"Yosh! We did it!...we reached the en-....wait... hold up. Hold the freak up!...I-I lost!....." The white haired Knight exclaimed as if he had suddenly come to the realization "I...I'm not gonna be a Knight anyway!....curse you hindsight!" Comedically dropping to his knees and slamming his fist in the ground "Oh gosh! Years of training all gone down the tubes!...I'm going to have to be a farmer like the others!.. imagine that! Me! A freaking farmer! Raising animals, milking cows! Birthing chicken eggs! The horror Dude! The HORROR!- agh!.." the stinging sound of a harsh slap echoed, as Kira's eyebrow twitched "you Fool! Farmers are very much needed in this day and age! How else would big cities get their supply of crops and food!..relish in the fact that you will play an important role in life" rubbing her hand after slapping the male, and fixing her long blonde hair she let out a sigh "Do not fret. The winning or losing was never the point of the Duels. It's who showed the most impressive traits...you may even get picked over someone say...like Lionheart.."
"I can HEAR you Narukami!..." Yuma spoke up fist raised with an irk mark on his head "If Kudo gets picked over me! You bet your Ass I'm Suing somebody! I just pulled a miracle out there after all!"
"Don't be so hard on yourself Yuma-San~ there's always next time!.." Dante said with a closed eye smile making Yuma Death glare, as the tension raised between them like Rivals "You just got on my good side!...don't make me pull out the Bad in me"
"Why.....are you?...." Not that far away, Regis battered and beaten was covered in a Purple and Green rejuvenating Aura, as Rose held her hands out using her makeshift healing technique to tend to him as she shook her head "Don't ask questions. Fusing your spirit core with Cursed Mana is the dumbest thing you could've done to yourself. You'll need Days of Rest at least...."
"That doesn't answer.. my question-.." his eyes we're wide open but he wasn't even glancing at the Girl, more staring up into space in deep thought at the prior events and the way everything ended, as Rose looked down at his chest wound that was closing up into a scar "I'm healing you...because after I finished with him, he asked me too-....not because I care about you. I don't care for giants with pea sized brains....your lucky. That he's the purist one here..."
"That damn Village Rat. Sticking his Nose in everyone's business...I didn't ask for pity!..." Regis huffed stubbornly making the Elven Girl scoff at his attitude "Tch. For One...your a Bigger Fool than I thought. And Two...it wasn't Dante that asked me to heal you....your Victim did..."
"W-what?" The brute couldn't believe his ears, as his dark eyes shifted over to Cole Young sitting up beside Yuma "why would he?....I tried to kill him!....why? Tch. He's an idiot."
"No! Your an Idiot! It's called having a Heart! If your gonna try to be a Knight. Try to change how people view you! Then-..." The Red haired contestant stopped healing having done what she could before standing up, gripping her fists as she could relate to that perspective a bit. "try to find your heart...numbskull!" With that she turned on her heel and walked off to rejoin the others, where she could at least feel more comfort now that the end has been reached, leaving Ogrekiller to his mindset.
"A-Arigatou.....Rose..." The fragile voice of Cole spoke interestingly enough he seemed in much better shape than before mostly due to Rose's skills. "I-I know....you must be exhausted. Gomen'nasai... for asking you to heal one more person...."
"Tch. You have more Heart than any human I've met....most people would've asked for that brute to be executed..." The red haired Knife Ear responded unsure about his kind nature shaking her head, as she looked around at the crowd actually cheering at the ending Exams "Why? Why would you want someone that tried to kill you...to live?...much less healed?"
"B-because....I know what it means to be looked at as weak." Cole replied ruffling his black hair as he stretched his back, still sitting on the floor tiredly "my whole life...I was fragile. The only thing I had was my brain....sometimes I get angry at people that are stronger than me too... and even wish I could hurt the bad ones...so. In the end..I don't hate Regis for doing what he did...I heard what he said to Yuma-San. I get it...even a Beast deserves a chance once in a while..."
"Tch. You might've hit your head to hard I think....your hearts in the right place. But keep in mind, there are more terrible people out in the world that will eat you alive without a second thought...." Rose was baffled at his response and how far from Reality it could be, at least in the Dark Elf's perspective her emerald eyes wavered a bit at a thought but before it could linger any longer, a horn blasted echoing through the Arena as a Spotlight landed on The Director of the Order standing at the center beside her Ibuki Sullivan her right hand man.
