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16.3% Strange use of Magic (Black Clover AU) / Chapter 14: Chapter 14: Strange Meeting with the Black Bulls

Chapter 14: Chapter 14: Strange Meeting with the Black Bulls

[Third Person's PoV] 

After Stephen was welcomed into the Black Bulls, Nero swooped down gracefully, landing on his shoulder. She rubbed her head affectionately against his cheek as a silent congratulation.

Once Stephen's placement was settled, William stepped forward and called the next number, his voice calm and commanding. "Number 164."

Yuno confidently stepped forward, and, just like before, the captains all raised their hands.

The room buzzed with murmurs of shock and awe.

"Another one!?"

"Well, this one makes sense—he holds the four-leaf clover grimoire."

"Yeah, but he's a commoner too!"

"This one's kinda cute though…" someone whispered.

Yami, grinning, leaned forward with a mischievous gleam in his eye. "Let's make it two for two! Come on, kid!"

Yuno's eyes locked onto William with unwavering determination. "I choose the Golden Dawn," he declared, his serious expression leaving no room for doubt.

A ripple of disappointment passed through the other captains, their faces reflecting mild frustration. Even Yami grumbled in annoyance.

William couldn't help but smile smugly at Yami, almost as if to say, You might have taken the special one with the mysterious grimoire and artifacts, but I've got the four-leaf clover by my side.

With Yuno's selection confirmed, William called out again, "Number 165."

Asta strutted forward, his chest puffed out, fully expecting the same reaction as Stephen and Yuno. However, the silence was deafening. No hands were raised.

Yami leaned back toward Stephen. "You seem close to the kid. Tell me, is he worth it? I'm already inclined to agree, but I want to hear your opinion."

Stephen's expression turned serious. "You'd be a fool not to choose Asta. You can see it, right? He's special. And I'm not saying that just because we grew up together."

Yami gave a thoughtful nod, processing Stephen's words.

Meanwhile, Asta's heart sank as he clenched his fists, realizing no one was stepping forward. That is, until he heard a familiar voice.

"Alright, alright, I'll take the little runt," Yami said with a grin, raising his hand.

"Eh!? Really!?" Asta shouted in pure joy. He didn't care that Yami had threatened to kill him earlier—he was chosen to be a Magic Knight!

Yami's bluntness didn't waver as he continued, "The reason no one else picked you is because you're creepy and weird. No one's heard of a sword that can cut through magic, not to mention you're freakishly strong with that freakish-looking grimoire to boot. No surprise nobody wanted you…"

Each word felt like a dagger in Asta's chest. He crumpled to the ground, visibly hurt by Yami's brutally honest assessment.

"But lucky for you," Yami added, crossing his arms, "the Black Bulls are all about being freaky and weird. You'll fit right in."

"Captain Yami," Finral sighed, "please, this is your squad you're talking about…"

Yami ignored him. "So, you say you're aiming to be the Wizard King, huh? Well, you better be ready to surpass your limits!"

"YES, SIR!" Asta saluted with a massive grin, his enthusiasm undimmed.

Just then, a golden circle appeared beneath Asta's feet. "Ahh!" he yelped as the ground opened beneath him, dropping him through a portal. He landed gracefully beside Stephen and behind Yami.

"Nice to have you aboard, runt," Yami teased.

Asta rubbed the back of his head, grinning sheepishly.

With the Magic Knight exams concluded, Yami turned to Finral. "Take us back to the base."

As Finral activated his spatial magic, Asta and Yuno exchanged one last look, their eyes filled with determination. They smirked before turning forward—each ready to face their future. Their journey had just begun.

The portal opened, and in a blink, they found themselves standing in front of the Black Bulls' base.

BOOM!

The front door exploded open, revealing pure chaos inside.

"YOU READY TO GET YOUR BUTT KICKED!?"

"NOT IF I KICK YOURS FIRST! Hahaha!"

Yami grinned at the madness. "Welcome to the worst Magic Knight squad—The Black Bulls."

Both Stephen and Asta stared wide-eyed at the bedlam before them.

