A few days passed, and Asta and Stella were gradually acclimating to their new life with the Black Bulls. Each morning began early, a tranquil calm enveloping the hideout as they tackled their chores. Asta and Stella busied themselves cleaning the base, scrubbing floors, dusting away cobwebs, and battling an endless mountain of laundry. Thankfully, Asta had been assigned the solitary task of tending to Captain Yami's beast. As he wrestled with the daunting challenge of waking their captain from his sleep, Stella was outside, unfurling the freshly washed clothes and hanging them on a clothesline that fluttered like vibrant flags in the gentle breeze.
Suddenly, Asta burst through the door, his breath coming in quick gasps and his eyes wide with a mixture of frustration and excitement. "You got yelled at by Captain Yami again, didn't you?" Stella teased, arching an eyebrow while deftly pinning a shirt to the line.
"Yeah," Asta huffed, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Even though he specifically told me to wake him up every morning! I thought I was doing it right this time!"
Stella chuckled, her laughter ringing like wind chimes, brightening the air around them. "Oh, Asta, I don't think you'll ever win with that one" she said, her hands working skillfully among the clothes.
"Here, let me help," Asta offered, striding over to assist, his arms reaching for the items left to dry beneath the sun's warm embrace.
Together, they soon managed to finish their tasks, a sense of shared accomplishment washing over them.
"Another day of backbreaking manual labor," Asta sighed, wiping the sweat from his brow, the sun glinting off his damp hair like shards of light.
"You can say that again," Stella replied, panting slightly as she leaned against the post, a grin of camaraderie spreading across her face. "Who knew being a Magic Knight meant becoming a professional cleaner?"
Asta's eyes widened in sudden realization, his expression shifting from fatigue to dawning horror. "How is this any different than what we did back at the church?" he exclaimed, his voice rising with the urgency of discovery.
"What does a Magic Knight squad really do?" he shouted into the breeze, as if the answer might come rushing back to him on the wind.
Stella paused, her amusement fading slightly as she turned to him, her brow furrowing in thought. "I guess we haven't really seen that side of it yet. They probably have us doing this to prepare for the missions that will come later."
"Yeah, but I thought we were joining to fight bad guys and protect people, not just clean up after everyone in the squad!" Asta's voice was a mix of determination and frustration, his fists clenching at his sides.
With a chuckle, Stella replied, "Well, maybe this is the first test. If we can survive Captain Yami's beast and the cleaning duty, we can tackle anything they throw at us next!"
Asta's expression brightened, his spirit rekindling. "You're right! We're going to show them what we're made of! First, we conquer this hideout, then, the world!"
Stella laughed, the sound like a melody in the warm air. "Alright, Let's finish this, and then we can hopefully be given our first mission soon."
...
As the sun cast its warm glow through the dining hall windows, the squad gathered around a long, sturdy wooden table, plates piled high with steaming breakfast. The aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air, mingling with the sounds of cheerful chatter.
Stella chose a seat directly across from Noelle. While Asta enthusiastically dropped into the spot beside her.
"Hey, Noelle," Asta began, his eyes glaring at her "Why don't you ever pitch in with the cleaning and stuff? You know, help us out a bit?"
Stella's gaze flicked up from her plate, anticipation shimmering in her eyes. She leaned forward, eager to hear Noelle's response, mirroring Asta's eagerness.
"The cleaning?" Noelle replied, her voice laced with mock innocence. "I'm royalty, you know. It's beneath me."
"And a new recruit at that," Asta shot back, undeterred and ready for a banter-filled showdown.
"I've never done cleaning or laundry in my life. Why would I start now?" Noelle declared, her arms crossing defiantly.
"Are you bragging about being lazy?" Asta yelled, accusingly jabbing a finger in her direction. Laughter erupted around the table, as the squad focused on there own breakfast
"What's the real problem?" Noelle countered, narrowing her eyes slightly. "It's not like you're scrubbing the floors all by yourself. You've got Stella helping you." Her defensiveness was clear as day, as if she were earnestly pleading her case.
"Besides, I am royalty!" she repeated, lifting her chin just a fraction.