The Prestigious Woman with lusciously long Orange hair with old burn scars that simply added to her tough but somehow beautiful exterior held a microphone in her hand she stared at the standing contestants "The Entrance Exam's of the Order have come to a Close. But now....it is time to choose which will pass and which will fail!." She announced suddenly causing the crowd to grow quite at the anticipation "Typically it is between us Three....Daisuke Kudo, First Class Knight and Third member of the Dragonknight Trio. Ibuki Sullivan head of Titan's Law Force and my Assistant... but! This year....we will be doing something unorthodox. I am Proud to announce...the Seven Commanders! Of the Order! Have been spectating this Exam from behind the scenes.... And they will be in charge of the Selection process. Here and now! They will decide which of these All Star contestants...will officially join The Order!!"
This Announcement caused Considerable shock and awe... all Seven Commanders would be under the same roof for this! Even the Citizen's seem to know of them. Though of course there was just.. one that had no clue who they are. "Umm...." His hand raised as Dante Kudo sweatdropped curiously "Ano....who are these 'Seven Commanders again?...." He asked making Kira facepalm annoyed "Kudo!...are you kidding me?!..."
"This...Airhead- is the son of Kisuke?....seriously? It isn't April Fools is it?....." Director Clara stated Aggravated to Daisuke whom just chuckled "He was Isolated...don't blame the kid..." he responded with a chuckle before pointing at Yuma and raising his eyebrow "Catch Dante up to speed. They'll be here any second for the Final Selections..."
"Hai!...Daisuke-sama!" Yuma saluted suddenly in respect though his inner self had a significant confidence boost 'oh shit! He spoke to me! The Legend himself!....' He thought before clearing his through to compose himself and swiping at his brown hair turning to Dante "Oi....Many Knights gained Fame over the last Century the Most famed one is your old man Kisuke Kudo.. they called him the Dragonknight. The Perfect Warrior. A God among Men....or so they say. he helped end the Last War for Bushido after a long struggle but He isn't the only famous Knight in history. The Seven Commanders are Notorious on their own. In fact several battles during the War we're won because of each one.... When it comes to the Top Brass the Commanders Authority is only second to the Director Herself...as Knights some of us will be chosen to join under one of their divisions. Do missions under them and protect their jurisdictions as well."
"Ooooh....I get it. Reminds me of like Sport Teams and stuff. So their like the Captain's of each Team and Director Clara is the Head Coach...I got it now!" Dante said completely oversimplifying it making Yuma sigh "You....aren't wrong I think?" He replied dumbfounded "though I am a little confused....I thought the Commander's we're cleaning up the borders with the Red One....purging any remaining terrorist of the last War we fought.."
"As did I?...but it seems they might have finished early...." Kira Narukami had also the same thought and was also very much excited and honored to be in their presence finally.
"Enough!! The Commanders have arrived....show your respect!" Director Clara announced once again pointing toward the ground that began to open up and reveal an extremely large elevating platform.. the Anticipation was killer.
Dante was Extremely excited to meet some of the most powerful Knights right now 'if....if there as strong as I'm hearing.. even Uncle Daisuke respects them!...they must be great!...' he thought blue eyes sparkling.
"Please~....try to restrain yourself papa~...their the new candidates~!..." a rather high pitched feminine voice pierced through the silence, one couldn't exactly tell if it was a child speaking. That's exactly what it sounded like.
"That's gonna be difficult.....seeing as-...."
Dante's hair became winded with that of a monstrous sniff, sending chills down his spine as he gripped his chest....his heart rate accelerated like a horse track at the sudden rush of massive mana behind him.. it was malicious. Otherworldly. 'W-what the ?!...' he thought in a panic glancing behind as his eyes widened...in pure fear.
It was....a Goliath individual.. shrouded in darkness and death. His leather outfit that left his abdomen up to his chest bare.... Showing the definition of muscles... blood markings made different designs all over... teeth...razor sharp... eyes redder than a full blood moon. Sun bathed skin. His stature was that of a 7 ft tall male, his imposing presence was that of a Demon. As he Looked Down at Dante with Glee, some saliva dripped from the corner of its mouth. "It's difficult to contain myself. When it smells like.....bitch in here!....hehe...." The demonic man chuckled in pity. "I just wanna...eat them alive...but this one. Fight me...to the Death...will Yah....kiddo?!..." waving his broad hand over the hilt of his spiked halberd like spear that was strapped to his back, his dark mana seemed to increase...
