Swish!
Ethan dispersed the magic in his hands, a faint smile playing on his lips as he scanned the crowd. His gaze inevitably locked with Yuno's. Though unspoken, both of them shared the same thought: Who will rise as the strongest?
After all, as the wielders of four-leaf clovers, comparisons were unavoidable. And with both aspiring for the title of Wizard King, the rivalry was inevitable.
"Ahhhh! That's amazing! But no matter what, the one becoming Wizard King will definitely be me!"
Asta's boisterous voice shattered the tense atmosphere, leaving everyone exasperated.
Most expected Ethan to mock him, but instead, he replied with a grin, "Sure. But even if you become Wizard King, I'll be someone even stronger."
Ethan's response caught many by surprise. Yet, his confidence wasn't misplaced. The black five-leaf clover contained powers beyond imagination. The fourth leaf of a clover symbolized luck, but the fifth leaf? It housed a demon.
Before arriving in this world, Ethan hadn't yet finished watching Black Clover, so he wasn't entirely sure whether Asta was just a regular person or secretly some legendary figure's chosen one. But he knew this: Asta's "Anti-Magic" ability was a natural counter to all mages.
That included Ethan himself—even the Wizard King wasn't exempt.
However, Anti-Magic wasn't Asta's innate ability but something granted by the five-leaf clover and the demonic swords it bestowed. Without those swords, Asta's greatest strength disappeared, leaving him reliant only on his physical prowess.
"Now, we'll begin the second stage of the exam!"
William Vangeance, the Captain of the Golden Dawn, cast a lingering glance at Ethan before making the announcement. He didn't say much, but his demeanor suggested that the next test would be crucial.
The room refocused, as all candidates turned their attention back to the trial.
This phase tested their ability to create magic. Candidates needed to use their magical attributes to mold or transform their magic into different shapes or forms—whether to enhance its power or alter its utility.
For example, an earth mage could conjure sturdy walls or manipulate the terrain to create devastating landslides.
"Water Creation Magic: Mist Shroud!"
"Earth Creation Magic: Rock Wall!"
"Lightning Creation Magic: …"
One by one, candidates demonstrated their abilities. Most of their attempts, while technically "creation magic," were rudimentary. Changing the shape of their magic wasn't inherently impressive—it was its effectiveness that mattered.
"What's the point of creating something useless like a dirt toothbrush? Are you going to clean your teeth mid-battle?"
The mages seated in the observation area chuckled, though their focus remained sharp.
On the elevated platform, Jack the Ripper, Captain of the Green Mantis, glanced over at Yami Sukehiro, Captain of the Black Bulls.
"See anyone you like, Yami?" Jack smirked, his razor-sharp grin ever-present.
Yami, cigarette in hand, replied nonchalantly, "Even if I did, do you think they'd choose to join the Black Bulls?"
Jack chuckled knowingly.
Unspoken among the captains was their mutual acknowledgment of the top two candidates: Yuno and Ethan Hayes.
The former's skill was undeniable, and the latter had already shocked everyone by wielding two four-leaf clovers. Their performances so far had only cemented them as the clear favorites.
Jack's eyes narrowed slightly as he evaluated Ethan. "That kid... His magic power alone is already comparable to a 7th Domain mage. And he's only had his grimoire for what, half a year?"
Yami gave a slight nod of agreement, though he said nothing further.
Still, the captains knew the earlier trials were just warm-ups. The real test was about to begin.
"Now, for the final phase of the exam: combat!"
"Pairs will be formed, and you'll face off in one-on-one battles," announced Fuegoleon Vermillion, Captain of the Crimson Lion Kings.
This was what everyone had been waiting for. Magic Knights weren't meant to be ceremonial figures—they were warriors. The true test of a candidate's worth was their ability to fight.
"Winning or losing doesn't just impact your chances of selection—it might determine whether or not you'll be chosen at all," Fuegoleon continued.
At those words, the room erupted into murmurs. Most candidates immediately began sizing each other up, looking for weaker opponents to secure an easy victory.
Ethan, however, remained still.
"A four-leaf clover grimoire in the hands of a commoner? How laughable. I, Salim de Hapshass, will allow you the honor of facing me."
Ethan didn't even glance at the arrogant noble. "Scram."
Ignoring the stunned Salim, Ethan strode directly toward Yuno.
"Yuno," Ethan said with a grin, "Interested in a match?"
If he was going to fight, it wouldn't be against someone weak. Asta might have been an interesting opponent, but Ethan dismissed the idea. At this stage, their abilities were too far apart.
Yuno, on the other hand, was a worthy challenge. With his exceptional magic and natural talent, Yuno wasn't just a rival—he was the ideal test of Ethan's growing strength.
"Why not?" Yuno replied, his expression calm but determined.
The crowd buzzed with anticipation as the two most talked-about candidates prepared to clash.
This was no longer just a test—it was a battle between the future's greatest mages.