➨ Wait... you actually passed? Somehow, some way, you made it into the elite squad. The elite selective squad at that.

Maybe she has the wrong person. In your mind, there's nothing you did that was worthy of being a part of the Royal Knights. The first round you were in, you didn't do anything at all. Then, you lost the second one.

Still... as you stand with the rest of the people who passed, it feels nearly real. From the looks of it, neither Magna or Sol are here either. So the only one from your team was... Mimosa's brother. Asta and Noelle are here, along with a few more people you aren't acquainted with personally.

Mereoleona stood in front of the group giving the speech about how important this job is and what it entails. But you weren't listening to a single word. Your mind replayed both fights numerous times. You just wanted to find the spot where someone could've gone, "yeah she's definitely in!"

It didn't appear.

You glanced around. Nobody seemed to be having any visual turmoil like you were. They must believe that the hard work they put in got them to this point. That's true, that's exactly why they're here.

When your eyes landed on Klaus though, you stopped. Suddenly, you weren't thinking about your battles anymore. Now, the conversation you, him, and Yuno were having. The one about you being pinned as a traitor.

That was most likely it. You weren't here because you earned a damn thing. You're here so you can be kept under close surveillance.

Mereoleona's words started to become audible in your ears again, but she was actually just wrapping up. Or more so, she was interrupted by someone making a grand entrance. A late one at that.

There he is again.

"You foolish boy. You're late!" She yelled at him as he walked by him. Without warning she hurled a fireball in his direction. Zora blocked it with his trap magic and sent it right back. Mereoleona diffused it easily with a mad grin on her face. "Oh, do you take me for the fool?"

"Not at all." He stood adjacent to Asta. When he did, that's when you noticed the robe on his shoulders. Except it wasn't purple, it was... black. He's a Black Bull? Fitting.

Of course, this sent Asta up into a frenzy. "Hey! Why do you keep switching robes Xerx? You can't pick one and stick with it?!"

"First of all, my name isn't Xerx. Secondly, this is my true robe." He pretended to wipe dust off of it.

"Huh? How... when... What is going on? I've never even seen you at the hideout!"

"My name is Zora." He states. "And why the hell would I spend all my time rotting the day away in a dingy house with you people?"

Geez.

While they went back and forth, Mereoleona told you guys that there were new uniforms that you would have to wear. You were actually excited about that part so you wasted no time in following the crowd into the separate back room.

There were shelves with everybody's names on them followed by an envelope and a new extravagant robe. You walked up to yours and turned it over in your hand. It wasn't actually an envelope though, it was just a folded paper in the shape of one.

Congratulations Y/N!

I know your creation magic will be of good use in our battle with the Eye of the Midnight Sun. You were excellent in the exam and I'm proud that you were chosen as a recruit. Stay safe, and make wise decisions.

There's no signature but this must be the Wizard King's writing. Nobody else would scribe something like this, and you assmed the Clover King didn't know enough about each person's individual magic to write something like it. You folded it back and left it there, exhcnaging it for the silk material that was waiting for you.

Letting it drop in front of your eyes, you were impressed. It wasn't too flashy, but it looked regal. It took little to no time to change into it. Unfortunately there were no mirrors around so you tried to take a long look into the shiniest piece of the metal shelves. No clear image though. You'll just have to guess that you look fine.

Sighing, you stepped back out to find Asta still going at it with Zora. Did they not hear Mereoleona say they had uniforms waiting for them? They were still arguing about who knows what.

"Asta," you snapped your fingers to bring his attention away from the taller man.

His eyes almost fell from their sockets. "Wait, where did you get that really cool outfit from?!"

"Everybody just went to change. They're in the back."

By now, everybody else that had listened was already coming back out. The atmosphere totally shifted. The group felt unified now. Here, there's no Black Bulls or Golden Dawn. It's just the Royal Knights. And damn did you guys look the part. The last component to pull off this whole thing was to act the part. AKA, have some really tight teamwork.

It didn't take too long before the two of them caught on and hastily went to where everybody had finished up. You stood with Yuno who had a solem expression throughout this entire ordeal. "What's up with you?"

"With me?" He repeated. "What about you? You've been acting weird the whole time."

You folded your arms across your chest. "Something just feels... off. I think it's just me."

"It is just you." He turned his chin towards you. "You can't just accept that you're good enough to make it?"

"That's not it. But I–" You paused and glanced over at Mereoleona who was talking with Nozel. Were they both in on watching you? Or really, is anybody watching you? Maybe it's just extreme paranoia. "Remember how we said people might assume I brainwashed Langris?"

