"Yuno and Asta are outstanding newcomers, promising stars. And…"
As Julius began introducing Yuno and Asta, Yami approached Drake.
Removing his cigarette, Yami said, "You deserve to be on stage, kid. Don't you feel uncomfortable?"
Drake shook his head. "That wasn't my goal; let Asta take the spotlight."
Yami took a drag of his cigarette. "I don't know what you're thinking, kid. But you're a Black Bull."
Drake smiled. "I won't forget that!"
As they spoke, Julius introduced Asta and Yuno to the crowd. Two boys from the same place, joining different squads and achieving remarkable success in half a year, seemed like a storybook plot.
The crowd speculated about their noble origins.
Then, a hateful voice emerged.
"They're not nobles; they're commoners from remote areas! Asta doesn't even have magic power!"
Drake frowned and vanished. The person who'd revealed their identities quickly hid. Their motive was simple: jealousy. They envied the commoners' praise and success.
But they were suddenly kicked, stumbling into the crowd!
"Who did that?" Everyone recognized the voice. They fled. Drake returned to Yami.
The discussion about their commoner status continued. Yuno's demonstration involved…
Sylph, cooperating with Yuno, unleashed magic; whirlwinds surrounded Yuno.
"Asta, this reminds me of our training!"
"Star Magic and Wind Magic: White Bow!"
A wind bow appeared; a wind arrow aimed at Asta. The crowd was silenced by the power.
Asta severed the arrow with his sword.
Julius said sternly, "After witnessing their abilities, anyone who doubts their achievements should speak up! They are commoners, but they worked harder to reach this point. Let's applaud these new Magic Knights and unite, regardless of status, to bring victory to our country!"
Julius's popularity and charisma were key; his words united the crowd, celebrating the commoner youths.
Julius announced other squads' results, mostly as expected, except for the Black Bulls' surprising result. Some were envious; the Azure Deer Captain even playfully argued with Asta.
After announcing the results, Julius stepped aside.
"The announcement is complete. Now, let's welcome… our Clover Kingdom's King!"
A silence fell. Even with Julius's enthusiasm, the king's appearance caused a cold reception.
The flamboyant, mustachioed king lacked presence in the public's mind. As Julius had said, only achievements earn trust. This king only enjoyed himself in the palace; he hadn't done anything worthy of respect.
Standing beside Julius only highlighted this, making him look lecherous.
The king, realizing this, pushed Julius aside.
"Greetings, citizens. I am Augustus Kira Clover XIII, King of the Clover Kingdom."
The crowd was apathetic.
The king's temper flared.
"Praise me more! I'm the King, the greatest being in this country!"
He released his magic.
"Behold, this sacred, inherited magic. My thoughts, my appearance, everything about me is correct. I'm far greater than the Wizard King!"
Drake shook his head; where did the king get the courage to release his magic in front of the Wizard King and the Captains? His magic…
"Such frivolous magic!"
Someone had said it! Drake looked; it was Yami. The king's magic was untrained; even lower-ranked Magic Knights could surpass him.
"Can the Wizard King be King?"
"The Wizard King would be a better King!"
The crowd whispered; Drake almost laughed.
The furious king suddenly changed his demeanor.
"Citizens, the Eye of the Midnight Sun's base has been identified. We've been on the defensive. Now, we'll launch a counterattack! I'll select elite Magic Knights to form the King's Selection Knights!
A week from now, there will be trials. Only those who pass will join the King's Selection Knights. They will destroy the Eye of the Midnight Sun. Magic Knights, present your grimoires!"
The king, having stolen the idea, glanced triumphantly at Julius. His royal dignity had vanished.
Drake's excitement turned to gloom. The King's Selection Knights' formation was in the original story, during the Star Fruit Festival. Patri attacked Julius and obtained the final magic stone when the King's Selection Knights attacked the Eye of the Midnight Sun's base—the Floating Magic Palace.
Something must have gone wrong with Rhya; this wasn't their plan.
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