Stella rolled her eyes, a wry smile creeping onto her face. "Just because you're royal doesn't mean you can't lend a hand every once in a while, you know."
Noelle huffed dismissively at Stella's remark, her gaze darting back to Asta. "You're all just a bunch of insects," she muttered, waving her hand as if to swat them away
"Oh, so we're back to that, huh?" Asta said then turned to Magna, dropping the topic . "Just wondering, what exactly does a Magic Knight squad do?"
"Huh?" Magna exclaimed, abruptly putting down his food and rising from his seat. "Are you seriously serious right now?" He grabbed Asta by his robe, eyes wide with disbelief. "We protect the country, you idiot! We keep the people safe! It's the manliest job in the world! Why would you even want to join up if you were so freaking clueless, huh?" His passionate rant spilled over, each word punctuated by fervent gestures.
"Jeez, it was just a question," Stella thought to herself, a sigh escaping her lips at the spectacle unfolding before her.
Magna finally released Asta, throwing up his hands in exasperation. "Will someone please tell him what a Magic Knight squad does?" He glared around the table, his frustration evident, before striding away in a huff.
"All that, and you can't explain it yourself," Stella muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes.
"How about you, Wino?" Magna turned his gaze toward Vanessa, who lazily nursed a glass of wine with a relaxed smile.
"Well, we like safeguard the citizens' safety, you know, that sort of thing," she replied, downing another glass of wine with casual indifference. "And as a bonus, you get to meet some marvelous gentlemen while you're on guard duty." Her tone was light, filled with playful mischief.
"Oh, okay," Asta said, sitting back down, a mix of bewilderment and intrigue plastered on his face.
"For me, the best part is all the people you get to fight!" Luck chimed in, throwing punches in the air as he spoke, his energy infectious. "You can spend an hour beating up a criminal, and no one will even think twice about it!"
One by one, the squad shared their own explanations of what a Magic Knight squad did, their camaraderie weaving a warm tapestry around the table as laughter echoed and the sunlight streamed in, casting a golden hue over the spirited banter.
"Oh yeah, Stella, before I forget, it's about your bracelet," Finral's voice cut through the commotion just as Charmy desperately shoved food down Asta's throat.
Stella's eyes brightened, a glimmer of hope slicing through her anxious demeanor. "Were you able to find anything? I searched everywhere yesterday, but I had no luck. I was planning to go looking again after breakfast
Yeah, I'm really sorry," Finral replied, his tone laden with regret. He shifted uncomfortable, avoiding Stella's gaze. "I brought it up with Captain Yami yesterday, and we searched high and low, but... it's just gone. I know how much it meant to you, but I think it's lost for good."
Stella let out a soft sigh, her shoulders slumping as disappointment washed over her like a cold wave. "I figured as much," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. The spark of hope that had flickered within her dimmed, leaving her feeling hollow.
Suddenly, Captain Yami burst into the room, the door flying off the hinges and hitting against the wall with a resounding thud that drew everyone's attention like moths to a flame.
"Magna, we're going," he commanded, his voice steady and authoritative, cutting through the tension in the air.
"Yes, Yami, sir," Magna replied, his demeanor shifting instantly to one of seriousness as he straightened up, a look of determination crossing his face.
"What's going on?" Asta leaned forward, his eyes wide with curiosity, the usual spark of mischief as he finished the food charmy had forced him to eat. replaced by genuine interest.
"There's a mission," Magna said, rising from his seat and striding over to Captain Yami, his movements purposeful and confident.
"Woah, a real Magic Knight squad mission? Hold on, I'm coming too!" Asta said, excitement bubbling over as he jumped to his feet, his fists clenched in eager anticipation.
Magna halted him with a firm shake of his head, the sternness in his expression sharpening. "No way! This isn't for kids. You can't tag along on this one. It's serious business—only grown men allowed, okay? We'll be back ." He shot a quick glance over his shoulder and said, "Bye."
"Alright, listen up, gang. Don't go breaking anything while we're gone!" Yami called out, a cigarette between his lips as he followed Magna out the door, leaving a charged silence behind.
