Drake, Asta, and Noelle arrived in the capital, not for sightseeing but for a mission. The Magic Palace mission required a detailed report at the Knights' headquarters.
After entering the treasure chamber, Drake immediately gave Yuno the most prominent scroll. It contained elf magic, specifically wind magic from Sylph, one of the four elemental elves.
While only those chosen by the elves could receive their magic, Drake secured it, fearing it might fall into the wrong hands. Elf magic was powerful and could grow with the mage. Drake would have kept it if the element had been suitable.
The Demon-slayer Sword, originally belonging to Licht, the Elf King, went into Asta's Grimoire. It was surprising to find it in the Magic Palace.
The remaining items were ordinary magical tools and treasures. Hage Village had obtained the most valuable items from the Magic Palace.
Drake had hoped to find ancient magic books but found none.
Because Mars hadn't gone berserk, the Magic Palace remained intact. Unexpectedly, Mars was gone; Drake sensed Lotus Whomps's magic power. Lotus had likely used concealment magic to reach the treasure chamber, taking Mars after realizing he couldn't obtain the treasures.
Using Klaus's steel creation magic, they transported the treasures back, completing the mission.
They still needed to report, hence their arrival in the capital. Luck didn't come because of his personality. The Knights' headquarters was in the Royal Capital; if Luck fought a noble or royal, it would be problematic. Yami sent him on a combat mission with Magna.
"Wow!"
"Whoa!"
"I've never seen such magnificent architecture!"
Asta's loud exclamations echoed since entering the Royal Capital.
Neither Drake nor Asta had been to the Royal Capital's inner districts; they were seeing it for the first time.
It was a different world compared to the outer districts.
As Asta marveled, Drake saw Yuno and his companions approaching. The Black Bulls and Golden Dawn had worked together on the Magic Palace mission; they would be reporting together.
Klaus had become more open, approaching Asta to inquire about his injuries. He remained cold towards Drake.
Mimosa and Noelle whispered; Drake answered Yuno's questions.
In the original timeline, Yuno used newly acquired elf magic to save Asta from Mars. Only Drake knew about the elf magic.
Drake shared his knowledge; he believed Yuno's talent would allow him to master it quickly. Sylph was known for her beauty and generosity.
They reached the Magic Knights' headquarters and saw a richly dressed man.
"Welcome, young ones!"
"Who's that flashy dude?" Asta asked, oblivious to everyone except Yuno and Drake kneeling.
Klaus was exasperated and pushed Asta down. "You're rude! That's Wizard King Julius Nova Chrono!"
"What?! The Wizard King?!"
Asta's eyes widened. Drake looked at Yuno; he had the same expression.
The Wizard King's unexpected appearance was due to his interest in unique magic. Hearing about Yuno and Asta's new magic, he'd come.
He was disappointed that Yuno couldn't freely use elf magic, surprising everyone.
The Wizard King was powerful and knowledgeable, reading the special magical script on the Grimoires and the ancient script of the elf magic.
After experiencing Asta's Demon-slayer Sword, Julius was satisfied.
He then answered Asta and Yuno's questions about becoming Wizard King.
Unlike vague answers, Julius emphasized "achievements"—not fame or power but accumulating the strongest achievements.
Drake looked at Julius, unable to believe he'd become a more terrifying villain than the Demon King. He couldn't connect the Julius who spoke of achievements with the Lucius who called Asta a world defect.
The two major antagonists were both dual-souled; was that repetitive?
The Wizard King, to explain achievements, decided to have them attend the Magic Knights' award ceremony.
This annual ceremony was for Magic Knights who'd earned enough stars to advance, receiving their new rank from the Wizard King.
Magic Knights had ranks: Wizard King at the top, then Grand Magic Knights (equivalent to captains), then Upper, Middle, and Lower-rank Magic Knights, each with five levels. Most Magic Knights were within these fifteen levels.
Drake and Asta, despite earning stars, didn't have enough to advance and couldn't attend.
Those attending the ceremony had at least six stars.
This was Julius's guidance: to become Wizard King, their achievements must surpass everyone present.
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