"…" 

Stephen muttered, blinking slowly, "You know," he sighed, watching a woman in her underwear stumble out while rubbing her messy hair, "maybe there is such a thing as too much freedom."

"Ughhh," she groaned, "I drank too much… Head's killing me."

Asta gulped, taking a hesitant step forward. "HELLO! I'M ASTA! IT'S A PLEASURE TO BE A PART OF YOUR SQUAD!" he announced at the top of his lungs.

No one was paying attention, as they were all lost in their own worlds. One person was launching fireballs at another, who was dodging them effortlessly, explosions erupting around them.

Stephen, turning to leave, sighed and said, "I've made a grave mistake coming here. I'm heading home. Later, Asta. You'll fit right in."

Before he could make his exit, he felt a firm grip on the back of his cloak and shirt. Yami had grabbed him, preventing his escape. Stephen let out another sigh, slouching slightly as he resigned to his fate.

Seeing another explosion, Yami punched a hole in the side of the base. "HEY! STOP DESTROYING MY BASE!"

Instantly, everyone froze and rushed over, shouting, "CAPTAIN YAMI! WELCOME BACK, SIR!"

"I see you all love me so much, but enough already. You're annoying," Yami grumbled. "Anyway, I picked up a couple of recruits. Say hello."

Stephen straightened up, blowing the white patch of his hair out of his eyes. Before he could say anything, a woman approached him, swaying her hips slightly. She was dressed in little more than underwear, her red hair cascading behind her as she tucked a strand behind her ear.

"Oh wow, Captain, you've caught someone handsome for us," she said, leaning in. "The name's Vanessa. What's yours, cutie?"

Stephen started, "The name's—"

Before he could finish, Vanessa abruptly turned to the side and vomited. Wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, she flashed a crooked smile at Stephen. "You were saying?"

Stephen turned to Yami, his expression deadpan. "What kind of establishment are you running here where you can't even afford proper clothes for your members?"

Meanwhile, Asta cheerfully introduced himself again, "I'm Asta, from Hage Village! I'm a new member of the Black Bulls!"

"A newcomer, huh?" A man with sharp eyes and a threatening air stepped forward. "The name's Magna. But you don't get to call yourself a member of the Black Bulls without passing our little baptism. Only then do you earn your robe."

Another voice, filled with enthusiasm, interrupted. "I call dibs on him! I'm Luck. What's yours?" Luck's grin stretched wide, almost unnervingly.

"Stephen. Same village as Asta."

Luck's grin widened further. "Well, Stephen, you look strong. Let's try and kill each other!"

"Okay..." Stephen shrugged, sensing no malice in Luck's words.

---

Later, in the courtyard, Stephen and Asta stood on one side, while Magna and Luck stood opposite them. The rest of the Black Bulls gathered around to watch, eager for the upcoming clash.

Stephen and Luck locked eyes, neither flinching nor moving, both waiting for the other to make the first strike.

"Alright then..." Stephen muttered. He levitated off the ground, summoning a shimmering shield of Eldritch magic over his fist, before shooting toward Luck at incredible speed.

Luck's grimoire materialized beside him, pages glowing and flipping rapidly. Lightning crackled around him, forming a gauntlet of electricity with sharp claws over his hands. With a streak of lightning, Luck charged, a wild grin on his face.

He thrust his lightning-clad hand forward, aiming straight for Stephen, but Stephen's form dissolved into a flock of dark, shadowy birds, reforming behind Luck. With a swift motion, Stephen fired a bolt of energy from a magic circle at Luck, who dodged it just in time.

Stephen, unfazed, flicked his wrist, summoning a magical whip that coiled around Luck's legs. With a sharp tug, he swung Luck around and hurled him toward a tree.

Luck twisted in midair, landing on his feet against the tree trunk and launching himself back toward Stephen, claws extended. Stephen turned his magic circle into shields, blocking Luck's assault before driving his knee into Luck's chin, sending him flying backward.

Luck grimaced but quickly recovered. He caught a glint of gold—a glowing dagger flying toward him. Reacting instinctively, he grabbed it midair, only for it to explode, sending him crashing hard to the ground with a thud.