Stella furrowed her brow, the weight of unspoken worries hanging in the air. "I wonder what exactly this mission is about," she pondered aloud, her eyes drifting toward the door.
...
Yami and Magna threaded their way through the bustling black market, the air thick with the scent of spices and the murmur of clandestine deals. As they navigated the vibrant chaos, they passed by a man named Vincent, accompanied by his son, Alaric, who appeared visibly disgruntled.
"Father, why must I be trapped in this wretched kingdom?" Alaric huffed, his brow knitted with irritation as he crossed his arms defiantly over his chest. "I can't believe I lost to that peasant girl in the entrance exam! Her magic was nothing compared to mine, yet here I am, stuck with the Crimson Lion Kings instead of the prestigious Golden Dawn. This entire place is maddening If it weren't for her, I'd be where I belong!"
Vincent turned to Alaric, his expression softening with an understanding that came from years of experience. "I know this is tough for you, Alaric," he replied, his tone gentle yet firm. "But you didn't have to come if you didn't want to. You could have stayed home with your mother."
Alaric let out a heavy sigh, his shoulders slumping in frustration. "Mother was worried," he grumbled, a hint of exasperation creeping into his voice. "She said you might get into trouble without me here. It's not fair that I had to come to this bizarre place, especially with all this weird magic."
Vincent chuckled softly, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Your mother does tend to fret a bit too much. But I wish she would understand—I need to help find answers," he said, determination thread through his words as his gaze drifted toward the bustling market.
"What answers?" Alaric interjected, his curiosity piqued despite his earlier disdain.
Before Vincent could respond, their attention was drawn to two men haggling nearby. One held up a bracelet that sparkled brilliantly in the sunlight, its gems dazzling every passerby. "I'm telling you, this is worth a fortune!" he shouted, gesturing animatedly to potential buyers.
Vincent's eyes flickered with recognition as he turned to Alaric. "Wait here," he instructed, striding toward the men. "Pardon me, but I couldn't help overhearing. May I see that bracelet?"
Oliver, the man holding the bracelet, instinctively pulled it closer, eyeing Vincent with a mix of wariness and intrigue. Lost in the gleam of the jewels, Vincent looked up, startled with recognition.
"Pollux?" Vincent gasped in disbelief, amazement mingling with confusion. "Is that really you?"
Oliver raised an eyebrow, perplexed. "Who the hell is Pollux?"
Just then, his brother Ethan appeared, scowling as he sensed the tension. "What's your problem?" he shot at Oliver. "Can't you see you're being rude to this man?"
Oliver rolled his eyes dismissively. "I ain't got time for this. Just trying to sell this shiny bracelet I found."
"Castor?" Vincent exclaimed, shock swirling in his voice. "Is that you?"
Ethan turned to Oliver, brow furrowed with confusion. "Who is Castor?"
"I'm afraid there's been a mistake, sir," Ethan spoke his tone firm yet polite. "My name is Ethan, and this is my brother Oliver. We're not who you think we are."
Vincent's expression fell, as a wave of cold disappointment washed over him. "My apologies," he murmured, the flicker of hope almost completely snuffed out. "You just bear an uncanny resemblance to some old friends of mine."
His gaze drifted back to the bracelet, now more than just a trinket. A sense of fate tugged at him; perhaps this encounter held deeper significance than he initially realized.
"May I take a closer look at that bracelet?" he asked Oliver, urgency lacing his tone.
Oliver hesitated, scanning Ethan's face for reassurance. With a slight nod, Ethan encouraged, "Go on, show him."
With a reluctant grumble, Oliver displayed the glittering jewelry. Vincent's eyes widened in recognition. "Where did you find this?" he asked, awe and urgency growing in his voice as he spotted the initials engraved within: L.F.A.
"Where did you find this bracelet?" he pressed once more, his heart increasing pace.
"We found it in the arena the night after the magic knights' entrance exam began," Oliver replied, surprise creeping into his voice as he felt the gravity of Vincent's curiosity.
