Narrator: The Clover Kingdom... In this place where the be all end all is magic, there is one boy who can't use it. His name is Asta. His strength, desire, guts and overwhelming determination to best his childhood friends and rivals helped him become a Magic Knight. And no matter how many times he would wind up injured, Asta's relentless nature and motivation due to being alongside his brother in arms, he continues to aim straight for the top. Rich or poor, royalty or commoner, Asta himself believes anyone in this world can shine so long as they put in the hard work!
An image of Tyrus and Yuno in their Spirit Dives with their backs turned appears.
His mission has just been to prove that statement true.... AND TO BECOME THE WIZARD KING!
During his time off, Asta along with his foster brother Tyrus along with his other Black Bull squadmate Noelle Silva paid a visit to the duo's native home of Hage Village. On the way they unexpectedly ran into Yuno, who had been granted permission by Captain Vangeance to do the same. When all three boys arrived back, they had come to find out that all the villagers had heard about Asta's alleged involvement with a devil.
Father Orsi: Oh speaking of Asta! I actually saw you in the newspaper a number of weeks ago!
Asta: Oh! Yeah listen, I can explain that. You see Father-
Yuno: That article wasn't correct at all.
Tyrus: Yes nothing in it was true, it was nothing but vicious lies.
Asta: Guys-
Yuno: Asta isn't being controlled by a devil at all.
Tyrus: How do we put this? While he's not being controlled by one, he's doing everything in his soul and power he can muster to fight and defeat devils. The whole truth and nothing but it.
Father Orsi: I understand. As a matter of fact, when I saw the article first come out, no one here actually believed the nonsense the paper was spouting. I mean you saved all of our lives when the elves attacked us. These people here in Hage, they know you. And they all know that the three of you saved our village from total destruction.
Father Orsi: Trust me as a matter of fact. We couldn't be more proud of you guys.
Asta: Really, thank you!
Tyrus: That means a lot coming from you, Father Orsi. Seriously.
Yuno: Indeed.
Father Orsi: You want to know what I did with that paper? I put it up in a nice frame!
Asta: WHY THOUGH?!
Tyrus: PFT.... BAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, DAMN AS IF I THOUGHT YOU COULDN'T LOOK ANY GOOFIER, ASTA! AHAHAHAHAHA, OH MY RIBS!
Father Orsi: Would you mind doing me an honor and signing it?
Asta: COME ON!
In reality, no one had believed Asta's alleged betrayal for even a second. On the contrary they all were very proud of he, Tyrus and Yuno for becoming Magic Knights and protecting Hage to the very end. Though the trio's visit was brief in the end, it was a pleasant reminder of what our heroes were fighting for.
Yuno: Well of course it did. Because the three of us really have accomplished some amazing things. We proved that with hard work and enough dedication, you can shatter any expectations placed on you and become anything you truly want in this world. But even then, our story hasn't reached its final chapter yet.
Tyrus: Yeah. If anything we're in the meat and potatoes so to speak, the bulk of it. Only the beginning of a beautiful song Asta and Yuno.
Asta: Yeah. If we're really about to go up against the entire Spade Kingdom?
Yuno: And the devils.
Tyrus: Then we need invest these next six months into only the most grueling training, that'll test us physically, mentally and spiritually but in the end, would be the greatest reward we could ever receive. Only way we can ensure that the Clover and Heart Kingdoms survive is if we get stronger, even moreso than what we are now.
Asta: Then let's protect everyone!
Yuno: Keep charging forward.
Tyrus: And end this threat once and for all!
Asta: You guys think we're ready for this, Ty? Yuno?
Yuno: I know I am.
Tyrus: And even if we can't beat these devils on our own, we got a whole squad full of capable and ready Magic Knights ready to back us up and dive into the maws of hell feet first.
Yuno: I'll be better than the two of you can even comprehend.
Tyrus: Words are cheap, I want to see you bring it on the battlefield, Yuno!
Asta offers his fist to Tyrus and Yuno, who both chuckle.
Asta: Well for now, I say the three of us are about equal.
Tyrus: You wish, Asta. You wish. You both aren't even on the level below me.
Yuno: Ha. Whatever helps you sleep at night, Tyrus.
They bump fists, reinforcing their mission statement and rivarly, with their purpose and vigor as Magic Knights fully renewed.
Asta: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! JUST WAIT AND SEE, TY AND YUNO! I'M GONNA BE SO AWESOME, IT'LL MAKE BOTH OF YOUR HEADS SPIN LIKE CRAZY!
Tyrus: You don't gotta yell Asta, I'm quite literally over here on the couch!
True to his word, Tyrus had been cuddled up with girlfriend Noelle Silva as the two had been engaged in reading a long-winding novel Noelle thought the couple would find interesting. Never passing up the opportunity of a good read after a workout, Tyrus gladly accepted her offer after he had finished his last set of push-ups bringing his grand total on the day to one-hundred even. Noelle had been getting a lot acclimated to her romance with Tyrus as of late, though she wasn't immune to her awkward spells here or there but for the most she was relieved to have him there to help her out.
Magna: WELL SOMEONE'S FIRED UP FIRST THING IN THE MORNING! GOOD SHIT, LITTLE RASTA!
