Chapter 72: The Royal Knights
Lars and Lucia walked side by side as they approached the bustling square of the Royal Capital, the sound of Magic Knight chatter filling the square. Both looked unnaturally serene as they advanced towards the announcement place.
"Well, I guess this is where we part," Lars said. "See you later, milady. My squad is calling me."
"Love you too, Lars," Lucia replied, blowing a kiss in Lars's direction.
Lars ran off to meet off with the rest of his squad. What he saw was… interesting, to say the least.
Russell stood at the front, his hair disheveled, his uniform ruffled, and his face flushed as though he had been in a very recent altercation. His protective stance made it clear he was still on edge. Beside him, Lilian looked no better—her usually pristine uniform wrinkled, and her face adorned with an expression of both amusement and exhaustion. Theresa, trying to keep her cool, was tugging at her sleeve and muttering under her breath, clearly frustrated.
"They tried to hit on her," Russell grumbled, clearly still agitated. "Can you believe it? Lilian's taken!"
Lilian shot a halfhearted glance at him. "It wasn't that bad, Russ. Let it go." But her words were drowned by Theresa's loud exhale, clearly still irritated by the whole ordeal. "Just don't ever protect me again like that."
Lars chuckled and turned his attention to the rest of the squad. Amaryllis was swaying slightly, the faint scent of alcohol lingering in the air. Her eyes were half-lidded, and a lazy grin tugged at her lips. "Vanessa... always knows how to show a good time," she mumbled, leaning on the nearest pillar for support.
Sharya stood a little further off, counting her dwindling coin in a huff. "I gambled everything," she muttered with exasperation. "How did I lose that fast? I'm sure the dice were rigged."
Ximena was standing triumphantly with her arms crossed, her boisterous laughter filling the air. "I took over a tavern," she boasted, unphased by the brawl that likely accompanied her arm wrestling triumph. "Those people didn't stand a chance!"
Malachi, Elijah, and Ezequiel were the next to catch Lars's eye. The three of them looked like they had consumed more than their fair share of food, their waistbands straining against their rounded midsections. Ezequiel, ever unbothered, was still munching on an apple with a satisfied grin. "Food's the best part of the day, don't you think?"
Elijah groaned, clutching his stomach. "I... can't... move."
Malachi shot them both an incredulous look. "I told you two not to eat so much."
Lars' gaze shifted to Yul, who stood stiffly, his normally calm demeanor completely gone. He was lost in thought, his eyes glazed over as he stared into the distance, the faintest blush coloring his cheeks. Oda, standing beside him, was shaking him lightly. "Hey, snap out of it!" Oda called, but Yul didn't seem to hear him. "You're gonna stand there and drool over Mira all day, or are you gonna help me make us look good?"
At the back of the group, Kirsch was doing his best to remain unnoticed, ducking behind a nearby column as Irina's sharp eyes scanned the area. He was in full "hiding from danger" mode, his face pale. "If I stay quiet, maybe she won't find me," he muttered under his breath.
And, of course, Dorothy. Well, Dorothy was asleep, standing with a wide, relaxed grin, completely oblivious to the chaos unfolding around her.
Lars took all of this in with a bemused grin. This squad was... something else. As they continued to argue, laugh, and grumble in various states of disarray, the announcer's voice rang out over the square.
"All Magic Knights, please gather for the announcement of the rankings!" the announcer called, his voice projecting over the crowd.
Lars sighed and shook his head. "Looks like it's showtime," he muttered, glancing at his squad. "Let's try not to embarrass ourselves too much, okay?"
"Who, us?" Oda grinned. "We're perfect as we are."
Lars wasn't sure whether to laugh or facepalm, but as the squad slowly moved into position, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride for this ragtag group of misfits. They were chaotic, but they were his squad.
As the crowd grew silent, the announcer began, "Welcome, Magic Knights of the Kingdom! It is time for the highly anticipated squad rankings announcement! I present to you, the Wizard King, Julius Novachrono himself!"
A hush fell across the square as the Wizard King came up to the stage. He cleared his throat, and then began his speech.
"This year has been a challenging year for the Clover Kingdom. We face the threat of invasion from the Spade and Diamond kingdoms, and there was even an attack on the Royal Capital in which we currently stand, endangering many citizens." He paused to look at the nine squads assembled before him, scanning the crowd of citizens, and then started again.
