Chapter 6: The Magic Knights Entrance Examination
The exam grounds were bustling with noise and energy. Dozens of Anti-Birds circled above, darting through the sky like arrows. Among the crowd, Asta was being mercilessly pecked and chased, flailing his arms as he ran around in pain.
His desperate sprint ended when he crashed headfirst into the chest of a massive, muscle-bound man.
"Ah—sorry for bumping into you!" Asta blurted, rubbing his forehead.
The man glared down at him. "You're dead, brat."
Asta froze. The man's broad shoulders and terrifying expression made his heart pound. In a panic, he blurted, "Y-your face looks so… weathered. You must've endured so much hardship to make it here!"
The man scowled. "Ready to die?" He reached out with one massive hand, clamping it around Asta's head as though ready to crush it like a melon.
Before things escalated, a voice called out. "There you are, Yami-san! What are you doing here?"
The muscle-bound man — Yami — turned his head. "I was just about to strangle this kid."
The blond man sighed. "You can't kill the examinees, Captain. And what are you even doing at the testing grounds?"
"I got lost," Yami said flatly. "Went to take a dump."
Before Asta could respond, a booming voice echoed across the field from the high stands. "All examinees, thank you for waiting!"
Yami released Asta and muttered, "Consider yourself lucky, kid. Cherish the life I just spared you — or I'll end it myself next time."
The speaker on the platform stepped forward. He wore a half-mask adorned with feathers, his tone calm yet commanding. "Today's examination will be overseen by me."
The crowd erupted in whispers. "It's him — William Vangeance, Captain of the Golden Dawn! The strongest Magic Knight squad! The one most likely to become the next Wizard King!"
William ignored the chatter. With a simple motion of his hand, he cast a spell. "World Tree Magic: Tree of Genesis."
The sky split open. Countless glowing roots descended from above, twisting and weaving together into broomsticks that floated gently into the hands of every participant.
"The entrance examination for the Magic Knights will now begin," William announced. "You will undergo several trials. The nine squad captains will observe your performance and select those they wish to recruit. Those not chosen will be disqualified from joining any squad."
"The first test — flight. Use the broom you hold to soar through the air. This is the most basic skill for any mage. If you can't manage this, you don't belong among us."
The square erupted with energy as the examinees poured their mana into their brooms. Some couldn't lift off at all; others overdid it and shot wildly in every direction. Controlling mana, after all, required finesse — something not easily achieved without years of practice.
Yuno rose gracefully into the air, effortless and stable. Leo managed as well, though his broom wobbled slightly — his focus lay elsewhere. His goal wasn't the famed Golden Dawn. It was the most chaotic and ridiculed squad of all: the Black Bulls.
Meanwhile, Asta sat on his broom… completely still. No matter how much he yelled or concentrated, the broom didn't move an inch.
After tests of spell accuracy, projectile control, and mana shaping, the final exam was announced.
"The last test," William said, "is combat. Pair up with anyone you like and fight using your grimoires. Remember, in the Magic Knights, battle is part of your duty. Show us what you can do."
A smug noble called Hamon chose Asta as his opponent, laughing as he cast a defensive spell. "Come on, peasant — hit me if you can."
Asta grinned. "Gladly."
With one swing, his sword shattered the man's barrier and sent him sprawling unconscious on the ground. The crowd gasped.
Yuno's match ended in a single elegant strike.
Leo's opponent was another commoner — quick but inexperienced. Leo summoned chains of glowing light and sent them snapping forward. Two strikes later, the man's mana was sealed completely, leaving him powerless to resist.
When all battles had finished, the captains began their selection.
Yuno's performance stunned everyone — all nine captains raised their hands to recruit him. Yuno, calm as ever, chose the Golden Dawn.
Leo's turn came next. His magic reserves weren't large, and he clearly wasn't noble-born. Only two captains raised their hands: the Purple Orcas and the Black Bulls. Leo didn't hesitate. He stepped forward and chose the Black Bulls.
Then came Asta.
No one raised a hand.
Silence filled the hall until Asta suddenly shouted, voice trembling with determination. "Even if I can't join the Magic Knights today, no matter how many times I fail, no matter what anyone says — someday, I'll become the Wizard King! I'll prove it to everyone!"
A moment passed. Then a deep laugh echoed through the chamber.
Yami stepped forward. "You've got guts, kid. Fine. You're coming with me. And just so you know — you don't get to say no. But be ready. You'll live through hell in my squad. Someday, though, you'd better make good on that promise — and show me the Wizard King you'll become."
With that, Asta was officially accepted into the Black Bulls.
After the ceremony, Leo found himself standing behind Yami, staying cautious to avoid a sudden "head-crushing" moment.
Two members stood nearby. The blond one turned and smiled. "Welcome, newbie. Name's Finral Roulacase."
Next to him stood a panda-faced man who mumbled something incomprehensible, his voice barely above a whisper.
Leo nodded politely, pretending to understand.
Moments later, Yami turned toward Asta, who had just arrived. His gaze darkened. "You little runt… what took you so long?"
Asta froze. "Uh… I, uh, went to the bathroom."
Yami's eyebrow twitched. "You made me wait that long for a dump?!"
Asta scratched his head nervously. "It was… a long one," he admitted, even using his hands to demonstrate the length.
Leo could only watch, speechless, as a thousand silent curses ran through his mind. So this… is my captain.
