The road to the Clover Kingdom's capital stretched far ahead, cobbled and ancient, winding through hills, forests, and villages that shimmered under the rising sun.
Asta walked alongside Yuno, the morning breeze brushing his face, the Black Grimoire heavy on his back. It had been a few days since the grimoire ceremony—since his sword had carved its mark into destiny—and though his heart beat steady, his mind was racing.
Not because of nerves.
Because he was finally headed for the capital. The real beginning.
And also—because the world of Black Clover was stacked.
I forgot how ridiculously hot all the women in this show are, Asta thought to himself as they passed travelers and commoners on the road. I mean, even random background girls? Ten outta ten!
He shook the thought away, but it kept coming back—memories of characters he'd only seen on screen: the cold beauty of Noelle Silva, the wild seduction of Vanessa, the fiery aura of Mereoleona... Asta thought, heh... it's only a matter of time before I hit that!
Asta, focus. You're not here to simp. You're here to rise...
Still, it was a little distracting.
---
The capital came into view by noon. Towering spires pierced the sky, golden roofs glinting under the sun like blades. Crowds bustled in every direction—merchants, nobles, knights-in-training.
Asta's mouth hung open.
"Never seen a city before?" Yuno asked.
Asta scratched his head. "Not like this. It's... loud. And bright. And full of very, very attractive people."
Yuno raised a brow.
"You good?"
"Yeah. Yeah, I'm good. I'm great. Just... admiring the architecture."
---
The Royal Capital's coliseum was massive, surrounded by magical shields and stone bleachers. Dozens—maybe hundreds—of aspiring mages stood in groups, some flexing their mana, others sizing each other up.
Asta stood calmly, arms crossed, while others whispered.
"Is that the magicless kid from Hage?"
"Why's he even here?"
"Look at his grimoire though…"
"Kind of short."
"Kind of hot," a girl murmured behind him, blushing.
Asta didn't turn. He smirked internally. Even without magic, I'm getting attention.
From the crowd, a silver-haired girl in a lavish dress passed by. Head held high. Cold expression. Haughty posture.
Noelle.
She didn't look his way—but he knew. She'd notice him soon enough.
---
The exam began with introductions from the captains—each more intimidating than the last. Jack the Ripper's grin sent chills down spines. Fuegoleon's voice boomed like thunder. Nozel glared like royalty.
And Mereoleona wasn't even there, but Asta already felt her presence.
Then came the trial rounds.
Target Practice.
He missed every magic shot—because he couldn't cast one. The crowd laughed. Asta just stared forward, unfazed.
Flying Broom Test.
His broom didn't even budge. Some nobles sneered. One guy mocked him openly.
Asta cracked his knuckles. Oh, buddy. I'll see you in the duels.
Creation Magic Test.
No spell. No magic. Nothing. Silence.
But then came the real deal:
Combat Duels.
Asta stepped onto the stone stage with his massive anti-magic sword strapped to his back. His opponent? A smug noble kid with wind magic and an attitude the size of the capital walls.
"You're in the wrong place, peasant," the noble sneered. "Let me show you what real power looks like."
Asta didn't answer.
The signal dropped.
Wind blades flew.
Asta moved like a bullet, sword out in one hand, black energy pulsing off its edge. He cut through the spells like paper, appearing in front of the noble in the blink of an eye.
One swing.
BOOM.
The noble slammed into the wall behind him, unconscious. The crowd gasped.
Silence.
Then murmurs.
Then awe.
The captains leaned forward, intrigued.
Asta stood tall, sword lowered, breath steady.
---
As he stepped down from the arena floor, he caught glimpses—eyes on him from every direction. Even Noelle. Even Yami, leaning back with a smirk. Even Mimosa, blinking in curiosity.
Asta looked up at the clear blue sky, feeling the moment settle on his skin.
This was it.
The rebirth. The climb. The future.
He didn't know yet which squad would call his name.
But he knew one thing.
They were all watching now.
---