Vincent fell silent, his mind swirling with the weight of new revelations. The air around him crackled with tension as he scrutinized the brothers before him, the familiar hum of mana radiating from them—a sensation reminiscent of Castor and Pollux, though its once-vibrant potency had faded with time. He could feel the flickering echoes of their combined power, like distant stars dimmed by the passage of time.
His gaze shifted back to the shimmering bracelet resting on the table, its gems glinting like tiny stars scattered across a velvet sky. Each stone seemed to pulse softly, whispering secrets of ancient magic. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke, his voice steady and firm, yet laced with an undercurrent of urgency. "May I make an offer for this bracelet?"
Oliver and Ethan exchanged a surprised glance, disbelief washing over their faces. "Name your price," Oliver replied, his tone a blend of curiosity and caution, intrigued by the man's boldness.
Vincent placed a worn brown pouch on the table, the soft clinking of heavy coins echoing in the bustling marketplace as they shifted within. "This," he said without hesitation, his voice tinged with determination, "is a sum far greater than the bracelet is worth. But to me, it holds incalculable value."
The brothers stared at the pouch, then at each other, astonishment etched on their faces. The glint of gold and silver hinted at a fortune that could sustain them for months, possibly longer. "Deal," Oliver finally declared, nodding slowly, a mix of excitement and wariness in his eyes.
Vincent withdrew a leather bag filled with coins and pressed it into Oliver's hands, feeling the weight of his decision settle like a warm cloak around his shoulders. He then gingerly lifted the bracelet from the table, cradling it in his palm as the sparkling gems glimmered in the light, each one a promise of hope. A sigh of relief escaped his lips, a sound that seemed to resonate with the very fabric of his being. "Thank you," he said to the brothers, sincerity radiating from his every word. "You've given me more than you know."
With that, Vincent turned on his heel, his heart racing as he navigated through the bustling marketplace, each stride quickening with purpose. Alaric, his son, hurried after him, struggling to keep pace with his father's urgency.
"Father, wait!" Alaric called out, breathless, his voice a mix of confusion and concern. "Where are we going in such a rush? What's so special about that bracelet?"
Vincent slowed, allowing Alaric to catch up, his expression grave as he met his son's inquisitive gaze. The marketplace buzzed around them, but in this moment, it felt as if they were the only two souls in existence. "This bracelet... may help us find some answers about Liora," he said, his voice dropping to a near whisper, revealing the weight of his words.
Alaric's brow furrowed in confusion, not hearing the name his father had spoken. "Answers about what?"
Vincent hesitated, the shadows of worry flickering across his face. "Focus on your duties as a Magic Knight," he urged, his tone firm yet encouraging as he placed a reassuring hand on Alaric's shoulder, guiding him forward. "There are things you don't need to worry about . Trust me, everything will be fine."
As he moved through the throng of the market, the vibrant sounds and scents of spices, baked goods, and the chatter of merchants filled the air, but Vincent's mind was already racing ahead.
...
Meanwhile, back at the base, Asta, Noelle, and Stella found themselves in the dimly lit room where their captain kept his fearsome beasts. The air was thick with the scent of danger and something more primal, and shadows danced ominously on the walls. Asta, full of determination, was attempting to feed the creatures, his each step cautious. Noelle and Stella stood a few paces back, eyes wide with a mix of curiosity and trepidation.
"Okay, okay, who's a good beastie?" Asta cooed, his voice filled with caution as he approached one of the enormous creatures, a large, meaty bone in hand. The beast's growls echoed through out the room, its eyes narrowing as it assessed him. But instead of taking the food, the beast lunged at Asta, jaws snapping dangerously, catching Asta in its mouth.
"Oh no!" Stella gasped, her eyes widening in horror, her heart pounding like a drum. "Asta!"
Noelle, arms crossed as she stood next to Stella. remained unfazed.
"Don't just stand there! Help me!" Asta cried, sweat beading on his forehead as he struggled to pry the creature's jaws open, his fingers slipping against its teeth.
"Do I look like a person who feeds animals?" Noelle shot back, her tone dripping with sass. She arched an eyebrow, not amused by Asta's plight. "You're lucky I even came down here," she added, her expression a blend of annoyance.
