The first thing he noticed was the sound of birds chirping. The second was the soothing wind that caressed his face. The third was that once he opened his eyes he was greeted to a beautiful sight.

Atop the demon skull overlooking Hage, he saw the sun rise signaling the start of a new day. But for asta it was so much more. It signaled the start of his new life. Asta grinned brightly, springing to his feet.

"YOSH!" He called out, stretching his muscles. He was back! Back to life! He may be about 2 years younger but that didn't matter! He was back!

Giddy with excitement he got into his early morning workout. That's when he noticed his first real difference. This was easy. Easier than usual. In fact as he did more it got noticeably EASIER.

'That's cause of those skill things and stats.' Liebe voiced within Asta's mind. Liebe himself was reading a copy of Asta's grimoire he materialized. 'It says here your physical strength is rated at a 50. Pretty damn high compared to your other stats.' Liebe whistled as Asta nodded to himself. "Then i'll have to start training harder!" Asta roared as he began to do increasingly difficult exercises. He even started training to use his demon slayer sword once more.

~Devil Gamer~

Asta-LVL 10

Health-210

Mana- ERROR!

Anti~Mana- 700/700

Str-50 - 75

Int-15

Dex-27 -30

Wis-15

Cha-35

Luck- 5

Skills

Physical Junkie Lvl MAX- Physical work grows your strength at 5x the speed.

Swordsmanship Lvl 1 -2 - Sword skills are learned at 1.5x the speed

~Devil Gamer~

It was now nearing evening. Asta had spent the entire day training, realizing just how insane his ability was. He grew more within a day than

he had in weeks! It was uncanny! 'Careful there Asta. Grow any quicker and people are gonna think your growth spurt was you getting wider' Liebe quipped as Asta rolled his eyes. He picked up his sword, concentrating anti magic through the blade. It was a tedious process, seeing as his body wasn't use to anti magic flowing through it. He wanted to avoid dealing with the witch queen but maybe he will need her.

A thought for another time though. Sweat collected on Asta's brow as the anti magic within him finally started to flow a little bit easier, resulting in his sword floating slightly above ground. He kept his concentration up for another minute before sighing, his sword clanging to the floor. It was a good thing he had a few weeks until the magic knight recruitment.

The journey down the skull and to the church was uneventful. He waved at the other townsfolk as he passed, and they in turn waved back. It was peaceful, something asta wanted to protect.

He made it to the church right at sunset, asta boisterously announcing his arrival to the annoyance and humor of the others. His eyes caught sister lily's, who gave him a warm smile. He really did have to get strong, because there was no way he would loose this.

~6 months later~

Asta found himself hitting a plateau of sorts. Even with his skills training was becoming increasingly time consuming. After all there was only so much you could do on your own. His stats hadn't grown in the past day, and he was finding the extreme exercises he'd do were far to easy. He had also gained as much control over anti magic his body could handle. If it wasn't for his grimoire explicitly TELLING him his body could not and would not handle more he would've kept going. Alas that wasn't the situation though. So it was at that point Liebe recommended him something he didn't even think about doing.

Reading.

Now asta had no problem with reading, he may be stupid but not THAT stupid. However he would ALWAYS prefer physical exercise over reading. But at this point he felt cutting back on the exercise and replacing it with reading would be the smarter thing to do.

So he left to the village Library, shocking those around as they never saw asta NOT training at this time of day. Once in, he felt something call to him. At first he looked around in confusion, before noting a singular book that looked oddly out of place. 'Well what're ya waiting for? Pick it up.' Liebe ushered Asta on, causing the boy to go and grab the book.

The title made his face go blank. "Skill Book: Speed reading" he mumbled out. Intrigued, he opened the book and began to read.

It only took him around 30 minutes to finish the admittedly short book, but a look at his grimoire confirmed his suspicion.

New skill obtained!

Speed reading Lvl 1- Read books at 1.25x speed! Also grants perfect memory of written material!

Asta blew out an exasperated sigh. This system was too much. But well, he'd use it to it's fullest then! He began to read on different subjects. Such as what mana is, the history of magic and the clover kingdom as a whole, and even getting lucky and finding some books on the spade kingdom.

