After the introductions, Yami, puffing on his cigarette, said, "Normally there's another stage, but these two are fine. Let's skip it."
Drake then remembered another reason why the Black Bulls were the least desirable squad for candidates: their unique initiation ritual.
Earning that black cloak wasn't easy.
Initially, some joined the Black Bulls, only to end up in the capital's hospital the next day. Those who mentioned their experience with the Black Bulls initiation spoke with gritted teeth, preferring to leave the Magic Knights rather than endure it again.
The Black Bulls' initiation wasn't complicated—grueling physical tests and brutal sparring matches.
It was likely Yami's invention, becoming a tradition for new recruits.
However, it wasn't entirely bad. A full-fledged battle fostered understanding better than prolonged adjustment. Those who passed the initiation integrated faster.
The problem was that expecting the Black Bulls' problem children to exercise restraint was unrealistic; accidents were the norm.
Magna Swing exclaimed, "Damn it, what tricks did you use to get Captain Yami's approval? Don't try to hide it from me, Magna-sama!"
Tugging at his cloak, Magna said, "This cloak is a symbol of the Black Bulls' honor. You can't just wear it."
"I want it!" Asta's mouth opened wide, as if reaching for the cloak.
"You want it, huh?" Magna said menacingly. "Then you have to pass my trial!"
Yami laughed. "You're eager to spar with the newcomers! Energetic! My men are great, but underestimating these kids will get you hurt!"
Everyone looked at Drake and Asta with surprise. Magna was an experienced Magic Knight, yet Yami favored the newcomers more. These recruits were extraordinary.
Asta declared, "I understand! I'll pass the trial and get the cloak!"
Drake said, "Trial? A fight with a senior member? With all due respect, a fire magic user and I are a poor match; it'll be boring."
"What?!"
Magna's veins bulged, shouting, "Are you looking down on me?! I'll kill you now!"
His Grimoire opened, and he drew his flaming baseball bat, a giant fireball appearing before him.
"Die!"
Magna swung his bat, launching the fireball at Drake.
Drake ducked, saying, "I'm not underestimating you, senpai. I respect you, Magna-senpai!"
The Black Bulls had many talented members, arguably the strongest among the nine squads. They had several rare Underworld mages: Yami (dark magic), Nacht (demon magic), Vanessa (fate manipulation), Grey (matter manipulation), Charmy (unique bloodline), and Asta (anti-magic).
But Magna's abilities were the most ordinary. Born a commoner, he lacked immense magic power or special abilities. While he was exceptional compared to average Magic Knights, in the Black Bulls, ordinary meant behind.
However, he possessed incredible perseverance and willpower, eventually developing his own fighting style under the guidance of Zora Ideale. He achieved the miraculous, defeating Dante Zogratis, a demon possessor stronger than a Magic Knight Captain.
Drake's respect was genuine, but his comment about a poor match was also true.
Magna's giant fireball stopped before Drake's open mouth. It began to shrink, and a swallowing sound echoed.
"He… ate… the flames…"
Everyone stared in shock. Magna himself was stunned.
"Willpower-infused flames, thank you for the meal!" Drake wiped his mouth, giving Magna a thumbs-up.
"A dragon's lungs store flames, its scales dissolve flames, its claws wield flames. This dragon-like physique is the result of Dragon Slayer magic, passed down from dragons, used to combat dragons."
Drake explained his magic to the astonished Magna.
"Amazing!" Magna exclaimed. "I chose the wrong opponent!"
Magna was a true man; Drake felt his words were sincere, devoid of jealousy.
"Hahaha! Interesting magic! See? My choice was good!" Yami laughed, addressing the others.
The others nodded in agreement.
Vanessa said, "But… dragons… aren't they legendary creatures? Did a dragon teach Drake-kun his magic? Amazing!"
Drake smiled. Telling others about dragons would only bring ridicule or accusations of madness. Only in the Black Bulls would they believe him so easily.
Drake said, "I haven't mentioned this yet. I was raised by a dragon until I was ten."
"What?!"
Everyone was surprised but didn't doubt him.
Asta exclaimed, "Drake was raised by a dragon? I never knew!"
Drake smiled. "You never asked."
Asta realized, "That's right! I never asked about Drake's past."
Magna turned to Asta. "I acknowledge Drake, but you're different. I sense no magic in you. Be prepared; you might die!"
Asta declared energetically, "I know! I'll pass!"
He drew the Demon-slayer Sword, ready for Magna's attack.
"Alright! I'll go all out." Magna retracted his baseball bat; his Grimoire turned, revealing an even larger fireball.
"Fire Magic: Exploding Inferno Magic Ball!"
Magna roared, throwing the fireball with a perfect baseball pitch, faster than before.
Asta, remembering the exam, instinctively raised the Demon-slayer Sword to block.
"Bang!"
The fireball was deflected, hitting Magna and exploding.
"You bastard! Almost died from your own magic!"
Magna's constitution was good; he'd reduced his magic power before impact.
Emerging from the flames, Magna rushed to Asta, placing his hands on his shoulders.
"You…"
"Scary! Scary! Scary!" Asta trembled.
Magna laughed. "Impressive! Hahaha!"
He patted Asta's back. "You blocked my magic and deflected it! Good job, Tiny Asta!"
"It's Asta!"
Magna ignored him. "I'm sorry for mocking your lack of magic."
Asta said, "I don't have weak magic; I have no magic!"
Magna didn't mock him. "Magicless and you deflected my magic? Even cooler!"
Everyone gathered; Drake felt their genuine enthusiasm.
"Here… take these!" Magna tossed two cloaks.
Drake put his cloak on without hesitation.
"You're Black Bulls now!" They cheered.
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