"I planned to halt the Star Awards Festival this year. But, because we are in such a difficult time, we should praise the deeds of those who fought for us. That is why I now ask you to welcome to the podium the pride and joy of this country, the Magic Knights captains!"
The Wizard King paused and motioned for the captains to step forward. One by one, the figures who commanded the most powerful squads in the Kingdom made their way to the stage, each with their own flair and presence.
The Wizard King stepped back, his ever-present serene smile radiating calm as he gestured toward the side of the stage. "Now, I welcome your Magic Knight captains to the podium. These leaders have guided their squads through triumphs and challenges alike. Give them your applause!"
The square erupted into cheers as the captains began to make their way up one by one.
First was Jack the Ripper, a sinister grin stretched across his face as he lazily waved to the crowd. "Keh keh keh… Not bad this year, eh?" he cackled, his eyes scanning the crowd like he was picking his next fight. His presence, as always, was unsettling yet commanding. The applause seemed a mix of awe and mild terror.
Rill Boismortier bounded up next, an enormous smile plastered across his face. His youthful energy was palpable as he waved enthusiastically, nearly tripping over his own feet in his excitement. "This is so cool! We've got so many stars this year! Did you see how awesome we were?" he shouted, as if he were still hyped up from battle.
Mereoleona Vermillion followed with her usual fierce aura, her strides confident and purposeful. She didn't bother with pleasantries, crossing her arms and staring down the crowd like a lioness sizing up her prey. The cheers for her were the loudest, but her scowl deepened. "Quiet down already. You're here to listen, not to bark."
Kaiser Granvorka took his place next, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to Mereoleona's fire. He offered a dignified bow to the crowd before stepping aside, his expression unreadable yet reassuring. His understated elegance drew quiet admiration from the audience.
Nozel Silva strode up next, his head held high, his movements precise and practiced. The Silver Eagle captain exuded an air of aristocratic grace as he briefly addressed the crowd. "The pride of the Silver Eagles stands unshaken. We will continue to uphold our duty to the kingdom." His words were met with polite but respectful applause.
Charlotte Roselei ascended next, her expression stoic but tinged with nervous determination. She offered a small, formal nod to the crowd, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. Though her speech was short and clipped, her presence carried weight, earning her a warm reception from the audience.
Then, with absolutely no fanfare, Dorothy Unsworth floated onto the stage. Asleep. Her head lolled to one side, her peaceful expression unchanged as she somehow managed to find her way into her designated spot. The crowd's reaction ranged from polite chuckles to confusion, but the Coral Peacocks cheered extra loudly—partially to cover up their mortification.
And finally, William Vangeance took his place. The Golden Dawn captain radiated an aura of quiet strength as he addressed the crowd. "The Golden Dawn has worked tirelessly to protect the Clover Kingdom. We are honored to serve and will continue to do so." His calm and measured tone garnered resounding applause, as always.
The crowd began murmuring, glancing around for the missing figure. A voice from the side muttered loudly enough for several to hear: "Where's Captain Yami?"
Yami, meanwhile, was leaning back in a chair at a nearby tavern, puffing on a cigarette. "Eh, rankings, stars, whatever," he muttered, exhaling a lazy plume of smoke. "Don't care what happens. Just let me know if we're not dead last."
A faint crash sounded behind him, and Vanessa's voice rang out, "Yami, I think we're out of booze."
"Then I definitely don't care," Yami replied, sinking further into his seat.
The captains stood in line, their varying personalities and distinctive auras evident as they assembled on the stage. The crowd remained silent in awe, their gazes fixed on the figures before them, each one commanding respect in their own way.
"The rankings will now be announced!" the Wizard King declared, his expression radiating benevolence, yet at the same time, commanding authority. "The highest ranker is…"
The projections seemed to glow brighter as if waiting in anticipation for this announcement. Suddenly, words started to appear on the screen.
Golden Dawn
1st
125 Stars
The crowd erupted into cheers.
"As expected from the best squad in the Clover Kingdom!"
"That's so much higher than their record from last year!"
"They're unstoppable!"
"What a spectacular performance!"
The Wizard King raised his hands for silence once more, and the crowd fell silent. He now continued.
"Let us welcome to the stage those with the most star contributions!"the Wizard King said, extending his hand towards an entrance on the stage.
"I knew that pretty bastard would be there," Lars chuckled.
