At the center of the battlefield—
Yuuki calmly healed Mariella and Neige while watching Nozel and Jack, whose terrifying mana continued to surge across the area.
Slash!
Jack casually swung his arm, dispersing the dust beside him in a single stroke and carving a deep gash into the ground.
"Tch. Now this is interesting—an opponent worth fighting finally shows up!"
"I never thought this brat was actually this strong. What a surprise."
Jack's lips split into a cruel, exhilarated grin. Bloodlust gleamed in his narrow eyes, as though he were already imagining carving his prey apart.
He still remembered Yuuki from the Magic Knight entrance exam half a year ago.
After all, Replication Magic was the kind of ability that left an impression whether one wanted it to or not.
But it hadn't been that long—yet Yuuki already possessed strength like this.
That alone told Jack that Yuuki's magic wasn't something as simple as ordinary Replication Magic.
It even reminded him of the previous Wizard King.
Secrets? Hidden truths?
Jack didn't care.
Licking his lips, he focused on only one thought—
Cut this brat down.
"Fire Spirit… Salamander."
Nozel narrowed his eyes, surprise flickering in his golden pupils.
"If I remember correctly, this commoner's magic was Replication Magic, wasn't it?"
"Who knows," Jack replied lazily.
"Maybe from the very beginning, the kid's magic was never just simple replication."
As he spoke, Jack's half-lidded eyes snapped open.
He lunged toward Yuuki at the same time.
"Die, brat!"
Bang!
A mercury-like tentacle slammed down in front of Jack, forcing him to halt mid-charge.
"What are you doing, Nozel?!"
Jack glared at Nozel in irritation after having his attack interrupted.
"He is my prey, former commoner."
Nozel's voice was icy, his gaze colder still.
As captains, their pride would never allow the two of them to gang up on a single opponent.
The moment those words fell—
Jack's eyes narrowed dangerously. He raised his emerald scythe and pointed it straight at Nozel.
"So you're saying… you're stealing my prey?"
"No," Nozel replied calmly, lifting his chin.
"He was mine from the start. Former commoner."
His tone was arrogant—natural, as if stating an undeniable fact.
"Heh. Then I'll just kill you first."
Jack sneered, refusing to back down.
In an instant, the immense pressure that had been bearing down on Yuuki shifted—
Nozel's and Jack's mana collided with each other instead.
Mariella and Neige, still being healed, stared in shock.
They hadn't expected two Magic Knight Captains—figures at the pinnacle of the kingdom—to confront each other over who got to fight their lord.
"Pride of captains, huh…"
Yuuki watched the scene coldly.
Being underestimated didn't bother him.
What concerned him was the Clover Kingdom's sudden decision to assault the tavern—something completely outside his expectations.
If someone claimed this had nothing to do with Licht's interference, Yuuki wouldn't believe it.
Even with foreknowledge, he couldn't afford to underestimate these people.
Still, there was no point dwelling on it now.
Yuuki raised his head, eyes indifferent as he looked at Nozel and Jack still arguing over whose prey he was.
Since things had already reached this point—
A fight was unavoidable.
Perfect timing, really.
He had planned to show the Clover Kingdom his strength anyway, to cut down unnecessary trouble.
As for the Wizard King?
Until the Word-Soul Devil was dealt with, Julius's other soul—Lucius, the dominant one—would never confront it directly.
Just like in the original timeline, he would fake his death and withdraw from the stage.
Yuuki's appearance might complicate things slightly, but in Julius's eyes, it wasn't a major issue.
With the magic stone obtained from the Witch's Forest, and detailed intelligence on the Eye of the Midnight Sun in hand, Yuuki already possessed enough leverage to negotiate cooperation with the kingdom.
Suspicion? Distrust?
He didn't care.
He had no intention of becoming a Magic Knight anyway.
This time was more than enough to prepare for the ritual in peace.
By now, Phoenix Feather Robe had almost completely healed Mariella's and Neige's injuries.
Yuuki withdrew his hands. The blazing feathered flames faded from their bodies.