Noelle: Yes, but I don't think your little rivalry with Tyrus or Yuno is our top priority right now, wouldn't you say, Asta?
Asta was in mid sit up mode, cranking them out repeatedly as Charmy offered him sweets.
Charmy: You gotta make sure you get ALL of your nutrients!
Asta: AW, Thanks Charmy! THAT'S THE GOOD STUFF, NOW I'M READY!
Luck: Yeah we need to start building our skills! Then we can hit that sorry devil with everything we've got!
Tyrus: True, true. The Queen of the Heart Kingdom did give us a half of a year to get stronger so we'd be capable in taking on the devil that not only cursed her but is planning to invade hers and our Kingdom unabated. Now's as good a time as any!
Charmy's Sheep Cooks provide dozens of delicious muffins to everyone that was anybody wearing the Black Bulls robe.
Charmy: In that case then, everyone eat up right now!
Magna: Right on, Charmy! Oh wow, that is delicious!
BOOM! BOOM!
Luck: OH WOW, Tyrus you didn't tell us your mom was coming back! Plus Magna got cake all over his face!
Tyrus: Very funny, Luck. But as strong a fist my mother has, I don't think she's that strong to nearly knock the door off of its hinges. But seriously who's bangin' at the door this early in the day?
Magna: Good question.... and they're... about to.. PISS ME OFF! DON'T YOU KNOW THIS IS THE OFFICIAL HIDEOUT AND HOME TO THE BLACK BULLS! AKA THE SOON TO BE BEST MAGIC KNIGHT SQUAD THAT EVER EXISTED?! GAHHHHHAAAAA!
An explosion rocks Magna just as the doors splinters off its hinges giving a certain of Bulls extreme deja Vu.
Asta: Hang on! Why does this moment feel so familiar?!
Because emerging from the smoke would be the most terrifying presence known to man or animal-kind....
Tyrus: Lady Mereoleona?!
Mereoleona: You all should do something about that weak door of yours. I barely caught any splinters in my knuckles because of it.
Asta: Uh, hello there, what can we do- GAHA?! Help me?
He suddenly gets cut off rudely as a fire paw rains down on his ash-blonde but Asta wasn't the only person she grabbed.
Mereoleona: I don't see Yami... Meh, fine by me. Everyone in this room and space is coming with me, NOW. If you wish to fight it, that's also fine but do understand it when I break every single bone in your body!
Tyrus: Wait, wait! What did we do?!
Noelle: I have nothing but bad feelings about what she's going to do to all of us!
Charmy: You could've at least me finish my muffin!
Luck: YAY! THIS'LL BE FUN!
Asta: With all due respect Ma'am, can you honestly just kidnap an entire squad like this?! Could you at least tell us where we're going this time?
Tyrus: It's technically not the whole squad, I haven't seen Zora, Vanessa, the Captain-
Noelle gives her boyfriend a withering glare and he immediately gulps.
Tyrus: Shutting up now.
Mereoleona: Ah, shut up! You're going to find out soon enough.
BLOOOOSSHHHHH! SPOOOSSHHHHH! THRROOOOOOM!
Tyrus: AW HELL NAHHHH! NOT THIS PLACE AGAIN!
The place in question? The strong magic region known as the Yultim Volcano and its preceding trail upwards.
Black Bulls: I'm confused.
Magna: Wait... hang on, I'm confused. What the fuck just happened?! One minute we're at the hideout and the next we're surrounded by bubbling magma!
Luck: OOOOH, HOW EXCITING IS THIS?!
Charmy: My precious calories are burning away and I haven't begun to even to workout or do anything of the sort! AND I HAVE NOTHING TO REPLACE THEM WITH!
Asta: Oh, yeah. Kinda forgot this place can throw you for a loop if you haven't been here before like the three of us have, right?
Tyrus: Yeah... still don't wanna know why we're at the Yultim in the first place. Charmy, Grey, Gordon, Luck, Magna, this is the strong magic region known as Yultim Volcano.
Magma: Yultim, eh?
Noelle: Excuse me, ma'am, but can we now know the reason you dragged all of us out here?
Mereoleona: FOR YOUR TRAINING, OF COURSE!
Asta, Tyrus, Noelle all shake their heads in a unified dumbness moment realizing they DID need to get as strong as possible over the next half year and training in any strong magic region would definitely qualify.
Leo: HAHAHA!
Asta: Leo! Captain Fuegoleon!
Tyrus: She dragged you out here too?
Fuegoleon: No, since I've assumed my post once again as the Captain of the Crimson Lion Kings, my dear older sister has been sticking around as an honorary member since she never joined the traditional way.
Leo: It's good to see my two rivals back in action! You've must been pretty busy lately, dealing with the elf attacks and a devil.
Asta: That's right! I heard you were right on the front lines in the middle of everything!
Tyrus: We're lucky to have fighters like you and your siblings, Leo. The Crimson Lion Kings sure got themselves a fearsome trio.
Asta: Hang..... wait, did you get a little bit taller or is it just me?
Leo: Sharp eyes, but that isn't the only thing that happened to me! I've been improving my skills as a mage, little by little witch each passing day!
Tyrus: I can tell, you've definitely aren't lacking for power. You were already a feisty firecracker but now it's like you're compromised of entire blocks of dynamite!
