The boy looked between them, hope blooming in his heart. "Then I'll work hard! I'll become strong enough to join the Magic Knights—just like you both!"
Magna nodded. "That's the spirit."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the three of them stood at the grave—saying goodbye to the past, and quietly kindling the fire for the future.
"It's nothing. Just look at the guy next to you," Noelle said, gesturing toward Asta. "He was born without any magic power at all, but through sheer hard work, he still became a Magic Knight!"
Noelle meant to encourage Nico with kindness, but—
"Is that… really comforting?" Asta sweatdropped. Sure, it was supposed to be motivational, but Noelle was also just bluntly exposing his greatest flaw with a smile. Noelle's version of encouragement really pulled no punches.
"Really, big brother?" Nico's eyes sparkled with hope. So hard work really could lead to success—even without magic!
"Don't you think he's a bit pitiful though?" Noelle added with a huff, folding her arms.
"Hey! What's with that follow-up?!" Asta exclaimed, feeling like he'd been hit twice with the same insult.
"I'm not the type to lie just to save face. Like when I told you I liked you from the beginning, right? I never hid that!"
"Wha—?! Wha-WHAT? You idiot, Asta!" Noelle stammered, her cheeks flushing bright red. She tried to look mad, but couldn't hide the tiny smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
"Can we not flirt in the middle of a serious conversation?" Magna grumbled, a vein twitching on his forehead. "We're talking about Nico's future, not your awkward romance!"
Asta grinned and turned to Nico, now speaking more seriously. "There's more than one way to get stronger in this world. If you want to become strong like me, go to Hage Village. There's someone there named Nash. He'll show you how to start building real strength."
"Hage Village?" Nico echoed. The name was foreign to him—he'd barely ever left his own hometown.
"Are you serious? You want this kid to go all the way to the boonies?" Magna asked incredulously. "That's the edge of the Clover Kingdom!"
"If he's serious about changing himself, then I'll teach him everything I know." Asta's voice was firm. He didn't need to convince anyone else—only Nico.
Everyone fell silent.
They understood what that meant. Asta's physical abilities were legendary. If Nico could train under him—even starting young—it could change his whole life.
"I'll go! No matter what!" Nico clenched his fists, eyes blazing with resolve. His grandfather was gone. He didn't want to lose anyone else. If this path could make him stronger, he would take it—even if it meant facing death.
"Good. You're at the perfect age to start building your body. Physical training is just as important as magic—especially if magic isn't on your side."
Asta's words burned with conviction. In a world ruled by magic, physical prowess had long been overlooked. But if he could pass on his fighting spirit, he could ignite hope for others abandoned by magic.
He had once seen Rock Lee fight with everything he had despite his limitations. Just like him, Asta was now carrying that same light for someone else.
"I'll get there as soon as I can!" Nico vowed, eyes glinting with determination.
Just then, Nero (the anti-magic bird) fluttered back, holding a small pink stone in her beak. Her slightly annoyed expression only made Noelle squeal inwardly.
"You can… come into my arms if you want," Noelle muttered, gathering her courage.
"Caw." Nero gave her a very "no thanks" kind of look, then flew straight into Asta's shirt.
"S-so cold..." Noelle blushed, but she didn't seem upset—if anything, she found Nero even cuter.
"What's this pink rock anyway?" Asta examined the stone curiously.
"That's a guardian stone. Grandpa brought it back from somewhere long ago. If your bird likes it, you can have it." Nico smiled.
"Thanks." Asta nodded, though he didn't think too much of it at the time.
"Alright, time to head back," Magna said. "I've recovered most of my mana."
"You got this, Nico!" Asta called as he climbed aboard the Crimson Lion magic broom, this time sitting slightly farther back—just enough for Noelle to lean against him with a small smile.
****
Meanwhile, elsewhere…
A blue-robed mage knelt silently in a dimly lit hall. The man standing before him, half-shadowed by torchlight, stared at the glowing stone tablet in front of him. Several multicolored magic stones were embedded in it—each one resonating with power.
One stone was missing.
"The Black Bulls?" the mysterious figure said coldly. "Let them have their moment of triumph. Once all the stones are gathered… he will awaken. And when that happens, even the Magic Knights won't be able to stop us."
****
After returning to the Black Bull base, Magna immediately went off to report their mission. Yami their squad captain, quickly ordered Finral to take Vanessa to the Magic Knights' Investigation Division to deliver the relics and findings.
Yami himself reported directly to the Wizard King.
Soon after, he returned, a cigarette between his lips as usual. "You guys did good," he said casually. "The Wizard King gave us a star for the mission."
Everyone perked up at that, though Magna and Noelle seemed downcast.
Yami noticed immediately.
"Sisi was important, huh?" Yami asked. He wasn't good with feelings—but he wasn't blind either. Sisi wasn't just a random villager to Magna. They'd gambled together, lost together, and laughed together.
Even if he always t, Magna had kept betting—not just for fun, but probably to support the guy.
Noelle, too, had rarely experienced death up close. Her royal upbringing shielded her from such pain.
Yami exhaled deeply. "Listen, people die. That's the world we live in. But mourning too long ain't gonna bring 'em back. You want to honor the dead? Then keep moving forward and protect the next person."
His tone was rough, but his message was clear: loss is part of the Magic Knights' path.
"Yes, Captain!" Magna saluted, a new fire in his eyes.
Noelle lowered her head. She didn't fully understand, but Yami's words helped ease the tightness in her chest.
Asta, meanwhile, stayed uncharacteristically quiet.
Yami glanced at him. "You don't look fazed. Cold-hearted or just used to it?"
Asta blinked. "Neither. I just… already decided I'd keep moving no matter what. That's all."
Yami gave a rare smirk. "Fair enough."
Just then, Finral and Vanessa returned.
"The Investigation Division took the artifacts, but…" Vanessa sighed. "They couldn't identify much."
"Useless punks," Magna muttered.
"But based on the materials and magic signatures," Finral added, "they're likely tied to a noble or even royal faction."
Yami's brow lifted slightly. "Let 'em handle it for now. Anyway, I got two good bits of news."
"Oh? What is it?" Asta asked.
"First—like I said—we got a star. Second…" Yami's grin widened. "The Wizard King said to keep your eyes open. More's coming."
The squad exchanged looks, bracing themselves.
And somewhere in the distance, the magic stone pulsed—waiting to be found.