"The newcomer who tamed the Wind Spirit Sylph, Yuno!" the Wizard King said. The crowd once again erupted into murmurs.
Yuno entered the stage exuding the aura of calmness and slight indifference that he always did, Bell hovering beside him proudly.
"A newcomer?"
"And he tamed the great wind spirit, Sylph?"
"He's a pretty one."
Behind him, Langris and Alecdora also entered the stage, both wearing cold masks of indifference and stoicism to hide the fact that they were both fuming.
The Wizard King raised his hand again, signaling for silence. "And now, the second-place squad…"
The crowd murmured, speculating excitedly.
"It must be the Silver Eagles!"
"No, surely the Crimson Lions!"
"Could it even be the Blue Roses this year?"
Julius let the anticipation build, his warm smile hiding the mischief in his eyes. "The second-place ranker is… the Black Bulls! With 101 stars!"
Black Bulls
2nd
101 Stars
The square fell silent for a heartbeat.
"What?!"
"The Black Bulls?!"
"Impossible! Did they cheat?!"
Murmurs of disbelief rippled through the crowd, but a few voices rose above the clamor.
"They're telling the truth!" Rebecca Scarlet called out, standing on the edge of the square. "They helped us when no one else would!"
"They helped me too!" a little girl piped up, clutching her mother's hand.
Julius raised his hand again, silencing the skeptics. "Rest assured, the Black Bulls have legally obtained their stars. They've accomplished this incredible feat within a remarkably short amount of time."
The murmurs shifted to reluctant admiration.
"Unbelievable," someone muttered.
"They really did that?"
"Now," Julius continued, his gaze sweeping the stage, "are there any members of the Black Bulls here who wish to step forward and receive this honor?"
Backstage, the Black Bulls had gathered, but none of them moved forward.
"I'm not going up there," Luck said with a laugh. "Too much talking."
"No thanks," Magna chimed in, shaking his head.
Yami, puffing on a cigarette, glanced down at Asta and grinned. "Well, kid, guess it's you." Without waiting for Asta's consent, Yami casually picked him up and hurled him onto the stage like a sack of potatoes.
Asta landed with a thud, springing to his feet in an instant. "Captain Yami! What the heck?! I wasn't ready for that!"
The crowd erupted into laughter and cheers as Asta dusted himself off and looked around. His eyes landed on Yuno, standing tall and composed.
"Yuno!" Asta shouted, pointing at him.
"Asta," Yuno replied coolly, Bell hovering beside him.
The two stared each other down for a moment before Asta smirked. "Guess I'm catching up to you, huh?"
Yuno raised an eyebrow. "Catching up? You're still leagues behind me."
"Oh, yeah? We'll see about that next year!" Asta declared, his voice full of determination.
The tension between the two rookies electrified the air, and Julius seized the moment. "These two are among the strongest newcomers we've seen this year," he said, addressing the crowd.
The murmurs began again, but this time in awe.
"They're both so young…"
"And so powerful already!"
Sekke Bronzazza, desperate for attention, stepped forward. "Did you all know they're peasants? From the Forsaken Region?"
The crowd gasped, but before doubt could take hold, Yuno raised his hand. His mana surged, a powerful gust of wind swirling around him.
"Wind Magic: Swift White Bow!" Yuno declared, releasing an arrow of wind that rushed toward Asta.
Without hesitation, Asta swung his Demon-Slayer Sword, slicing through the wind effortlessly.
"Yuno! What are you doing?!" Asta shouted, his voice cracking comically. "That could've killed me!"
"If it did, then you weren't worth much to begin with," Yuno replied, his tone as calm as ever.
The display of power left the crowd in stunned silence before erupting into cheers.
"They're incredible!"
"Peasants or not, they've earned those stars!"
Julius stepped forward, his voice rising above the commotion. "Asta and Yuno have worked tirelessly to earn their place among us. Their rivalry should inspire us all to overcome our differences and work together to protect our kingdom."
The crowd roared with approval, their cheers echoing through the square. Asta and Yuno stood side by side, glancing at each other before turning their gazes toward the crowd.
"Now, today is special for another reason," the Wizard King declared. "For the third time ever in history, two squads have drawn in star count!"
The crowd gave a collective gasp, and their cheers became louder and more rowdy.
"What a good crop of Magic Knights we have this year!"
"I wonder who it's going to be?"
