The Capital of Clover Kingdom was bustling with life. Banners of each Magic Knight squad adorned the towering structures, and noble families, merchants, and commoners alike filled the streets with eager anticipation. The annual Magic Knights Gathering was about to commence — a grand meeting of all captains and vice-captains, where performance reports, missions, and kingdom threats would be evaluated.
But this year, something was different.
From the shadows of a secluded alley, a figure in a black cloak with a red cloud observed the excitement with unreadable calm.
Avi (thought): "The pieces are falling into place. The undercurrents are stronger this year. Lucius, your pawns are moving... but so are mine."
---
Within the Akatsuki base, Avi, Asta, and Yuno stood before a massive mirror enchanted to project magical communications. A message from Wizard King Julius had just arrived — a summons for all captains and new squad leaders to attend the Gathering. It was to be Asta's first official presence as a squad leader.
Asta: "Finally! I get to attend as a Captain! Hah, I wonder what those nobles will say!"
Yuno: "Don't get carried away. This meeting is about power, politics, and position. Keep your eyes open."
Avi: "He's right. You will be under scrutiny, Asta. And this gathering isn't just about formalities — something more is brewing. I can feel it."
Avi (thought): "Fuegoleon will be targeted soon. The Eye of the Midnight Sun will attack. Licht… will strike when least expected. I must ensure their plans crumble before they take root."
---
Meanwhile — Underwater Temple, Outer Barrier Region
A clone of Avi observed the ancient magic fields guarding the entry. The Underwater Temple, hidden beneath vast oceans, was awakening due to a rising mana imbalance. Strange aquatic beasts stirred restlessly.
Avi Clone (thought): "The Seabed Temple will soon be forced into contact. And the Magic Stone sealed there… the Eye will target it. But I'll be waiting."
He created several magic wards across the ocean currents, cloaked in stealth. If the Eye moved — he'd know.
---
Back in the capital, the Magic Knight Gathering began. Asta, dressed in his captain's cloak, entered the grand hall where all the captains had gathered. Julius Novachrono presided at the head.
Gasps and murmurs spread as Asta entered.
Captain Kaiser: "So this is the new captain? The boy who defeated us all?"
Charlotte: "He carries himself boldly. But is he stable enough?"
Yami: "Heh, my brat grew up."
Asta stood proudly. Avi watched from the shadows of the audience chamber, his presence undetected by all — even Julius.
Julius began the proceedings.
Julius: "We've faced unusual events this year. Strange mana disturbances in several zones, rising activity of ancient ruins, and… rumors of devil magic surfacing once more. The council has decided to double our outer patrols and renew the examination of ancient relic sites."
He turned toward Asta.
Julius: "And I welcome our newest captain — Asta, of the Akatsuki. He is granted access to the royal archives and mission control tier of a full captain."
Cheers and subdued claps followed. But within the hall, two figures stood silently — William Vangeance and Fuegoleon Vermillion, their expressions dark.
---
As the gathering ended and captains dispersed, a sudden magic flare erupted across the city.
Boom!
Explosions tore through the outer wall of the capital. Dark mages in white robes appeared, casting illusion and light magic. Citizens screamed and scattered.
Asta: "They're here! The Eye of the Midnight Sun!"
Yuno: "That's not all… that's Licht!"
Fuegoleon rushed ahead to protect civilians, his fire magic blazing.
Avi (thought): "No! This is the moment… Fuegoleon is the target!"
He teleported instantly — but not as Avi. In his secret identity, he created five powerful clones and intercepted several attacks headed toward Fuegoleon.
But one cursed blade made it through.
Slash!
Fuegoleon fell, his right arm severed. Blood sprayed as the captain collapsed.
Asta: "Fuegoleon-san!"
Yuno: "We have to save him!"
Avi summoned a spatial dome and shielded Fuegoleon with a healing stasis enchantment. He sent a clone to bring him back to the Akatsuki base for recovery.
Avi (thought): "He must live. His future… is crucial to the kingdom."
---
The attackers began to retreat as reinforcements arrived. Licht vanished using high-level teleportation magic, but not before locking eyes with Yuno.
Licht: "You… carry the soul of an Elf. Soon, you'll awaken."
Yuno froze. The mana around him twisted slightly.
Avi (thought): "The resonance is starting. The reincarnation magic is creeping closer. I need to suppress it... or guide it when the time comes."
---
Back in the Akatsuki base, Fuegoleon lay in a magic healing chamber.
Avi: "He will survive. But his battle is just beginning. He must awaken his spirit magic. And he must find Salamander… before it chooses another."
Asta: "Captain Fuegoleon was so strong… how did they get him?"
Avi: "Because even the strong can be blindsided when fate is manipulated. But fate can be manipulated in return. That's what we do."
The trio stood atop the castle walls, staring into the magical sky.
Yuno: "The enemies are no longer hiding. They're declaring war."
Avi: "Let them come. We'll be ready."
But even as he said that, deep in the Shadow Palace, Zagred's whispers echoed through forbidden tunnels. A black heart began pulsing again.
And far to the north, in the Spade Kingdom, Lucius smiled as he watched visions of the Clover Kingdom burning.
Lucius: "The false king… is awakening. But the real one will rise."
Avi (thought): "We're entering the endgame. And I'm not here to play fair."
[To Be Continued...]