Groaning, Luck rolled and rose to his feet, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. He smirked, wiping it away. "Let's keep going!" He clapped his hands together, forming a ball of crackling lightning between them.

Stephen, sensing the surge of power, made a circular motion with his hands, gathering his own energy. The lightning ball in Luck's hands transformed into a massive beam of raw electricity, surging toward Stephen.

A large magic circle appeared in front of Stephen, flames swirling within. "Flames of Faltine," he whispered, thrusting the circle forward. A torrent of fiery energy blasted out, meeting Luck's lightning head-on.

The clash of fire and lightning created a powerful explosion, sending shockwaves across the courtyard. Stephen conjured a shield to protect himself from the blast, while the others shielded their eyes from the dust and debris.

As the smoke cleared, Luck lay groaning on the ground, surrounded by the remnants of fire. He pushed himself up on one elbow, squinting through the haze to see a dark figure approaching. Stephen emerged from the flames, his cape billowing behind him. He extended a hand toward Luck.

"I guess that's my win?"

Luck laughed, wiping the blood from his lip. "Hahaha! You sure are fun! Let's try to kill each other again sometime."

Stephen grinned, helping him to his feet. "Sure."

Meanwhile, a girl with long, silver hair stood atop the wall of the base, watching their exchange with narrowed eyes. "He's strong... strong for a commoner," she muttered, though her fists unconsciously clenched.

*******************************************

+31 advance Chapters on: patreon.com/Shadow_D_Monarch3


next chapter

Chapter 15: Chapter 15: Strange Tour

[Third Person's PoV] 

After Stephen and Luck's sparring session, a little girl with black hair approached them carrying a picnic basket. "Here's one for you, Luck. And you must be Stephen, right? I'm Charmy. Here, have one; it'll help restore your magic power!" Charmy said cheerfully, pulling out a cupcake from her basket.

"Thanks…" Stephen said as he took a bite. His eyes widened in surprise. "Whoa, these are actually really good."

Charmy rubbed the back of her head, a little embarrassed. "Aww, shucks."

Stephen glanced over and saw that Asta had already finished his fight, evident from the soot-blackened face of Magna nearby.

"Whoa, dude! To be able to keep up with Luck, you must be pretty strong!" Magna said, giving Stephen a thumbs-up, clearly impressed by his abilities.

Magna then pulled out two Black Bulls robes and handed them to Stephen and Asta. "The two of you earned these—wear them with pride! From now on, you're officially members of the Black Bulls!"

As Stephen took his robe, he levitated slightly off the ground. A ring of his magic appeared around him, passing over his body as his clothes transformed. His shirt and pants turned black, now emblazoned with the Black Bulls' logo on his chest and thigh, while keeping a stylish flair.

He floated back to the ground with his hands casually in his pockets, and Vanessa let out a playful whistle. "Talk about fashionable!"

She then turned to Asta, pointing her wand at his headband, which turned black with the Black Bulls symbol while he donned his new robe.

Stephen, puzzled, glanced at Vanessa and asked, "So... why aren't you wearing any clothes? Is this squad really that poor?"

"Freedom of choice!" Vanessa winked.

Stephen shrugged slightly, bowing his head politely. "I see. I will not judge you then. As long as you're happy."

Vanessa gave him a playful pat on the back. "Aren't you just adorable? How about having a drink with me?"

"If you're not talking about beer, sure. If you are, maybe another time."

Vanessa nodded with a grin. "I'll hold you to that promise."

Before the conversation could continue, Magna hooked his arm around Stephen's neck, dragging him and Asta. "Let's go, you newbies! It's time for your senior to show you around the base!"

As they were hauled through the base, Magna led them into a large dining hall. "This is where we eat!"

Asta's eyes widened in amazement. "Whoa! It's huge!"

"That's what she said…" Magna added with a cheeky grin.

They moved to the next area. "And this is the main bath!" Magna presented the steaming room.

"Wow! It's so big too!" Asta exclaimed again, brimming with enthusiasm.

