Four men, each clutching a grimoire, advanced slowly.
Their cold, mocking eyes fixed on Yuuki, who stood encircled at the center.
"I don't think I know any of you," Yuuki said in a low, steady voice.
"Heh… you don't. But you've offended someone you shouldn't have,"
one of the mages sneered, his expression cruel as he sized up Yuuki's limbs.
"Brothers—one arm or leg each. Take all four off."
A vicious command echoed through the street.
The other three mages laughed coldly, gazing at Yuuki like butchers eyeing a lamb for slaughter.
Take off his limbs?
They were out for blood!
Yuuki's gaze turned frigid, though his mind remained calm.
He could already guess who had sent these men—but now wasn't the time to dwell on that.
Four against one.
The odds weren't in his favor.
He was surrounded—breaking through would be impossible.
That left only one option: fight head-on.
His eyes swept over their positions. Magic Binding Iron-Lock Formation could seal just one of them—but whoever was caught would instantly lose their ability to fight.
That would still leave three opponents.
He'd have to use Tower of Storms to block off the two behind him,
leaving only one mage he'd have to face directly.
Of course, that was the ideal scenario.
In reality, he couldn't unleash two spells back-to-back in an instant—
and his enemies wouldn't stand around waiting politely while he did.
That gap between incantations…
was the most dangerous moment of all.
The silver grimoire before Yuuki floated into the air, glowing faintly.
Around him, the four mages' grimoires rose as well, each one radiating its own menacing light.
They sneered at his defiance, their contempt palpable.
The air grew tense—
and then—
Bang!
From across the street, the door of an old, dimly lit little diner flew open.
Out stepped a girl in an apron, her reddish-brown hair spilling past her shoulders.
"What do you think you're doing!?"
Her voice rang sharp through the night as she stood there, hands on hips.
The sudden shout froze everyone in place.
The leader's face darkened; the passersby had already scattered,
and yet this girl had the nerve to walk toward the commotion.
"Stay out of this," the mage snapped coldly.
"Do you have any idea how hard it is to get a bunch of kids to sleep!?"
the red-haired girl shot back irritably—an odd remark, but her tone brimmed with genuine annoyance.
"I don't care what you're trying to do," she continued, raising her voice,
"but today's the Magic Knights' recruitment day! Each district has members stationed nearby!"
"If you four don't leave right now, I'll call the Magic Knight officer over here—
and he's really close by!"
Her deliberate shouting carried down the street.
The four mages' faces twisted in unison.
They weren't actually afraid of the so-called Magic Knight stationed nearby—
after all, if they dared attack someone openly, they clearly knew that help wouldn't arrive in time.
Yuuki knew it too.
He'd only been in the capital for a day,
and the only person he'd offended was that noble, Meath.
For someone of his rank, delaying the city guard—or even a Magic Knight—was child's play.
Even so…
the girl's shout had drawn attention.
People began peeking from shop windows,
curious faces multiplying along both sides of the street.
The crowd might not intervene,
but they certainly weren't shy about watching.
Seeing that, the four mages' expressions soured even further.
"Withdraw!" the leader barked.
Without hesitation, they vanished into the night.
Yuuki stayed where he was, eyes following their retreating figures.
His face remained tense—no relief, only grim resolve.
He knew full well that a noble like Mias wouldn't let him go so easily.
"Troublesome," he muttered under his breath, a chill glint flashing in his eyes.
Pulling his silver grimoire from the air, he let it settle into his hand
and turned toward the red-haired girl.
Whatever the reason, she had saved him.
Because of the dim light earlier, he hadn't clearly seen her face.
But now, as he approached, he froze for a heartbeat.
Reddish-brown hair with soft curls,
a petite nose marked by a few faint freckles—
that familiar face…
Rebecca Scarlet!
The same red-haired girl he'd met upon entering the capital—
the one caring for a group of children—
and the very same Rebecca from the anime,
who'd gone on a mixer with Asta, Finral, and Luck.
Of all people… her?
Yuuki blinked, then suppressed his surprise and stepped closer.
"Thanks for earlier."
"No need to thank me," Rebecca replied briskly.
She looked tired, her cheeks slightly pale,
but her voice carried an easy, straightforward warmth.
When she saw his face more clearly, her eyes lit up.
"Wait— I remember you! You're the guy from this morning…
You came for the Magic Knights' entrance exam, right?"
"That's right," Yuuki smiled faintly.
He hadn't expected her to remember him at all.
"You had two companions with you," Rebecca said, puzzled.
"Don't tell me… you got separated?"
"Not exactly."
Yuuki shook his head. "They've already been chosen by the Magic Knights."
"Wow, that's amazing!"
Rebecca's big brown eyes widened in astonishment—
then, realizing what she'd said, her expression softened apologetically.
"Sorry, I didn't mean it like that."
Three had taken the test.
Two were accepted.
She could imagine how that must feel.
And on top of that, he'd just been attacked moments ago.
"It's fine," Yuuki said simply, shaking his head.
He truly didn't mind.
Then—
Grrrr~
A low rumble sounded from Yuuki's stomach.
Both of them froze—
and a moment later, Rebecca burst out laughing, covering her mouth.
(End of Chapter)
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