"Not gonna happen!" Asta yelled, desperation creeping into his voice just as Stella finally decided to step in. Yet, in a swift movement, the beast broke free, retreating behind its cage with a snarl that echoed through the dim room.
"I thought I was dead for sure!" Asta exclaimed, his chest heaving with relief, a hand pressed against his racing heart.
"You truly are very strong," Noelle pointed out, a hint of admiration softening her tone as she regarded him with newfound respect.
"Yeah, that's because I train hard," Asta replied, puffing out his chest with a proud grin.
Suddenly, laughter erupted from Captain Yami and Magna as they strolled into the room. The sound was like a bolt of lightning, jolting Stella from her thoughts. As she caught sight of the two men, her heart raced, a blush creeping across her cheeks.
"Oh no..." she barely muttered, trying to conceal her embarrassment. Noelle's face turned crimson as well, and she quickly looked away, attempting to maintain her composure.
"I think I need to scrub my eyes clean," Stella muttered under her breath, her shock battling the flustered heat in her cheeks.
"Hey there, Asta!" Magna greeted with a wide, infectious grin, his eyes glinting with mischief. "We're back! Is she okay?" He motioned toward Stella, noticing her distress.
"Anyhow, guess what? I think you're gonna like this!" Magna continued, excitement bubbling in his tone, completely oblivious to the girls' embarrassment. "It's time for your first mission!"
...
The trio turned around, anticipation mingling with anxiety, and Stella promptly averted her gaze again, her cheeks flushing slightly. As Yami and Magna finished dressing, Asta, Noelle, and Stella gathered in the common area, their hearts pounding with eagerness for the details of their first mission.
"Like I said, we decided to put you in the field," Magna announced confidently.
"All right, our first mission!" Asta shouted, his enthusiasm infectious as he clenched his fists. "Here we go!" Noelle chimed in, her voice steady yet laced with curiosity. "I wonder what it is," Stella mused, her brow slightly furrowed, the thrill of the unknown stirring within her.
"So, what are we doing?" Asta leaned forward eagerly, nearly bouncing on his toes.
"I assume it's something befitting royalty, such as myself," Noelle declared, her chin held high.
"Yeah, it's a real honor to go to Saussy Village for some boar hunting, huh?" Magna retorted, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth, clearly enjoying the moment.
"Hunting boar? Wow, that's a terrible mission!" Noelle scoffed, her tone dripping with disappointment.
"No, it's not! You take that back!" Magna snapped.
"It doesn't sound too bad," Stella spoke calmly. She would have preferred something more thrilling, perhaps a daring rescue or a fierce battle, but as a rookie, she wasn't expecting something too crazy. "Either way, a mission is a mission."
"You see, Little Ellie here gets it," Magna said, grinning widely.
"Please stop calling me Ellie," Stella replied, exasperation creeping into her voice.
"I can take down a boar with my bare hands!" Asta declared, his determination shining through like a beacon.
"No, you can't! Don't even think about trying!" Magna yelled, waving his hands dramatically, as if warding off a curse. "Those things are pure evil! They've got beady eyes, huge tusks, and they charge for no reason!"
Yami, leaning back against the couch, puffed lazily on a cigarette, the smoke curling around him like a lazy serpent. He narrowed his eyes. "We lost to the chief of Saussy Village," he said nonchalantly. "Now we gotta pay the price."
"You two lost in a fight? That doesn't even seem possible!" Asta said, incredulity etched across his face, his mind racing to comprehend the scenario.
"How powerful was this man?" Noelle asked, her posture shifting as she leaned in closer.
"Yeah, for you two to lose," Stella added, her eyes wide with disbelief.
"We lost at poker," Yami replied with a shrug, his tone casual as if it were just another day.
"At poker?" The three of them echoed in disbelief, their voices rising in unison, as if they had collectively shared a moment of confusion.
Stella felt a twitch in her eye at the absurdity of it all. "You've got to be kidding me," she said, shaking her head.
"He literally stripped us of everything we had," Yami continued, unfazed, "including half a year's wages," Magna added,
The trio stood in stunned silence, their expressions a mixture of shock and incredulity. What's wrong with them? Stella thought, confusion washing over her like a cold wave.