Asta: That so?! Well my muscles are bigger so I can still beat you both!
Tyrus: Not a chance, Asta!
Randall: Hello there, Black Bulls. Could you please spare a moment?
Tyrus: Sure. What's on your mind?
He introduces himself alongside Ruben and Ben.
Randall: I happen to be the Vice-Captain of the Crimson Lion Kings, my name is Randall Luftair. During the last battle, the three of us had our bodies possessed by elves.
Ben: And even though we weren't in the right mind or in control of our actions, words cannot express our exceeding amounts of regret for our betrayal against the Clover Kingdom.
Asta: You guys don't have to apologize.
Tyrus: You had no choice in the matter like the rest of the people who got possessed, we're just happy to see you three are back to normal as normal can be. Nobody can be blamed for what happened except for that devil that caused the elves anguish so long ago.
Fuegoleon: And if I'm to believe the reports that Sir Luck, Sir Magna and Lady Vanessa put out to the Wizard King, then the devil in the Spade Kingdom is an even greater threat than the one we previously fought. Our squads must be stronger than ever to protect our nation now more than it has ever needed. But before we can prove Asta's innocence of the bogus charges imposed on his name, we must each improve ourselves individually as well.
Mereoleona: Precisely! So just as before, my own squad, the Crimson Lion Kings will be training alongside the Black Bulls I invited here.
Magic Knights: Right!
Noelle: I wouldn't say we were "invited" so much as we were "kidnapped" and "abducted" but sure, Lady Mereoleona!
Asta: ALL RIGHT, HERE WE GO! LET'S RACE TO THE TOP SO WE CAN HIT THAT GORGEOUS HOT SPRING!
He's ready to attack the volcano but gets snatched up by a fire paw.
Mereoleona: Hang on there, brat. No climbing will be necessary this go around, rather you're going to be venturing below.... to the Underground Cave!
The Crimson Lion Kings and Bulls were unified in their confusion.
Noelle: There's a cave?
Tyrus: How the hell did I not notice that behemoth of a cavern?
Crimson Lion Kings: But what exactly's down there?
Mereoleona: This place is a strong magic region, true. Because deep beneath the surface-
She points her finger down the cavernous dwelling as she gives the Magic Knights a mini-geology and magic lesson.
Mereoleona: Lies a great mana heat source! You see, rocks that soak in that mana become lava and soon burst upward. Meaning the further you travel down the cave, the more intense the heat's influence will surely become. Which also means, if your Mana Skin falters at any second you're down there, your body will be exposed by the extreme heat and you will more than likely suffocate and be reduced to ashes.
The Black Bulls all shiver with terror while Mereoleona continues to monologue to them the horrors of what lay beneath the volcano.
Mereoleona: However, if you are able to survive, then you will be satisfied to know there's an even more rewarding hot spring down there than the one at the peak of the summit! NOW THEN, DOESN'T THAT WONDERFUL DESCRIPTION MOTIVATE YOU?!
Secre: Hot.... Spring...
Charmy: YEAH, THIS IS HORRIBLE! I'D BE HAPPIER IN SWEETS MAGIC REGION, OOZING WITH HONEY AND WHIPPED CREAM NOT LAVA!
Mereoleona stares at Charmy with an almost predatory look, teeth bared full force.
Mereoleona: WELL I'LL TELL YOU RIGHT NOW, YOU'RE NOT READY FOR THAT LITTLE GIRL!
Gordon: That's actually real?
Magna: AWWWW YEAH! So is someone gonna tell me what this Mana Skin means?
Luck is at a loss of words given he himself has never used the technique but Fuegoleon helps the uninitated and uninformed.
Fuegoleon: It's a defensive technique. I'll explain it like this, it's a way of enhancing your physical abilities by using raw mana. Magic in its perfect state. All you have to do is wrap your magic around your very being and it shall form a protective shield of mana to cover your body.
Magna: Whoa, whoa! You can expect us to do that right off the bat!
Mereoleona: Then I guess you'll be incinerated from head to toe.
Hard pass!
Fuegoleon: Since some of you were brought here unexpectedly-
He gives Mereoleona a look, to which his older sister simply shrugs.
Fuegoleon: I suppose it would only be fair that I let you all use this magic item.
Whisps of mana flood of the item and immediately prop themselves on to Gordon, Charmy, Magna and Luck's hands while also imprinting itself onto Secre's wing.
Secre: What exactly is this?
Fuegoleon: It's something that I hope will make your journeys to the spring easier. To call upon your Mana Skin with little to no difficulty. But this isn't the real thing, it's a temporary supplement. Lose control of your magic, then it will no longer be effective.
Leo: AWWW, YEAH! It's time we get started, to the hot spring! I've got Flame Magic so volcano is easy work for me. Fightin' fire with fire and blaze a trail of glory!
Asta: Ha! That's what you think Leo. I'll fight as hard as I can and beat you to the goal before you can!
Noelle: Wait a sec, genius, just how are you planning to do that without any Mana Skin?
Tyrus: She's right Asta, and using your Black Asta state or whatever you call it rapidly drains all of your stamina and you only can use it for such a short duration. Lose that at a critical moment and you're cooked, scrambled and deep fried.
Asta: Oh.... I know.
He rubs his non-existent moustache, confidence never wavering.
