Chapter 24: Family Matters
A/N: No more filler! The interesting part begins now...
Hugo Vance of the Aqua Deer stood face to face with his "failure of an older brother," Russell Vance of the Coral Peacocks.
"Hello, Hugo," Russell stated, clenching his fist. He was resisting the urge to punch the smug little bastard in the face.
The younger brother in question stood tall, his sharp features sculpted into an expression of pure disdain. His pale, aristocratic complexion and cold amber eyes flickered with contempt as he observed Russell with an air of superiority. Hugo's hair, perfectly combed and styled, gleamed under the light—platinum blonde like polished silver, emphasising the gap between the brothers, not just in their appearances but in their stations.
"Russell," Hugo responded coolly, barely acknowledging him as he brushed an invisible speck of dust from his pristine Aqua Deer robe. Every stitch of his clothing seemed tailored to exude elegance, from the intricate embroidery lining his sleeves to the subtle sheen of his polished shoes. His presence radiated arrogance, each movement refined, calculated, and drenched in the belief that he was born to rule over others.
As Hugo stood there, his four-leaf grimoire hovered by his side, glowing with a cold, luminous aura. Its pages shimmered in pristine white, reflecting the pure, refined nature of his White Sand Magic. The grimoire itself seemed to pulse with energy, marking him as someone of exceptional talent—further separating him from his older brother, whom he often viewed as a complete waste of noble blood.
Hugo raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a condescending smirk. "Still clinging to that pathetic squad of yours, Russell?" His voice was smooth yet sharp, like the grains of sand he commanded. "It must be difficult... to watch someone like me rise above, while you remain mired in mediocrity, playing knight with those commoners."
Russell's fist tightened at the word. Commoners. Hugo spat it out like venom, a word that reeked of hatred, yet somehow sounded elegant on his tongue. The disdain was palpable.
"I don't expect you to understand," Hugo continued, his voice soft yet dripping with condescension. "After all, you've never grasped what it truly means to be noble. You're more suited to grovelling with peasants."
The sand at Hugo's feet began to stir, swirling subtly in the air as if responding to his moods. His White Sand Magic was as delicate as it was dangerous—each grain sharpened like a blade, controlled with precise, deadly elegance. Russell knew that Hugo, despite his age, was a prodigy. His grimoire wasn't just a mark of talent but of unshakable confidence and power, and Hugo wielded that power without mercy, especially toward those he considered beneath him.
"Is that why you keep hiding behind that magic of yours, Hugo?" Russell retorted, his voice low, barely masking his anger. "Because without it, you'd be nothing but an arrogant little boy."
Hugo's smirk deepened, and a small chuckle escaped his lips. "Perhaps," he mused, sand swirling lightly around him, sparkling in the light like a cruel mirage. "But fortunately for me, dear brother, I'm far from 'nothing.' Unlike you."
The air between them crackled with tension.
"Russell?" Lilian, who had been watching this whole ordeal, asked. "We need to go or we'll be late for the ceremony!"
"I'll see you later, Russell!" Hugo called. "Take care not to get lost…we all know you have no sense of direction!"
"Fuck you too, Hugo!" Russell called, flipping Hugo off.
…
What were Russell and Lilian doing here, you ask? Well, it was finally the day of the War Merits Conferment Ceremony, and the four Coral Peacocks were at the Royal Capital for two reasons. The first reason was to attend this ceremony that the Wizard King had asked them to, and the second reason was to soon present its "beautiful self."
"Why was everyone around me born so- urf!"
The Vermillion was recognised by his subordinates, and soon smothered under a mountain of hugs. "That's quite enough!" he said, slightly exasperated over the joyous reactions of the Coral Peacocks.
"Is that any way to treat guys who haven't seen you in a week?" Russell said. "Welcome back, Vice-Captain!"
Kirsch dramatically flicked his hair, forcing his blush back. "Well, I believe you have a ceremony to attend. And Lars?"
Lars raised an eyebrow. "Yeah?"
"Your sister is quite interesting, to say the least."
…
"Vice-Captain, why am I here again?" a rejuvenated Kian Voss asked. His hand, formerly severed by Kivn, was bandaged up heavily, and the bandages were already tinged red. Every step he took, Kian winced. His muscles still hadn't healed from the fatigue that he was experiencing earlier, most likely from running a gauntlet with over 200 Topaz Soldiers. He stretched, cat-like, as him and his Vice-Captain walked down the hallowed halls of the ceremony hall.