By evening he had gained multiple Int points, a few Wis points, and leveled up his speed reading skill a few times. All in all not to bad. Especially since tomorrow would be when he and Yuno would set out to the capital city. He had reached a level far higher than he set to by this point. He was excited to get back into being a magic knight! It was with those thoughts he set back to the church.

Once there he had packed his belongings. Not much, but just his essentials. As he was packing Yuno had came up to him. "Ready for our trip, Asta?" He asked as Asta grinned, nodding strongly. "Of course! I'm gonna become a magic Knight and then the wizard king after-all!" He boisterously proclaimed as Yuno gave a small smile. "Heh, not if i become the Wizard king first." Yuno raised his fist at that, Asta responding in kind. As their fist bumped a true understanding between the two started to form.

Asta would later find out that his grimoire gained a page on Yuno, counting him as a close friend. He also learned having close friends or people in general he was close with would give them BOTH bonuses. With Yuno it seemed their rivalry would increase both's experience growth by 1.5x. A damn good bonus!

With these thoughts in mind the duo made the trip to the capital. Asta having gained enough control over his Anti Magic used his demon slayer sword as transportation. Yuno, seeing Asta learn his abilities at such a rate refused to be outmatched. Within two days of them leaving he had learned to use his wind magic to levitate himself efficiently enough he wasn't burning much Mana.

When asta discovered this he whistled. "That's my brother for ya! Always quick to master something." He said as Yuno playfully scoffed. "I have to with the rate you grow. I can't have you passing me after all."

More playful banter ensued through the next 3 days. They would hunt boar nightly, setting out early. Both had grew quite a lot in the 5 days it took to reach the capital.

Asta had reached Lvl 20 (counting his training within the 6 months) and discovered other mages had levels. Though he'd only be able to see them if he was aquatinted with the other mage. Yuno for example he saw was Lvl 25. That alone had fired him up but when he saw his stats the flame only grew.

Yuno Lvl-25

Health-230

Mana-2000

Str-25

Int-31

Dex-20

Wis-40

Cha-30

Luck-20

Asta found himself more ready to become a magic knight. He'd have so much more access to ways to grow. He would also have access to his second goal. Growing the black bulls. He'd have them at the same strength as they were in the battle in spade by the time the elves struck if he has anything to say about it!

Fired up, the duo reached the capital in the morning of the 5th day of travel, entering into the magic knight exams by noon. At first he was flocked by anti-birds, though he wasn't too bothered this time. Still, He was quite loud and thus was approached by Yami sukehiro, leader of the black bulls magic squad, for being too loud, getting his head grabbed in result. Some of the others talked crap behind his back because of this but he simply shrugged them off.

The first test though was significantly easier for asta compared to his first attempt, seeing as he could use anti magic on his sword. Though he decided to show off some. "Uh, i have a quick question!" He called out, Vangeance being the one to answer him. "Yes?" The golden dawn captain leaned forward slightly in interest.

'This boy is interesting. Not a lick of magic yet he was trying to become a magic knight? Either he has something up his sleeve or he is an idiot' Vangeance thought as Asta smiled.

"Can I use something other than a broom?" The question was met with eye raises before Vangeance just nodded. Asta nodded as his hand shot into the air. "DANMA" he called out as from his grimoire his demon slayer sword flew out into his hand. He casually tossed it up, the blade flipping before straightening out length wise flat side down. It floated above the ground, asta hopping on easily and zooming around the arena.

The other contestants looked at Asta in confusion. Why would he bring a sword out, and why was it floating?? Questions that would soon be forgotten as they noted Yuno. Not to be outdone, he quickly jumped onto his broom, zipping around with just as much ease. Now their questions were who the hell were these two?

The captains looked on slightly intrigued, One Yami Sukehiro looked at asta specifically with intrigue. "That sword of his is heavy, even i'd struggle to handle that lump of metal" Yami mused, gaining the attention of his appointed transportation, Finral Roulacase. Before Finral could question his guild leader the next test started.

Asta breezed through the next few tests. The second had them fire magic at a wall. Asta bent the rules slightly, using his sword to send a condensed slash of Anti Magic. Yuno had punched forward, sending a condensed ball of wind. Both demolished the wall they were given.