Asta: In the past, I was only ever able to switch over to my dark form by using the power that was flowing through the sword and directly into my body. Back when we first came here, I didn't really have good control of it at the time but now? Luckily, I can handle it just a bit better than before. I'm gonna concentrate right and focus all of my powers. That way, I won't get sucked in by the magic around me in that cave!
Asta funnels all of the sinister energy to the shock of everyone except both Mereoleona and his foster brother who both stand impressed at his display.
Mereoleona: Not bad at all, Rookie Two. He completely surrounded himself with Anti-Magic.
Asta: ALL RIGHT, THAT SHOULD DO IT!
Leo: HAHA! I knew you would get it, Asta! NOW I'M REALLY READY TO TAKE YOU ON!
Magna: So am I! I don't have time to sit around, I gotta learn how to use this Mana Skin, so I avoid gettin' overcooked!
Luck after calling him a chicken, runs off from the group in a fit of giggles as Magna gave pursuit of his frenemy with a hail of fireballs.
Luck: AHAHAHAHA AWW LOOK AT MAGNA, THE SCAREDY CAT!
Magna: SHUT YER FUCKIN' TRAP AND SHOW SOME RESPECT YOU CLOWN!
Noelle: Mana Skin.... I think I can put it on using my Valkyrie Armor. If Asta was able to channel his anti-magic, who says I can't do the same thing?
Tyrus: Let's get crazy strong you guys. Just letting y'all know right now, I ain't letting you outdo me. Who cares if I'm at a disadvantage with the strong magic region we're at now?
Fuegoleon: I see all of you are prepared and ready to train! Remember you are all the esteemed Magic Knights who serves this wonderful kingdom. One thing should burn far hotter than the mana down there in the deepest reaches of that volcano. YOUR DESIRE TO PASS THIS TEST!
Asta, Tyrus and Leo break off a dead sprint, neither of the three gaining a true edge or meaningful distance over the other two.
Asta: I'M GONNA GET THERE FIRST!
Leo: NO ME!
Tyrus: FUCK OFF THE BOTH OF YOU! IT'S GONNA BE THE ONE AND ONLY TYRUS HAIL, SO ACKNOWLEDGE ME!
Asta: NO ME!
Tyrus: ME!
Leo: UH UH, ME!
Secre: Hot! Spring!
Noelle is quickly on Asta, Leo and her boyfriend's trail as she too kept up respectfully in terms of distance with the trio.
Noelle: I won't be beaten so easily either, it's time I dig down deep and surpass my limits as well!
Luck: You better Magna, you don't wanna get left behind now do you?!
Magna: SHUT UP AND STAY STILL SO I CAN TURN YOU INTO A GODDAMN MATCH STICK!
Randall: No time to waste men, give it everything you got!
Ben and Ruben: Right!
Charmy: Sweetsssss.......
Gordon witnesses Charmy attempting to escape the training riutal, scaring him as he would be the only one virtually left with the Uncrowned, Undefeated Lioness.
Gordon: Charmy, you're leaving?!
Charmy: Shussshhh, Gordon! This place obviously is lacking sweets or anything delicious so I need to get out while the gettin' is good! A girl's gotta eat her fair share to keep, you know!
Gordon: I know... but-
Mereoleona: I will not stop you from leaving. Scorching hot mana is the only present fatal danger that lurks within or around this cave. You'll come across some terrifying and downright fearsome, malovelent creatures that have actually adapted to these conditions you see before you. If you lack any true desire to improve and grow as a mage, then you are free to leave, Black Bulls.
Gordon: You're right! I want to grow stronger so that I can help all of my friends. I can't- no I WON'T turn back!
Charmy: Answer me this.... these creatures down there. Are they worthy of getting in my belly for consumption?
Mereoleona gives them a satisfactory smile.
Mereoleona: More so than you could ever fathom, Black Bull girl!
Charmy: THAT'S ALL I NEEDED TO HEAR, SOLD! LET'S GET DOWN THERE AND EAT EVERYTHING WE RUN INTO THAT'S SPILLED AND STEEPED IN THAT EXTRA SPICY MANA!
Gordon: Charmy, wait for me!
Fuegoleon: I'm eager to see just how many can make their way to the goal despite the immense heat, Sister.
Mereoleona: Ha! It'd be too easy and boring if it were a simple race I put together, dear Brother.
Fuegoleon: What're you up to?
Mereoleona: When I selected that the cave would be best for their training grounds, I had something much more in mind.
Unknown to the Magic Knights already in the cave, something had been lurking in the darkness.... something with many eyes and teeth made a most diabolical and blood-curdling snarl as it faded back in the dark recesses of the cavern looking for unwilling prey. Meanwhile Asta, Tyrus and Leo continued their dead sprint towards the hot spring, yelling on the way there.
All Three: I'M GONNA BE THE FIRST ONE THERE SO YOU TWO MIGHT AS WELL GIVE UP NOW! MOVE IT YOU DAMN SLOWPOKES! OW! WHY DON'T YA MOVE, LEO?! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH, SHUT UP THE BOTH OF YOU!
Leo: The deeper we traverse, the thicker this crazy mana actually grows and the quicker it starts to wear out our bodies!
