As Stella awakened to the distant, thunderous rumble outside her window, "Wait a second, what time is it?" she wonders as she rubs her eyes then a jolt of adrenaline surged through her veins. She flung off her blanket, her heart racing, and dashed to the window. Peering out into the view of the day, her eyes widen in disbelief.
Looming in the sky was an immense orb of churning water, The sight was surreal. Without a moment's hesitation, Stella threw on her clothes, the fabric clinging to her as she sprinted outside, where her squad had already gathered in a tight circle in front of the base.
"What in the world is that thing?" Stella gasped, her voice trembling with a mix of awe and terror.
"My goodness," Vanessa breathed, her wide eyes sparkling with a blend of amazement and dread.
"That's magic power gone out of control," Gauche said, his expression tense as he scanned the chaotic skies,
"And a whole hell of a lot of it, too," Magna added, his fists clenched tightly, determination flickering in his eyes. "We're going to have to do something he says"
"Well, attacking that thing with magic is out of the question," Yami interjected, his tone grave, a deep frown etched on his face. "She'll get hurt if we try."
Stella watched intently, her brow furrowing in concentration. From this distance, she couldn't make out who was trapped within the swirling waters, but a flicker of recognition tugged at her it was the same mana she had sensed for a fleeting moment yesterday.
"Why not use your spatial magic to pull her out, Finral?" Yami suggested as he looked up at the chaotic orb.
"Please, be reasonable. I can't get close to that!" Finral replied, shaking his head in desperation, a bead of sweat trickling down his temple.
"Yeah, okay," Yami rumbled, rubbing the back of his neck, frustration evident. "Man, if only there were someone around who could cancel out magic." Just then, Asta came hurtling through the air, and Yami caught him effortlessly, as if he weighed nothing at all.
"Oh well, you picked the right time to drop in, kid. You see that?" Yami pointed dramatically at the gigantic ball of water, urgency sparking in his eyes.
"Do something about it," he ordered, his gaze sharp and unwavering.
"Do something?" Asta echoed, confusion etching his features. "Okay, I'll try. Wait, how am I supposed to get over there? I can't exactly fly!"
"I don't want to hear your excuses," Yami snapped, his voice low and commanding. "Just suck it up, newbie. Dig deep and push past your limits!" With that, he hurled Asta straight up towards the swirling sphere, sending him soaring into the night.
As Asta ascended, determination etched across his face, he drew his sword from his grimoire mid-air, gripping it tightly. With a fierce shout, he sliced through the waterball, the orb bursting apart in a spectacular explosion of shimmering droplets. Water cascaded down like a torrential rain, mingling with Asta's descent and the figure trapped within.
Finral quickly summoned his spatial magic, a glowing portal forming beneath them to ensure Asta and the fallen girl landed safely on the ground.
"Yeah, I didn't die!" Asta yelled, exhilaration flooding his voice as he stood amidst the falling rain, a wide grin stretching across his face.
Captain Yami burst into hearty laughter, as he clapped Asta on the back. "Well done, kid!"
"Thank goodness," Stella murmured, letting out a sigh of relief, though a small frown crossed her lips when she realized her hair was now drenched from the cascading water.
Her gaze shifted to the girl on the ground. Wait—her eyes widened in disbelief, recognition flooding her mind.
"Hey, Noelle!" Asta called out as the girl slowly sat up, shaking her head as if to clear the daze.
"Noelle?" Stella echoed, her heart racing as memories surged to the forefront of her mind. The girl she had met long ago "she was the one who had lost control of her magic?"
"You've got some crazy magic power! I mean, it's freaking amazing!" Asta enthused, his eyes shining with admiration as he knelt beside her, genuine excitement in his tone.
Noelle lifted her head, shock etched across her features, and a blush crept into her cheeks. "Really? I'm totally jealous of you!.
I don't have any magic power-like none! All you need is some training to get it under control; you'll be strong, unstoppable!" Asta declared, grinning broadly.
Noelle stood up, a faint blush creeping across her cheeks. "Inse- "Asta," she corrected herself, a mix of flustered and grateful evident on her face.