"That's not all. We also promised to do any one thing he requested of us, and that turned out to be getting rid of some boars," Yami explained, crossing one leg over the other with an air of resignation.
"There's been a herd of them around the village, trampling fields and causing trouble," Magna elaborated, his voice now serious as he glanced at each of them.
"Oh! Oh!" Asta raised his hand eagerly, his excitement barely contained. "Can you explain what this has to do with us?"
"Yes, exactly! You were the ones who lost, so why..." But before Noelle could finish, Magna interrupted, his voice rising in mock exasperation.
"You idiots!" he yelled, throwing his arms up dramatically. "Do you seriously expect Yami to clean up his own mess? Yami doesn't deal with these things—that's what he got us for!" He pointed to himself, a grin spreading across his face
Stella spoke up, her voice firm and unwavering. "Oh, please! This mess is all your doing! You should be the ones to fix it and fulfill the request," she asserted, her brows knitting together in a fierce protest. "It hardly seems fair to shift this burden onto us when we had no part in the agreement."
Magna's eyes widened in shock at her boldness. Even Asta seemed taken aback, his usual cheerfulness faltering as he processed Stella's unexpected defiance. Yami, however, merely raised an eyebrow, a glimmer of amusement dancing in his sharp gaze as he took a drag from his cigarette.
"Tch. The girl's got guts, I'll give her that," Yami grumbled, a rare note of respect creeping into his voice. Magna scoffed, indignation flaring in his expression.
"Hey! Did you just hear what I said, Pipsqueak? You're talking to seniors here! Yami's your captain, so you're going to do what he says, got it?" Magna continued, his tone dripping with authority.
But Yami raised a hand, silencing Magna with a mere gesture. Stella tensed, her heart racing in anticipation of her captain's response.
"You've got fire, pipsqueak," Yami acknowledged, his gruff voice echoing with unexpected approval. A faint smirk tugged at the corners of his lips as he leaned forward, the smoke from his cigarette swirling around him like a ghostly shroud. "Reminds me of my old vice-captain. Always keeping me on my toes and calling me out on my bullshit."
Magna shot Yami a bewildered look, disbelief etched across his features. "Captain, you ain't actually considering—"
But Yami, exuding an air of unwavering authority, stood tall, his presence looming over the three of them as he exhaled a slow, deliberate plume of smoke. His gaze was piercing, a silent challenge lingering in the air.
"Either go or die—your choice," he stated flatly, yet the intensity of his words hung heavy with unspoken weight.
Asta and Noelle exchanged quick glances, determination igniting in their eyes as they spoke in unison, "We'll go."
Stella let out a defeated sigh, her lips pouting slightly as she crossed her arms, frustration and resignation flickering across her face like a candle's flame. She didn't like the unfairness of the situation, but again mission is a mission
...
Captain Yami had left them in the capable hands of Magna, who was practically vibrating with excitement.
"So what if it's just boar hunting? We're finally going on a mission! I'm ready to tear it up!" Asta declared, his eyes sparkling with determination, fists clenched at his sides.
Noelle crossed her arms, a skeptical arch to her brow. "I still don't understand why you would choose to send me," she said, her tone a mix of uncertainty.
"Come on! Do you ever do anything but complain?" Magna shot back, he ruffled his hair in frustration.
"Actually, that wasn't meant as a complaint," she replied, her voice calm yet firm, her posture unwavering. "Considering I can't control my magic, is it wise for me to be going on a mission at all?"
"Dummy!" Magna yelled, his voice echoing in the clearing, a mix of frustration and concern. "That's exactly the point! How do you expect to improve if you never push yourself? Besides, I'm not sending a bunch of rookies out there alone. I'll be right there to keep an eye on you three," he added, a reassuring smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, softening the earlier tension.
"Wow, you're such a manly man!" Asta exclaimed, his admiration evident as he beamed up at Magna, eyes wide with hero-worship.
"Enough of that, Rasta!" Magna retorted, his cheeks flushing a deep shade of crimson. "I'm blushing over here!"