"So what?"

"You don't think it's strange that they just let me into an elite squad?"

"It was just a speculation, Y/N. For all we know we were overthinking things." He said. "Besides we know you're not a traitor, so who cares?"

You don't know why you thought he'd give you more comforting words than that. The words coming from a 16 year old boy could only do so much so you just shrugged it off. Yuno is probably right anyway. There's no evidence against you. Plus if someone really thought you were evil, letting you know all their plans would be terrible anyway, right?

Asta and Zora returned and Mereoleona dropped the important information. The Eye of the Midnight Sun's hideout was in the strong magic region called Gravito Stones. So basically they're living inside a floating boulder. You were set to leave in 3 days.

That was her last message before you were dismissed. Cob, the spatial magic user, opened up a portal that led people to the Captial where there was supposed to be some sort of... party before you leave. As everyone went through you felt someone give you a little push through the portal. Nearly tripping on the other side, now you stood in a large extravagant hall.

The walls were etched with regal designs such as fancy swirls. The chandeliers shone brightly, leaving an elegant gleam on the food on the tables. You would've taken more time to marvel at the place but you swung your elbow backwards, jabbing the person standing behind you.

You heard a groan and spun around to see Zora clutching his stomach. "What was that for?"

"What're you shoving me for?"

"I was just trying to get you through the damn thing."

He just keeps finding little things to do that'll irritate you. You've only known him for such a short period of time but yet you think he's one of the few that actually cuts your patience short.

Everyone else filed in; Cob being the last member to step through and the portal shut behind him. He's a strange guy, but he must be more than just transportation if he got a spot here without even taking the test. Well, you're sure it would've been Finral had his brother not shot him up.

It took maybe 5 minutes for people to disperse and start getting plates. Although, you were still trying to decide on what you wanted to eat when you heard chatter starting to arise. There was a large variety of meat set up that you were close to just taking a little sliver of everything. Plus you haven't even made your rounds to the dessert table. Ooh, and the–

"Can you move along if you're going to stand there drooling over everything?"

"Why are you always near me?" You muttered and took the slightest step out of his 'way'. "Don't you have anyone else to bother?"

"Firstly, you're just always where I plan to go. That isn't my fault." He moved next to your shoulder. "And if I did have somebody else to bother I'd do it. But you make it so easy."

You got what you wanted from the table and were prepared to move away when he kept talking. "You know, I'm actually not surprised you passed. Since you're so manipulative I'm sure we have perfect use for you behind the scenes."

"Manipulative?"

"Is that not what the right word is? You kinda are." He sneered. "Is there really anything wrong with that?"

Maybe not, but when he says it, it sounds terrible. And you knew you couldn't even speak on passing the test because you were the one who told him that he did. Or more so, that you were sure that he did. Now here is. Both of you are on the same team despite his team being the one that beat yours initally. That and the fact that his entire team made the cut, and half of yours didn't.

"How long have you been a Black Bull?" You were walking away from him to the next table as you asked the question.

"I dunno. Like a year now? Not like I paid much attention to the timespan. I've seen the hideout once or twice but never went in."

"So you live... on the streets or something?" You eyed the delicious sugar filled treats. Selecting the one you thought was the best.

He didn't get one, in fact he only had meat on his plate. The man has teeth like a damn carnivoire, so perhaps he is one. "I'm not homeless if that's what you're asking. I move around a lot."

Pretty much how you lived growing up. If someone had asked you the question: 'are you homeless?' when you were younger, you'd also say no.

"Some Magic Knight you are." You found it funny. He had no qualities (that you've seen) that would indicate that this is something that he really wants.

"I never wanted to be a knight in the first place. That was more my dad's thing than it was mine."

You took note of how he said 'was'. So past tense. Meaning his dad either retired or...

You stabbed your fork through the food.

It wasn't something you wanted to ask.

So you didnt say anything and popped the fork into your mouth. And wow... These people can definitely cook. It was just the right tenderness and juicy. Out of the corner of your eye you noticed Zora was still standing close enough to be considered conversation distance.

But his expression was nearly blank, except for the twisted brow and the slight downward curve in his lip. Then he completely turned away and walked off somewhere. What a weird guy. Everyone else was mingling while he chose to be a loner for the night. He was quiet and that's all you cared about. Him not bothering you was a true blessing.

Asta was basically inhaling every dish in sight. "Oh wow this is amazing! Oh hey Y/N come check this out." He waved his hand over once you spotted him.