Tyrus: Even with my Mana Skin, I'm barely hanging on by a thread.... I know volcanoes are hot but this is next level hot!
Asta: Oh, man! I'm so tired, dizzy. I feel like I'm gonna pass out soon! All I can do...
IS YELL REALLY LOUDLY!
Asta: I WON'T GIVE UP!
Tyrus: NEITHER WILL I, MY COLD RULES OVER ALL!
Leo: PLEASE YOU HAVE NO SHOT AT BEATING ME ASTA! SAME GOES FOR YOU, TYRUS!
Asta: Say Nero, why'd you even come along? Exercise and training isn't your thing!
Secre: One thing in mind. Hot Spring.
Tyrus: I LOVE how ya think this is just an off-day, Nero!
RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Noelle: Why are they so damn noisy?! I expect it out of Asta and sometimes Tyrus when Asta's being a bad influence but Leopold while he's always been competitive is just finding a new gear of annoyance! Their shouting match is making it all the more difficult to maintain my own Mana Skin! Just calm down Noelle. You've got this! Get mad at your sweetheart, Asta or Leopold and you find yourself being burned alive and I won't have that!
RAHHHHHHHHHH!
Noelle gains a nerve cluster since the trio wouldn't shut up.
Noelle: On second thought..... I hope two-thirds of the yelling party dies right here, right now. And we all know who I want to survive with second or third degree burns.
Randall: Pick up the pace, men! Asta, Tyrus and Leo are on the verge of leaving us behind! LET US SHOW ALL THREE WORTHY MAGIC KNIGHTS WHAT THE CRIMSON LION KINGS ARE ABOUT!
Crimson Lion Kings: YES, SIR!
Randall: That's the spirit, I see why Captain Fuegoleon chose all of you and why Captain Mereoleona took over for him!
Magna: Tch! Whoops!
After attempting to grab a rock, Magna slipped a bit but was able to nonetheless maintain his balance the only thing falling the loose rock which quickly made a dunking and drowning sound in the lava.
Magna: Being a fuckin flame mage within this heat is no joke. I should be running circles around it. Magic item or not, I slip and that's the end for the Man Amongst Men. OW! DAMN YOU LUCK!
A giant boulder hits him square in the head, somehow not busting him completely open.
Luck: Whoops, sorry about that, Magna!
Magna: I call bullshit, you did on that on purpose, you little freak! AUGH! WILL YOU KNOCK IT OFF!
More rocks slip from Luck's heel as he stifles the urge to cackle at Magna.
Magna: I SEE YOU LAUGHIN', YOU ARE SO FUCKING DEAD WHEN WE GET UP THERE! MATTER ARE YOU EVEN SURE THAT THERE'S A SHORTCUT UP THERE TO THE GOAL?! SHOULDN'T WE BE GOING DOWN, LIKE EVERY OTHER NORMAL PERSON?!
Luck: Eh... I'm not so sure, I'm getting a super strong presence just over the ledge so I really don't care either way! I NEED TO FIGHT THEM!
Magna: SO WHY THE FUCK ARE YOU DRAGGING ME ALONG TO YOUR GOOD TIME, YOU LITTLE PAIN SLUT?! WHEN WERE YA GONNA TELL ME ABOUT THIS?! WE DON'T HAVE ANY TIME FOR A FUCKIN' SIDE MISSION!
Now free of the debris that was his shattered glasses, Magna went off the deep end and rightfully so. Who'd be willing to spend more time in the bottom of an active volcano more than the Cheery Berserker? Maybe Mereoleona Vermillion but she was a special case. Luck's insticnts go off like a seismograph, letting him know the source was closer.
Luck: I know whatever or whoever it is, this Mana and aura is next-level intimidating! How can I resist?!
Meanwhile.....
Charmy: OK, ONE MORE TIME! NOW GET IN MY NET AND COME TO MAMA.
Gordon: It's unbearably hot. I thought I was hallucinating but my mana is draining way faster than I anticipated. Listen Charmy, I know you're fishing for creatures but I don't think this is the time for all of that. Can't you tell your mana is also draining?
Charmy: Awww... but we need to figure out what type of taste these mystery creatures that fire lady told us about are packing! It would replenish our magic power quicker!
Gordon: That's another thing, I don't think you've caught a single thing since we came across this bubbling pool. If I didn't know any better, I would dare say there's nothing even in there.
Charmy brushes Gordon off, continuing to yank and yank at the netting submerged deep in the purple and fiery lake.
Charmy: No he's wrong. I sensed them, they've gotta be near here! WAIT, I GET IT NOW! The monsters she told us... they've gotta be hiding because they have to be afraid of something else!
Gordon: Probably you.
Charmy screams as she then gets yanked hard, losing her balance and nearly incinerated by the magma but thanks to Gordon's timely pulling of the hybrid dwarf/human's legs, the glutton avoids what certainly would have been a painful death.
Gordon: IT'S SO POWERFUL CHARMY, WHAT DID YOU LURE IN THAT THING?! LET GO OF THE NET BEFORE THE BOTH OF US GET PULLED IN!
Charmy: NEVER, CAN'T LET SUCH A TASTY SNACK.... GET AWAY!
Gordon: SOME THINGS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN FOOD, CHARMY... LIKE OUR LIVES!