The clinking of a blade echoed...as Daisuke appeared within an instant in between Dante and the Beastial Man. "Behave yourself. Commander Akuma.....now is not the time to be looking for a fight. Lay a hair on my nephew...and you'll deal with me.."
'He was so fast.....that demon made it from the platform below to behind Dante in a single second....before it even reached the top!" Cole gulped the individual reminding him a bit of Regis roided up with Cursed Mana. 'He's...a commander?...'
"Hahaha!~...so your gonna fight me instead!....ooooOooh....I've been craving a good meal for a long time now...care to indulge my gluttony....Daisuke-sama!.." The Demon warrior named Akuma laughed stepping back as he glared at Daisuke with a longing. "You've always gotten on my nerves anyway......so high and mighty cause your big brother was such a hot shot...."
"Enough Akuma! You are a commander! Act like it..... you will address Kisuke's child with respect!...refrain from using derogatory titles...." Director Clara ordered annoyed at his sudden outburst. "Besides your reply to Daisuke's letter made it clear you weren't going to show up. Disinterested you claimed. So why? Have you come...."
"Heh!...Relax Clara I was just in the neighborhood and felt some interesting Mana....had to come check it out...." Akuma grunted admittedly half restraining himself a bit as the Director directed her attention on him, cussing under his breathe as he walked away toward the open Platform that had finally finished at a stop. Their we're Five more individuals present... each with a certain flare to them. "Besides. I wasn't referring to Kisuke's kid....." his death stare looked beyond all the candidates to Regis Ogrekiller with a hint of humor as he huffed "A dog that needs the help of other dogs to get strong. Heh~....a true bitch..."
"What did you just call me-...." Regis's face lit up and his eyebrows crumpled up at the insult as his anger rose a bit turning his full attention to the 'commander' "watch your mouth! I'm an Ogrekille-..."
"Hehe~....is the bitch saying something.....I say what I want...to whomever I please. What the fuck...are you going to do about it~..hm?..." the massive Mana within the Demon Commander pressurized the area Intensely... focusing on Regis. The Giant Candidate suddenly fell to his knees exasperated 'what is this?...this power....it's even greater...than what I used in the exam....just...what..is he?...I'm actually....afraid....'
"Your truly showing your professionalism Commander Akuma...really giving Division 6 a good name...." A Young male spoke calmly Interrupting the 6th Commanders intimidating Aura, arms crossed as he raised his eyebrow the dust settling and the sun shining...showed off their looks. This particular individual looked just as young as the candidates themselves. Blazing Red Hair and Crimson matching eyes.. his own toned skin was quite fair. His demeanor was youthful and oddly calming in complete contrast to his rather stern and collected voice. The all white, Red and black clad Knight Armor he wore was refined and covered in prestige, clearly a prodigy among Knights himself.
"Shut your hole Brat! Why they let a child like you become commander is beyond me.....you should get in line with the rest of these rats behind me...." Akuma cursed once again as a hand rested on his shoulder to calm him down further "Papa...please~ just calm down...."
"Your Lieutenant has more sense than you..." The-Red haired male sighed at Commander Akuma's rage filled presence before walking forward "Gomen'nasai. Some of them can be quite different....allow me to introduce myself. My name is Nero....Commander Nero Kasuga.....I am commander of Division 3.." he introduced himself very properly bowing like a gentleman.
"Oi....your...a kid?...like us?...." Dante said suddenly blinking as he looked at Nero up and down confused "Is this some joke?....maybe it's a trick question part of the exam....how could someone so short...be a commander..."
Nero's face dropped at Dante's questions as an irk mark made its way to his forehead "Eh?!.....did...d-did you just...call 'ME' short?....." Commander Nero's hand glided over to the hilt of his blade "I'll kill Yah....I swear I will.."
