Drake leaned against a pillar, watching the matches with a large yawn. He found the other candidates' displays flashy and showy.
They used powerful magic to impress the captains, but in real combat, no one would have time for such elaborate spells. Drake could have defeated them before they even started.
Perhaps the earlier three-way spar had intimidated them; they weren't performing at their full potential. Or maybe they simply lacked combat skill and training.
The matches continued until dusk. Finally, the moment of truth arrived.
"Candidates with the following numbers, please step forward!"
Charlotte Roselei, captain of the Blue Rose squad, announced the selection process: "Captains who wish to recruit a candidate, please raise your hand. The candidate may choose which squad to join if multiple captains select them. If no captain raises their hand, the candidate is ineligible and must leave immediately."
Fuegoleon Vermilion added, "If no captain raises their hand, you are ineligible to join the Magic Knights."
Nozel Silva, captain of the Silver Eagles, stated coldly, "Leave the arena immediately."
This made the candidates even more nervous. The judgment began with number one.
…
"Number 32, no hands raised."
…
"Number 40, no hands raised."
…
"Number 67, no hands raised."
…
Number 78 joined the Crimson Lion Kings, and number 99 joined the Coral Peacock squad.
Yuno (number 164) received votes from all nine captains, choosing the Golden Dawn.
"Number 165, step forward!"
Drake stepped forward, meeting the nine captains' gazes. Like Yuno, he received votes from all nine.
Without hesitation, he announced, "I join the Black Bulls!"
"What?!"
The captains and remaining candidates were stunned. Why would anyone choose the Black Bulls, known for their poor reputation and often described as a band of ruffians?
It was unimaginable that someone chosen by a four-leaf clover Grimoire would choose them over the Golden Dawn or Silver Eagles.
Even Yami Sukehiro himself looked incredulous; he hadn't expected Drake to choose his squad. He'd assumed the raised hands were merely expressions of appreciation, not expecting the four-leaf clover mage to forgo a seemingly better opportunity.
He quickly smiled, though. Someone who caused such a scene in the exam might fit in perfectly with the Black Bulls' unorthodox style.
Fuegoleon suddenly stood. "Young man, may I ask your reason for choosing the Black Bulls?"
Yami, annoyed, retorted, "Hey! Fuegoleon, what's that supposed to mean? Are you looking down on my squad?"
Fuegoleon insisted, "Not at all! But this young man is a rare talent, deserving of a brighter future."
Yami, sword drawn, shouted, "You're clearly looking down on my squad! I'll cut you!"
Vangeance intervened. "Yami, calm down! Fuegoleon means no harm. Let's hear the young man's thoughts."
Drake scratched his head. "The Black Bulls' atmosphere is more relaxed."
"Just that?" Everyone looked incredulous.
Drake was telling the truth. Except for the Black Bulls, the other squads had numerous members, mostly nobles or even royalty.
The Black Bulls were eccentrics, but they were straightforward and honest. It was better than being looked down upon in other squads.
Yuno joining the Golden Dawn seemed closer to his goal, but gaining their acceptance would require significant effort.
Also, the Black Bulls were central to the main storyline. For Drake, simple training was insufficient; only combat would allow him to grow and gain enough magic power to use World Travel.
Despite the discussion, the rules were the rules.
"Number 166, step forward!"
Asta, nervous but resolute, stepped forward.
Drake sighed. No captain raised their hand for Asta, despite his spirited performance in the spar.
This was a magic-centric world; magic power was the standard for measuring a mage's potential and future.
No matter how determined Asta was, his lack of magic power remained a fact. The captains, all possessing keen magical senses, had noticed this.
Only one person stood. Yami, foot on the railing, boomed, "It's obvious! High combat ability doesn't matter; unproven power, no one would choose him! Magic Knights need magic power!"
Dark purple flames erupted from Yami, the power of a Magic Knight Captain, inspiring fear.
The arena shook. Yami's magic power had a significant impact on reality.
Drake watched Yami intently. He'd sensed Yami's immense power before, but now he felt it directly, understanding the terrifying strength of the Magic Knight captains.
Yami jumped from the platform. The pressure intensified as he approached.
Even Asta, unable to sense magic, felt the pressure. His muscles tensed.
"Magicless, no one wants you! That's reality!"
Yami stood before Asta. "You said you'd become Wizard King! You'd surpass us nine captains! Yet, you still claim that without magic?"
This was a test of Asta's resolve. No one could lie; any hesitation meant failure.
But Asta had unwavering resolve.
Asta clenched his fist. "Even if I can't join the Magic Knights, even if I'm ridiculed, I'll become Wizard King!"
"Hahaha!"
Yami laughed, retracting his magic, pointing at Asta. "You're interesting. Join my squad!"
"Huh?" Asta looked surprised.
Yami continued, "The Black Bulls! No refusal. Prepare for a brutal experience!"
"What?!" Asta trembled, uncertain of his future.
"Then become Wizard King and show me!" Yami said.
Drake watched Asta, reflecting on his journey. Yami's influence on Asta was immense, going beyond mere strength. Yami was the first to believe in Asta's potential to become Wizard King, a significant encouragement.
Despite his rough exterior, Yami had a rare ability to recognize others' potential and future. Drake knew he'd made the right choice joining the Black Bulls.
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