"That aura seems malevolent," Elizabeth observed, her tone laden with concern. " They won't be able to handle this."
Inside the arena, an ominous shadow emanated from Gartoroi, giving birth to sinister, obsidian spikes that cruelly pierced his form, rendering him immobile. Gartoroi, his voice strained by agony, inquired, "Whence do these menacing spikes emerge?"
In a dazzling display of power, small radiant orbs manifested across the battlefield, resembling miniature stars of Roy's Star Magic. They unleashed delicate beams of light, penetrating Gartoroi's defenseless body. With unwavering poise, Roy proclaimed, "Star Magic Conjunction!" Several stars converged, culminating in a magnificent, concentrated beam that pierced Gartoroi's chest on the right side.
Elizabeth, responding swiftly to the unfolding chaos, declared, "Shadow Magic Abyssal Shackles." The ominous black spikes, once threatening, transmuted into binding chains.
Celestio, puzzled by Roy's precise aim, questioned, "Roy, why did you strike him on the right side of his chest?"
With conviction, Roy explained, "There was a concealed magical device within him, and I had to eliminate it. If that device had remained intact, he could have become a threat, even resorting to a suicide attack, endangering us all."
Elizabeth praised Roy, saying, "Excellent shot, Roy."
Roy nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you. We still require him alive for interrogation." He invoked "Star Magic Celestial Grace," mending Gartoroi's wounds.
Elizabeth, with an air of finality, cast "Shadow Magic Dark Garden Invitation." Gartoroi began to slowly descend into the shadows.
Elizabeth instructed Celestio, "Inform the Knights HQ. They shall soon receive a 'gift.'"
Celestio responded dutifully, "Of course."
Astrea and Klaus, witnessing the spectacle, couldn't help but marvel at the staggering power of the two mightiest Vice Captains. They had effortlessly defeated Gartoroi without leaving their seats or pausing their tea-drinking. This was the very same adversary they had both struggled to overcome.
Elizabeth addressed the assembled candidates, announcing, "Now, this concludes the Magic Knights' entrance exam. Please remain patient for one hour. After that time has passed, we shall reveal which knighthood squads each of you will be joining. To those who may not succeed today, do not lose hope; you may attempt again next year."
One year later, the results were revealed. Astrea was accepted into the ExistForger knighthood, while Klaus found his place within CoreFury. Joining Astrea in ExistForger was a new member, Anew Returner. They rendezvoused with Elizabeth and Celestio.
To expedite their journey, Elizabeth, Celestio, Astrea, and Anew used Elizabeth's "Dark Garden Invitation," teleporting to the ExistForger base.
Upon arriving at the grand ExistForger base, Astrea and Anew were taken aback by the sheer magnitude of the headquarters. It was, after all, the heart of ExistForger. As they stepped inside, they were greeted by a lobby filled with knights, each occupied in their own way.
"Hi there," the first to speak was Faiz, a wind magic user and an ExistForger elite. "I'm Faiz. Welcome."
Astrea smiled and replied, "Hello, Faiz. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Next, they were greeted by Fitchel, a holy water magic user. "Hi, I'm Fitchel," she said warmly.
Astrea nodded and responded, "Nice to meet you, Fitchel."
Then, Elizabeth, the Vice Captain, introduced herself. "I'm Elizabeth," she said simply.
Celestio, who had celestial magic similar to my brother Roy, the Vice Captain of CoreFury, extended a friendly greeting. "Heya, I'm Celestio."
Astrea, intrigued, asked, "Wait, is he really your brother?"
Joseph, a swordsman with water magic, chimed in, "Hi, I'm Joseph."
Another dramatic entrance came from Masaki Shido, descending from the skies as lightning. "I am Masaki Shido, and I wield thunder magic. I'm an ExistForger elite."
Astrea extended a hand, saying, "Let's shake hands."
Masaki grinned mischievously. "No handshakes, let's hug."
Astrea chuckled and accepted the strong hug. "You have a strong hug."
Masaki laughed, "Just messing with you."
As the introductions continued, a girl named Riruru stepped forward. "I'm Riruru. I have string and air magic. Watch this!" he began to dance, and to Astrea's surprise, his body moved uncontrollably.
Astrea exclaimed, "I can't control my body!"
Riruru revealed with a grin, "Of course you can't, because right now, I am controlling your body."
Their amusing encounter was interrupted by the arrival of a man, Lucifer Al Faust, the captain. "I am Lucifer Al Faust," he announced, "Welcome to the ExistForger family, kids."
Anew and Astrea both expressed their gratitude. "Thank you, sir," they said in unison.
Lucifer continued, "Here are your first orders. First, settle in. Then, join us at the bath. After that, we'll all have dinner together in the cafeteria. Finally, write a letter to your families; I'm sure they would be worried about you."
Astrea hesitated for a moment before revealing, "Sir, I don't have a family. I was adopted, and my adopted father passed away a few years ago."
Lucifer nodded in understanding and turned to Anew, who admitted, "Sir, I grew up on the streets. I don't have anyone I know or care about."
Lucifer sighed softly. "Okay then, guys, make yourselves at home."
After a refreshing bath and a shared dinner, Astrea sat down to write a letter to the villagers, assuring them that he had joined a knighthood and was doing well, expressing his hope that his old home would be of useful to the village.