The predator which appears to be anglerfish or something just out of the Black Lagoon, stalks the two humans from deep inside the liquid teeth bared.
Gordon: I can't hang on to Charmy... much longer!
Charmy: STAY WITH ME, PREY!
Suddenly the lake explodes, sending the glutton and usually mute mage back a ways, only to reveal Luck and Magna!
Luck: Haha! You guys okay?
Magna: Nasty close call, if we do say so ourselves!
Gordon: You two saved us!
Charmy: WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA, YOU SELFISH IDIOTS! I WAS THIS CLOSE TO EATING VOLCANO CREATURE! ALL THIS UNKNOWN TASTINESS WAITING TO BE SAVORED AND YOU BOTH SCREWED IT UP!
While she continues throttling Magna, Luck inspects the damage.
Luck: I think that giant spider over there wanted to dine on your flesh too, Charmy! And if I'm not mistaken, that's the tough opponent Magna and I ran into earlier!
Magna: What's this "Luck and Magna" business?!
Luck: Aw, dang it, I lost sight of it!
Charmy: SO YOU WANT ME TO STARVE IS THAT, JUST FUCK CHARMY, HUH?!
Gordon: I get it now.... that spider was what the other monsters Mereoleona had referred to must be hiding from! It's their apex predator!
Charmy: SCREW THAT I WILL GET A GOOD MEAL OUT OF HERE OR I'LL DIE TRYING IT!
On the other side of the volcano, the trio of Asta, Leo, and Tyrus were just walking like a couple of zombies, the heat now finally starting to batter them every which way.
Asta: I'm not... done yet!
Leo: Ha-ha! Ha-ha! Neither am I!
Tyrus: Please.... I've taken on hotter eating Charmy's steamed lobster with bell peppers! THIS.... IS CHILD'S PLAY!
Leo: Ha! You're sounding pretty out of breath there, Tyrus!
Tyrus: Stop lying to make yourself feel better Leo! I wasn't lying when.... I said... my cold rules over all! You two idiots look like you're about croak any second now, hahaha!
Asta: And you're looking like you're about to throw up, Ty!
Leo: I'm almost at my limit.... but at least my rivals are in the same boat and not faring better than I am! I'll be the first one to the hot spring!
Tyrus: Yeah, when hell actually freezes over, you damn matchstick!
Asta: In your dreams, Hagey the Snowman!
Noelle: Reinforcement Magic, Leg Strength Boost! Move it or lose it you three!
She jumps over the three and essentially begins to leave them in the dust!
Leo: Whoa, where the hell did Noelle even come from!?
Asta: I don't know but I don't think I ever seen her run that fast!
Tyrus: Yeah... I don't know whether to be proud since I'm her boyfriend or jealous that she, a squadmate in the Black Bulls actually dusted my ass..... Eh... SO WHY NOT BOTH! Reinforcement Magic, Leg Strength Boost! Y'all should step on it, I'm not letting Noelle of all my people whoop me!
His legs glow an intense silver as he leaves Leo and Asta behind!
Leo: YOU CHEAT, GET BACK HERE!
Asta: NO FAIR, TYRUS!
Tyrus: AH, SHUT UP AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT THEN YOU TWO, INSTEAD OF CRYING!
Noelle: The mana's so intense here and my Water Magic is the worst possible attunement in a place like this! Way harder than I thought it would be but at least I-
Tyrus: Hey there, Miss Indepedent and Extremely Gorgeous! Where are you off to in such a hurry?
Noelle: AH! YOU ABOUT GAVE ME A HEART ATTACK, TYRUS!
Tyrus: Sorry, sorry. Wasn't my intent, can't let you outdo me though!
Tyrus pulls up beside her making sure she was all right but all Noelle ever did was ignite a fire inside of Leo.
Leo: We're royalty so how exactly are we at different levels?! I won't be looked down upon by anyone, Noelle!
Asta: DON'T GET ALL COCKY ON US NOELLE AND TY, WE'RE RIGHT ON YOUR TAILS! I'M GONNA BE THE NEXT WIZARD KING, YA HEAR ME! I CAN'T ALLOW MYSELF TO LOSE!
Tyrus: Talk is cheap, buddy! We're men of action, remember!? AND I SAY FUCK YOUR DECLARATION, I"M THE NEXT WIZARD KING!
Leo grits his teeth as Asta slowly but surely began pulling ahead of him, both still a ways back of the couple.
Leo: Asta... Tyrus, I remember when I met the two of you!
Tyrus: Now. Shut your mouth Lawn-Hair and all YOUUUUUUU listen well!
Asta: I'M GONNA GAIN ALL THE MERIT I CAN POSSIBLY STACK!
Tyrus: I WILL GET RESULTS LIKE THE WIZARD KING STATED!
Asta and Tyrus: I WILL BECOME THE WIZARD KING! AND PROVE YOU ALL WRONG!
Leo: Even though you both were nothing but commoners along with Yuno, and in your case Asta, someone with no magic, when you told us about your guys' dreams, I felt something deep resonate with my heart and soul. Since then we have fought together, shed blood, trained together and competed against one another to grow as mages. I tried joining the Royal Knights with the two of you and my older sister to get revenge for Fuegoleon, House Vermillion and all the countless lives lost because of the Eye of the Midnight Sun... but in the end I just wasn't strong enough. You both were however.
