Once the ceremony was over, Sekke immediately glanced at Yami and showed him his medal.
"Yami-san, we're the same rank now?" said Sekke with a smirk.
"Huh? The hell do you mean by that? I'm leagues above the likes of you," replied Yami.
"Kekeke, just because you became a Grand Magic Knight doesn't mean you've risen to our level," said Jack, smiling.
"Even among the same rank, there's a difference between individuals. We have held this rank for a long time and thus possess experience that you lack right now, commoner," said Nozel.
"You're strong, Sekke-kun. You'll surpass us soon enough."
"Besides, for the past six months we've been grinding like crazy since we're up against more devils now. You, who've been stuck in that place, should get some warm-ups done as soon as possible," said Yami in a serious tone, taking a puff of his cigarette.
"Huh? More devils?"
"Yup, we're at war with the Spade Kingdom. They have devil hosts there who want to destroy the continent," said Julius.
"Really? I guess I should get warmed up as well. I haven't fought seriously in six years; it'd be good to test some moves so I don't get rusty," said Sekke.
"...Wait, did you just say six years?" asked Mereoleona.
"Huh? Oi oi oi, Sekke, you were just gone for six months, you know?" said Asta.
"Huh? Did I not tell you guys? I've been stuck there for six years. Time flows differently in both places — that's why only six months passed here," explained Sekke.
"..."
The whole room fell silent, unable to digest what they had just heard. The man they thought of as their savior had paid a much higher price than they'd ever expected — six years of his life, gone just like that.
"Kid…" said Yami, but he couldn't continue. He was Sekke's captain, yet he had failed to protect him.
His friends didn't feel any better. If only they'd been stronger, Sekke wouldn't have had to face such a fate.
"Why the sudden sadness?" asked Sekke.
Suddenly, Mereoleona clapped her hands, drawing everyone's attention.
"Long story short — you haven't worked much in six years and are now rusty, right? Let's go and have our duel. Right now," said Mereoleona with a smirk.
"I mean, that's fine, but that won't help me warm up much," said Sekke, thinking again.
Mereoleona popped a vein, ready to pummel him on the spot.
However, before she could, Sekke's expression brightened as he looked around the room.
"How about you all fight against me? It'll be fun and help me get back in the groove."
All of them blinked in surprise, wondering if the man had gone mad.
"Oi Sekke!!! Don't joke around. Unlike you, all of us have been training hard. We even went to the Heart Kingdom and got a whole lot stronger there," said Asta.
"Hm? So? It's not like you're the only ones who trained. I wrecked plenty of things while I was there. Destroyed an army multiple times, defeated and erased a being that was about to destroy a world, then rebuilt that same world. It's not like you guys did that much in my absence."
"You sure you're not high?" asked Yami skeptically.
"S-Sekke-san, you should get treated after all!" said Mimosa in panic.
"Oi bastard, get your shit together. Just because you became a Grand Magic Knight doesn't mean you can spout nonsense," said Jack.
"Silence!" said Julius, making everyone stop.
"S-Sekke-kun, you want to fight all of them?" asked Julius.
"I mean, it'll help me get back in shape. One-on-one isn't that challenging anymore. I'd like to fight you as well but… well, don't worry! I'll find a way to fix you and then we can have our fight!" said Sekke excitedly.
Julius blinked, surprised that the boy would even want to fight him.
"Well then, everyone — he just became a Grand Magic Knight and has saved the kingdom twice already. Why not fulfill his request? Of course, if you all don't want to, I won't force you," said Julius.
They turned silent again; even the Wizard King was supporting Sekke's absurd idea.
"You just want to see everyone's improved magic, right, Wizard King?" asked Sekke with a smirk.
"You really get me, Sekke-kun!!" exclaimed Julius with sparkles in his eyes.
Seeing him like that, they all sighed, realizing why the Wizard King agreed so easily.
"Alright!!! If you want a beating, be my guest, Sekke! I'll show you the result of my efforts!!!" yelled Asta excitedly.
"My rival! You couldn't wait to challenge me, right?! I, of course, accept!" declared Leopold.
"Hehehe, a fight to death against everyone! Sekke, you really thought of something entertaining! Next time, I'll do the same!!!" said Luck, already pumped for battle.