You and him clicked basically immediately when you went on the mission to raid a Diamond Kingdom dungeon. He was mana-less but still probably one of the strongest people you've met. That intrigued you. No cares in the world and an extremely free bird. You admired that about him.

Walking up to the table you wanted to see what it was he was looking at. You gasped at the sight. It was the most delectable looking cupcake you've seen in a while. White frosting dusted in gold flecks which popped against the snowy base.

"How good do you think it is?"

"Let's split it and find out!" He said and started searching for a knife.

While he did that, there was a faint buzz creeping up your neck. It was coming from some source of mana which wouldn't frighten you in normal situations. The feeling was something you get around other mages when they're casting spells.

Which would be normal if someone was casting a spell.

There was even a good chance that you'd think nothing of it if it wasn't coming from Asta.

You looked at him while he handed you the treat with a smile. Though he quickly sensed something was up and it faded. "Something wrong?"

There was nothing that looked to be wrong. And the feeling was immediately gone. "Nah, I'm alright. I'm just nervous."

"Ah don't be! We're gonna crush them!" He declared.

You took the other half of the cupcake. "Damn straight."

After the two of you indulged, you wanted to make sure that you were just being paranoid and that nothing was wrong. You slipped away from the bustling activity and went on the search for Mereoleona. Or even Nozel would be a good option. Perhaps they had a better understanding than you do.

The other rooms were either empty or locked and your footsteps creaked on the wooden floors. Moonlight was seeping in through the opened windows, casting your shadow on the wall. As you walked in silence you felt that same disturbance again.

You turned around trying to see if somebody was around. Nothing. But something or someone was definitely close to you. Invisibility? No, that would have a stronger mana than what you feel.

Taking another step, the aura was still there. Stopping, and no change. How is someone following you?

You took a long look out the window. Maybe it had something to do with the glass. But nothing gave you the impression that it did. Actually... it did help you out a bit.

Without wasting more time you turned on your heel and looked at the wall where your shadow was displayed. Taking your fist you threw a punch right into the center of it. As expected the wall wasn't hard like it should be, but soft.

"You can stop hiding now." Your grimoire flew open to the side of you.

Limb manipulation.

Tugging back on the strings, you were able to fish out a man from inside the wall. Or really, inside of your shadow. He wore a cloak and had straight hair coming up to his chin.

"Who are you?"

The man squirmed on the floor. "Ha! Like I'd tell you anything. Why don't you just let me go so I can tail someone more interesting?"

Puppet Pulse.

His body doubled over and he let out a low groan. "W-what's happening...?"

The best choice is to bring this to someone higher up, right? You literally just caught a spy and it didn't seem like anybody else realized something was wrong. This place was huge, where could Mereoleona be anyway?

Your grimoire's pages flipped. Marionette Roulette.

The shadow on the ground was medium sized and slowly, Sylvania rose from the abyss. It didn't matter who you got but it was strange you hadn't summoned your shield in a while. "Look for the person in this room with the strongest mana," you instructed. Hopefully, she could detect one of the two captains.

With that, she gracefully started her search. You watched her disappear around a corner and then turned your attention to the guy on the ground. Luckily he wasn't making any real efforts to escape despite the pulse running through him. Actually, he looked quite terrified. His eyes sort of vacant as he gazed off into space.

You bent down to his level, careful not to get too close to him in case he did pull something. "Are you with the Midnight Sun?"

The mage's eyes re-focused back to Earth. "Who's asking?"

"Me. Who's listening?"

He zipped his mouth closed and turned away. "Take this spell off and maybe... maybe I'll tell you."

That didn't tempt you in the slightest. Even if it did, you felt Sylvania's presence grow again. She's already on her way back? That was fast.

You straightened back up at the same time you caught the sight of fiery orange hair in your vision. Followed by the silver braid that belonged to Nozel. Oh she found them both.

"I knew it." Mereoleona grinned as she emitted flames from her fist. "I was just waiting to see which lowly creature would show up first. And you were caught."

Nozel's face was unreadable. "That doctor of yours, I did not know she could be used to locate people."

It wasn't until his sentence ended that you figured he was speaking to you. "Mana." You explained. "She's familiar with certain people's mana. I introduced her to most of the Golden Dawn's. I just told her to find the largest source this time."

"Intriguing. And how did you find him then?"

You opened your mouth to speak and then doubt crept into your lungs. After the split hesitation you cleared your throat. "I could just...I felt something was wrong."

"Wrong how?"

"I'm not sure."

Maybe he didn't like your answer, but he didn't show it. Instead, he told you to go back with the others. When you did, you didn't even have the will to bring it up to anyone until one of them did.