"Neh...Nero-sama. Need I remind you...you are, a recently made Commander....do not blame them for not understanding.." Daisuke replied tapping the kids shoulder "Though it's Good to see you don't change much...kid"
"I'm not a Kid!...I am Commander of the 3rd Division! And Knight Captain of the Honor Guard!...stop saying that old man" Nero yelled in an outburst before letting out a breathe and calming down, despite his proper demeanor that young commander obviously had a temperament "at any rate...it is nice to see some All Star candidates this year. We typically don't show up for these exams...as most of the time. We take whatever Director Clara hands us..but now that we have seen. I think I speak for the rest of us when I say...we are truly grateful to be Able to Vote on who we take under our wing...."
"Hn.. I just wish to dissect them...that isn't too much of a request is it?...." the Third person to step off the platform and into the view of everyone. A cleanly dressed male... all white trench coat, black painted nails, pale skin with a leaf tattoo that covered his forehead down to the strange persons neck and ash blonde hair that match his grey stormed eye... a single eye as the right side of his face from the eyebrow to cheek was covered in a visual apparatus as he analytically stared at the candidates with curiosity, it glowed a bright orange as if looking directly into their souls.. "hmm~....a Dark Elf... my~...I've wanted to get my hands on your kind for a while. Unfortunately illegal trafficking is forbidden. Might you volunteer as an experiment?...I promise to...treat you with upmost..care?"
"I will...politely decline...." Rose spoke suddenly shivering at the commanders visual prowess, Kami knows what this sicko was actually looking at as she turned away hiding her ears behind her hair and scratching her wrist as a sudden nervousness began to wash over. Locking eyes with this person was like having the entirety of her being peeled away and her soul laid bare. 'This....guy. Is he even human?...'
"Ano! Commander Subashī Jest!....it's an honor to be in your presence...." Yuma Lionheart interrupted their awkward conversation with a bit of light hearted air as he bowed in respect "I've heard you performed miracles at the R&D department and run 5th Division like a well oiled machine...."
"My apologies.....I did not realize the fly on the ass of Dear Jinsei Lionheart was partaking in this exam...had I known...a Fly swatter would have been brought...." Subashī insulted softly with a sinisterly innocent smirk on his face, glancing behind him at the shadowed figure that also came into view "I do hope I don't insult your pride.....my comrade..."
"Quite bold of you. Interrupting a Commander... This thing. This failure of my clan....is nothing more than a nuisance. How he passed this exam with grace is beyond me....." the sudden collected and monotoned sternness was evident in the individual that walked forward glaring daggers of death at The playboy candidate of knights. "Pathetic...trying to defend a creature such as a knife ear....you truly shame our shared last name...little brother..."
"Little what?!...." Dante and Cole practically beloved in unison, at those words that we're spoken... this Black haired commander, that's wearing a long dark brown tailcoat with dragon scale patterns, gold and silver accents, golden tassels, and Lionheart diamond symbol on the back. His cloaks are decorated with diamond symbols found on his sleeves, belt, trousers, waistcoat buttons, and tailcoat buttons. His eyes we're the burning color of the sun a perfect mix of bright orange and gold. "Yuma-San....that's your older brother?...really?....I thought he'd be like wayyy older.."
"He is older by 8 years...that's all..." Yuma said softly shaken down and having his confidence shattered within seconds of Jinsei's presence being known. "G-Gomen'nasai...Nii-sama...I was- out of line."
"Learn your place. Yuma...." Jinsei said in a very annoyed but firm voice as he brought his glare over to Commander Subashī his Mana leaking out slowly but majestically "And you... mind your tongue scientist. Before I cut it out... he may be a disgrace. But he is our disgrace and the Lionheart clan will deal with him as we see fit."
"Such Bold words from The Lionheart Prince... defending his little brother with such ferocity." The Mad Scientist chuckled grimly as he twisted and played with a hair string Unimpressed "you we're always a pushover. Maybe I should just dissect you instead...."
"Now! Now boys! No fighting...." A woman walked forward with exceedingly long and purple hair, a blindfold covered her eyes though it seemed To not hinder her sight whatsoever, she was extremely curvaceous and clearly embraced it with no trouble as her uniform/dress was rather tight, black leather and revealing. Cutting through the tension like butter they seemed to respect her as she made her way over to Yuma and smiled a bit waving a flask of alcohol in her hand "don't be so hard on him. He's such a cute boy with much to learn!...Hn~....oh I could just-!...squish you!..."
