Asta was immediately surrounded by Anti-Magic Birds.
They swarmed him relentlessly, pecking from every direction, drawn to the absence of magic in his body. The assessment venue quickly descended into chaos as Asta flailed helplessly, shouting while trying to fend them off.
In the confusion, he slammed straight into someone.
"Oof—!" Asta stumbled back. "S-sorry! I didn't mean to—"
The man he had bumped into was massive. Broad-shouldered, scarred, and radiating danger, he looked down at Asta with cold eyes.
"I'm going to kill you, brat."
Asta froze.
The pressure from that gaze was terrifying. The man was tall, muscular, and carried himself like a predator. Too nervous to think properly, Asta blurted out the first thing that came to mind.
"Your face looks really old! How much suffering did you go through to make it to this exam?"
The man didn't argue.
"Are you ready to die?"
He reached out and grabbed Asta by the head, fingers tightening as if he truly meant to crush his skull.
Just then, a blond man rushed over in a panic.
"Captain Yami! I finally found you! What are you doing here?!"
The muscular man answered casually, "I was about to strangle this kid."
The blond man nearly screamed. "You can't do that! Captains aren't allowed to kill examinees! And—why are you even in the examination hall?"
Yami shrugged. "Went to the bathroom. Got lost."
Before anyone could react, a loud, dignified voice echoed from the high platform.
"Apologies for the delay, candidates."
Yami clicked his tongue, released Asta, and took a drag from his cigarette.
"You're lucky, kid. Treasure this life you were spared. Otherwise, I'll kill you next time."
A man wearing a half-mask adorned with feathers stepped forward onto the platform.
"It is my turn to oversee the examination."
The crowd erupted into whispers.
The captain of the strongest Magic Knight squad.
The leader of the Golden Dawn.
William Vangeance.
The most promising candidate for the next Wizard King.
William raised his hand calmly.
"World Tree Magic: Descent of the Magic Tree."
The sky seemed to split apart. Massive roots and branches descended from above, weaving themselves into magic brooms that floated gently into the hands of every examinee.
"The Magic Knights Entrance Exam begins now," William announced. "Our nine captains will observe your performance and choose those they deem worthy."
"Those who are not chosen will not join the Magic Knights."
"The first test is broom flight. Any mage should be able to fly. If you cannot… that will be unfortunate."
The test began.
Some examinees poured too little magic into their brooms and failed to lift off. Others used too much, rocketing forward uncontrollably and crashing to the ground.
Magic control required balance and precision.
Yuno lifted off effortlessly, gliding through the air with ease.
Sylvar Crowe flew as well, though his movements appeared strained. In truth, he was holding back. His target was not the Golden Dawn—but the Black Bulls.
As for Asta—
His broom didn't move at all.
The exam continued. Accuracy tests. Striking moving targets. Shaping magic constructs.
Finally, the last test arrived.
Practical combat.
Examinees were paired up and allowed to use their grimoires freely.
A noble named Sekke challenged Asta, acting smug and confident. He activated defensive magic and allowed Asta to attack freely—only to be knocked unconscious by a single sword strike.
Yuno defeated every opponent with a single move.
Sylvar's opponent was an ordinary commoner. No hidden talent. No noble lineage.
The fight ended in two moves.
The moment Sylvar's control chain connected, the opponent's magic was sealed, causing him to collapse instantly.
Several captains noticed the strange outcome. But after sensing Sylvar's total magic reserves, they all shook their heads.
Too little magic.
No matter how unusual the ability, it wasn't enough.
Once the battles concluded, it was time for selection.
"Yuno."
All nine captains raised their hands.
Yuno joined the Golden Dawn.
"Sylvar Crowe."
Only two captains raised their hands—the Crimson Lion Kings and the Black Bulls.
Sylvar chose the Black Bulls without hesitation.
"Asta."
After being called out by the Black Bulls' captain, Asta shouted passionately, "Even if I can't join today—no matter how many times it takes—I'll become the Wizard King someday and prove it to everyone!"
The captain burst into laughter. "You're interesting. You're mine now. No refusals. You'll be put through hell—but survive it, and show me that Wizard King dream."
After the ceremony, Sylvar instinctively stood directly behind the Black Bulls' captain, carefully avoiding the two terrifying figures behind him.
"Hello," Sylvar said calmly. "My name is Sylvar Crowe."
The blond man smiled. "Finral Roulacase."
Beside him stood a man with a panda-like face who muttered something so quietly that no one could hear it.
Yami's expression darkened when he spotted Asta. He grabbed him by the head again.
Sylvar's mind went blank.
Please let this only happen to Asta.
"What were you doing just now?" Yami demanded.
"I—I went to the bathroom!" Asta said desperately.
Yami's eye twitched. "How long were you in there?!"
"It was… a long one."
"Who asked for details, idiot?!"
Finral opened a spatial gate.
Sylvar silently wondered why magic in this world always needed dramatic names.
Yami hurled Asta into the portal like a bowling ball.
Not wanting the same treatment, Sylvar stepped through immediately.
On the other side stood the Black Bulls' base—a chaotic, crumbling castle filled with shouting, fighting, drinking, and eating.
The rumors were true.
Asta stepped forward loudly. "I'm Asta from Hage Village! From today on, I'm joining the Black Bulls! Please take care of me!"
No one responded.
Yami punched a wall, collapsing half the structure.
Everyone immediately apologized.
"Sorry!"
"Alright," Yami said. "Two new members. Train them to death."
Magna Swing stepped forward and tested them.
Asta reflected his fireball.
Sylvar blocked the next attack with chained magic.
Both passed.
Black Bull cloaks were awarded.
Vanessa draped headscarves over them.
Sylvar requested one as well—to conceal the Yin Seal.
"Welcome to the Black Bulls," she said lazily. "Cheer up, rookies."
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Author's Notes:
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