"Well, if you insist, I suppose I'll accompany you," Noelle said
"Really? Thank you!" Magna exclaimed, bowing deeply in gratitude before straightening up abruptly, confusion flickering across his features. "Hey, wait a minute why do you always look down on us!?" he asked, a tinge of annoyance creeping into his voice.
"It's not that I choose to look down on you," she replied, her gaze sharp as she met his eyes. "You just happen to be below me. What else can I do?"
Magna's frown deepened as he turned to Stella, concern etched across his face. "You there, I don't want to hear anything from you. You've been acting a bit off since we got here. I didn't think you.'d be such a brat."
Stella met his gaze defiantly, eyes flashing with annoyance. "I'm not being a brat! I'm just voicing what the three of us were thinking," she shot back, her voice steady and resolute.
"Hey, hey, cool it, you two," Asta said nervously, glancing between them, his brow furrowed with worry. He turned to Stella, a hint of concern in his tone. "You've seemed more irritable than usual. Is everything okay with you?"
"Yeah, I noticed it too—especially after your chat with Finral at breakfast," Noelle added, her expression betraying her genuine concern.
"I'm fine! Let's just get this mission done!" Stella snapped, but the lack of conviction in her voice was unmistakable.
"If you say so," Asta replied, doubt lingering in his tone, his heart heavy with the desire to help his friend if something was troubling her.
Sensing the tension thickening in the air, Magna clapped his hands together, the sound sharp and commanding. "Alright then, let's get a move on! The sooner we hunt those boars, the sooner we can wrap this up and get back to more important things!" His voice burst with enthusiasm, cutting through the unease and propelling them into action.
...
Magna stormed off, his boots thudding heavily against the ground as he searched for Finral, who stood , his hand resting on his hip.
"Do your thing—use your spatial magic to send us to Saussy Village," Magna demanded.
"Saussy Village? Hhm... no can do," Finral replied, raising an eyebrow and frowning as he crossed his arms defensively. "I haven't marked it."
"Come on! It's not like I'm asking for alot here," Magna retorted, stepping uncomfortably close, frustration simmering just beneath the surface.
"Now, now," Finral said, placing a hand firmly in front of Magna's face, a placating gesture that only inflamed the latter's annoyance. "I can teleport to distant places, but only if I've marked them with my magic first."
"Huh?" Magna's brow furrowed, confusion washing over him.
"In other words," Finral said, pointing an accusatory finger at Magna, a smirk dancing on his lips, "if you want to go somewhere I've never been before, sorry! No can do." He shook his head dramatically, his finger wagging like a disapproving schoolteacher. "Can't do it." With a wink at Noelle, he turned and sauntered away, leaving Magna fuming.
"Well, that was a waste of time," Magna grumbled, rubbing his hand through his hair.
"Fine, we'll have to go by broom then," he declared, a reluctant sigh escaping him.
"Um, Magna, sir?" Asta raised his hand, his expression earnest.
"Yeah, what is it?" Magna glanced over, irritation flickering in his eyes.
"I can't fly on a broom," Asta admitted.
"Um..." Noelle hesitated, then raised her hand timidly. "Um..."
"What is it?" Magna snapped, the tension in his shoulders rising as he turned to face her.
"What he said," Noelle replied, her voice wavering, barely meeting Magna's gaze.
Magna took a deep breath, frustration coiling within him. Suddenly, he lost his temper and grasped Asta by the collar of his robe, shaking him slightly. "Are you two kidding me?" he yelled, incredulity lacing his voice. "You're so completely incompetent! You can't manage something that simple? It's practically the most basic skill a mage has!"
"I don't have any magic power, remember?" Asta shot back, a laugh escaping his lips, as if proud of his own absurdity.
"Why do you look so proud, huh?" Magna retorted, his brow furrowing further.
"And since I can't control my magic power, a broom is obviously out of the question," Noelle added, crossing her arms with a mix of defiance and resignation.
"And why are you being so arrogant?" Magna demanded incredulously.
"How about you?" He snapped a glance at Stella, who stood by the door, waiting patiently for them.