"Hmph! As a royal, I'll show you not to get overconfident just because you got slightly stronger," said Noelle, though inside, she was determined to show Sekke how much she had grown.
"I'll join too. I still owe him payback for the Royal Knights Exam," said Yuno.
"Y-Yuno dear~ perhaps we should sit this one out," said Bell, trying to coax him out of it. The rest didn't know, but she did — they were up against a mana king, and she didn't like this at all.
"What's wrong with you, Bell?" asked Yuno, confused.
"Sigh… if Master Julius wants to see a show, we can't help it. Oi, dumbass, don't come crying if we beat you too badly," said Yami.
"Well, as captains, following the Wizard King's orders is inevitable," said Fuegoleon with a smile.
"No no, I said only if you want to," said Julius.
"If we captains back down, it won't look good — especially when these youngsters are so eager. It'll also serve as a morale boost for them and a reality check for others," said Nozel, though he glanced at Sekke when saying the last part.
'Oh, I'm definitely giving them all a reality check,' thought Sekke.
"...This was supposed to be my duel," said Mereoleona.
"If they all lose too easily, I'll spar with you alone later," said Sekke with a smile.
"..."
Mereoleona held her chest, unsure why her heart suddenly skipped a beat.
--------------------
And just like that, they were all standing in a massive field built for war training.
Sekke stood in the center, surrounded by the captains and Mereoleona. The non-captains — Asta, Yuno, Luck, Noelle, Anna, and Leopold — stood alongside them.
Mimosa and the rest of the Black Bulls stood far from the field with Julius and Marx, acting as audience and standby medics.
"What is with that idiot…" muttered Secre, glaring at her boyfriend.
"Relax, Secre-chan. Sekke's strong — he won't be defeated that easily. Besides, he can handle himself pretty well. It should be fine even if he's a bit rusty," said Vanessa.
--------------------
Back on the field, Sekke looked around at the crowd surrounding him.
'Perfect. Time to unwind. You guys ready to have some fun after a long time?' asked Sekke, stretching.
'Ready to wreak havoc anytime, anywhere,' said Vritra.
'I have been yearning to aid you in battle again! And as I have learned from you, my King, I call dibs — use me first!' exclaimed Exodia.
'Heh, it doesn't work lik—'
"Alright, Exodia," said Sekke aloud.
'HUZZAH! Take that, you scaly fiend!!!' cheered Exodia.
'I really liked it when it was just us two… even then, this bastard refused to use me for a whole tournament just to satisfy his ego,' grumbled Vritra.
'Don't cry, Vritra. How about this — once I'm done playing around, I'll use your powers for the finale,' said Sekke.
'My King, so benevolent! You vile dragon tha—wait, are you laughing?! You guilt-tripped my liege!!!' yelled Exodia.
'Hahaha!!!' roared Vritra in delight.
"Alright everyone, just get ready. We're done installing the barriers. You can go all out, but don't cross the line," came Marx's voice.
"Oi dumbass! Seeing that we outnumber you so much, why not have the first move?" said Yami with a smirk.
"Really? Thanks a lot, Yami-san. I'll make sure you regret it," said Sekke with a cheerful smile.
Yami snorted, not thinking much of it — falling for trash talk in a fight was the worst thing to do.
However, everyone except Asta suddenly froze as they felt a massive wave of mana pressure crash down on them.
Sekke, having released his limiters, had his glowing eyes back. The mana in his body surged wildly, and the energy around him seemed to rejoice, thrilled to play with their king again.
"Exodia!" called Sekke as a bright light emerged and materialized above him into a giant figure of condensed mana — the golden giant himself.
"Awaiting your orders, my King!" exclaimed Exodia, ecstatic for battle after so long.
Sekke raised his hand, a smirk curling on his face.
[Exodia: Spirit Assimilation — King's Ascension]
Sekke's and Exodia's bodies glowed as the spirit disintegrated into fine mana particles, merging with him.
Soon, Sekke stood enveloped in golden aura, his hair and beard ablaze with divine flames. His scrawny body bulked up slightly, standing taller — radiant, regal, and ready.
"Ready or not… here I come," said Sekke with a smirk as he stared at Yami.
"Shi—" was all Yami could say before Sekke appeared in front of him like a blur and punched him, sending him flying.