"Captain Nozel requested us to be here. As much as I dislike having to get out of bed for a stupid ceremony that really means nothing to me, the Captain's orders are absolute," Frida said, her annoyance seeping through her voice
"Well, at least it means I get to try out your father's new invention!" Kian smiled. He pulled out a rusted, mechanical hand, old but delicately crafted, and removed the bandages from his stump.
"Do that shit away from me," Frida gagged. Kian didn't listen to her request, and instead attached the hand. A lightning symbol on the left glowed blue. "So it's powered by my mana? Your father truly is a brilliant inventor!" he said, trying to lighten the frosty atmosphere between him and his Vice-Captain.
"A horrible person, but a brilliant mind, and a good father by normal standards," Frida said. "I can at least give him that much."
…
"With seven stars earned, Leopold Vermillion of the Crimson Lion Kings, I grant you the title of Intermediate Magic Knight, Second Class," the Wizard King said, as a boy with spiky orange hair and a lion-like grin on his face stepped forward. "You use the same flame magic as your older brother, the Captain of the Crimson Lion Kings. Your power is overwhelming. Make sure you don't go overboard." He handed him a medal
"Evil needs no mercy," Leopold said proudly, and then walked away proudly.
"With nine stars earned, Russell Vance of the Coral Peacocks," and the long haired dust mage stepped forward, a proud glint in his eye, "I grant you the title of Senior Magic Knight, First Class. You may use dust magic, and it may be looked down upon by many, including your family, but you haven't let your setbacks hold you down. Keep fighting the good fight, and use your simple yet volatile magic for good."
"Thank you, Wizard King." Russell said. He turned to Hugo as he walked down the steps, and they simply stared at each other, animosity leaping in and out of their eyes.
"With eleven stars earned," and the cohort let out a collective gasp at that revelation, "Hugo Vance of the Aqua Deer. I grant you the title of Senior Magic Knight, Second Class. Your magic is beautiful, and it shows in the way you fight. However, I would recommend showing a little more compassion to those around you, even if they aren't as good as you."
"I believe in a meritocracy," Hugo said, snatching the medal from the Wizard King and walking down the steps.
"Have some class," Lars and Russell simultaneously said under their breaths.
"With six stars earned, Sol Marron of the Blue Rose Knights, I grant you the title of Intermediate Magic Knight, Third Class. You're as dynamic as the men, and your creative earth magic is amazing. But you might be a bit too much of a free spirit."
"The only one who can tie me down is my sis, the captain!" she proclaimed, walking down the steps.
"With six stars earned, Solid Silva of the Silver Eagles, I grant you the title of Intermediate Magic Knight, Third Class. The manoeuvrability of your magic is amazing, but I think you'd be even more amazing if you stopped showing off your powers and cooperated with others."
"I'll keep that in mind, sir," Solid said. He did in fact, not keep that in mind.
His sister went next. "With nine stars earned, Nebra Silva of the Silver Eagles, I hereby grant you the title of Senior Magic Knight, Fifth Class. The skillful illusions you create with your Mist Magic are truly splendid. However, be sure not to toy with the enemy more than necessary, or you might end up getting bitten."
Nebra, who had witnessed enough toying with enemies for a lifetime, nodded and simply said, "I thank you for the warning."
"With eight stars earned, Lars Mertens of the Coral Peacocks, I grant you the title of Junior Magic Knight, First Class," the Wizard King said as Lars, naginata strapped to his back, stepped forward with a calm demeanour. "Your mind magic has proven itself versatile and incredibly powerful, especially in your tactical approach to battle. Don't get too bored out there, though, and use discernment when making decisions," the Wizard King added with a knowing smile.
Lars smirked. "It's hard not to be in a world like this." He took his medal and walked back to his place, nodding briefly at Sharya.
Is Kian's nonchalant attitude rubbing off on him? she thought, then started when the Wizard King called her name.
"With seven stars earned, Sharya Hansen of the Coral Peacocks, I grant you the title of Junior Magic Knight, First Class," the Wizard King continued. The blue-haired assassin stepped forward with a cheeky grin, her eyes twinkling with confidence. "Your copy magic is extremely rare and unpredictable. You've mastered it with great creativity and efficiency. Keep surprising your enemies, but don't forget about your squad."