"My money's on the Coral Peacocks!" That last one was Sharya, trying to get money from wherever she could to fill her starving wallet.
"The third place rankers are…"
Coral Peacocks
3rd
93 Stars
Silver Eagles
3rd
93 Stars
Gasps of astonishment rippled through the square.
"A tie?!"
"This hasn't happened in years!"
"The Coral Peacocks? Seriously?"
The Coral Peacocks erupted into cheers, none louder than Sharya. "Ha! Told you! Now pay up!" she grinned, shaking an empty pouch in a startled bystander's face.
Meanwhile, the Silver Eagles stood frozen, their composed demeanor cracking as Frida Mertens stepped forward, her jaw clenched and her aura radiating cold fury.
The Wizard King gestured with a smile. "Would the top contributors from both squads please step forward?"
From the Coral Peacocks, Lars Mertens, Kirsch Vermillion, and Ximena Laird strode onto the stage, each exuding their own unique presence. Lars, calm and confident, scanned the crowd with a determined gaze. Kirsch, ever flamboyant, practically sparkled as he waved at the audience. Ximena, with her ever-arrogant smirk, strutted as though the world owed her its adoration.
From the Silver Eagles, Frida Mertens marched forward with sharp, precise steps, her piercing glare fixed on Lars. Behind her, Kian Voss maintained a more relaxed demeanor, but even he seemed slightly uncomfortable with Frida's obvious rage. Armand Creel, the third contributor, kept his expression impassive, but his clenched fists gave away his irritation.
As the six stood before the crowd, the tension between Lars and Frida became palpable.
"You're standing here because of me," Frida hissed under her breath, her eyes narrowing at Lars. "Don't forget it."
Lars raised an eyebrow. "Funny, I don't see your name on my spells, Frida."
Before the verbal sparring could escalate, someone in the crowd shouted, "Hey! Isn't that Lars Mertens? From the fallenHouse of Mertens?"
Frida's cold smile widened. "Oh, they remember. How quaint."
Another voice joined in. "Didn't he fail to make it into the Magic Knights—twice?"
The crowd murmured in recognition, and Lars stiffened, the whispers cutting deeper than he wanted to admit.
"I did fail," Lars said, stepping forward, his voice steady despite the sting. The crowd quieted as he raised his hand, summoning Gedankenreich behind him. The ethereal constructs of a radiant castle and determined mana soldiers formed around him, creating a scene of unshakable resolve.
"But every failure has taught me something," Lars continued, his voice rising. "And it's because of those lessons that I stand here today—not as someone bound by the past, but as someone who fights for the future. For the Clover Kingdom."
The crowd erupted into applause, awed by Lars' declaration and the grandeur of his magical display.
Kirsch clapped dramatically. "Beautifully said, Lars! Truly poetic!"
Ximena simply crossed her arms, smirking. "About time you learned to use your failures to your advantage."
The Wizard King stepped forward, smiling warmly. "The Coral Peacocks have indeed proven themselves this year. They were instrumental in the raid on Sablesummit, pivotal in defending the Royal Capital during the invasion, and fearless in quenching the beast attacks that plagued the kingdom by defeating Yrul in the Lawless Region. Their contributions have strengthened us all."
Cheers erupted once more, many directed at Lars and his squad.
Frida, however, refused to be outshone. "Let's not forget," she said, her voice cutting through the cheers like ice, "the Silver Eagles have merit as well. I alone account for half of my squad's stars. This success wouldn't exist without me."
The tension between Lars and Frida only thickened, their shared surname a bitter reminder of their fractured bond.
Frida stepped closer, her voice dropping to a chilling whisper that only Lars could hear. "Enjoy your moment, little brother. Because when you falter, I will make sure everyone knows you were never meant to rise."
Her words hung in the air as the Wizard King moved to continue the ceremony.
The Wizard King smiled as he raised his hand again to quiet the cheers. "Now, we move to fourth place."
The crowd buzzed with anticipation.
"Surely, it's the Blue Rose Knights," someone murmured.
"And if it's not, I'd bet Irina Halloway will set this place on fire."
Julius chuckled. "In fourth place, with 83 stars… the Blue Rose Knights!"
The crowd erupted into cheers as Lucia Moreau, Irina Halloway, and Zoe Halcourt stepped onto the stage. Lucia led the way, her confidence radiating through her calm smile. She waved graciously, even as her sharp eyes scanned for Lars in the crowd. Zoe followed, her haughty demeanor making her appear taller than she already was.