"Huh?!....Argh!...c-cant Breathe!...." Yuma cried out being pulled into a strong bear hug and suffocated into her chest... one could swear his soul was leaving his body as Kira Sweatdropped shaking her head 'I forgot how...hands on she could be....' She thought awkwardly watching Lionheart practically pass away in the woman's arms. "G-Gomen'nasai for interrupting Commander Tetra...but...I believe he can't breathe..."
"I-is it normal?.....for her chest to be?-...." Cole's face flushed red as he suddenly realized what he said out loud and kneeled down in shame "Ugh!...oh no....My innocence I-is going away. I only just started being friends with Dante and Yuma!...h-how?..."
"Tch....boys...." Rose huffed suddenly though even she was a bit uncomfortable for Yuma as well, as Commander Tetra giggled letting the Lionheart brother go so he could breathe as she walked forward and curtsied to everyone "Konichi'wa!...nice too meet all of you! A real show you guys put on for us. Anyone want a swig?...." She gestured to her drink though as Dante raised his hand unknowingly his Uncle swatted down "Relax kid!...."
"But...she offered....can't turn down a hot girl!..." Dante said misunderstanding that he couldn't have alcohol quite yet, as he looked at them with glee and curiosity. Realizing just how pale in comparison they we're to such legends. Though it just fueled his desire to get stronger further 'One day!...' he thought as he tilted his head curiously making Kira scoff at his words slapping the white haired apprentice behind his head "Have some decency farm boy!!..."
"Kira-Chan?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" An explosive yell interrupted everything going on, as a final person emerged from the platform in a flash the lightning Empress Narukami was tackled into a huge hug making the proper girl flabbergasted "H-huh?.....Amagiri...Sama?...so...you did come?..."
"Hai! Of course I did! I wouldn't miss it for the world!....." The woman interacting with Kira was average height person, but long snow white hair with black Diamond streaks in her bangs, yellow colored eyes like a cat, skin was pale and attire elegant and very ancient samurai like with a flare of Knights, a halberd strapped to her back; an extremely proud smile on Amagiri's face "your technique was so good! I was impressed!..."
"Who's the hottie?...." Yuma questioned softly standing up and brushing himself off as he finally regained his breathe "I don't recognize-...wait.....Amagiri?.....THE Amagiri.... The Storm Goddess herself. Kirin Amagiri, First Commander of the 1st Royal Division?.....she's here too?!..." he exclaimed in disbelief... "she's real friendly with Kira.....it's no wonder Narukami's lightning technique is so perfected....Amagiri must be her mentor..."
"Correct!..." Commander Amagiri giggled settling down and letting Kira go, patting the girl on her head treating her like a kid sister "you did good Kira-Chan!...introduce me to these guys will You?...I'm dying to know them!"
"Hai!....Amagiri-Sensei!..." Kira was flustered to know end having received such compliments from her mentor must've been wonderful, as the blonde girl gulped down her excitement and began pointing to the people near her "Ano.. This is Yuma Lionheart... the Mana Alchemist. The black haired one is Cole young.. the innovative combatant. The Giant idiot that almost leveled the Arena is Regis Ogrekiller.... The Dark Elf and... a good comrade to have is Rose Atarah... and the Farm boy....is Dante..Dante Kudo....son of Kisuke the Legend..."
Not too far away stood Ibuki watching the Commanders closely as he looked between the candidates and them with curiosity eventually making his way over to Clara whom Daisuke had joined as well "What are we to do about the Tora Siblings?.....they clearly broke the rules. And despite their individual abilities. It would be controversial to allow them to go on without punishment..."
"I say disqualify them. But let them go...." Daisuke sighed giving his two cents rather quickly "think about it. They'll have nowhere to go. Their clan won't accept them as failures....they'd be on the streets of Titan. On their own. I'm suspicious about their cursed Mana and what it all means...who exactly gave these sort of criminals the idea of becoming knights?.....Let them go. But keep an eye on them....we could learn much."
"I suppose your not wrong...." Ibuki agreed despite his initial grievance it made sense, though the proctor couldn't help but look over to Regis with a hint of worry "what of the Ogrekiller?...he conspired and cheated with them?.....should we allow him to be part of the selections?...."
