Thus, three months passed, and Valin was training with Asta. During this period, Valin underwent significant changes. His body grew taller, and his muscles became slightly more defined. He also noticed that his mana had grown stronger and more concentrated. Valin summarized this by saying: "The stronger my body becomes, the more the Holy Grail of mana pumps out greater mana." Thanks to the Elf lineage, the mana became stronger and denser, and its regeneration speed increased, making it a massive source of mana as he continued to grow.
Thanks to the rapid regeneration ability granted by the Elf lineage, his physical strength developed significantly, helping him push beyond his limits. Every time he got injured, his body would heal the next day and become stronger. When his flesh was torn, his skin returned tougher, as did his muscles and bones. He also learned the basics of using weapons and hand-to-hand combat, combining those skills with his fire magic.
As for Asta, he too had changed. He grew slightly taller, and his muscles transformed to the point where he was nicknamed "The Muscle Demon." He learned how to wield his sword more effectively.
The most important point is that Valin's fire magic and Asta's anti-magic ability couldn't defeat each other; they weakened one another. This might be because Valin's fire magic is a mixture of ordinary fire magic and the power of the devil fruit "Mera Mera no Mi," along with part of a holy power. While Asta's anti-magic can cancel out magic, it cannot cancel out the power of the devil fruit. And since anti-magic stems from a demonic power, Valin's holy power counteracts it.
As a result, Valin gained the ability to stand against Asta and even confront demons. The stronger he became and the greater the amount of mana, the more his fire magic gained in holy power.
Valin sold his house and land to a noble family and moved to the forest, where he set up a training camp. You might wonder why he sold his house and land. The answer is simple: he would never return to Haj Village or live there again, and leaving the house and land would be a waste. He wanted to use the money to buy a collection of books on history, geography, dealing with nobles, herbs, animals, medicine, anatomy, and astronomy, in addition to weights that could be worn on the body, like those that appeared in the anime "Naruto," which would help him strengthen his body. He also requested a caravan headed to the capital to bring him a set of new clothes in preparation for his journey there.
Valin looked at Asta, who was doing push-ups, and said to him: "Asta, that's enough training for today, you should head back."
Asta stopped his exercises and jumped up, saying: "But it's still early," pointing to the sun.
Valin responded: "Did you forget what tomorrow is?"
Asta: "Tomorrow we're heading to the capital for the Magic Knights' exam."
Valin: "Yes, and we need to be in top shape, and you should say goodbye to the important people in your life."
After a short conversation with Asta, they set the time for departure. Valin spoke with the leader of the caravan from which he bought everything to arrange their transport to the capital.
Asta returned to the church while Valin headed to a nearby river to bathe. He built a bathtub, took off his clothes, and entered the hot pool. He started training to control his mana, causing the water's temperature to gradually rise until it reached the boiling point, but Valin continued to sit there, with only his head above the water.
His skin turned deep red, and only then did he decide to get out. His skin slowly returned to its normal color, and he dressed himself before sitting by the fire, roasting an entire deer. Valin smiled and said: "Ever since I obtained the Elf lineage and started my physical training, the amount of food I eat has increased."
Meanwhile, there was an abundance of food at the church: meat and vegetables. Since Valin and Asta arrived, the church's diet had greatly improved; once dependent only on potatoes, they now had various meats and vegetables hunted and gathered from the forest. A portion of the land behind the church became a garden for growing vegetables, while another part was a pen for raising pigs and sheep.
Sister Lily said: "Today is a special day, as Yuno will be joining the Magic Knights. As for Asta, even if you fail, it's okay, you can return here."
Asta responded: "No, I'll become a member of the Magic Knights and I'll become the Wizard King!"
A brief bickering began between Asta and Yuno, as usual, but smiles adorned everyone's faces.
The next day, everyone gathered at the church to bid farewell to Asta and Yuno, wishing them safety. Valin had donned his weights and new clothes, and though he found it slightly difficult to adjust to them, they set off toward the caravan's meeting point.
As Valin was walking, he heard someone calling his name. He turned around to see a girl he knew, his childhood friend Anya.
Valin smiled and said: "Anya, what are you doing here?"
Anya: "Valin, where have you been since you got your magic book? You disappeared, and you even sold your house and land. Don't tell me you want to join the Magic Knights!"
Her voice was loud and filled with contempt, a behavior uncommon from Anya, and the thing Valin hated the most was when someone looked down on him with disdain.
Valin simply said: "Yes."
Just one word, but it made Anya feel afraid; the person standing in front of her was no longer the shy, weak Valin, but someone entirely different. At that moment, she felt as if she might burn up at any moment.
Valin turned and continued on his way, having burned away everything related to his old self when he reincarnated in this body.
Valin arrived at the caravan's location, where Asta and Yuno were already waiting. After a conversation with the caravan leader and paying for the journey, Valin sat with Asta and Yuno.
Asta asked: "Valin, why were you late?"
Valin replied: "I wasn't late, and why are you shouting? Also, why don't you introduce me to your friend?"
Before Asta could speak, Yuno introduced himself.
Yuno said: "My name is Yuno, and I want to thank you for looking after Asta."
Valin replied: "It's nothing special, and Asta always talks about you. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Yuno responded: "Likewise. Asta constantly tells me how strong you are. He considers you a goal he must surpass to become the Wizard King, but I think Asta is mistaken; you are stronger than he described."
Valin smiled slightly, but Yuno felt the immense amount of mana that Valin possessed, as large as the sun.
Valin said: "You're strong as well."
Valin sensed that Yuno's mana was gentle and calm, like a breeze.
The journey took two weeks, and occasionally, predatory animals appeared. Asta and Yuno would take them down, while Valin focused on reading or training.
One evening, everyone sat around a fire, eating dinner. Valin, Asta, and Yuno were in the center, while the caravan members surrounded them.
Yuno felt something strange, while Asta was busy eating. Suddenly, Valin stood up and calmly said: "I think it's time to end this charade."
The members of the caravan stood up, their eyes filled with malice, and the caravan leader stepped forward, saying: "How did you know?"
Valin responded: "Since the day we met you, everything was strange. No caravans pass through Haj Village, and the timing of your arrival was right after the selection of magic books. The things I ordered and received before the journey would be impossible without theft."
Asta asked: "Why are they doing all this?"
Yuno answered: "To steal the magic books."
"Hehe, yes, for the magic book. I have three: one with four leaves, another ordinary one, and the last is a tattered book. But does it matter? The nobles will pay a good price. Your analysis is correct, but you missed one thing."
Valin responded: "You mean the magic in the forest?"
Everyone was shocked.
Valin said: "Asta, Yuno, I've killed all the monsters that appeared. Where's my turn?"
Before anyone could react, Valin's grimoire flew quietly beside him.
"Fire transformation + complete fire control."
Valin said: "Where's mine? Let's dance!"