But Irina, who always seemed quiet and poised, froze mid-step as her gaze locked onto a figure in the Coral Peacocks' section—Kirsch Vermillion. Her already pale complexion seemed to glow with fervor. Without a word, she leaped off the stage, landing gracefully and making a beeline toward Kirsch, who barely had time to register her approach before she was in his face.
"Kirsch Vermillion," she said softly, her eyes wide with barely contained intensity. "You look so radiant today. Were you watching me on stage? Or perhaps—"
"Uh, excuse me?" Kirsch said, flipping his hair with exaggerated grace. "A beauty such as mine must divide his attention, but rest assured, I noticed your efforts."
Before she could respond, Julius cleared his throat. "Irina, please return to the stage."
Lucia sighed, her playful smirk barely concealed as Irina reluctantly returned to her squad's side.
"Now, moving on," Julius said with an amused glance. "In fifth place, with 72 stars… the Crimson Lions!"
Anastacia Halcourt stepped onto the stage first, her stern expression as sharp as her rival Frida's arrogance. She stood tall, scanning the crowd as though daring anyone to challenge the Crimson Lions' rank.
Cara Castro followed, her vibrant energy lighting up the stage. She waved enthusiastically to the crowd, beaming as if they'd just won first place.
"Let's go, Crimson Lions!" she yelled, pumping her fist, earning cheers from the crowd.
Finally, Leopold Vermillion bounded onto the stage, his energy rivaling Cara's. "Fifth place?!" he bellowed, half-scowling, half-smiling. "Next year, we'll take first—count on it!"
"Bold words," Julius remarked with a chuckle. "Now, in sixth place, with 64 stars… the Green Mantis!"
En Ringard, the gentle and perpetually ill mage, was helped onto the stage first, his presence earning a wave of sympathy from the crowd. He smiled softly, raising a hand in greeting. Cade Lynx followed behind him, his disinterested expression making it clear he'd rather be anywhere else.
Floating beside him was Zaira, who shivered behind him in fear, making herself as inconspicuous as possible.
"Green Mantis, huh?" Cade said lazily, earning a nudge from Quinn Bevel, the easygoing third representative who brought a relaxed energy to the stage.
"Smile for the crowd, Cade," Quinn teased. "We're not dead last this year—be happy!"
Cade rolled his eyes but gave a half-hearted smirk.
Julius smiled again. "Seventh place, with 63 stars… the Aqua Deer!"
A loud crash erupted from backstage as Hugo Vance stormed onto the stage, his face flushed with rage. "SEVENTH?!" he roared, glaring directly at Russell in the Coral Peacocks section. "This is an INSULT!"
Vivianne Voss and Fragil followed, trying their best to defuse the situation.
"Hugo, maybe keep it together for the announcement," Vivianne said, her voice calm yet pointed.
Fragil, the quiet third member, nodded nervously, her wide eyes darting between Hugo and Julius.
"Moving right along," Julius said, clearly amused. "In eighth place, with 57 stars… the Purple Orcas!"
The crowd murmured in surprise as a single figure stepped onto the stage: Fransiska Granvorka. Her face burned crimson as all eyes fell on her, and her shy demeanor made it clear she was uncomfortable with the attention.
"She's their only representative?" someone whispered.
"That's because she earned 70% of their stars," another voice answered.
The Wizard King smiled kindly. "Fransiska Granvorka has been the backbone of the Purple Orcas this year. Her efforts deserve our utmost respect."
The crowd clapped politely, though Fransiska wished the ground would swallow her whole.
"Congratulations to all our squads," Julius declared, his voice booming over the crowd. "Let us continue to protect the Clover Kingdom with the strength and determination we've seen here today!"
The crowd erupted into cheers once again, though behind the smiles and applause, the tension between squads—and within some of them—was far from resolved.
After the rankings ceremony concluded, Lars scanned the crowd for familiar faces, his gaze eventually landing on Asta and Yuno. He made his way over, weaving through the throng of Magic Knights and civilians, his Coral Peacocks cloak billowing behind him.
Asta, ever energetic, waved Lars down. "Dropkick man! You came in third! That's amazing!"
Yuno gave a small nod, his expression as composed as always. "Impressive, considering the competition."
