Year 760 of the Clover Calendar, January.
After the battle against the capital's invasion, another earth-shattering event shook the entire Clover Kingdom.
The captain of the Golden Dawn, Vangeance, was confirmed to have committed treason — and fled the country!
The news spread like wildfire throughout the kingdom, even reaching the border regions.
Everyone was talking about it over meals and gatherings.
At this moment, inside the royal palace's grand hall, the leaders of the Magic Knight squads, the Wizard King, and the King himself were all present.
They had gathered to discuss this explosive incident.
"Let's hear it. What do you all propose regarding Vangeance?"
Seated alongside the King, the Wizard King spoke calmly.
But no one answered immediately. The hall fell into a brief silence.
"The first thing we must do is stabilize public morale. We've just survived an invasion, and now news like this threatens to crush the people's spirits," said Ethan Hayes, rising from his seat.
"Second, issue a nationwide wanted order for Vangeance. Even if we can't catch him immediately, we must show we're taking action. Otherwise, how will other nations view us?"
"Third, strengthen our border defenses. Vangeance's betrayal might embolden neighboring countries."
"And lastly, we must quickly elect a new captain for the Golden Dawn."
The severity of the situation depended entirely on how they chose to handle it — if they acted passively, it would only worsen the Kingdom's predicament.
Hearing Ethan's sharp and practical analysis, the others nodded in agreement.
The King even stood up and clapped, clear admiration in his eyes.
He hadn't misjudged Ethan at all!
Ethan was truly someone worth recruiting.
In no time, he had taken down Vangeance and offered such keen insights. A real talent!
"Vangeance's betrayal is undeniable. We must punish the guilty and reward the meritorious. Captain Ethan Hayes wisely exposed him, sparing the kingdom greater losses. He deserves recognition and reward!"
King Auguston declared with a smile.
However, this declaration sparked resentment among many — especially the members of the Golden Dawn.
Wasn't this just trampling over them to climb higher?
Even Ethan looked at Auguston like he was an idiot.
He knew very well that Auguston was trying to cozy up to him: promoting him to secure more power to suppress the other squads — maybe even topple a few more captains, just like with Vangeance.
But seriously, was he that tone-deaf?
Everyone here had ties to Vangeance in some way. Auguston's maneuver only stirred up anger.
And just when Ethan thought things couldn't get any worse, Auguston added fuel to the fire:
"Vangeance served as Golden Dawn's captain for decades without ever being exposed. Was it because he was too good at hiding? Or was someone covering for him?"
At those words, everyone's brows furrowed.
He was clearly picking a fight with the Wizard King!
"The King is right," the Wizard King said calmly. "As Wizard King, I take responsibility. Had I discovered it earlier, the Kingdom could have avoided greater harm. I had already planned to step down... and now, it's clear I am no longer fit to remain as Wizard King."
The moment he spoke, the hall erupted.
All the captains stood, their eyes burning with anger toward Auguston.
He was forcing the Wizard King to abdicate?!
"If you must step down, Wizard King," Ethan said, stepping forward, "then tell us — who is fit to replace you? Nozel? Yami? Charlotte? Setting aside their strength, do they command the necessary prestige? Without a proper successor, wouldn't the squads fall into chaos?"
The Wizard King's role wasn't something just anyone could fill.
Julius could hold it because of his overwhelming strength, alliances, and charisma.
Apart from Vangeance — now a confirmed traitor — no one else fit the bill.
If Julius stepped down now, internal strife would erupt, and neighboring countries would certainly seize the opportunity.
The Clover Kingdom might not survive both internal unrest and external threats.
Not to mention, the Eye of the Midnight Sun was still lurking in the shadows.
Retirement was an option — but definitely not now!
"You little—!"
Auguston glared at Ethan furiously, not expecting him to defend the Wizard King.
Of course, he understood the consequences too.
But if he didn't seize this chance to remove Julius, when would he ever gain full control?
"I propose that Julius temporarily continue as Wizard King. When a suitable successor is found in the future, the position can be transferred.
For now, our priority must be uniting to protect the Clover Kingdom!"
Ethan said firmly.
"I agree!"
"So do I!"
"I second the motion!"
One after another, Yami and the others voiced their support.
Many glanced at Ethan with softened expressions.
Even though he had ousted Vangeance, it was clear that he wasn't driven by selfish motives — he was thinking of the Kingdom as a whole.
"In that case, so be it. This meeting is adjourned!"
Auguston turned and left, his face dark with rage.
Instead of gaining power, he had only worsened his reputation among the other captains.
"What a farce..."
The Wizard King chuckled bitterly.
He understood Auguston's ambition perfectly.
But power was something not everyone could easily resist.
Shaking his head, the Wizard King said,
"Very well. I shall temporarily continue as Wizard King.
Ethan, please implement the measures you mentioned as soon as possible.
Also — regarding the next captain of the Golden Dawn, does anyone have a candidate?"
The hall grew thoughtful.
Golden Dawn, the squad that had ranked number one for years, could not afford a mediocre captain.
Their leader needed strength and unquestionable authority.
"I recommend Yuno," Ethan said again, catching everyone off guard — especially Yuno himself.
Me?
Captain?
"Yuno's strength may not yet match that of veteran captains, but he is far from weak," Ethan said with a grin.
"Let me ask you — how strong do you think I am?"
The captains pondered.
Though Ethan hadn't fought many battles, every time he did, he left them astonished.
In the Royal Knights Selection Exam, he defeated six vice captains simultaneously.
During the capital invasion, he stood alone against hundreds, painting the battlefield red.
Even if he wasn't at a captain's level yet, he was very close — and most importantly, he was still young!
In his teens, and already this strong.
In his twenties or thirties, reaching true captain-level strength was guaranteed.
Maybe this was why the Wizard King had insisted on appointing Ethan as the 10th Squad's leader despite opposition.
"Besides," Ethan continued, "both Yuno and I possess a four-leaf clover grimoire — and the power of the elves.
If I can be a captain, why can't he?
Yuno — step up and speak for yourself!"
Being called out, Yuno's expression shifted.
Honestly, he hadn't expected the opportunity to come so soon.
He wasn't mentally prepared — he couldn't even believe it was real.
But when he met Ethan's steady gaze, his own heart firmed.
That's right.
What Ethan has, I have too.
If he can be captain, so can I.
His goal was to become the Wizard King — but before that, he needed to surpass the strong.
The closer he got to them, the closer he came to achieving his dream.
"I, Yuno, will surpass you, Ethan — and become the next Wizard King!
Just you wait!"
-------------------------
To Access 30+ Advance chapters head over to Patreon:
patreon .com / Samorash
~~Do leave a comment!