"The magic power intensity exam begins."
Magic tablets made of special materials were placed in the center of the plaza.
This test measured total mana. Generally, royalty and nobles possessed stronger magic power than commoners.
As expected, Asta caused no damage to the tablet because he had no magic.
Meanwhile, Yuno condensed Wind Magic and pierced straight through the tablet.
Sekke's performance was average, leaving only a modest dent.
Vibrant plant attributes gathered at Cedric's fingertips and fired forward, also piercing through the tablet.
"The test is over. Candidates, rest for a moment before the magic control exam begins."
The magic control exam resembled skeet shooting.
Yuno's excellent Wind Magic was agile and elegant, easily earning him a perfect score.
Cedric used his magic to create a small wood dragon and also achieved an impressive result.
During the subsequent creation and evolution tests, the two performed equally well.
"It's rare to encounter such excellent prospects. The boy with the Four-Leaf Clover grimoire and the boy with the plant grimoire are both extremely impressive."
"That's only surface-level performance. We still have to see how they handle real combat," Yami Sukehiro said lazily while blowing out a ring of smoke.
"What a pity. Talents like them definitely won't join your Black Bulls."
Yami slowly reached for his sword.
"Dead Mantis, do you want a beating?"
"Hehehe, go ahead and try. It has been a long time since I sliced someone," Jack the Ripper replied while licking his arm with his long tongue.
"The final round is real combat. Please use your strongest magic. This test carries the most weight in the evaluation. Next, free team battles begin."
"Asta, let's go together, fu-ha!" Sekke said.
"Alright, Sekke."
As the battle was about to begin, Sekke suddenly spoke.
"Asta, just become my stepping stone to the Magic Knights."
Bronze Creation Magic: Bronze Guardian Sphere.
A large bronze sphere formed around Sekke.
"A well-executed creation spell combining offense and defense."
"Why does it look like a bug from the forest to me?"
"I didn't come to this exam just to play around. If I want to become the Wizard King, I must win!" Asta shouted.
The black grimoire flashed with red light as Asta pulled out his massive black sword.
He kicked off the ground and rushed toward Sekke like lightning.
"So fast. Is that reinforcement magic?" the captains wondered.
"No, that's pure physical strength. There isn't even a trace of magic," Yami Sukehiro said calmly.
The enormous sword split the Bronze Guardian Sphere in half.
Sekke was knocked unconscious instantly.
"Your name is Yuno, right? I am Salim Hapshass. Would you like to be my opponent?"
Yuno looked at the blonde noble coldly.
"You are not qualified."
"Cedric, let's compete. I want to know which one of us is stronger."
In the center of the arena, Yuno and Cedric faced each other.
Wind Magic: Tower of Storms.
A massive whirlwind surged forward, rushing toward Cedric.
Cedric immediately summoned several branches to protect himself, blocking the wind blades.
"Yuno, don't you want to know my strength? Then watch this."
Tree Magic: World Tree Summoning.
The ground suddenly cracked apart.
Gigantic trees erupted from the earth, growing wildly until the entire arena resembled a dense forest.
Yuno was entangled by branches and hung upside down in the canopy.
"This... he created an entire forest. How much mana does that require?"
"Big brother Cedric is amazing!" Asta shouted excitedly.
Even the nine captains watching from the stands were shocked.
Such a monster had to be recruited.
Cedric clapped his hands together, and the forest instantly disappeared.
Yuno fell back down to the ground.
The confidence on his face faded slightly, replaced with the faint regret of defeat.
"The evaluation phase will now begin," the examiner announced.
"When your number is called, step forward. The nine captains will raise their hands if they wish to recruit you. If no one raises their hand, you are eliminated. If multiple captains raise their hands, you may choose which squad to join."
"Number 1."
No one raised their hand.
...
"Number 75."
The captain of the Purple Orcas raised his hand.
"I will join the Purple Orcas."
"Number 163."
Yuno stepped forward and looked toward the captains.
Every captain except the Golden Dawn immediately raised their hands.
William Vangeance hesitated for a long moment.
Finally, considering the Four-Leaf Clover grimoire, he slowly raised his hand.
"Nine captains raising their hands at the same time. This boy is truly exceptional."
"I choose the Golden Dawn."
Yuno stepped down and glanced at Cedric.
I joined the Golden Dawn, so my growth will be faster. Just wait, Cedric. I will defeat you.
Cedric looked confused.
Why are you staring at me? Isn't your rival supposed to be Asta?
"Next, number 164."
The arena fell completely silent.
No captain raised their hand.
Asta clenched his fists so tightly his nails dug into his palms.
"Why? Why didn't anyone choose me?"
Yami Sukehiro suddenly jumped down from the platform.
His dark magic pressure weighed heavily on Asta.
"Kid, this world still runs on magic. Who would trust a power they can't understand? You said you wanted to become the Wizard King."
Yami stared directly into Asta's eyes.
"That means surpassing every captain here. Do you still dare to say you will surpass me?"
Under the overwhelming pressure, Asta raised his head firmly.
"So what if everyone laughs at me? No matter how hard it is, I will surpass all of you and become the Wizard King right in front of your eyes. Just watch!"
Yami burst into laughter.
"Hahaha, interesting. Join my squad."
"What?"
"I'm telling you to join the Black Bulls. Let me see how you plan to surpass me, brat."
After that small incident, the evaluation continued.
"Number 188."
Cedric stepped onto the stage.
All nine captains immediately raised their hands, afraid someone else would recruit him first.
"I choose the Black Bulls."
The captains were stunned.
"Are you sure? The Black Bulls have the worst reputation. You should join my squad instead," Jack the Ripper said.
"Your Tree Magic is excellent. If you join the Golden Dawn, I can personally guide you," William Vangeance added.
The other captains also tried to recruit him.
"Thank you for your kindness, Captains, but I still choose the Black Bulls."
The evaluation finally ended.
Cedric soon stood beside Yami.
Even Yami seemed slightly surprised that such a talented mage had chosen the Black Bulls.
"Where's that loud kid?" Yami asked.
"He went to the bathroom," Finral Roulacase replied while casually picking his ear.
"Damn it. I'm the only one allowed to make people wait while I'm in the bathroom. This brat actually made me wait. He must have a death wish."
Yami punched the wall, instantly collapsing it.
Asta came out of the bathroom feeling refreshed.
He immediately ran into an irritated Yami.
"Do you know how long we've been waiting for you?"
Yami grabbed Asta by the head and lifted him into the air.
"Aaaagh! I'm going to die! I'm going to die!"
"Finral, open a spatial portal. We're heading back to the base."
A spatial gate opened, and Yami threw Asta straight inside.
He then patted Cedric on the shoulder.
"Let's go, brat. Unless you want me to throw you in too."
"I would rather not."
Cedric calmly walked into the portal.
[Ding! Host has completed the mission: Gain recognition from the nine Magic Knight squads and join the Black Bulls. Reward: 2% Magic Power.]
[New mission issued: Train Noelle Silva and teach her magic control. Mission Reward: Sage Body.]
Cedric rubbed his chin.
The reward sounded good, but Noelle was supposed to be Asta's future wife.
Isn't this a bit excessive?
Is the system trying to turn me into Cao Cao?