"Who the hell asked about your bathroom habits, you little bastard?!" Yami roared, glaring daggers at Asta.
"Finral, let's go."
Finral quickly opened his grimoire, chanting, "Spatial Magic — Fallen Angel's Gateway!"
A glowing rift tore through the air, swirling like liquid light.
Leo sighed inwardly. Why such a grand name? It's just a portal. Does every spell in this world need to sound like a prophecy?
Asta blinked in amazement. "Whoa! What's this?"
Yami folded his arms. "If you can't fly with mana, at least learn some movement magic. Oh, wait— you don't have mana."
Finral stammered, "C-Captain Yami, maintaining a portal this large is exhausting, so could you please—"
Yami glared. "You giving me orders? Hold it together. You're standing right there—now surpass your limits!"
Finral's face went pale. "Y-yes, Captain!"
Without warning, Yami grabbed Asta by the back of the collar and hurled him straight into the glowing portal.
Leo didn't wait around to see if he was next. He dashed forward and leapt into the rift before Yami decided to throw him too.
On the other side stood a dark, crooked castle that looked more like a haunted fortress than headquarters.
Before they could even take in the view, the main doors burst open with a thunderous crash. Inside, the scene was complete chaos — people were brawling, laughing, drinking, eating, and throwing spells at random.
Leo and Asta exchanged a look. The same thought crossed both their minds: The worst, most notorious Magic Knight squad — the Black Bulls.
Asta stepped forward first, raising his voice proudly. "I'm Asta from Hage Village! Starting today, I'll be joining the Black Bulls! Please take care of me!"
No one responded. Not a single person looked at him. The noise inside continued like a tavern gone mad.
Finally, Yami snapped. "You idiots—stop breaking stuff!" he yelled, then punched the nearest wall, shattering it completely.
Leo's eye twitched. You're the one breaking the most things here…
Immediately, the room fell silent. Everyone rushed to Yami, shouting apologies, excuses, and complaints all at once.
Yami grinned. "Oh? So you guys love me that much?" His smile faded instantly. "But you're too damn loud."
Every member bowed. "We're so sorry!"
"Good," Yami said, crossing his arms again. "We've got two new recruits. Train them hard — even if it kills them."
Asta stepped forward again, shouting, "I'm Asta from Hage Village! Nice to meet you all!"
Leo followed. "I'm Leo, also from Hage Village. I look forward to working with everyone."
Yami nodded. "Some of the others are on missions, some on break, some probably slacking off. Either way, get along."
Asta and Leo responded together, "Understood! We'll get along with everyone!"
Asta's shout drowned out Leo's entirely.
Yami frowned. "How does such a small body produce that much noise?!"
A drunken woman staggered over, bottle in hand. "Hage Village, huh? That border town? Impressive, two little boys from nowhere made it into the Magic Knights. Want a reward from big sis? I can make you feel good~"
Leo immediately took a few steps back, sensing danger. Asta, on the other hand, stood there talking obliviously — nearly getting drenched in wine.
Definitely not someone to mess with, Leo thought.
A loud voice echoed from the corner. A man with wild hair, a headband, and a delinquent grin stepped forward. "So these runts from the countryside are our new members? You've gotta be kidding me."
He cracked his knuckles. "Name's Magna Swing — the manliest man under Captain Yami! Anyone who wants to wear the Black Bull cloak needs my approval first!"
Magna grinned. "Time for your initiation! You'll face my magic. Survive or dodge my attacks, and you'll earn your cloak!"
Without hesitation, he hurled a fireball straight at Asta.
Asta swung his enormous sword, deflecting the blast right back at Magna.
The explosion sent Magna rolling backward, but when the smoke cleared, he was laughing. "Damn brat! You almost roasted me! Not bad at all!" He clapped Asta on the shoulder. "You didn't just block my spell — you sent it back! I like you, kid."
Asta grinned. "I'm Asta!"
"Magna Swing," he replied proudly. "I'm from Rayaka Village — just north of Hage."
Asta gasped. "That's way out in the countryside!"
Magna twitched. "Don't remind me!"
Asta continued, "I don't just have low mana — I've got none!"
Magna's grin widened. "No mana? That's awesome! You're a real man!"
He turned to Leo. "Alright, next is you. Same deal — block or dodge my attack!"
A massive fireball shot toward Leo. He opened his grimoire calmly, chanting, "Sealing Magic: Chain Wall."
Chains of light surged from the ground, intertwining into a solid barrier that absorbed the blast completely.
Magna whistled. "Not bad at all! You're tougher than you look."
The rest of the squad gathered around, cheering and yelling in excitement.
Finally, Magna held out two folded cloaks bearing the emblem of the Black Bull. "Here — these are yours now. Asta, Leo — welcome to the Black Bulls."
The drunken woman smirked and used her magic to place the cloaks on them, even conjuring a headband for Asta.
Leo smiled faintly and said, "Sister, could I get one too?" He needed to hide the Yin Seal on his forehead.
She laughed softly. "Such a sweet little rookie~" She waved her hand again, weaving a matching headband for him.
Yami looked around the room, smirking. "Alright, brats — from this day forward, you're officially part of the Black Bulls."
As laughter and chaos filled the room again, Leo glanced around at his new squadmates — misfits, drunkards, and lunatics — and couldn't help smiling.
It was reckless, wild, and loud.
But it was also home.