"I wouldn't dream of it," Sharya replied, accepting her medal. She shot a playful wink toward Lars as she walked down the steps.
"With nineteen stars earned, Frida Mertens of the Silver Eagles," the Wizard King announced, and the entire room hushed in awe. "I grant you the title of Grand Magic Knight. You are the youngest mage in history to achieve this rank." Frida stepped forward, her long black hair flowing behind her, her expression dignified and calm, betraying her hyped emotions. When she got back, she was gonna celebrate like there was no tomorrow, and not even that braided stickler of a captain could stop her. "Your amethyst crystal magic has set new standards for excellence in the Silver Eagles. Continue to wield it wisely, and remember—power isn't just for those with prestige."
Frida bowed her head gracefully as she accepted her medal. "Thank you, Wizard King. I will continue to serve with honour."
"With nine stars earned, Lilian Fraser of the Coral Peacocks," the Wizard King said, turning his attention to the prism mage. "I grant you the title of Senior Magic Knight, Fourth Class. Your magic is as dazzling as it is powerful, and your resilience is commendable. However, don't let your emotions cloud your judgement."
Lilian, blushing slightly at the mention of her emotions, stepped forward and accepted her medal with a nod. "Thank you, Wizard King," she said quietly before quickly retreating back to her place, her thoughts spinning.
"With ten stars earned, Kian Voss of the Silver Eagles, I grant you the title of Senior Magic Knight, Second Class. Your force magic is as blunt as your words, and your combat skills are unmatched. However, try not to alienate those around you. Your sharpness, both in battle and in conversation, may cut deeper than you think."
Kian stepped forward, chewing a piece of gum as he accepted his medal. "I'll think about it," he said, nonchalantly turning away before the Wizard King could reply.
"With seven stars earned, Hamon Caseus of the Golden Dawn," I grant you the title of Intermediate Magic Knight, Second Class. Just by looking at you, the enemy would never expect your glass magic, and I bet they're completely boggled."
"He's Ezequiel's brother, isn't he?" Lilian asked Russell, who simply nodded with a grunt.
The Wizard King continued handing out medals to two more knights of the Golden Dawn, and then commented on the squad rankings briefly. He then said, "Well done, all of you. Now then, there's a simple reception set up for you, so go enjoy yourselves. Oh, I almost forgot. I've invited some special guests today. Make sure you get to know each other very well." Lars looked towards the special guests, and then smiled, a knowing glint in his eye.
…
"Asta!" Lars yelled, running towards him with a smile. The two dapped each other up, and then began a conversation.
"So, how's life as a Magic Knight treating you? I heard you conquered this one dungeon!"
"Yeah, it was totally awesome! I got a new sword, and there was this powerful Diamond mage, who had two magic attributes," and Lars and Lilian (who was in earshot) collectively flinched at hearing that, "and I got a new sword, and Yuno found the Wind Spirit! Everyone in the squad is so nice, and-"
"That's quite enough talk out of you, commoner." It was one of the knights from the Golden Dawn. Lars recognised him as Alecdora Sandler, someone who the Wizard King had personally told to loosen up.
"I'd appreciate it if you didn't disrespect him, Sandler," Yuno cut in, seemingly coming out of nowhere.
"You…" Alecdora Sandler said. "You need to be taught some respect-"
"Mind Magic: Subjugation." Lars said coldly. Alecdora's eyes glazed over, his body seeming to submit to Lars's will. Everyone watched the fallen noble to see what he would do next. "Shut the fuck up," Lars ordered, and Sandler fell silent.
The boy from the Crimson Lion Kings, Leopold, laughed heartily at this whole exchange. "I like you! Be my rival!"
"Who are you again?" Lars asked with genuine curiosity.
Leopold, seemingly not affected by this question, laughed again, and pointed a thumb to himself proudly. "My name's Leopold Vermillion!"
Lars didn't listen to anything else he said. His thought process went like this:
Leopold Vermillion - younger brother of Captain Vermillion and the prodigy Mereoleona Vermillion - can probably relate to having a lot of expectations and pressure on him - would be a good rival.