Leo: Either way, this is not the end of the road for me! I'll train harder and surpass all three of you, just you wait.
Noelle: Wow, Leopold.
Tyrus: Glad to see you're just as fired up as we are. Can't wait to see how much stronger you are when all of this shit is over with.
Asta: And don't sweat anything, we will get revenge for Captain Fuegoleon. Unlike most people he didn't laugh at Yuno, Ty and I's rivalry or ambition. Instead he encouraged it and even called me a rival of his! I am at where I'm at now in my journey because Fuegoleon believed in me, and I'd be an idiot to fail him now!
Leo: I'll be the first to admit, I still carry the frustration to this day, I've continued to try my hardest to not get left behind.
He thinks about the harsh training he endured thus far including for whatever reason, sparring matches with Mereoleona as he comes back to the now looking at the Black Bulls trio.
Leo: I WILL CATCH UP TO THE THREE OF YOU!
We then get a look at the race between the four as Tyrus treated his girlfriend like the Black Bull she truly was and starting to increase the distance between himself, Noelle, Asta and Leopold being the pole leader.
Tyrus: FUCK... MY LUNGS ARE ON FIRE! MY HEART IS LITERALLY BEING SUFFOCATED BY THE AIR AROUND US, BUT HAVE TO KEEP PUSHING!
Noelle: We're not at the goal yet? Where exactly are Mereoleona and Captain Fuegoleon as well, I'm quite literally running out of steam!
Asta roars defiantly as he caught up to Noelle!
Asta: HEY, WAIT FOR US, NOELLE AND TY!
Noelle: How many times must I drill this into your head? I AM ROYALTY, I WAIT FOR NO ONE! TYRUS GET BACK HERE!
Tyrus: I'm sorry which one of us said, "Don't hold nothing back against the other?" I'm just obeying by what you said Noelle!
Noelle: Well.... I change my mind now- I-
She then gains the weirdest vision in her head..... Tyrus blowing her a kiss.
Tyrus: There's plenty more if I lose to you, Noelle!
Noelle: GAHH! SWIM TRUNKS, TOTALLY RIPPED SIX PACK OF ABS! NO, NO! I MUST BE SEEING THINGS, YEAH! THAT'S IT, THIS IS JUST EXHAUSTION!
Tyrus: You look ill, Darling! Should I administer, C.... P..... R?
Noelle then rubs her eyes again and it gets even wackier.... her boyfriend now wearing a snorkel and shark floatie!
Noelle: NO! Don't fall for such parlor tricks! Breath, Noelle, breathe! Now look one more time!
Tyrus: Hahahaha, there's no need to rush, baby girl! I'm your forever lifeguard, Silva! Here let's go for a swim at night, yeah?
Noelle: Why the ocean you adorable knucklehead?! WHOAAAA, I NEED TO GET A GRIP! We are in an underground cave below an active volcano, this isn't the day for a beach trip!
Tyrus: You feeling all right, Silva?
Noelle screams to the high heavens, startling and raising her significant other's heart rate as she blasted him with water!
Tyrus: WHY THE SCREAMING, NOELLE?! OW!
He gets flown back into the rock, the heat immediately registering the pain on his backside despite the clothes he was wearing!
Tyrus: DAMN IT, NOELLE! That's the last time I ask if you're good! Huh? Noelle? Hey where'd you go, Babe? Come back I was kidding around, ya know. I didn't mean literally say disappear!
In the midst of the chaos and her blasting Tyrus away, Noelle scrambled as quickly as she could to a place far away from her man.... curse her overwhelming shyness in the face of romance she thought.
Noelle: Stupid Tyrus.... if he didn't want to be attacked by me, he could've easily ducked it. Any other time he aggravates me and I launch something he evades it so what was that just now? Whatever, boyfriend or not, that'll learn him to ever leave me behind. Huh, wait a second where am I? The mana.... it seems relatively calmer in here than it was in the main chasm.... I don't know if that should be a good or a bad thing.
She suddenly feels.... a sharp, jagged object, poke at her shoulder.... causing her to immediately freeze up.
Noelle: T-T-Tyrus.... listen about what just happened.. I'm.... Sorry?
She turns around before paling and unleashing a deathly wail that'd make a banshee blush if they saw the Royal scream her lungs out.
Asta: You hear that?
Leo: It kinda sounded like.
Tyrus: SHIT, SHIT, NOELLE HANG ON WE'RE COMING!
They race to the source of the howl as we find Noelle in the clutches of a thick, white web spewed from the fangs of one the biggest spiders the Clover Kingdom would ever witness had it been on display at a museum or something. The arachnid begins to yank at its construct drawing the Silva closer and closer to its disgusting pitch black maw ladened with teeth. The eight eyes all had a bead on Noelle who just cowered and began to pray that her death was immediate and painless.
Asta: HAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!
Tyrus: HANDS OFF MY GIRL, YOU GIANT BULB SHAPED COCKROACH!
Tyrus fires off a Starfire Breaker while Asta cuts the webbing off of Noelle's wrists. The former takes the opportunity to dance and skate on the spider's giant body before jumping down and landing on the other side of his girlfriend.
Noelle: Asta, Tyrus!
Asta: Hey, glad you're all right, Noelle!
