The gaze of nearly everyone was fixed on Yuno.
He had completely become the center of attention. Unrestrained magical power continuously gathered around him, stirring up a fierce gale as the four-leaf grimoire floated within it.
The Magic Tower Master's hands were trembling slightly.
Karl's appearance had already filled him with surprise. But Yuno's awakening was almost on par with the legendary first Magic Emperor!
The Magic Tower Master's mouth stretched into an uncloseable grin, while envy and jealousy filled the eyes of the other youths.
However, while everyone was focused on Yuno, Karl was sharp-eyed.
The blue rose thorns instantly dissipated. The pale blue mana vanished completely. Charlotte, who had been floating, staggered and fell from the sky like an ordinary woman.
A flash of panic crossed her expression.
The Thorn Curse.
At this moment, Charlotte was almost completely immobilized. The intense magical pressure of Yuno's awakening had caused her own cursed mana to momentarily spiral out of control.
But her fall was already unavoidable.
Quick-eyed and swift-handed, a gleam shone in Karl's eyes. If he had been hesitating about where to gain a powerful figure's favor, who could be more suitable than Charlotte?
Karl leaped forward with a flying step.
Thanks to his previous life's adventures, Karl's physical fitness already surpassed that of ordinary people. With a steady jump, he caught Charlotte mid-air.
As they spun, their eyes met.
Charlotte was stunned.
Before she could react with shyness or anger, Karl's other hand steadily caught her terrifyingly thick Thorn grimoire.
A trace of gentle concern appeared in Karl's eyes. "Lady Charlotte, are you alright?"
Fortunately, with everyone's attention on Yuno, this intimate rescue went completely unnoticed by the crowd.
Feeling the mana within her body gradually recovering, Charlotte snapped back to reality. Her icy, snow-lotus-like countenance quickly regained its composure.
"Put me down at once. What kind of behavior is this?"
The coldness in her eyes seemed enough to freeze everything.
Yet, the moment he helped Charlotte stand, Karl not only felt her astonishing resilience, but he also heard a beautiful sound in his mind.
[Congratulations, Host. Favorability from the powerful Charlotte +10.] [Activate the Eight Gates, First Gate: Gate of Opening?]
A slight smile appeared on Karl's lips as he mentally confirmed the activation.
As the 10 points of favorability were consumed, Karl's physical fitness increased at a visible, frenzied rate. His bones grew continuously, and his muscles rapidly compacted.
Karl could clearly feel that his previously flat abdomen now displayed a full eight-pack.
He felt an illusion of sheer power—like he could knock out a rampaging ox with a single punch. His entire skeleton creaked, instantly increasing his height by a full head.
His Vitality Level shifted from 'E' to 'D' (Can Rip a Bull's Head Apart).
All these changes unfolded directly before Charlotte's eyes.
She only dared to glance at Karl secretly before immediately averting her gaze. But noticing his sudden, tremendous physical transformation, she was completely stunned.
His black hair fell loosely, emanating a purity of strength. For a moment, she even seemed to see the shadow of a certain scruffy-bearded man in him.
Charlotte couldn't help but cover her mouth. How is this possible? Why such a huge change in an instant?
The aura Karl emitted now, compared to before, was like the difference between a little white rabbit and a big bad wolf.
...
The unique aura of wind magic gradually receded around Yuno.
The Magic Tower Master announced in a grand voice, "Yuno—Chosen One, four-leaf grimoire!"
Waves of clamorous noise arose.
However, a loud, booming voice suddenly drowned out all other sounds.
"Why! Why don't I have a grimoire?! Where's my book?!"
Everyone turned to look at the short, ash-blond kid in the corner. Karl couldn't help but facepalm. It was Asta, and his legendary voice was indeed loud enough to induce a migraine.
Yuno stepped forward to stand before Charlotte. Kneeling on one knee, he said elegantly, "Lady Charlotte, I will definitely become the strongest Magic Knight. I will become the Magic Emperor!"
Asta instantly roared from the back. "Yuno! I'm the one who will become the Magic Emperor!"
The Tower Lord coughed awkwardly. "Ahem... young man, perhaps you could try your luck again next year?"
Asta slumped to the ground, absolutely defeated.
Charlotte nodded at Yuno, then swept her eyes over the young people present. "This place has truly surprised me. Originally, I didn't intend to say this, but seeing so many promising seedlings..."
Her gaze passed over Yuno, finally settling on Karl. Their eyes met for a moment, and Charlotte averted her gaze as if shocked.
"Three days from now is the Royal Capital's Knight Squad Trial Competition. If you believe you have the qualifications to enter the Clover Kingdom's Nine Magic Knight Squads, then come and try."
Blue thorny roses bloomed, and in the next moment, Charlotte vanished from sight.
[Congratulations, Host. Short-Term Mission activated: The Unorthodox Knight Squad Selection.] [Complete the selection process in an unexpected manner to receive a reward of 3000 Vitality Points.]
Joy surged in Karl's heart. If he could complete this, summoning that domineering Principia was one step closer.
However, in a dark corner of the tower, a man with a gloomy expression was staring intently at Yuno and Karl.
Underneath his wide sleeves, chains writhed incessantly.