The day of the Magic Knights Entrance Exam had arrived, and the plaza outside the Magic Knight Tower buzzed with anticipation. Children and their families filled the streets, the hum of magical energy palpable in the air. Satoru's Star Magic orbs spun around him in perfect arcs, a calm halo of power reflecting the deep purple of his grimoire. Yuno stood beside him, serene and composed, while Asta bounced energetically, clutching his Anti-Magic grimoire.
Before the exam began, the plaza was suddenly swarmed by anti-birds—small, mischievous creatures drawn to examinees with low magical power. Yuno remained untouched, his aura calm and unthreatened, while Asta became the center of their attention, dodging and swatting at the persistent birds.
Satoru observed quietly, letting the sequence play out. His Star Magic formed subtle defensive patterns around himself and Yuno, ready to intervene if necessary. The system whispered: Ally potential trigger sequence initiated. Anti-Magic synergy required for optimal growth.
Asta darted across the plaza in an attempt to escape the birds, inadvertently bumping into Yami Sukehiro, the imposing captain of the Black Bulls. The crowd noticed immediately, murmuring at the sudden encounter. Satoru's orbs tightened, forming precise arcs, but he allowed the scene to unfold naturally—this was part of Asta's path.
Before the confrontation could escalate, the exam officially began. Captains, except Yami, revealed themselves, and William Vangeance introduced himself as the head examiner. With a gesture, he summoned brooms for all examinees.
"The first test is flight," he announced. "Levitate your broom using your magic and demonstrate control."
Yuno effortlessly mounted his broom, rising gracefully into the air. His wind magic flowed smoothly, allowing him to soar with precision. Satoru hovered calmly, observing the techniques of each child while his Star Magic orbs acted as both shield and sensor.
Asta struggled, unable to lift his broom. Satoru allowed it, knowing this was essential for Asta's Anti-Magic awakening. Observing the chaos of the anti-birds earlier, he understood the importance of letting events play out naturally.
The exam continued with tasks such as firing magic blasts at a wall, hitting moving targets, creating magical constructs, and growing a seed using mana. Yuno excelled with flawless control. Satoru demonstrated refined precision, using his Star Magic to complement his grimoire, completing each task with calculated efficiency. Asta failed every task, until the final combat test.
During the duel, Sekke Bronzazza approached Asta, pairing up for the fight and hurling insults. Asta, empowered by his Anti-Magic grimoire, countered and defeated Sekke, declaring his goal to become the Wizard King. Yuno, challenged by the noble Salim Hapshass, defeated him effortlessly.
The captains then reviewed the results. All nine raised their hands for Yuno, who chose to join the Golden Dawn. Asta's turn was met with silence—until Yami stepped forward, impressed by his raw determination, officially recruiting him into the Black Bulls.
Then came Satoru. The captains watched him with interest as he stepped forward, demonstrating his Star Magic and tactical brilliance. His orbs danced around him in coordinated patterns, combining offensive strikes, precise defenses, and elegant formations. The subtlety of his magic and strategic thinking caught the attention of Charlotte Roselei, captain of the Blue Rose squad.
Charlotte's piercing gaze studied him carefully. She appreciated not just power, but composure, finesse, and the ability to adapt in unpredictable situations. Satoru's careful observation of both allies and opponents, his strategic deployment of Star Magic, and his controlled yet overwhelming presence demonstrated exactly the qualities she sought in a squad member.
"Blue Rose," Satoru murmured to himself, considering the options. The squad's reputation for precision, elegance, and tactical prowess aligned perfectly with his vision for growth. He also sensed that working under a captain like Charlotte would sharpen his abilities more than any other squad could. The decision felt natural.
All other captains raised their hands, indicating interest, but Satoru calmly chose the Blue Rose squad, feeling that his path to rising as a magical powerhouse, while refining his strategy and control, would be best served there. Charlotte nodded in approval, her arms crossed, a faint smile breaking her otherwise stern expression.
As the ceremony ended, the three friends stood together—Yuno heading to the Golden Dawn, Asta to the Black Bulls, and Satoru to the Blue Rose. Even separated into different squads, the bond between them remained unbroken, forged through shared experience, mutual respect, and the subtle guidance Satoru had employed since their earliest encounters.
His Star Magic orbs swirled gently around him as he looked toward the future. The rising star of the Clover Kingdom had taken his first step into true prominence, and the path ahead promised challenges, growth, and the chance to leave a lasting mark on the world.