Drake regretted not having a photographic memory; if he'd remembered the plot details, this wouldn't have happened.
After defeating Heath, Drake had carefully checked; his magic power and body were completely sealed. They planned to take him back to the Magic Knights and extract more information.
Unexpectedly, Heath had implanted a magical device in his body, activating a self-destruct spell even with his magic sealed, leaving no corpse behind.
Drake doubted they would have gotten any information even if Heath had lived. Aside from whether Heath knew more, the Eye of the Midnight Sun had a powerful ally within the Magic Knights.
William Vangeance, a Magic Knight Captain considered the closest to becoming Wizard King, was the leader of the organization aiming to overthrow the kingdom.
The dual-soul situation was unbelievable! His appearance, magic, even his Grimoire were different; it was understandable that he wasn't suspected.
Seeing the villagers' renewed spirits, Drake felt some relief. This was why he'd only asHeathted instead of personally defeating Heath.
Heath's words were twisted prejudice, yet reflected the world's prevailing view, even believed by the villagers.
Only Asta, lacking magic power, could defeat Heath and restore the villagers' belief in their own potential. Saving hearts is far more difficult and important than saving lives.
The magic stones fell into their hands. These were forbidden magical tools from the elves 500 years ago, the reason for Heath's attack.
They were delivered by Secre Swallowtail, the First Wizard King's attendant, transformed into a Magic-Avoidance Bird due to forbidden magic.
Secre, guarding Asta's five-leaf clover Grimoire, had been following Asta; Drake knew this. She couldn't speak due to the seal, so Drake ignored her.
Asta finally noticed the bird, now named Nero, who openly perched on his head.
Their first mission was completed. They returned to headquarters and reported to Captain Yami.
Yami, despite his casual demeanor, understood the gravity of the situation—a problem within the Magic Knights—immediately reporting it to the Wizard King.
There was no reply by Drake's vacation, but he believed the investigation continued.
Drake couldn't accuse Vangeance; no one would believe him, and his source would be questioned. He had to wait for a better opportunity. Worrying about this during his vacation was too stressful.
For protecting the villagers, the Wizard King awarded the Black Bulls a star. Stars are given for achievements, signifying a squad's strength.
The Golden Dawn had the most stars: seventy.
The Black Bulls were last, with negative thirty stars (after receiving one). This was proof of their "misdeeds."
Drake saw Asta's shock at the gap between him and Yuno.
Afterward, it was payday, followed by a two-day vacation.
Drake, like Asta, kept some money for expenses and sent the rest to the Hage Village church. Without his hunting, the church would struggle. Yuno likely sent his pay as well, supplementing their funds.
Drake planned to visit the library but encountered Asta and Noelle. Vanessa was taking them shopping in the capital; Drake joined out of curiosity.
Vanessa took them on brooms; Drake used his magic. They quickly reached the capital.
Their last visit was during the entrance exam; this time, they could explore, with Vanessa as their guide.
"Why are you so surprised, Noelle?" Drake asked.
Noelle blushed. "So noisy! I'm royalty! I wouldn't be here."
Drake looked around. Royalty and nobles wouldn't be in such a place, especially Noelle, who'd never been to the black market.
Vanessa had taken them to the black market. While illegal, the transactions weren't extreme.
In the Clover Kingdom, only nobles engaged in legitimate commerce. The royal family, to maintain their rule, heavily restricted transactions involving magical tools.
Commoners and impoverished mages gathered in the black market. It was chaotic but might have unique items.
The royals, unconcerned, allowed it to exist.
Without Vanessa, Drake couldn't have found the black market hidden by magic.
Vanessa, unlike Drake's expectations, didn't seek free drinks but guided them.
Drake came for the black market; it supposedly held ancient magical tools.
He found an unknown mage's research notes, among ordinary books, at a low price.
He had his eye on another magical tool but couldn't afford it. Still, he was satisfied.
Around a corner, Drake saw a familiar face.
"Huh… Sekke!"
He wore a green Magic Knight cloak, a member of the Green Mantis squad.
This was Sekke Bronzazza, who'd planned to use Asta as a stepping stone during the entrance exam. His peculiar speech made him memorable.
In the original timeline, despite being defeated by Asta, he passed the exam. He joined the Green Mantis squad, even without fighting Asta.
Sekke looked dejected, having lost a card game. The old woman across from him said, "I can see the future."
Drake's pupils constricted. For anyone else, it would be a lie, but not for her.
She was the old woman selling grilled snake skin during the entrance exam—the 28th Wizard King, Julius Novachrono, whose time magic allowed him to see the future.
The Wizard King was using magic to win money from his subordinates! Asta's opinion of the Wizard King might change if he knew.
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