the point where it becomes too much. I'm Catholic but I only know so much about the Bible. So I'll also be taking ideas from Devil May Cry, Bayonetta, and games like that as well as introducing my own ideas to the mix to make it fresh and new.

Hope everyone has a good day/night and see you next time!