"The Ogrekiller's have been nothing but a pain in our Sides for decades. Their Raiding and pillaging of foreign villages. Their barbaric natures.....leave a bad taste in my mouth..." Director Clara huffed not a fan of them whatsoever "but....he'd be the first Allowed into the Order. A step in the right Direction.. Yōkai was never one to admit that The Human Realm would benefit more working together.. here her Son is trying to make something of himself without the Reputation of his clan. I will allow him to be selected with the Others...and as for the Tora Siblings.... I want them escorted out of this Arena immediately. They weren't in the initial applications anyway...i don't know how they managed to get in. But I don't want corrupt trash in MY order of knights..." her decision was final and it came to pass... A security team entered the Arena weapons drawn to escort the brothers off sight and away... some cussed under their breathes, others swore they'd get revenge...but one.. Rin Tora... the one who beat Dante stood silent as they we're rushed out his eyes locked with his old opponent one last time 'Hn....' Was all he could think of as they left them behind...
"Ooh...you all are definitely an interesting bunch.." Kirin Amagiri stated looking at each one with glee, stopping in front of Rose "I've never met a Dark Elf face to face like this!...I'm really glad to see you here Rose-Chan~! I love the Cultures of the Realm of Elves..." she complimented softly patting her shoulder to reassure her that everything would be good.
Rose was taken aback by her immediate accepting nature, suspecting their may be something more underneath...though it seems this woman shared that same trait as Dante....which left the Dark elf a bit at ease at the very least. "H-hai....Arigatou for accepting my presence."
Commander Kirin immediately walked up to the white haired apprentice with intrigue and joy "Your potential is phenomenal. You really are your Father's son! It's great to see his legacy continues!... Kisuke is such a staple in our Realm and even globally." She said fantasizing of the First Class Knight "I so wish I could've met someone that strong!..but..your not half bad yourself. Cute too!" She said tilting her head innocently "Your going to do wonderful I can tell..."
"M-me?...." Dante's hand went behind his own head of hair as he ruffled it, getting flustered quite easily with her words "thank you!.. I um..." clearing his throat as his face turned beet red "Well..just thanks...." The village kid looked away suddenly getting quite shy under her gaze.
Kira scoffed crossing her arms "don't give him so much credit...he's a loose cannon Amagiri-Sensei...." She said trying to take away that credit as Yuma smirked wrapping his arm around Dante's head "look at the Farm boy getting compliments!...you grow up so fast..."
"W-we met like not that long ago Yuma!...quit it..." Dante said exasperated as he was locked into a joking submission hold by Yuma, while Cole young just watched with a stifled laugh. "Y-you guys...a-are the best..."
Daisuke could see in the distance just how well his Nephew was fitting in... despite being from a very out of touch village. It was breathtaking.. he truly was Kisuke's child. 'I know for certain. You'd be proud of him....I bet..wouldn't you?...Big brother..' he thought emerald eyes closing in thought as a prideful smirk reached his lips.
"Enough!!....it is time to Begin the Selection process!!...." Director Clara announced over a microphone, making the crowd intently look up at the monitors as she stood front and center between the Commanders and the Remaining Candidates... Kirin returned to her place not before winking at Kira for good luck of course.
"All Remaining Candidates... Step forward!.....One Commander has not arrived yet. So we will continue without them....we will see which of you 6 will join the divisions of one of these Royal Commanders. Be proud to even be considered for such a thing... One by one as you step forward...The Commanders will evaluate and vote... if only one chooses you... then you will be obligated to join that division. If multiple choose you...they you have the right of decision!...do I make myself Clear!!!..." Director Clara announced as she glanced at Ibuki "The proctor will announce the Data collected from each battle as each one of you steps forward...."
'This looks eerily similar to that Tuesday show I used to watch...what was it called?...oh right. Black Clover...that's a good one....' Dante Thought suddenly reminiscing on a very fond childhood memory.
Ibuki cleared his throat as he made his way in front of Daisuke and Clara, staring at the candidates and looking at the crowd before pointing at one of them.... "Cole Young...step forward...."
"A-Ano?!...I'm the first?!....o-oh crap...." He whispered the last bit, blue eyes wavering really unsure if he'd even be picked after the Dual he had with Regis... 'please....someone...pick me....anyone.....I have..
too much to lose....'