Ten years later

"Whats that about?" some of the villagers questioned as they heard a loud voice..

"Sister Lilly!"

"looks like the kid from the church is at it again," another one responded

"Sister Lilly, someday I'm going to become the wizard king. So will you please marry me!?" Asta dropped to one knee, offering a flower as a token of his affection.

Lilly's heart twisted at the innocence and sincerity in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Asta, but I'm meant to serve everyone, so I can't marry you," she gently refused.

"But I'm not done," Asta persisted, hope still flickering in his gaze. Overwhelmed by conflicting emotions, Lilly felt a surge of magic within her. She summoned her grimoire and invoked a spell. "Water Creation Magic: Holy Fist of Love!" she cried out as a massive watery fist descended upon Asta, pinning him to the ground. "Stop pestering me!"

As Asta yelped in pain, Lilly rushed to his side, remorse flooding her features. But before she could tend to him, the sound of applause and giggles filled the air. Other children from the church had gathered, clearly amused by the spectacle.

Asta's frustration boiled over, and he turned to them with a scowl. "Shut it, brats!" he shouted, pointing an accusing finger. "And you, Yuno, why are you getting in the way?"

Yuno couldn't help but cuff his chin, annoyance flickering across his face. "You're noisy, you're short, and you lack both composure and tolerance," he declared, his tone dripping with disdain.

"Honestly, there's not much about you that appeals to women." With that, he sauntered over to Sister Lily, offering his help with the laundry.

As he worked, Yuno explained that women of the cloth could not marry, nor could fifteen-year-old boys like Asta. Asta's ire bubbled up; he couldn't help but challenge Yuno, though to everyone else, it felt like a futile endeavor. After all, Asta was completely magic-less, while Yuno's pollard opposite boasted a wealth of magical power

The crowd huddled around Yuno, cheering him on in his dream of becoming a Magic Knight, while Asta sat slumped with his head down, having just been slammed in the face by the church's door. Behind him, Sister Lily approached gently, her presence a balm for Asta's bruised spirit.

"The awarding of the grimoires is coming up," she said, warmth lacing her voice. "Once you have yours, things will change. Just wait and see, Asta. You'll be able to use magic in no time at all." Her words sparkled with hope.

Asta's eyes gleamed with newfound determination. "Thank you, Sister Lily!" he cried, his gratitude lighting him up like stars.

"Well, probably anyway," she added with a soft chuckle, a hint of uncertainty in her tone.

Asta glanced up at the imposing skull that loomed over the village, a symbol of his dreams. "My grimoire will finally say it!" he shouted, rising to his feet, excitement igniting his spirit. "That's right, I'm going to get the most awesome grimoire ever!"

With a fierce glint in his eye, he declared, "Then, once I make a name for myself and follow in your footsteps, I'll become the Wizard King!" "Isn't that right, Yuno?" He extended his fist eagerly toward Yuno.

But Yuno remained cold and unyielding, his back turned as he walked into the church, ignoring Asta completely.

Dropping his arm in frustration, Asta growled, "I'll show you!" Anger surged within him as he stormed off, determination fueling his every step. "I'll show all of you!"

...

Sister Lilly entered the church behind Yuno, her heart heavy after Asta had run off in a hurry. "Yuno, couldn't you try to be nicer to Asta? Like how you were when you were little?"

"What's the point? There's no getting along with that one," Yuno replied, his tone sharp but laced with a hint of defensiveness.

Sister Lilly sighed, her brow furrowing in concern.

"Anyway, I haven't seen Stella all day. Any idea where she might be?" Yuno turned slightly, his expression shifting as he caught sight of Sister Lilly's worried gaze.

"I'm sure I know where she is," she said softly, her eyes wandering to the vibrant field beyond the church, where a riot of colorful flowers danced in the breeze.

"She's there again, huh?" Yuno sighed, the hint of empathy creeping into his voice as he regarded the blooms, each whispering secrets of their own.

...

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Stella gazed at the vibrant colors staining the sky. "Well, I should probably head back now," she said aloud, rising from the soft grass. "I'll talk to you later, Mom."

She offered a gentle farewell to the gravestone under the sprawling tree at the edge of the flower field.

As she walked down the path toward the church, she passed the imposing skull of the demon defeated by the first Wizard King, its eerie presence a constant reminder of the battles fought long ago.

Suddenly, a familiar, boisterous voice echoed from within the skull, drawing her in.

"I'm not done yet! Just you wait—someday I'm going to be the Wizard King!" Stella stepped inside the shadowy space. "

"Asta, do you really have to yell all the time?" She caught his attention, a hint of exasperation in her tone.

"Oh, Stella! There you are!" Asta spun around, his face brightening. "Do you want some of my magic enhancing Morlog leaf juice?" He asked, handing her some to drink.

"Uh, no thanks," she said shaking her head.

"It looks like you're at it again." She smiled, but her expression quickly shifted to one of concern.

"I'm just doing some extra training," he replied, determination shining in his eyes. "I need to prepare my body for when I get my grimoire. Then I'll finally be able to use magic."

"Asta..." Her voice trailed off, laden with uncertainty

"Oh come on, not you too! Why is it so hard for anyone to have a little faith in me?" Asta whined, frustration creeping into his voice.

"It's not that I don't believe in you, Asta," she replied, clenching her fist. "It's just being realistic. Do you really think an orphaned commoner boy with no magic could ever become the Wizard King? Especially when the royals and nobles are so cruel?"

He placed his hands on her shoulders, encouraging her to meet his gaze.

"Stella," he said earnestly, "No matter what, I'll prove that anyone—royal, noble, or commoner—can achieve greatness. Even without magic, I'll show everyone that an orphaned common boy can become Wizard King!"

"You really are something," she smiled, warmth flooding her heart.

"There you go!" Asta released her shoulders, grinning wide. "It's been a while since I've seen you smile. You're ready because soon the three of us will be receiving our grimoires!"

"Oh right, the ceremony's finally here, huh? I completely forgot about it." Stella's excitement faltered, and she lowered her gaze to the ground.

"Right?" Asta exclaimed, his enthusiasm bubbling over. "I can't wait! Aren't you excited?"

"I don't know" she said, wrestling with her doubts. "I mean, unlike both you and Yuno. I'm not sure I even want to become a Magic Knight."

"What! Are you serious? With your magic? You'd be an awesome Magic Knight!"

"There's no way! I only know one healing spell and one defense spell." "Don't forget about the other one!"

"Asta, you know that spell is too unpredictable. Besides, between the three of us, Yuno has the best chance of becoming a Magic Knight," she replied, her resolve hardening.

"Just think about it, though," he said, his tone shifting to serious. "Once you get your grimoire and become a Magic Knight, your powers will grow even stronger. You have so much potential, Stella." Her heart raced as she met his gaze, yet again drawn into his vision.

"And think about it—once you become a Magic Knight, you might discover what happened to your mom." Her head shot up at that.

"You were there again at her grave today, weren't you?"

"Yeah," she admitted, the weight of her thoughts pulling her gaze back down.

"I'm going to head back to the church, okay? You should come too. Father Oris probably finished cooking dinner; we don't want the pop potatoes getting cold." she chuckled wearily

"Yeah, I guess you're right," Asta agreed, sensing the change in her demeanor.