Stella watched from a distance, her mind racing. She was certain she had met Noelle before.
"Is that all?" Magna scoffed, breaking the moment. "You were running away because you can't control your magic power? You should've said something sooner, you royal failure! I mean, come on! This is the Black Bulls, after all! We're a whole squad of failures! So you've got a weakness or three? It doesn't matter to us, you big dummy!" As he spoke, Vanessa used her magic to gracefully drape Noelle's robe back over her shoulders.
One by one, the team gathered around her, welcoming her warmly. Asta extended his hand, and with a mix of shyness and gratitude, Noelle took it willingly, "It's a pleasure to be working with you," she said
...
Afterwards, everyone made their way back into the hideout.
As Noelle walked about to head inside with Asta, she noticed Stella lingering outside. By then, Asta and Stella were the only ones still outside the base.
"Wait, I've met you before," Noelle said, her brow furrowing as Stella paused, turning to face her.
"Huh?" Asta interjected, glancing between the two.
"So you do remember me, huh?" Stella replied, a nervous laugh escaping her lips. "I never really thought we'd see each other again, considering you're a royal and all."
"Wait, you're not-" Noelle began, but Asta cut her off.
"Wait, you two already know each other?" he asked, confusion knitting his eyebrows.
"Well, kinda. We only met once a long time ago," Noelle explained, her voice softening.
"Yeah, I remember you. I never got to thank you back then," Stella admitted, her gaze drifting momentarily.
"Thank me for what?" Noelle asked, her eyes widening in surprise.
"For saving me," Stella said, unease creeping into her voice. "When I saw that it was you who lost control of your magic, I was kind of surprised."
"I saved you?" Noelle echoed, a mix of disbelief and curiosity washing over her. "I only remember my father taking me to see someone about controlling my magic, and you just happened to be there with her."
Stella looked away for a moment, her expression reflective. "That woman was my mother."
"I'm a bit lost here," Asta admitted, scratching his head.
"Be quiet, insect-I mean, Asta," Noelle snapped, her irritation evident.
"Sorry," he replied, shrinking back slightly.
Stella chuckled, breaking the tension. "Let me remind you of what I was referring to."
Noelle wracked her brain, struggling to recall that fateful encounter from her childhood. Stella's words unlocked a dim memory-she remembered her father taking her to the palace, where a recovery mage assessed children like her who struggled to control their powers.
...
Her mind flickered back ten years, to that pivotal day in the palace. She envisioned herself as a small child, nervously clutching her father's hand as he led her down the grand hallways.
"Father, where are we going?" young Noelle had asked quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.
"To see a woman who can help you with your magic," Lord Silva had replied in a reassuring tone. "You must learn to control it, or else you'll bring shame on House Silva."
They arrived at a study, where her father knocked on the door. "You may come in," a woman's voice called from within.
Together, they entered the room, and Noelle's gaze landed on a woman seated at a grand desk. She had wavy curls of pink hair, glasses perched on her nose, and she turned to face them, a document still in her hand.
The woman rose gracefully, pushing her glasses up as she acknowledged Lord Silva with a respectful nod. "My lord, what brings you to my quarters today?"
"This is my daughter, Noelle," Lord Silva announced, his tone a blend of pride and concern. "She struggles to control her magic, as I'm sure you've heard. I hope you can provide some guidance."
Noelle shuffled her feet nervously under the woman's piercing gaze, her heart racing. Yet the woman's expression softened as she focused on the small, trembling girl. "Of course, my lord. Please, allow me to take a look."
"No need to shy away," she said soothingly, stepping closer to Noelle. Releasing her father's hand, Noelle hesitantly approached the mage.
She knelt down, bringing her face level with Noelle's. Her smile radiated warmth, a beacon of comfort in the chilly air. "Hello," she said softly, her voice like a soothing breeze. With a graceful flick of her wrist, she opened her grimoire, the pages whispering secrets of ancient magic. "Galactic Creation Magic: Mercurial Maiden, call!" she intoned, her voice steady and melodic.
