Chapter 50: Chapter 50: Strange Dungeon Report (2)
[Third Person's PoV]
Asta stepped forward, determination in his eyes as he opened his grimoire and held it toward the Wizard King. His voice rang out, clear and forceful. "Wizard King! Some strange writing appeared in my grimoire too!"
Julius raised an eyebrow, intrigued. He leaned in, squinting to examine the text closely, then rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I... I can't read it. I've never seen this kind of writing in any document before."
Asta's face filled with excitement as he flipped through the grimoire's pages, which began to glow. Suddenly, a sword handle materialized from within. He grasped it and drew out a massive, new sword, showcasing it with pride. "This sword came out of my grimoire!"
Julius's eyes sparkled with fascination as he observed the weapon. "Anti-magic power..." he murmured, his expression alight with wonder. "May I... may I touch it?"
Asta knelt, offering the sword like a knight presenting a blade to his king. Julius carefully took the sword, but the weight almost pulled him forward. "Whoa!" he gasped, barely managing to keep his balance. "It's... so heavy!"
"Are you alright, Wizard King?!" Klaus called out with concern.
Julius laughed, shaking his head in admiration. "I'm impressed you manage to swing this around—" He stopped abruptly as he felt a strange sensation. 'It's absorbing my magic...'
He handed the sword back to Asta, smiling with newfound respect. "This sword is incredible. I don't think anyone but you, someone without magic, could wield it."
Finally, Julius turned to Wanda, his gaze both curious and cautious. "So... you're the young woman Stephen discovered sealed within a crystal in the dungeon?"
Klaus's jaw dropped. "He did what? We didn't see her in there!"
"That's because Stephen worked in secret," Noelle replied, rolling her eyes at Klaus's surprise.
Julius continued, giving Wanda a warm smile. "May I ask your name, young lady?"
Wanda hesitated, half-hiding behind Stephen before stepping forward and speaking softly. "Wanda... Wanda Maximoff."
Julius nodded, his curiosity intensifying. "So you're from an ancient time—before grimoires even existed. Is that correct?"
Wanda nodded again. "This 'grimoire' concept is completely new to me. It's incredible how... standard it is here," she admitted, sounding both intrigued and mystified.
The spark in Julius's eyes brightened further. "Magic from a different era... I wonder what it's like. Could you show me?"
Wanda glanced at Stephen, who gave her an encouraging nod. She stepped back, took a deep breath, and raised her hands. Red orbs of energy began to swirl in her palms, glowing with a mysterious, chaotic light. Slowly, she started to rise off the ground, her movements wobbly and unsteady. "I'm still practicing, but I'm getting better," she said, managing a small smile as she hovered briefly before lowering herself back to the ground.
Julius watched with rapt attention, a serious look on his face, though the spark in his eyes never faded. "Your magic has a... chaotic feel to it. Is that because it's ancient, or is it unique to you? Regardless, Yami's vouched for you, and now as a member of his squad, I officially welcome you to the Clover Kingdom and the Magic Knights."
Wanda smiled, bowing respectfully. "Thank you very much."
Julius looked around at the group with a proud smile. "At any rate, well done, all of you."
Asta stepped forward, his nervousness evident as he struggled to form his words. "U-Um, Wizard King... I... Can I ask you a question?"
Julius tilted his head, intrigued. "What's on your mind?"
Taking a deep breath, Asta looked at Yuno, who stepped forward beside him. Together, they asked in unison, "How does someone become the Wizard King?"
Julius blinked in surprise, then laughed heartily. "I see! So you both aim to become the Wizard King. All Magic Knights should have such ambition."
Klaus adjusted his glasses, chastising the pair with a stern tone. "It's rude to ask the Wizard King such a direct question, you two! Listen to me a Wizard King must have a noble heart and the trust of the people–"
"No."
Julius's tone was suddenly serious, his face now devoid of its usual carefree warmth. "It's merit."
Asta and Yuno stared, wide-eyed as Julius continued. "You can't protect people with pride alone. Trust comes only after you've proven yourself. People look to the Wizard King for one thing: achievements that prove you're the strongest. Dedicate yourselves to that. Build a reputation. That's everything. Without that... no one can stand at the top."
Determination burned in Asta and Yuno's eyes as they clenched their fists. "Bring it on!" they both shouted.
Julius smiled, pleased to see their resolve. "Hahaha, well then! In fact, we'll soon be holding a ceremony for Magic Knights who have earned an outstanding number of stars. I hope to see you both there."
Asta and Yuno exchanged glances, excitement and anticipation lighting up their faces. "Wait... a ceremony?" they echoed as Julius led them down the hall.
Meanwhile, Wanda noticed Stephen lingering behind, deep in thought, his gaze unfocused. She nudged him gently. "Stephen?"
He blinked, snapping back to the present. "Hmm? What's up?"
"You've been staring off into space. What's wrong?"
Stephen rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his brow furrowing. "It's... well, just a feeling. When you used your magic just now, I sensed something... watching us. It vanished before I could get a read on it."
Wanda's eyes widened slightly. "I felt it too... I thought I was imagining things."
Stephen gave her a serious look. "Be careful, alright?"
Wanda smirked, flashing him a peace sign. "Don't worry. I've got you watching my back, right?"
Stephen chuckled, the tension easing a bit as Julius opened the grand doors to the hall, where the assembled Magic Knights awaited. There were both Magic Knights and Magic Knight Captains standing in two different rows.
"Alright…" Julius said as he stepped forwards, "Can you give me better results than them?"
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