He held up his hand, stopping Leo from his speech. "I'll be your rival. Might be fun,"
Across the hall, Sharya was talking to Noelle Silva (best girl finally has some lines).
"Noelle, was it? Nice to meet you," Sharya said, extending her hand to Noelle. Reluctantly, the Black Bulls girl met her hand. Sharya, being the bag chaser and practical joker she was, handed her a business card.
"If you ever need a job done on your siblings, just ring me. I'll make it quick and easy," she said with a gleam in her eye.
Noelle smiled. "Don't worry, I don't think I'll be needing it. I'll get stronger and shut them up myself."
"Atta girl!" Sharya said, high fiving her.
…
The banquet continued, but not without animosity between everyone there, it was just a matter of who's chicken would crumble first. And that was always going to be the Vance brothers.
Hugo Vance, of the Aqua Deer, found his gaze locked with his older brother, Russell Vance of the Coral Peacocks. The two hadn't exchanged words since their promotion ceremony, and the underlying animosity between them was palpable. Hugo approached Russell with a smirk, his aristocratic nose raised slightly in the air.
"I see you're still hanging around with the riffraff, brother," Hugo sneered. "How does it feel to know that I've already surpassed you? A four-leaf grimoire—White Sand Magic, something powerful, something elegant. Unlike that pathetic dust magic you wield."
Russell clenched his fists. His Dust Magic had been the source of much ridicule within his family, especially since Hugo had risen so quickly in the ranks, but he wasn't about to let his little brother's words get to him now.
"At least I didn't need our family name to get where I am," Russell said, stepping forward, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "I've earned every star with my own hands, my own power."
"You're a disgrace," Hugo snapped, his voice dripping with disdain. "A commoner-lover like you has no place in our family."
Russell couldn't hold back any longer. "You're insufferable."
"Care to back up those words, brother?" Hugo asked, his voice laced with venom as he activated his grimoire. "White Sand Magic: Desert's Embrace!"
An enormous wave of shimmering white sand erupted from Hugo's hand, cascading towards Russell with intent to swallow him whole. Russell, not one to back down, raised his own grimoire.
"Dust Magic: Grit Storm!" A swirling vortex of dust countered Hugo's attack, the two forms of earth-based magic clashing violently in the middle of the banquet hall. Plates clattered, and knights scattered to avoid the sudden whirlwind.
Russell's dust and Hugo's sand raged against each other, neither willing to give an inch, but the elder brother's steady, determined gaze never faltered, even as Hugo's expression twisted with glee.
"That's quite enough!" Lilian yelled. "Prism Magic: Shattered Prison!"
The two were trapped in separate prismatic prisons. They smashed against the walls of the cages, but neither would break. Lilian kept her focus.
Meanwhile, across the hall, a different confrontation was brewing. Asta stood proudly beside Noelle, chatting with Yuno, when Solid Silva and Nebra Silva approached. Nebra giggled behind her hand as Solid spoke.
"What's a commoner like you doing at a banquet for Magic Knights?" Solid taunted, stepping forward with a sneer. "I heard you needed to be strong to be here."
"Strong enough to defend myself, and my friends," Asta said, stepping forward. "Even if they're nobles."
Solid's sneer deepened. "You really think you can defend Noelle?" he spat, his condescending tone dripping with scorn. "She's as useless as you are."
Asta's blood boiled. "Don't you dare talk about Noelle like that!"
Without a second thought, Asta activated his grimoire and swung the Demon Slayer sword at Solid, who effortlessly summoned a shield of water with a smug grin.
"Water Magic: Water Wall."
Asta's sword slammed into the water wall, the anti-magic blade dispelling the water with ease. Solid's grin faltered as Asta pressed forward, his sheer determination driving him. Caught off guard by Asta's speed, he barely managed to evade the attack, but before the fight could continue, a voice cut through the air.
"What kind of name is Solid anyway?" Lars Mertens of the Coral Peacocks said arrogantly, drawing the attention of everyone nearby. "Sounds like someone ran out of ideas."
Solid's face turned crimson, and he whipped around to face Lars, fury in his eyes.
"Mind Magic: Subjugation," Lars said, activating his spell without hesitation. Solid froze in place, his body stiffening as Lars' magic overtook him. "Now sit down and stop embarrassing yourself."