Tyrus: What IS it with us saving you all the time? But what the fuck is with this big, ugly, stinkin' bastard?!
They all avoid a massive leg swooping down on them as it goes crashing into more rocks and stalactites while Tyrus joins Asta in activating his special form gaining Spirit of Desponia, his Spirit Sword along the way.
Tyrus: Of course it had be giant spiders.... one of my biggest fears come to life! YOU STILL CAN GET THIS WORK, YEAH!
Webs were spewed all over the place, as Asta and Tyrus began to hit do hit-and-run tactics before-
Snatch!
Tyrus: DAMN IT!
Tyrus gets caught in the path and gets swung down roughly causing some of the ground to crater just at sheer drop of his weight.
Tyrus: GAHHHHH! WHOOOOOA!
BOOOM!
Before he then wound deep in the crevice of a wall, horrifying Asta and Noelle!
Noelle: TYRUS, SWEETHEART!
Asta: YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT ONE, YOU FREAK OF NATURE!
Tyrus: I'm fine... just a little dirtied up... with a bit of my ego smashed. I think I'm over the fear of big ass spiders and insects. Now I just wanna kill the bastard!
His bluster is soon shattered as it raises its giant pincher ready to make a meal of the Ice mage before Noelle came through.
Noelle: Water Creation Magic, Sea Dragon's Roar!
Despite having dead to rights shot of the big bastard, Noelle due to exhaustion winds up barely missing the arachnid who turns its sights on its original prey before being messed with.
Noelle: NO-
Leo: EAT THIS! MY FLAME MAGIC, SPIRAL FLAMES!
His magic immediately hits the spider right on the mark, but thanks to its hardened exterior it doesn't budge from its position but Leo doesn't give up but rather digs his heels in and puts a little more mana into his power and that's what makes the spider back away from the handicap fight.
Noelle: Leopold!
Asta: Are you all right?!
Leo: I'm fine, don't worry! You two should check on Tyrus though.
Tyrus: Don't bother I'm all right too. Appreciate it though.
Noelle: Your forehead has been busted open, I don't think you're okay like at all!
Tyrus spits out some saliva, instantly drying the second it made contact with the ground as he looked at the splotch of blood that came into his vision as he too immedi.
Tyrus: Pft. It's only minor, I've bled way worse before. This is nothing.
Noelle: If you're absolutely certain-
Tyrus: I am. Trust me, plus it makes for a badass visual.
He gives her a reassuring smile when they feel the temperature rise even further when Salamander approaches the dwelling.
Fuegoleon: It's a good thing you both can stand then. And we're glad to see all four of you are in decent shape.
Leo: Don't worry... about me older brother!
Mereoleona: You four handled yourselves fairly well against that monstrosity. Not bad at all. I suppose I can mark this training session a success.
Tyrus: Training session?
Mereoleona: You see that mutant bug you came across came as an intruder and began devouring any and all creatures that also dwell in the volcanic region. I, myself was hoping to teach the eight-eyed bastard a lesson but it keeps running away every chance it could muster up. My guess is that it more than likely has a sixth sense to tell it when strong opponents even mightier than it are nearby. Hence why it never has shown itself in my presence. That's why, I decided to bring all of you down here with me instead. And it of course tried eating all of you, just as I suspected and intended it would try.
Asta: So you planned this entire thing?!
Noelle: You knew it was down here and you didn't tell us?
Tyrus: Seriously why though? The four of us or anyone that came across would've been a snack and none of us the wiser it was munching on human flesh!
Mereoleona: Silence! THE BATTLEFIELD IS RIFE WITH SURPRISES AND THE UNEXPECTED! BESIDES THAT, WE'RE PREPARING OURSELVES TO CHALLENGE A POWERFUL DEVIL, EVEN MORE SO THAN THE ONE WE CONQUERED NOT TOO LONG AGO! HOW WILL YOU FOUR WIN IF YOU CAN'T EVEN MANAGE TO SQUASH A FUCKING BUG!?
Leo: My sister's right. I hadn't thought about any of that in that way.
Asta: We should've done better!
Tyrus: Noelle nearly died because I wasn't here to protect her and I got bested by an insect.... that's a low blow if I have ever felt it.
Mereoleona: At least... that's what I would usually tell you. Except only that spider you encountered is far more dangerous than your standard mutant. I sensed an almost man-made mana coming off of it. Mana it DEFINITELY didn't possess when it was brought into this world at birth. Most strange.
Fuegoleon: And that unusual mana must be what allowed it to grow to such unkempt levels of power and strength. Not just conceal itself from you, Sister.
Mereoleona: And if it's an elaborate form of camouflage that not even I could see through, then my next guess would say that it's curse.
Salamander roars, igniting its spirit magic and clearing a path having destroyed a magical rune revealing.
BOOOOOOOM!
Asta: Whoa....
Noelle: Is that...
Secre: Hm....
Tyrus: It's a dungeon within the volcano!
Asta: Where does that door even lead to, though?!
Mereoleona: Finally, a chance to crack my knuckles! This just became a lot more interesting!
What horrors would lay inside that small dungeon was the bigger question.... it was time to put excavator caps and do some exploring.
F.W.C. 7,420 Words!
End of Chapter One Hundred and Eight!