Mariella and Neige stepped back instinctively, clearing space for him.
Since the two captains weren't making the first move—
Yuuki decided he would.
Just as that thought formed, his brows twitched.
Whoosh!
Yuno descended from above, landing between the two sides.
At the same time, Asta rushed out from the ruined street nearby.
Seeing them—
Yuuki froze for a moment, genuine surprise crossing his face.
He had already sensed their presence on the town's outskirts, but he hadn't expected them to step in like this.
"You two…?"
Warmth stirred in Yuuki's chest as he looked at them.
"You bastard. Hiding your strength all this time—
we'll settle that later."
Yuno turned slightly, a faint smile appearing on his usually cool face.
"Oooh—Salamander?"
The wind spirit Sylph floated beside Yuno, eyes sparkling as she greeted the fire spirit perched on Yuuki's shoulder.
"Rooa~"
Salamander glanced at her lazily and let out a low growl.
Sylph's excitement deflated instantly. She crossed her arms and puffed out her cheeks.
"Hmph! Still not fully awakened, huh…"
"Yuuki—we trust you!"
Asta shouted loudly, then turned toward the two captains.
"Captain Nozel! Captain Jack! Yuuki helped us so many times—he definitely doesn't mean any harm to the Clover Kingdom—!"
But before he could finish—
"Shut up!"
Jack snapped impatiently, slashing his emerald scythe straight at Asta.
At the same time, Nozel casually flicked his hand.
A mercury tentacle sliced a massive boulder from the ground and hurled it toward Yuno.
Asta drew the Demon-Slayer Sword instantly, blocking the slash.
Yuno unleashed wind magic, shredding the boulder into fragments and diverting them aside.
"Since when were squad members allowed to interfere in matters between captains?"
Nozel's voice was frigid as mercury spread around him.
"Or are you saying you're connected to the Eye of the Midnight Sun as well?"
"There's no point," Yuuki said calmly, cutting Asta and Yuno off before they could speak again.
"Words alone won't clear misunderstandings—nor will they stop the captains from acting."
Then his gaze suddenly lifted skyward.
"They're here."
Yuno stiffened—and sensed it as well, his expression turning grave.
Asta followed their gaze, still confused.
Even Nozel paused.
"Tch."
Jack clicked his tongue, eyes never leaving Yuuki, already judging where to strike for the cleanest cut.
Whoosh—whoosh—whoosh!
Sharp tearing sounds echoed from the distant sky.
In the next instant—
Five figures radiating overwhelming mana descended from above, spreading out to encircle the battlefield.
Far away, Finral collapsed to the ground in terror.
Even from this distance, Noelle covered her mouth instinctively, afraid even a sound might draw their attention.
At the center—
Asta's impulsiveness vanished. His eyes widened, tension flooding his face.
"Cap… captains…"
Sweat beaded on Yuno's forehead as his nerves tightened to their limit.
"Captain Charlotte Roselei of the Blue Rose!"
"Captain Kaiser Granvorka of the Purple Orcas!"
"Captain Dorothy Unsworth of the Coral Peacock!"
"Captain Rill Boismortier of the Aqua Deer!"
"And—"
"Captain William Vangeance of the Golden Dawn."
Yuuki calmly spoke each name.
When he reached the last one, his tone paused almost imperceptibly, his gaze lingering briefly on William.
Licht?
No—Rhya in disguise.
Yuuki couldn't distinguish it through mana alone, but having just fought Rhya, he could still tell the difference through ki.
"It's truly an honor."
Yuuki smiled, utterly composed.
"To meet so many captains at once."
With Fuegoleon still unconscious, and Yami absent—
Every other Magic Knight Captain of the Clover Kingdom had gathered here.
(End of Chapter)
⭐ Enjoying the story?
You can read ahead and support the translations by joining my Patreon! Your support helps me update faster and take on more projects. Thank you for reading!
Read up to 50 chapters ahead!
patreon.com/AminaSims
Bonus Chapter at 2300 powerstones.