A silvery glow blossomed from the book, illuminating the room. Ink danced upon the page, swirling in a mesmerizing pattern as if the very cosmos were alive. With a whisper, an ethereal figure began to take form, emerging from the shimmering stardust.
The entity materialized, her wispy hair cascading like silver rivers and delicate wings fluttering with an elegance that mimicked the gentle undulation of water. Her skin, translucent, revealed a swirling cosmos within, hinting at the mysteries of the universe. Eyes like distant stars locked onto Noelle's, filled with a kindness that radiated warmth and curiosity.
"Greetings, little one," the maiden spoke, her voice a sweet melody, like chimes twinkling in the wind. "I am here to help."
Noelle's heart soared at the sight of the creature's otherworldly beauty. The earlier shadows of fear began to dissolve, replaced by a spark of hope and wonder.
The recovery mage smiled gently, gesturing toward the celestial being. "This is Merva, the spirit of the planet Mercury. She's my little helper," she explained, her tone rich with authority and reassurance.
"Virgo's clarity," she added, her confidence casting a reassuring light.
Merva's silvery wings shimmered brightly as she circled Noelle, the stardust trailing behind her like a comet's ethereal tail. Noelle watched in awe, her breath caught in her throat as the stardust's radiant light enveloped her, revealing the intricate flow of her mana like a gentle stream seeking its path, searching for any barriers to her control.
"Hmm," the mage murmured, her brow furrowing in concentration. "Everything seems normal physically," she observed, her voice tinged with a hint of concern. "May I try something?"
Noelle nodded shyly, anticipation coursing through her veins like a thrilling current. The mage took a deep breath, her presence grounding and steadying. She began weaving her hands in an intricate pattern, her own magic swirling around Noelle like a warm embrace, wrapping her in a cocoon of light. Runes shimmered wherever her magic touched the young girl, each symbol a whisper of promise and potential.
After a moment, the mage straightened, a radiant smile breaking across her face, lighting up the room with hope. "Lord Silva, from what I can tell, your daughter doesn't have any medical reasons for her difficulties in controlling her magic. She's still quite young. I'm certain that with practice—"
But her words were abruptly severed.
Lord Silva's frown deepened, his expression darkening like storm clouds gathering on the horizon. "Control should not be an issue, even at her age," he snapped, his voice thick with disapproval, cutting through the tension like a knife. "We are House Silva, one of the greatest royal families in the Clover Kingdom. Lacking control over her magic brings shame to our name."
The recovery mage hesitated, her gaze shifting to Noelle, who quivered beneath her father's fierce glare, each word striking her like a cold gust of wind. "My lord," she began, her voice steady yet imbued with empathy, "every child develops at their own pace. Forcing the issue could backfire, undermining her confidence in her abilities. With patience and guidance, I'm sure she will master—"
"I did not come here for excuses," Lord Silva snapped, his tone frigid as ice. His eyes narrowed as he turned to his daughter, his mouth set in a hard line, a chiseled mask of disappointment. "Go outside and wait until I'm done," he ordered, the command echoing ominously in the charged air.
"For someone spoken of so highly by the Wizard King, you're a disappointment," he continued, launching into a tirade that filled the room with a storm of discontent, his voice rising to match the tempest brewing within Noelle.
...
Noelle stepped into the cool hallway, the chill wrapping around her like a shroud. She wiped tears from her eyes, the salty remnants of confusion and hurt stinging her cheeks. Why was her father so displeased? Why did all of them hate her so much. All she just wants is for them to accept her, even if it was difficult for her to control her magic. Even so, she too wanted to feel the power within her blossom like a flower reaching for the sun. As she stepped outside, she glanced around, her heart racing, desperate to find a quiet corner, where she could wait quietly for her father.
Noelle stood at the edge of the pond, her heart pounding in her chest as she watched a girl her age, completely entranced by a colorful butterfly dancing above the water's surface. The sunlight caught the delicate wings, creating a shimmering spectacle that seemed to hold both of them in a spell. Suddenly, the girl lunged forward, eyes wide with excitement, but her foot slipped on the slick bank. With a startled shriek, she fell headlong into the water, sending ripples cascading outward.
