Charles stood off to the side, arms folded, watching the rest of the matches with a massive yawn.
If he had to summarize the other fights in one phrase, it would be: all style, no substance.
The other candidates tried to impress the captains by using flashy, high-impact magic. But in a real fight, who gives you time to prep large-scale spells?
If it were Charles up there, he could've taken them down before they even began casting.
That said, maybe the intense first match between Charles, Asta, and Yuno had shaken the others. Somehow, none of them seemed to be fighting at the level their mana suggested.
Then again, maybe they just lacked actual combat talent—or had barely trained for real battle at all.
So the matches dragged on, one after another, until the sun dipped low and the final bout ended.
At last, the moment that made everyone anxious yet excited finally arrived.
"Candidates will be called by number. Please step forward when your number is announced."
Charlotte Roselei, captain of the Blue Rose Knights, stood and said, "Captains who wish to recruit a candidate may raise their hand. If more than one captain raises their hand, the candidate may choose which squad to join."
Fuegoleon Vermillion added, "However, if no captain raises their hand, the candidate is considered unqualified to join any Magic Knight squad."
And Nozel Silva, captain of the Silver Eagles, concluded coldly, "You will then immediately leave the arena."
Tension thickened. But fate doesn't wait for anyone's nerves to settle—the announcements began.
---
"Candidate 32 – No hands raised."
"Candidate 40 – No hands raised."
"Candidate 67 – No hands raised."
---
Then finally:
"Candidate 71…!"
A captain raised a hand. The first one of the day.
"Candidate 71 is accepted into the Purple Orcas."
Then Candidate 78 was accepted by Fuegoleon into the Crimson Lions, and Candidate 99 joined the Coral Peacocks.
At last, it was time for Candidate 164: Yuno.
Just as in the original timeline—all nine captains raised their hands.
Yuno, unsurprisingly, chose the squad closest to the Wizard King's seat: the Golden Dawn.
---
"Candidate 165, step forward!"
Charles walked calmly to the front, meeting the eyes of all nine captains on the platform. As expected, just like Yuno—all nine captains raised their hands.
Without hesitation, Charles said, "I choose to join the Black Bulls."
"What?!"
Gasps filled the arena. Candidates and captains alike were stunned.
Why would someone voluntarily join the Black Bulls, when they had offers from the Golden Dawn and the Silver Eagles?
The Black Bulls had the worst reputation among the squads. Known for destruction and chaos, they were seen as the kingdom's most disgraceful brigade.
Even Yami himself looked shocked—he had raised his hand to express admiration, not thinking for a second that Charles would actually choose them.
But then a wide grin spread across Yami's face. Maybe this guy really did fit the Bulls' style…
Suddenly, Fuegoleon stood. "Young man, may I ask why you chose the Black Bulls?"
Yami barked, "Oi, fire freak, what are you trying to say? You looking down on my squad?"
Fuegoleon replied sternly, "Not at all. But this young man is an exceptional talent. He deserves a brighter future."
Yami already had his hand on his sword hilt. "The hell's that supposed to mean? Sounds like you are looking down on us! I'll cut you!"
Vangeance stepped in to mediate. "Calm down, Yami. You know Fuegoleon means no harm. Why don't we let the young man speak for himself?"
Charles scratched his head. "If you want a reason… I guess the Bulls just seem more relaxed."
"That's it?!" The crowd stared in disbelief.
But Charles was being honest. The other squads were made up mostly of nobles or even royalty. The Bulls, while filled with misfits, were also sincere and honest people.
Sure, Yuno had joined the Golden Dawn—but just gaining the approval of his squadmates would take him a long time.
And most importantly, the Black Bulls were the protagonists of this world's story.
For someone like Charles, who had outgrown basic training, only real combat could push him to the next level. Only in the Bulls would he get enough action to grow stronger and someday amass the mana needed to cast World Travel.
There was chatter and protest, but rules were rules. Charles had made his choice—and no one could stop him.
---
"Candidate 166, step forward!"
Asta swallowed hard but straightened his back and walked forward with resolve.
Charles sighed. As expected, not a single captain raised their hand.
Even after Asta had shown his resolve in their match, this was a world ruled by magic. And Asta had none.
No matter how courageous or determined he was, the fact remained: he had zero magic. The captains all sensed this—and refrained from raising their hands.
Only one man stood.
Yami placed one foot on the railing and shouted, "Of course no one raised their hand! No matter how strong someone is, if their power's suspicious and they've got no magic, no one's gonna want them!
Because Magic Knights—need magic!"
Dark purple energy erupted from Yami's body, pressing down on the entire arena like a massive weight. The very ground trembled.
Charles watched closely. He had sensed Yami's power before—but now, feeling it head-on, he understood just how terrifying a Magic Knight Captain could be.
Yami leapt from the platform. As he approached, the sheer pressure of his magic grew stronger.
Even Asta, who lacked mana and couldn't sense magic directly, felt the oppressive force and instinctively tensed every muscle.
Yami came face to face with him.
"You've got no magic. No one wants you. That's reality."
He stared Asta down. "You said you want to become Wizard King. That means you'd have to surpass us—all nine captains. And you—without a single drop of magic—still dare to shout about being the Wizard King in front of me?"
It was a trial. A test of conviction. In a moment like this, you couldn't lie—and even the slightest hesitation would spell failure.
But conviction? That was Asta's greatest strength.
Clenching his fists, Asta declared, "Even if I can't join the Magic Knights—even if people laugh at me—I'll still become the Wizard King someday!"
Yami burst out laughing. Then he retracted his magic and pointed at Asta.
"You're an interesting one. Join my squad."
"Eh?!" Asta blinked, stunned.
"I mean the Black Bulls! And just so you know, you don't get to refuse. Life in the Bulls'll be hell—so get ready!"
"EHHHHHHH?!" Asta trembled, unsure what future awaited him.
Yami added, "And when the time comes—become the Wizard King and show me what you've got."
Charles watched it all, feeling something stir in his chest. This was Asta's beginning. And Yami's faith in him—wasn't just about strength.
Yami might look crude and careless, but he was one of the rare people who believed in others' potential. Charles was now sure—joining the Black Bulls had been the right decision.