"I can fly a broom," she declared confidently, a spark of determination in her eyes. Although she had stumbled a bit during the entrance exam, she had practiced diligently for days, especially when searching for her bracelet.
Magna eyed her skeptically, his expression softening just a touch. "You sure about that, Pipsqueak?"
"Of course I am!" she replied, lifting her chin defiantly, her confidence unshaken.
"At least one of you is competent," he said with a begrudging nod, the corners of his mouth twitching in a reluctant smile. "Are you ready to meet my baby?" he asked eagerly, glancing back at Noelle and Asta, his earlier frustration momentarily forgotten.
Once the three of them stepped outside, Magna led the way to where he kept his prized broom. Standing proudly before it, he erupted with enthusiasm, his chest puffed out as if to match the grandeur of his creation.
"Here it is! Crazy Cyclone!" he bellowed triumphantly, a wide grin splitting his face.
The broom was a bizarre masterpiece: shaped like a bull skeleton, its headpiece was a skull wearing sunglasses, giving it an air of rebellious charm. The shaft resembled a curved spine, adorned with a semi-circular saddle flanked by four pairs of ribs on each side. At the base, two vibrant purple fur balls added an eccentric touch. Crowning the broom's end was a bundle of bristles, an unmistakable hallmark of any traditional broomstick.
"Woah, so cool!" Asta exclaimed, his eyes wide with wonder, practically bouncing on his heels.
Magna let out a hearty laugh, his voice echoing with excitement. "I know, right? Isn't it just awesome?"
Noelle rolled her eyes, her disinterest palpable. "Try lame," she said, her gaze drifting away as if the broom didn't deserve her attention.
"It's incredible!" Stella interjected, her voice laced with envy. Compared to her own plain broomstick, this dazzling contraption shimmered with potential.
"Excuse me!" Magna shot a piercing glare at Noelle. "Can't you see the beauty right in front of you?" he pointed at her.
Taking a deep breath, Noelle closed her eyes, her resolve hardening. "It's lame," she stated firmly, her voice leaving no room for argument.
A disappointed sigh slipped from Asta's lips, echoed by Magna, but they shrugged off the negativity and climbed onto the broom—Magna leading the charge, Noelle sandwiched in the middle, and Asta clinging desperately to the rear.
Stella wasted no time, mounting her own broom and soaring into the sky. From her vantage point, she watched as Magna fumbled with the controls, a thrill of anticipation coursing through her veins.
"Yeahhhhhh! A man never goes back on his word!" Magna bellowed defiantly, pouring his mana into Crazy Cyclone. Determination etched deep on his face, he made the broom shudder with raw energy.
With a sudden jolt, they shot forward, barely dodging a tree before shooting upward, racing past Stella, who nearly lost her grip on her own broom in the whirlwind.
"Hey, watch out!" she shouted, staying close behind them, her heart racing with both fear and exhilaration.
A flicker of happiness sparked within her as she observed the trio, their eager spirits blending with a hint of chaotic thrill.
"Asta, are you trying to die? Hold on!" Magna yelled over the rushing wind.
"Right!" Asta shouted back, scrambling for something to hold onto. He instinctively wrapped his arms around Noelle's waist.
"Hey! Watch where you put your hands, insect!" Noelle protested, startled. In a swift motion, she elbowed Asta off the broom, sending him tumbling through the air.
"Asta!" Stella cried out, panic flooding her voice. She quickly maneuvered her broom into a steep dive, aiming to catch him before he could crash into the treetops below. Gripping the broom handle tightly with one hand, she reached out with the other and snagged Asta's robe just in time.
"Whew, that was close! Thanks for the save, Stella!" Asta barely spoke as he was still feeling out of it from being hit by Noelle, relief washing over him as he grinned widely, wrapping his arms around her waist for support. The broom strained under their combined weight, but it held steady.
"Just hold on tight!" Stella said through gritted teeth, determination shining in her eyes as she infused her broom with even more magic. Slowly, they ascended until they were level with Magna and Noelle once more.
With newfound excitement coursing through them, the four of them set their sights on Saussy Village, unaware of what had awaited them.