章 22: #21 DAY OUT IN CASTLE TOWN

Returning to the headquarters, captain Yami congratulates us for a job well done. Vanessa then joins the conversation and confirming that Heath and his group are under investigation by the Magic Forensic Division but it seems to have reached a dead-end.

Subsequently, Yami informs us that the wizard king had bestowed us with a star for our service. Along with the addition of the star, Black Bull currently garners -30 stars in which put them on a 100 stars difference with the Golden Dawn at the top spot.

Also, Yami gives both me and Noelle our first salary along with others. While congratulating us new members with their first salary.

Vanessa invites us on a shopping trip to a castle town, Kikka in the Common Region.

"I never thought you would be so bold enough to invite us on a double date, Vanessa s.e.n.p.a.i," I said teasingly. she replied while blushing little: "don't get any wrong idea I just want to show you around that's all"

I answer in little disappointing tone "well, if that's all then I don't mind accompanying two beauty for shopping" hearing this Noelle blush hard while Vanessa answer "my my, now who is being bold hmm"

As we arrive at Kikka, we three gathered quite an attention from being a member of the Magic Knights and also from our look. after that, we went for some personal shopping as well as our errands. We took a nice lunch in a restaurant while talking about ourselves. Vanessa was surprised during our shopping and she couldn't help but ask me" Hey, Asta I thought you were raised in the church in some village, then how come you can effort all these expensive clothes and stuff "

Hearing her question Noelle's ears also perk up to know more about her strong and mysterious fellow member. I replied with a chuckle "do you remember during my BAPTISM ceremony captain Yami inform about our fight and meeting before 1 year?"

she laughed awkwardly seeing me talk baptism like that but nodded to my question. " well you see before joining magic knight squad I was working as mercenary to gain more experience as well money"

"I see, still I'm quite envious of you, you have just joined the squad and you manage to earn start from wizard king himself and with your strength, it wouldn't be long before you get a promotion"

I just replied nonchalantly "I don't care that much as long as I become strong, and for the money, I can always buy you anything you want" giving her wink at the end. she just smile sweetly while Noelle just pouted.

Then Vanessa takes us to the black market. she informs Noelle: " let's check out the market, it might have an item that could help you controls your magical power". Subsequently, we also see Magna spending his salary at the casino.

At the other corner of the market, Sekke Bronzazza was gambling against an old lady where he lost and starts whining about his status in his squad after becoming a Magic Knight. but seeing Vanessa and Noelle he quickly tried to flirt with them but before he becomes any nuisance I just glare at him and he becomes stiff and turns around just to meet my cold stare. girls also coldly rejected him.

Suddenly, a thief appears trying to snatch the bag of an old lady who was gambling with Sekke.

Sekke tried to act heroic by stopping the thief with his magic. Unfortunately for him, the thief manages to paralyze Sekke with Paralyze Knife and he fainted. I just use *Soru* to evade all his useless attacks and knock thief out cold with a chop on the back of his neck and return the old lady's bag with a message on a small paper but not before giving her a knowing smile. realizing that his disguise is revealed he transforms in the current Magic Emperor. Julius Novachrono was impressed by my magic before in exam but now witnessing my speed and keen eye he becomes more amazed.

After reading the message left by me he becomes serious and contacted Marx one of his trusted advisers with communication magic to investigate something.

After our trip to the black market completed, there we bought a magical stick for Noelle to help her control her magic, I inform them to return without me while I have some business to finish so, I'll be late.

After sending them back I thought 'today should be the day where that slimy half-ass would request for Yuno & co. to escort him and later attack them. in the end, He would be arrested by Golden down and whole Half-ass(Hapshass) family would be exposed due to all their shady work.' So before Golden down raid their family I should take this chance he..he..he'

so I went straight toward the Nobel realm at full speed without informing anyone. It wasn't hard to find a Hapshass family mansion. After entering their mansion sneakily I start looking for a basement or any saferoom. It wasn't hard according to Rayleigh all I have to do is use Observation Haki as a shield around me and with my body which is without any mana, it becomes easier. with my observation Haki, I evaded all the guards and reach at basement where I found many prisoners along with saferoom containing gold and their property papers.

During checking the papers of prisoners list, I found two interesting prisoners or more specifically twin sisters. They were very new here and captured from some faraway village. but the most interesting thing is that they will be smuggled to the Diamond Kingdom after one week.

now that picks my interest let's first loot *cough* clear saferoom then, I will meet them. I want to check all the prisoners my self if anyone has useful magic then it may worth saving them. This way I can have my people for completing many of my personal tasks.

from their safe-room I didn't take all money but left enough amount as well some high-level property papers as proof for golden down against Hapshass family.

[A/n: "so, I'll be creating a group like his squad but they will remain in the dark until it's necessary. if you have any suggestions for the name then comment it and let know.]