"You guys have a good eye for spotting promising newcomers, William. I'll be seeing you tonight!" Julius Novachrono, the Wizard King, chuckled, eyes gleaming as he looked at Asta and Yuno, their gazes burning with ambition.
"Hehe, well, as it happens, there's a Battle Merit Awards Ceremony tonight—specifically for Magic Knights who've earned a significant number of stars during recent missions!"
"Battle Merit Awards Ceremony?" Asta tilted his head.
Julius smiled brightly. "You could think of it as a gathering of those who've performed the best among the Magic Knight squads. The ones who stood out in actual combat and contributed the most to the Clover Kingdom."
"We're… not quite there yet, right?" Klaus asked, his tone laced with doubt. Though he prided himself on discipline and steady growth, this seemed above their current league.
"It's fine even if you're just there to observe," Julius said, already leading the way toward the towering inner sanctum of the Royal Castle. "It's a good chance to witness the level of those aiming for the top."
"Then let's go and see what it's about!" Asta grinned.
"How did things turn out like this!?" Klaus muttered in disbelief, trailing behind. He'd assumed they were summoned to the capital for a routine debrief—not for something so prestigious and nerve-wracking. And by the Wizard King himself, no less!
Noelle's shoulders tensed. "Why do I have a bad feeling about this…" The moment she heard the word "best," an icy dread crept down her spine. Her siblings from the House Silva—always cold, cruel, and condescending—were surely going to be present.
And if they were…
Her stomach twisted. She didn't want to face them. Not with Asta watching. Not now.
Unconsciously, she moved closer to Asta, seeking comfort. Asta noticed and offered a soft, reassuring smile.
"Don't worry. No matter what happens, I'll be right here with you."
"Idiot! The Wizard King is ahead!" Noelle whispered furiously, quickly putting distance between them. She glanced at Julius, who thankfully didn't seem to notice. She let out a breath of relief.
"So jealous…" Mimosa muttered under her breath, cheeks puffed slightly. "I want to be beside Asta like that, too…"
"Alright, we're here," Julius announced as he arrived before a grand pair of golden doors. He glanced sideways at the group and said, "Let's see if you can surpass what you witness today."
With a creak and a gleam of magic, the doors slowly opened, revealing a grand hall glowing with white light. Inside, Magic Knights dressed in ornate cloaks stood with composed elegance and confident gazes—the very elites of the Clover Kingdom.
Julius took his seat at the center, his trusted aide Marx Francois standing dutifully beside him with a clipboard.
"The Battle Merit Awards Ceremony will now commence!"
"From the Crimson Lion Kings—Leopold Vermillion. Seven stars earned. You are hereby promoted to Second-Class Intermediate Magic Knight."
A boy with spiky, flame-colored hair and fierce, red eyes stepped confidently forward. The emblem of the Crimson Lions gleamed on his cloak.
"You and your brother Fuegoleon both wield fearsome fire magic," Julius praised as he pinned the medal. "Just remember not to lose control in your pursuit of strength."
"There's no need for mercy when eliminating evil," Leopold said boldly, his pride as a Vermillion blazing from his words.
"Such confidence…" Klaus muttered, feeling strangely small in comparison. "So this is what it means to stand among elites…"
"From the Blue Rose Knights—Sol Marron. Six stars earned. Promoted to Third-Class Intermediate Magic Knight."
Sol marched forward with a grin, her short black hair bouncing. Her earth magic was known for its sturdy defense and unpredictable offense.
"Your anti-male attitude doesn't hinder your performance, but maybe try cooperating with others outside your squad more," Julius suggested with a smile.
"Only my captain, Sister Charlotte, can restrain me!" Sol declared proudly, glancing toward the Blue Rose leader seated in the gallery.
****
Asta yawned. "It's kind of boring just watching other people get praised…"
Noelle's body stiffened. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw the next name.
"From the Silver Eagles—Solid Silva. Six stars earned. Promoted to Third-Class Intermediate Magic Knight."
Solid walked toward the stage with his trademark arrogance. His silver hair and cold, disdainful expression were unmistakable. Julius smiled diplomatically as he presented the medal.
"Your water magic has excellent control. It could be even more effective if you worked with your team instead of acting alone."
"Understood, Lord Wizard King," Solid said politely—but his eyes scanned the audience and landed on Noelle. His sneer was instant and cutting.
Noelle clenched her fists. She felt Asta's gaze on her and tried not to shrink away.
"…Noelle." Asta frowned. He remembered now—Solid Silva. Her older brother. The one who tormented her. Who told her she was worthless.
No wonder she's tense.
Asta's jaw tightened.
He shifted his gaze to the Silver Eagles. The whole squad exuded an air of superiority, their silver-white hair and haughty eyes practically screaming arrogance. Just being in their presence made his blood boil.
"From the Silver Eagles—Nebra Silva. Nine stars earned. Promoted to Fifth-Class Senior Magic Knight."
A tall woman with flowing silver hair and a veil-like aura walked forward. Her mist magic was known for creating eerie illusions that confused her enemies.
"Your illusion-based mist magic is impressive," Julius said. "But try not to toy with your enemies too much—it might backfire."
"Thank you for your wisdom," Nebra said, bowing gracefully. But like Solid, her eyes darted toward Noelle with a knowing smirk.
Noelle shrank in her seat. "Why now… why in front of Asta…"
"From Golden Dawn—Hamon Caseus. Seven stars earned. Promoted to Second-Class Intermediate Magic Knight."
Hamon's bulky build contrasted with his surprisingly soft, sing-song voice. His glass magic was as beautiful as it was deadly, often catching opponents off-guard.
"Haha, thanks for the kind words!" he laughed, scratching his head.
"From Golden Dawn—Sirene Tim. Eight stars. Promoted to First-Class Intermediate Magic Knight. Your communication magic shows potential—but try speaking up more during strategic discussions."
"Thank you very much, Lord Wizard King," Sirene replied in a clear, articulate tone.
Noelle looked down at her boots, heart pounding. She knew her turn wouldn't come—she hadn't earned enough stars. But sitting here while her siblings basked in the spotlight and mocked her presence made her want to disappear.
Asta leaned a little closer. "Hey… don't let them get to you. You're stronger than you think."
Noelle blinked. Her cheeks flushed. "Idiot…"
"Understood." Asta calmly replied, his usual blank expression making it hard to tell what he really thought.
"Golden Dawn, Alquedra Sandler. With a total of 11 stars earned, I hereby bestow upon you the rank of Fourth-Class Senior Magic Knight. Your meticulous approach and flexible control of spatial magic have been impressive. Still, perhaps… you should learn to relax a little." Julius Novachrono smiled kindly, his eyes warm as he handed her the ornate medal.
"Thank you for the honor, Magic Emperor." Alquedra replied with a composed nod before stepping aside.
Julius then turned to address the hall, "The Golden Dawn Squad has accumulated a total of 71 stars this term—once again leading all the Magic Knight squads. I hope the rest of you will continue striving forward! Don't let them outshine you forever!"
Polite applause filled the grand hall, though a few murmurs of jealousy echoed among the less decorated squads.
"In any case," Julius continued with a gleam in his eye, "you've all worked hard. As a token of appreciation, a banquet has been prepared. Eat, drink, and enjoy!"
"That's it?" Asta blinked, surprised. "I thought he was gonna give one of those long speeches again."