Without Drake's intervention, Asta defeated Revchi Salik as in the original story.
Revchi Salik was a mediocre opponent; Asta defeated him with a single blow.
Asta, having just received the five-leaf clover Grimoire, hadn't unleashed his true power; he relied on the Demon-slayer Sword.
It wielded the sword magic of the Grimoire's previous owner, the elf king Licht, not the anti-magic of the inhabiting demon.
Asta could only use a trace of the anti-magic imbued in the sword; true mastery required unlocking his black form, achieved by becoming one with Revchi Salik.
Drake was curious about the magicless demon who developed anti-magic due to his hatred of demons.
The following days were uneventful. Asta and Yuno trained rigorously for the Magic Knight entrance exam in six months.
Asta honed his swordsmanship near the demon god's skull, while Yuno's firewood, chopped with wind magic, formed a small mountain near the church.
Their efforts were for the Magic Knight entrance exam.
In the Clover Kingdom, only one organization protected the nation and maintained order: the Magic Knights, directly under the Wizard King.
These nine specialized mage groups were the ideal destination for all mages.
The system of King and Wizard King felt familiar, reminiscent of the Daimyo and Hokage systems!
However, the royal family and Magic Knights were more closely linked. The royals possessed powerful magic and held many high positions within the Magic Knights.
Joining the Magic Knights and accumulating achievements was the only path to becoming Wizard King. Both trained intensely.
The exam had few restrictions; anyone fifteen or older with a Grimoire could apply.
But passing the Magic Knights' exam wasn't easy; the courage to participate was a significant filter.
Not everyone had Asta's unwavering determination. "Self-awareness" sometimes helped the timid find comfort.
With the church members' farewells, the three began their journey to the capital.
Hage Village was remote, far from the capital. Walking would take a considerable time.
They arrived in the capital the day before the exam.
Drake, having seen modern cities, wasn't impressed by the medieval capital. He appreciated the exotic atmosphere.
Asta, however, showed immense curiosity, constantly exclaiming in wonder.
His unreserved display of his rural background was unusual; passersby were unsure whether to express disdain.
The Clover Kingdom was rigidly class-based, divided into three levels.
The first was the Royal Capital, where the King and nobles lived—the walled castle area at the capital's center. The Wizard King and Magic Knights headquarters were also there!
The second was the Commoner's District, where the three currently were.
The third was the Outer Region, where Hage Village was located, inhabited by the lower class.
Asta looked at the Royal Capital castle. "Does the Wizard King live there?"
Yuno said, "Probably the King too."
Drake chuckled. They treated the King as inconsequential! The impoverished King was… indescribable.
Asta confidently declared, "One day, that will be my castle!"
Yuno retorted, "Mine."
Asta, seemingly ignoring Yuno, said, "I'll let Yuno live there too! And Drake!"
Yuno, rarely smiling, replied, "That's my line!"
Drake stroked his chin. "I'll benefit from this. You two better work hard!"
As they walked, Asta spotted something and ran off.
Drake saw him at a food stall with charcoal fire and grilled skewers.
The vendor was a squinting old woman, seemingly ordinary. But Drake felt like he was staring into an abyss.
Seeing Drake's daze, Yuno patted him. "What's wrong, Drake?"
Drake smiled. "Nothing, just saw an amazing person!"
Yuno was confused, but Asta returned with grilled snake skin, and Drake left.
An old woman? Who would feel so ominous? Perhaps the former Wizard King was having a magical encounter! Drake guessed.
The old woman looked at Drake's back.
"Discovered? Another remarkable child this year. I wonder what magic they use!"
The 28th Wizard King, Julius Nova Chrono, anticipated meeting unknown magic.
The exam location was easy to find—a large, arena-like building.
They arrived relatively early and registered.
When Yuno and Drake presented their four-leaf clover Grimoires, they felt the intense stares. Even the registrar smiled.
But Asta's Grimoire was almost dismissed as not a Grimoire.
As in the original, Yuno received number 164. Asta's number 165 went to Drake; Asta was 166!
Everyone entered; black birds descended, surrounding the candidates. Some had many birds, others few.
"Look at those two, none!"
Someone pointed at Yuno and Drake. Everyone marveled.
Yuno frowned, confused.
Drake explained, "These are Magic-Avoidance Birds, a test feature; they gather around those with low magic power. This is the first test!"
Yuno nodded, understanding.
Asta suddenly said, "Yuno, let's see who becomes the Wizard King! The legend begins now!"
But Asta was struggling; others had a few birds, but Asta had over ten. One even nested in his collar! Who could attract more birds than a magicless Asta?
As in Hage Village, laughter erupted.
Asta ignored it; his problem was the birds' enthusiasm, making him look pathetic.
"Ouch! What's with these birds? Get away from me!"
Fleeing, Asta bumped into someone.
The birds, as if seeing something terrifying, flew away.
As Asta breathed a sigh of relief, a hand grabbed his head, lifting him.
"I'll kill you, brat!" The man exuded a dark aura.
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