A tattered black cloak, a bull skull emblem.
Drake instantly recognized the muscular man smoking a cigarette: Yami Sukehiro, captain of the Black Bulls, the man known as the Destroyer.
While Drake observed Yami, the onlookers explained what the Black Bulls were. Drake looked at them, confused; who were they explaining to?
Yami, the "true main character," possessed remarkably powerful magic.
Asta and Yami's antics continued, and Drake enjoyed the spectacle. It wouldn't hurt for Asta to become familiar with the future captain.
When Asta tried to escape Yami's grasp, Drake saw Yami's expression of surprise. He understood Asta's physical condition and the extent of his training.
While Yami threatened to kill Asta, he wouldn't actually do it in this setting… probably!
As Yami counted down to the last second of Asta's supposed lifespan, magical fireworks erupted, signaling the start of the exam.
Yami released Asta. "Kid, lucky to be alive. Cherish it!"
He and his squad members left.
No one paid attention to Asta anymore; the nine Magic Knight captains had arrived, taking their seats.
Sekke Bronzazza, with his peculiar speech patterns, approached Asta, introducing the captains.
He wasn't being kind; the exam wasn't score-based but an interview; results depended on performance.
After the exam, if a captain was satisfied, they'd raise a hand; no hands meant failure.
Sekke planned to use the seemingly weak Asta as a foil to make himself stand out.
The nine captains were unique. Asta's commentary never stopped.
Asta and Yuno focused on the man in the center, wearing an ornate mask: the Golden Dawn captain, William Vangeance, the most likely next Wizard King.
Vangeance stepped forward. "Candidates, I'll be conducting the exam."
He opened his Grimoire; green magical light shone.
"Magic Tree Descent!"
Drake looked up; branches sprouted from the sky, transforming into magic brooms.
Magic brooms were basic magical tools used for flight, common transportation for mages.
But Vangeance created hundreds with a single spell, showcasing his power.
The branches delivered brooms to everyone, demonstrating incredible control.
"The closest to the Wizard King!"
Asta and Yuno, holding brooms, looked at Vangeance, their eyes burning with ambition.
While they dreamed of becoming Wizard King, they lacked a tangible goal. Vangeance's display provided one.
Drake took a broom, looking at Vangeance. His magic power hadn't diminished; he was terrifying.
Perhaps his other reincarnated elf soul played a role; that elf was also chosen by a four-leaf clover.
Drake sensed Vangeance possessed the strongest magic among the captains. The others were at a similar level, only Vangeance slightly surpassed them.
The brooms were part of the first test.
Using them required magic power and control. The skill demonstrated basic ability.
Drake, though inexperienced with brooms, had superior magic power and control. He confidently flew—
But… "A miscalculation!"
Drake was like a limp fish hanging from the broom.
"Ugh! This… is transportation?"
Dragon Slayers notoriously feared transportation.
"Damn it, World Magic didn't remove the side effect? Ugh!!!"
Drake was flustered; his Dragon Slayer fear of transportation was uncorrectable, even with World Magic. It was a curse!
"Hahahaha, what's with that kid? Hilarious!"
Yami laughed, slapping his thigh.
Fuegoleon Vermilion, captain of the Crimson Lion Kings, boomed, "Is that the other four-leaf clover youth? Good magic power and control. But… is he unwell?"
Drake could at least fly; Asta, with a constipated expression, couldn't even move his broom.
Drake, relieved, landed.
He tossed the broom aside, vowing never to use transportation again. It was awful.
The next tests were easy for Drake. Magic power release, shaping, and evolution were effortless.
These tests examined different aspects of magical ability. The captains could assess talent and training.
Only Asta shouted constantly without using magic.
The final test arrived.
Vangeance announced, "The final test: a sparring match!"
Fuegoleon stood. "Combat! Two-on-two! Attack each other with your Grimoires. Show your strength!"
Vangeance added, "Surrender or inability to fight ends the match. Recovery mages are on standby. Fight freely!"
The candidates discussed; this was crucial.
The Magic Knights were essentially military; combat ability was paramount. Poor combat skills meant elimination.
Finding a suitable opponent was key. Many searched for partners.
A hand shot up, drawing everyone's attention. The crowd parted, revealing Drake.
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