Solid struggled against the mental hold, but Lars' magic was too strong. Before he could break free, another voice rang out, sharp and filled with authority.
"Lars Mertens," Nozel Silva said, stepping forward, his cold eyes glinting as he walked up to Lars. Frida Mertens, Lars' sister, stood just behind him. "You overstep your bounds."
Lars turned slowly to face Nozel, unfazed by the Silver Eagle captain's presence. "I do but keep the peace," he said coolly, releasing Solid from his spell, who collapsed onto one knee, gasping.
"Your arrogance is tiresome," Nozel said, his eyes narrowing. "You may have your little mind tricks, but you are nothing compared to me."
Frida shot Lars a look of disdain. "Honestly, you could learn a thing or two from Captain Silva," she added, her voice dripping with disappointment.
A/N: She didn't believe that.
Lars rolled his eyes, unbothered by the condescending tone. "Oh, please," he said with a lazy smirk. "I could take you both. I defeated Kivn, who, may I remind you, Grand Magic Knight Frida could not defeat. Put up thy sword, or manage it to control your temper, not being such a dick all the time."
Nozel's magic flared, silver liquid swirling in the air around him. "Mercury Magic: Silver Rain."
Lars quickly summoned his naginata and cast his Infinite Thought Shield. The silvery liquid rained down in waves, crashing against his mental barrier.
"You're in over your head," Nozel said, his voice as sharp as his magic.
Just as the clash between Nozel and Lars was reaching its peak, a roar of flame exploded in the centre of the hall.
"ENOUGH!" Fuegoleon Vermillion, the captain of the Crimson Lion Kings, shouted, his fiery eyes blazing as he stepped forward. "This banquet is a time for unity, not petty squabbles."
Nozel turned, his magic still at the ready. "You would defend the insolence of a commoner?"
Fuegoleon's fiery gaze locked with Nozel's cold eyes. "Power is not determined by bloodline, Nozel. It is determined by strength of character."
The tension in the hall escalated as the two captains squared off, magic crackling in the air between them.
"Are you challenging me, Fuegoleon?" Nozel asked, his voice like ice.
"If it will put an end to your arrogance, then yes," Fuegoleon said, his flames roaring to life around him.
The banquet hall erupted into chaos as the two captains prepared to clash, their overwhelming magic power threatening to tear the room apart. All eyes were on them as the ultimate standoff between fire and silver was about to begin.
The other captains at the banquet, Charlotte Roselei and Dorothy Unsworth (who had been sleeping throughout the whole ceremony) watched this whole ordeal with slight annoyance.
"Shouldn't we stop them, Sis?" Sol Marron said to her captain. Charlotte sighed.
"This is foolish. Ignore the men and their boorish fighting," the Roselei replied. "Also, call me Captain."
"Sure thing, Sis!"
"Call me—"
A messenger, seemingly one of the King's personal attendants, entered the room. "The royal capital!" he said, panting and out of breath.
"What's wrong? Speak properly, man!" Fuegoleon yelled, not happy about having his confrontation with Nozel interrupted.
"The royal capital is under attack!"
…
"Hey, Rela! We need to move quickly!" a girl called. She had dark red eyes and black-framed glasses. Her black hair was dishevelled and medium-length. She wears a maroon top cropped to cover her breasts. Her maroon mini shorts were cut to expose her hips and are held up a string around her waist. She also wore a pair of black knee-high boots. A robe with the Eye of the Midnight Sun's insignia was open, revealing her revealing outfit.
The other girl, Rela, had long, dark blue hair, which she ran a hand through, moving the few strands that hung into her eyes out of the way. She had the same blue eyes as a certain blue haired assassin, covered by glasses without frames, and there was a scar on her mouth. She wore the same robe as the black haired girl, but covered up, not exposing her outfit. "Valtos can wait," she said, kicking a rock, revealing white boots.
"For now, I'm excited to see my dear younger sister," she said, a smile creeping up her face, malformed with sadism. A light blush appeared on her cheeks, almost like she was aroused by this thought. "I'm gonna enjoy killing you, Sharya Hansen…"
A/N: The attack on the capital is about to begin! And I have a new question for all my readers...
I've already finished writing this arc and am just staggering it's release, so which Magic Knights squad would you like to see feature in a small chapter?