Magna, not missing a beat, responded, "That's also what she said."

Magna pointed down a hallway with spikes and chains. "That way leads to the girls' rooms. And if a guy tries to go down there, he's met with trap magic."

"Offed? WHAT!?" Asta asked, his face frozen in horror.

Stephen merely shrugged, adding dryly, "I don't even have anything to say to that."

"And over here is the wild animal room!" Magna continued, showing them a heavily barred room with wild beasts.

Asta's eyes widened. "Why would you even need that!?"

Stephen, however, looked inside thoughtfully. "They seem nice…"

Both Magna and Asta exchanged a look as if Stephen had lost his mind.

As they continued the tour, they ran into a girl with bright silver hair and an air of nobility.

"There you are! Asta, Stephen, meet your other teammate—a newcomer just like you two!" Magna said, gesturing toward her.

"I'm Asta from Hage! Let's get along!" Asta said cheerfully, extending his hand.

The silver-haired girl slapped his hand away. "Don't address me so casually, commoner. I am Noelle Silva—"

Before she could finish, Stephen, unimpressed, began walking away.

"What—why are you walking away!? Don't you know it's rude to leave during an introduction, especially when it's royalty talking?" Noelle called after him.

Stephen turned his head slightly, his expression apathetic. "It's also rude to treat people the way you're treating them. So, unless you plan to fix your attitude, I couldn't care less about learning your name."

Noelle's eyes widened in shock, while Asta rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. "Uh, sorry about that. Stephen's the type who believes you should treat others the way you want to be treated. Since you were rude, well… he's going to be rude back."

Noelle's face twisted in indignation. "Who does he think he is? I'm royalty!" she huffed, summoning a large ball of water in her hand. "Let's see how he deals with this!" She launched the water spell at Stephen's back.

Without turning, Stephen kept walking. The water ball veered off course, splashing harmlessly against the wall. Noelle clicked her tongue in frustration.

Stephen stood in front of what was supposed to be his room. It was small, filled with cobwebs, and looked more like a cell than living quarters.

"This will be your room from now on! Enjoy!" Luck said, patting Stephen's back before skipping away cheerfully.

Stephen cracked his fingers and muttered to himself, "This is going to need some serious remodeling." He opened his grimoire, flipping through its pages.

"You ready?" Stephen asked Nero, the small bird perched on his shoulder.

Nero chirped in response as Stephen summoned his magic, enveloping the room.

A short while later, Stephen stood proudly in front of a completely transformed space. A large bed occupied the center wall, surrounded by shelves filled with books on magic and medicine. To one side stood a wardrobe and cabinet, while on the other, empty shelves awaited artifacts he planned to collect in the future. His Cloak of Levitation rested on a nearby hanger.

Stephen admired his work. "You know, Nero, we could make a lot of money if we went into construction," he teased, glancing at the bird, who chirped in agreement.

With the room to his satisfaction, Stephen sat down on his newly crafted bed and noted that night had fallen. He decided to head into his grimoire's magical library, his body floating peacefully in meditation as he studied.

An hour later, Stephen returned to his body, while Nero settled on one of the pillows, falling asleep. Meanwhile, Stephen, ever the scholar, entered astral projection, continuing his studies in medicine, as one way or another he was going to want that Doctor title to his name, even if it was the last thing he ever did.

As he read, his focus was interrupted by a series of explosions outside. Confused, he glanced out the window and spotted Noelle standing near a tree, attempting to hit a target with her magic but missing spectacularly.

Curious, Stephen quietly opened the window and observed, raising an eyebrow at her efforts. 

'It's really early in the morning… Shouldn't she be getting her beauty sleep since she's nobility or what not?' 

Stephen saw her train and train until sweat covered her face and was panting heavily. 

'Maybe there's more to her than meets the eyes' Stephen thought, impressed with dedication, as he continued to study her. Trying to find out why she kept failing. 

He then tilted his head in confusion, 'Why is she expecting to fail every time?' 

*******************************************

+31 advance Chapters on: patreon.com/Shadow_D_Monarch3


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