The third test was hitting a moving target. Again both succeeded easily. Asta sent another slash, this time putting his back into it. When he swung his sword the ground cracked from the force as the moving target was obliterated. Similar results from Yuno ensued as his wind sliced into the ground before obliterating his target. These exams might have been easy but it was still a competition between them.

The fourth test was the only one asta failed miserably at. He knew this would happen though. Still the sting of Yuno taking an edge annoyed him.

The 5th and final test was where everything picked up slightly. Seeing as asta actually did well this time around, nobody really wanted to fight him. That filled asta with a small bit of pride, but mostly annoyance. These guys were potentially going to become a magic knight, yet they were scared to fight?

He clicked his tongue, glancing over to Yuno, who had been in the same predicament. Yuno caught his eye with a nod. Both grinned before stepping up. "We'll go!" They said in unison as the magic knight captains all narrowed their eyes. The tension between the two was heavy, yet at the same time no animosity was there. "Those two..." Fuegoleon Vermillion of the Crimson lions trailed off, intrigue thick in his voice.

The other captains all held equally as much intrigue, and when Vangeance signaled the start of their fight their intrigue doubled.

Asta yanked his sword out of his grimoire at the same time Wind magic swirled around Yuno's fist and feet. The other competitors looked on in shock as Asta leaped forward, the ground beneath his feet cracking from the strength of his leap. His sword rushed towards Yuno's mid section.

Yuno grinned, leaping over the blade with the assistance of his magic. He sent his palm forward, a powerful gust of wind forming. Before the attack could land Asta quickly swung his sword up as if it was a fan. Yuno, not suspecting such a move was caught off guard, tossed behind Asta.

He quickly recovered, sending out multiple condensed balls of wind to Asta. Asta slashed them all except one, sending that one back. Yuno dodged, using his wind magic to propel himself close to asta. 'I can't win in physical strength, but maybe I don't have to. If I get him off balance I can win!' Yuno thought as Asta swung his sword. Yuno evaded, getting into Asta's guard. Asta grinned, checking a wind powered Kick to his leg. Yuno clicked his tongue, realizing getting up close was a mistake.

Before asta could capitalize he slammed his foot on the ground, cracking the stone and destabilizing Asta enough for Yuno to leap back. Once Asta gained his bearings both Brothers simply glared at each other. Both were breathing a little heavy, both feeling the strain of the battle. "Let's finish this, asta!" Yuno called out as Asta nodded. "Yeah, Let's finish this Yuno!" Asta said as Yuno raised his arm, wind gathering along the entire length. "I'll win, and become Wizard King!" Both roared out at the same time.

As both readied their attacks Vengeance called out, interrupting them. "TIME! That was a magnificent fight you two. Well done." The other captains looked at the captain of the golden dawn in slight confusion, all except Yami. "Those two would've made the other contestants piss their pants if they continued." Yami laughed.

The other fights were nothing to write home about. One guy had showed quite the defensive capability with his Bronze magic, winning his match quite easily. After all the fights were finished came the grading process. It was explained grading would be an easy affair. If any captain showed interest, you passed and either went with who showed interest or in the case or multiple captains you pick the group.

Soon it was Yuno's turn. All 9 captains had raised their hand. Yuno chose the golden dawn to go to. "Giving yourself a headstart?" Asta quipped as Yuno scoffed playfully. "Don't need one."

With that the duo waited until it was Asta's turn. Asta stepped forward, suddenly feeling a little self conscious. He KNOWS he did much better this time but still, the memory of having to convince Yami to accept him kept surfacing. It would seem those doubts were useless as instantly 3 of the 9 magic knight captains raised their hands.

Vangeance, Yami, and Fuegoleon raised their hands. Asta was stunned momentarily before smiling. It was an easy choice for him though. "I choose the black bulls!" He announced to the shock of the other captains, even Yami. "E-eh? Did I hear that kid right?" Some of the other contestants mumbled but Asta didn't waver.

Yami stared at the kid before tossing his head back and laughing. "I like yur spirit kid!" At that the rest of the selection went by. When it was time to head to their bases, Yuno and Asta bumped their fists, wishing each other farewell for now.

When asta stepped foot at the black bulls base it was truly an eye opener for just how much he missed his squad.

~Devil Gamer~