A gasp escaped Noelle's lips as she witnessed the girl plunge beneath the surface, her hair swirling like ink in the depths. Panic ignited within her, overriding the familiar shyness that often kept her silent. She had to help. Rushing to the water's edge, she peered into the murky depths, her heart racing as she saw the girl flailing, desperation etched across her features.
Noelle's breath caught in her throat as panic surged through her. The water was thick and dark, and doubt clawed at her resolve. She knew she should find help, but time was slipping away. Without thinking, she drew on her magic, feeling it bubble to the surface—volatile and fierce. Calling forth her power, Noelle sensed the water responding to her frantic will, as if it understood the urgency of the moment. In a shimmering column, the water rose, wrapping around the floundering girl, lifting her gently from the depths before depositing her safely onto solid ground.
Panting, Noelle stood, awe mingling with relief as she marveled at her own ability to summon her magic without faltering. The girl coughed and sputtered, water spraying from her lips, but her eyes sparkled with gratitude despite the panic that had just unfolded.
"Are you alright?" Noelle ventured, her voice a soft whisper, laced with concern.
The girl nodded, still trying to catch her breath, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and the cold bite of the water.
Suddenly, the recovery mage, who had been attempting to calm Lord Silva, sensed the danger through the bond of motherhood. "Sir, will you please excuse me?" she pleaded urgently, dashing out of the room, her heart racing.
As she burst into the open air, she spotted Noelle and her daughter near the pond. "Are you both alright?" she called, her voice strained with concern as she approached, eyes widening at the sight of Stella's soaked clothes. "Stella, what happened?"
Stella rubbed her head sheepishly, a pink flush creeping across her cheeks. "I'm okay, Mother. I just wanted to catch that pretty butterfly... but I slipped," she admitted, her eyes darting to the ground, shame mingling with the thrill of adventure.
Her mother's gaze softened but her worry flickered in her eyes like a candle's flame. "You could have drowned, darling. You know it's dangerous to play near the water alone," she chided gently but firmly. "What have I told you about wandering off? You must be more careful."
"I'm sorry, Mother," Stella murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, the weight of her guilt pressing down on her. "I just wanted to see the butterfly..."
The moment hung heavy in the air, a blend of relief and reprimand. But before it could settle, Lord Silva stormed outside,. "We're leaving, Noelle," he ordered, his voice harsh and unyielding, leaving no room for argument.
Noelle hesitated, her heart heavy as she cast a lingering glance at Stella and the recovery mage, who stood with worry etched across her face. She wanted to say something, but couldn't find the right words. With a reluctant step forward, she turned to her father, a sense of loss welling up inside her as they prepared to leave.
"Mama, I didn't get to thank her," Stella said, her disappointment evident, eyes wide with a mix of admiration and longing.
"For what?" her mother asked, arching an eyebrow, a flicker of confusion crossing her features.
"For helping me out of the water! She used her magic; it was really cool!" Stella's eyes sparkled with wonder as she recounted the moment.
...
"That's right, you're the girl from the pond," Noelle said, her voice tinged with a mix of nostalgia and warmth as memories washed over her.
"So, I'm guessing you met Asta here after joining the Black Bulls?" she asked, her brow slightly furrowing in curiosity.
"Actually, Asta and I grew up in an orphanage together in Hage," Stella said
"Wait, you did?" Noelle's gaze darted from Asta to Stella, surprise lighting up her features. Was it possible? The thought raced through her mind; this revelation felt like a punch to the gut. Her heart sank as she contemplated what that meant-her mother must have passed away sometime after they had met.
She shook her head, not wanting to linger on that thought. Before she could compose herself, Captain Yami stepped out of the base, his commanding presence slicing through the air.
"Are you three newbies still out here?" he bellowed, his voice rough yet authoritative. "Get inside! There's work to do!"
"Yes, sir!" the trio replied in unison, the tension broken as they turned to head into the hideout.