The Magic Knights' Entrance Exam had entered its final stage, and candidates across the arena were busy choosing opponents.
"I've found mine!"
Adam smirked, a half-circle grin curling on his lips. Standing before him was a chubby boy dressed in gaudy noble clothes—the same guy who had mocked him earlier.
Perfect target.
Adam had been hoping to find some puffed-up aristocrat to crush, just to put a dent in their noble pride. But… would nobles even take this kind of public exam?
Apparently, this one would.
The fat boy—Ladin—was fanning himself dramatically, completely ignored by everyone.
"Hah! You're all just afraid of my invincible talent!" he boasted, chest puffed out.
No one responded. The other candidates just rolled their eyes. They knew Ladin was cheating—his protective gear screamed new money trying too hard.
"Hey, fatty," Adam said, walking up behind him and clapping a hand on his shoulder. "How about we go have some fun on stage?"
Ladin jumped so hard his fan almost snapped. "Ah! You filthy—oh! My friend! Haha, yes! Of course!"
The two exchanged fake smiles and strutted arm in arm toward the stage—like old buddies in a bad play.
But before their match began, another pair took the spotlight.
Asta versus Sekke Bronzazza.
The Roaring Emperor versus the Huha Emperor.
Adam leaned back, intrigued. "What kind of magic was that again…?"
Sekke's Bronze Magic was flashy, but nothing compared to Asta's sheer willpower.
The moment Asta swung his anti-magic sword, Sekke's bronze turtle-shell armor shattered, sending him crashing through the stage.
The entire arena fell silent.
"I will become the Wizard King!" Asta bellowed, muscles flexing.
Then, as usual, the mockery began.
"This peasant actually said that out loud?"
"Haha, typical country bumpkin—doesn't know his place."
Adam's grin tightened. He squeezed Ladin's arm so hard the noble whimpered.
"B-Brother, please, gentle hands!"
"You think so too, huh?" Adam asked, voice sweet but dangerous.
"What—what do you mean?"
"Old-fashioned," Adam muttered.
Ladin blinked, then forced a laugh. "No, no! I've always admired the countryside! I wish I were born there—"
"Shut up."
Adam turned his attention back to the field, ignoring the fuming noble.
"I'll kill that savage…" Ladin gritted his teeth, barely keeping his composure.
Yuno stepped up next, his Wind Magic forming elegant tornado blades. Within seconds, his opponent was flattened.
Adam chuckled. "Still as cool as ever, Yuno."
After Yuno's easy victory, the proctor's voice boomed, "Next—final match! Last pair, to the stage!"
Before Ladin could move, Adam grabbed his arm and tossed him forward.
"You damned savage!" Ladin screamed, red-faced. "You filthy peasant—you've probably never even seen gold in your life!"
Adam didn't answer. His smile widened into something almost feral.
He wanted this loudmouth gone.
"Match—begin!"
"Steel Giant!"
Ladin's ruby bracelet blazed crimson, his silver Grimoire glowing white. A massive armored golem erupted from the ground.
"Magic tools to boost power, huh?" murmured William Vangeance from the stands.
The Green Mantis Captain snorted. "Rich brat's cheating. Let's see how long he lasts."
Adam's smirk turned wicked. "Oh, this'll be fun."
Ladin cackled. "Taste my punch, you filthy peasant!"
"Dragon Blast!"
The golden Grimoire opened wide. Flames surged from Adam's mouth—an explosive jet of roaring gold fire.
It missed the mark slightly, but still melted the Steel Giant's arm clean off.
Gasps erupted across the arena.
"Wha—what kind of magic is that?!"
Even the captains leaned forward, eyes wide.
Adam frowned. "Still too weak."
Ladin froze, horror dawning in his eyes. "I—I surrender—"
"Too late! Dragon Blast!"
Another jet of dragon fire thundered out, engulfing the stage in golden flames. The Steel Giant exploded violently.
When the smoke cleared, Ladin was lying in a puddle of his own fear, twitching but alive—his expensive magic tools charred and useless.
Adam sighed. "Weaker than the first time. Can't even condense an energy beam yet."
Down below, Asta was practically vibrating with inspiration.
"Adam is amazing! I have to train harder! I will become the Wizard King!"
In the stands, Yami Sukehiro grinned, lighting a cigarette. "Heh… that's one hell of a breath attack."
William's mask hid his expression, but his eyes gleamed. "Power beyond mana itself…"
The exam ended as the sun set.
Results
"Candidates, step forward when your number is called!"
"Those chosen by a squad may select one offer."
Ladin—somehow—was picked by the Coral Peacock Squad. Adam raised a brow. Must've bribed someone.
"Candidate No. 162—Adam. Step forward!"
Adam walked calmly to the center, golden Grimoire in hand.
Two hands rose.
The Black Bulls.
The Aqua Deer.
Adam blinked. No Wild Rose? No Sleeping Beauty? Damn.
"I choose…" He smirked. "…the Black Bulls."
From the stands, Yami grinned wider, his shadowy aura flaring. "Oi, looks like we found ourselves a spicy one."
Adam smiled back. "Guess I'm in the right place."
As expected, Yuno was chosen by every captain and joined the Golden Dawn.
Asta, after nearly scaring Yami to death with his enthusiasm, was dragged into the Black Bulls too.
And so— The three orphans from Hage Village—Asta, Yuno, and Adam—took their first step into the world of Magic Knights.