Lars grinned, playfully ruffling Asta's hair. "Thanks, child. But don't forget—you two made first and second. I should be congratulating you."
Their conversation was interrupted by Rill Boismortier, the youthful and eccentric captain of the Azure Deer, who stormed over, hands flailing dramatically.
"How could this happen?!" Rill cried, clutching his grimoire as if it were his lifeline. "How did I lose to everyone?!"
Before Lars could respond, Rill grabbed Asta by the shoulders, shaking him slightly. "You! Tell me how you got all those stars!"
"Let me go!" Asta squawked, flailing as he tried to free himself.
Lars stepped forward, placing a hand on Rill's shoulder with a calm but firm grip. "Easy there, Captain Boismortier. You're making a scene."
Rill blinked at Lars, then released Asta with an embarrassed chuckle. "Oh! Sorry! I just got caught up in the moment!"
Yuno sighed, crossing his arms. "Is this guy really a captain?"
Meanwhile, Solid and Nebra Silva stood off to the side, their faces pale with shock.
"Our squad lost to Noelle's?" Solid muttered, his voice laced with disbelief. "Impossible!"
From another corner, Kiato and Kahono, their usual exuberance intact, cheered for Noelle.
"This is amazing, Noelle!" Kahono exclaimed, clasping her hands together. "Next year, you'll be number one for sure!"
"Absolutely!" Kiato agreed. "We'll cheer you all the way there!"
Elsewhere, Florian Halcourt fumed as he glared at his sister, who was basking in her getting more contributions than him.
"You're insufferable," Florian snapped, his face red with anger.
"And you're still a sore loser," Zoe replied with a smirk, tossing her hair.
As the arguments and celebrations continued, the crowd's energy shifted as the Wizard King, Julius Novachrono, stepped forward once more.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to announce the arrival of His Majesty, Augustus Kira Clover the 13th."
The crowd quieted, some applauding politely while others remained indifferent. Augustus emerged onto the stage with an air of self-importance, his ornate robes and crown gleaming in the sunlight.
"I am your king, Augustus Kira Clover the 13th!" he proclaimed, his voice ringing out.
The crowd's response was lukewarm, their cheers subdued compared to the enthusiasm they had shown for Julius and the captains.
This did not sit well with Augustus. "What is this lackluster reaction? Do you not recognize my greatness?" he bellowed, glaring at the crowd.
Julius smiled gently. "Your Majesty, please. Let us continue with the announcements."
Augustus huffed, clearly irritated by Julius' calm demeanor. "Very well," he said. "I shall share my magnificent plan! We have located the headquarters of the Eye of the Midnight Sun, and I have decreed an all-out attack!"
The crowd murmured in surprise, their interest piqued. Augustus raised a hand for silence.
"To carry out this mission, we will assemble a new elite squad—the Royal Knights! A selection exam will determine the members of this squad, ensuring only the strongest participate!"
The crowd erupted into cheers, their excitement finally meeting Augustus' expectations.
As Augustus basked in the newfound adoration, Asta leaned over to Yuno and Lars, whispering loudly enough for the nearby captains to hear. "You know, Julius and the captains are way cooler than this guy."
Yuno nodded in agreement. "No argument here."
Lars smirked. "For once, I'm with you both on this."
Unfortunately, Augustus overheard them. His face turned crimson with anger. "How dare you insult your king? Guards! Seize them and prepare for their execution!"
Before the guards could move, Julius stepped forward, his usual gentle expression giving way to a rare seriousness. "Your Majesty, these young men are the future of the Clover Kingdom. They may one day be the shields that protect us all. Perhaps forgiveness would serve us better here."
Augustus hesitated, clearly unhappy but unwilling to contradict Julius in front of the crowd.
Julius turned to the audience, his voice steady and inspiring. "I have high hopes for the Royal Knights. Let us show the strength of the Magic Knights and lead our kingdom to victory!"
The crowd roared with approval, their focus shifting back to the Wizard King.
Lars glanced at Asta and Yuno, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Looks like you two might have to prove yourselves again. Think you're up for it?"
Asta grinned. "You bet we are!"
Yuno simply nodded, his confidence unshaken.
A/N: I can't wait to write Frida and Lars beating each other to within an inch of their lives
nah im joking, but there's only one way this sibling tension can be resolved
make sure to review cus it looks kinda stupid that I have 72 chapters and only 12 reviews, and also because I'd like your two cents on the story